Welcomes Newly Elected Board Officers and Celebrates Class of 2025
State College, PA (September 3, 2025)—Leadership Centre County has announced Denise Sullivan as its new executive director after serving as interim director that past year. The organization also installed new board officers, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025, and completed enrollment for the incoming Class of 2026.
Sullivan is founder and CEO of Sullivan Point Strategies and previously held executive, development and event production roles with Flyers Charities, the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Flyers, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Emily Whitehead Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia 76ers. A 2022 graduate of Leadership Centre County graduate and 2019 Leadership Philadelphia Fellow, she is also a proud Penn State alumna and member of the Centre County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association.
“It is an absolute honor to serve as Executive Director of Leadership Centre County, “ Sullivan said. “I look forward to working alongside our committed board of directors, our community partners and sponsors, and our alumni. The Class of 2025 is a shining example of what the program is meant to be, and I am thrilled to continue inspiring and nurturing the servant leaders making a difference throughout our community.”
Kendra Kielbasa, Leadership Centre County (2023) and Leadership Prince William (2010) alumna, has been named board president. Kielbasa also serves as retail and commercial business advocate for Downtown State College Improvement District.
“This is an exciting time for Leadership Centre County,” said Kielbasa. “Denise Sullivan is a proven leader who brings energy, vision and strategy. With her at the helm, we’re building on a strong foundation and moving forward with fresh momentum to develop future leaders who will shape the Centre Region.”
LEADERSHIP Board officers include:
- President—Kendra Kielbasa (2023), retail and commercial business advocate, Downtown State College Improvement District
- Immediate Past President—Tara Shaffer (2018), senior vice president, AmeriServ Financial
- Vice President—Keri (Miller) Kenepp (2024), executive director, College Township Industrial Development Authority
- Secretary—Danyell Bundy (2022), system fund development executive director, Penn Highlands Healthcare
- Treasurer—Kate Tosto (2018), broker/co-owner, RE/MAX Centre Realty
The 2025 Community Leadership Program (CLP) class celebrated its graduation event June 11 along with alumni, friends, sponsors, and community partners who attended in record numbers. Class speaker Jenie Ellenberger provided a powerful recap about the personal and collective growth experienced by this year’s group, sharing poignant and fun moments from the year-long LEADERSHIP program rooted in active service learning.
During the 10-month program, class members immerse themselves in an intensive exploration of current socio-economic issues, work collaboratively with organizations and volunteers, and engage in real-time community projects, all of which provide the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement.
Leadership Centre County will welcome the Class of 2026 at a reception on September 10, 5–7 p.m., at Mountain View Country Club. All are welcome. Visit the Leadership Centre County website to register for the event.
Leadership Centre County was founded in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the development of qualified leaders within the community. A self-sustaining organization, it is one of hundreds of similar leadership development and community impact programs across the country. Since its founding, the program has graduated 1,167 class members from its flagship Community Leadership Program who now serve as volunteers, committee chairs, and board members of more than 600 Centre County organizations.
For more information about Leadership Centre County, how to volunteer, or donate, email us at executivedirector@leadershipcentrecounty.org.
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