Learn About Our 2025 Visionary Nominees
Janet Anderson, Executive Director at the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation
Janet has been the Executive Director of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) for two years, after starting as the Director of Economic Development. She oversees the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, Cumberland Area Economic Development, and administrative activities. Janet specializes in business planning, exporting, foreign direct investment, small business lending, workforce development, and administration. She has held roles in the Governor’s Office, Senator Jane Earll’s Office, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the PA Department of Labor and Industry as Deputy Secretary of Administration, the Gannon Small Business Development Center, Northwest PA Regional Planning Commission, and the Northwest PA Workforce Development Board. Janet earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Penn State University and several master’s certificates from George Washington University and the American Graduate School of International Management, Thunderbird School. She is dedicated to her community and has volunteered with the Erie Airport Authority, the Governor’s Transportation Advisory Committee, local non-profits, and as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: Focus on what’s important, listen to mentors, take risks, and embrace each experience. They all shape you into the person you are meant to be.
Do you have a favorite vacation spot? If so, where?
A preferred vacation spot is the beach, any beach, offering the serenity of the waves and the calmness of sunrises and sunsets. A favored location is a beach in Florida where a family vacation condo and one of my daughters resides.
Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, President of Central Penn College
Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams became Central Penn College’s 10th president in June 2018, bringing with her a renewed vitality and commitment to excellence. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has focused on improving the student learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams artfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened the college’s financial position despite a universally challenging time for higher education. She also developed innovative new programs and certificates to help meet local workforce needs. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams addressed systemic concerns about college affordability by having Central Penn College pioneer a free housing scholarship to students in good academic and judicial standing. Dr. Fedrizzi was named one of the “Top 20 Leaders in Career Education” by the national Career Education Review in 2022, She was honored as one of the region’s “Power 100” by Central Penn Business Journal in 2023, 2024, and 2025, she serves on the boards of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, the Presidents’ Advisory Board for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, and Career Education Colleges and Universities Legislative Committee, and she was chosen as a 2021 recipient of the “Woman of Influence Award” from Central Penn Business Journal. Dr. Fedrizzi earned a Doctor of Education from Benedictine University, a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Marist College, and an associate of arts from SUNY Orange. Dr. Fedrizzi is married to Glen Williams, and they have two sons, Jake, 17 and Luke 15, and a spoiled Weimaraner named Oakley.
If you could choose any song to be your ‘life anthem’ what would it be?
“I Lived,” by One Republic
What is your favorite dessert?
A decadent, warm chocolate brownie with vanilla or peanut butter ice cream.
Mary Elise Kuna, Executive Director of Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities
Mary is the Executive Director of the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, where she leads a team of 54 employees and manages a budget exceeding $10 million. Under her direction, the Authorities provide rental assistance, affordable housing and homeownership programs, as well as economic and community development services across Cumberland County. Originally from the Pittston area, Mary spent nearly a decade working in economic development in the Greater Harrisburg, Northeaster Pennsylvania and Philadelphia regions. She earned her B.S. in Political Science from the University of Scranton, pursued urban and regional planning studies at Harvard University in 2009, and completed her M.A. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Delaware’s School of Public Policy and Administration. Mary became one of the youngest professionals nationwide to earn the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). She also founded her own consulting firm and, in 2020, delivered a TEDx talk on government transparency and civic participation, available on YouTube. Her previous roles include work with the Greater Newark Partnership, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Cecil County Office of Economic Development, and the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation. Throughout her career, Mary has remained committed to advancing community-driven development and fostering inclusive public engagement in planning and governance.
What is your favorite dessert?
Carrot Cake is always a winner in my book.
If you could choose any song to be your ‘life anthem’ what would it be?
“It Could Have Been Me” by The Struts
Christine Pavlakovich, Chief Administrative Officer at Members 1st Federal Credit Union
With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Christine (Christy) Pavlakovich currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Members 1st Federal Credit Union. In this role, she leads the human resources functions, including associate experience, benefits, compensation and learning & development, while ensuring leaders uphold the organization’s culture and servant leadership philosophy. Additionally, she oversees legal, compliance, security and risk management. Prior to joining Members 1st in 2023, Pavlakovich managed the daily and strategic operations of a multi-faceted department as Chief Human Resources Officer at Centric Bank. She also served as Director of Human Resources for Metro Bank where she was responsible for leadership and organizational development, employee relations, compensation, benefits and recruiting, while also playing an active role on the Leadership Team with a focus on enterprise risk management. Christy’s passion for investing in others and providing a path for team members to excel is evident. Throughout her time with Members 1st, she has fully embraced the internal Culture of WE, finding it extremely rewarding to be part of an organization that values the well-being of its associates who are all part of the credit union’s faM1ly. Under Pavlakovich’s leadership, her teams have achieved success and growth by embracing collaboration and creativity. Within the community, she serves on the board of directors for Capital Area School for the Arts and Vision Resources of Central Pennsylvania. She has been recognized twice with a “Top Team” award by American Banker through their Most Powerful Women in Banking program and was a recipient of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg Tribute to Women of Excellence Award in 2018.
Do you have a favorite vacation spot? If so, where?
Edisto Island, South Carolina.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The most important advice I would give my younger self is to learn to distinguish between what truly matters and what doesn’t—to figure out what is a “10” and what is a “1.” Early in my career and life, I often found myself getting caught up in things that, in the grand scheme, just weren’t worth the stress or worry. This perspective became crystal clear after experiencing a profound personal loss when I was just starting my career. That loss gave me the deepest clarity about life and leadership. Through my journey of grief and healing, I have realized how important it is to focus my energy on what truly matters, lead with compassion and let go of the small stuff. It’s a lesson that continues to guide me every day, both personally and professionally.
All nominees will be recognized and the two award recipients will be announced during the Luminary Awards Luncheon taking place on September 4th from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Penn Harris Hotel. Interested in attending? The event page with event details and to purchase your tickets or digital program advertisements can be found here.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors
