Reading Eagle: Newsmakers for February 20

Feb. 20—Members 1st

Members 1st Federal Credit Union has named Garth Pricer as chief information officer (CIO), following the retirement of CIO Bob West in November.

In his new role, Pricer will ensure that Members 1st maintains its strong information and digital infrastructure. He will oversee all aspects of the credit union's information technology efforts including but not limited to member security, project management efforts, numerous information systems, software development and engineering, coordination and oversight of strategic business goals and more. Pricer will also play a key role in enhancing the credit union's digital experience.

Pricer has more than 20 years of experience in information technology services, with cyber-crime as his area of specialty.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alfred University and is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration from Elizabethtown College. In addition, Pricer earned several Microsoft and security certifications.

Threshold Rehabilitation Services Inc.

Thomas W. McNelis, president and CEO of Threshold Rehabilitation Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Dr. Edward B. Michalik Jr., PsyD to the newly created position of chief operating officer.

In his new role, Michalik will oversee the organization's strategic planning, human service licensing and accreditation, and government and community outreach efforts.

He joins Threshold with a background in human services administration, most recently as Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities program administrator and Berks County Area Agency on Aging executive director.

Michalik performs significant support functions with the law enforcement community as the clinical director, member support program for the Fraternal Order of Police, Berks County Lodge No. 71, and City of Reading Lodge No. 9. He also has served for more than 35 years providing trauma counseling services to first responders. Michalik serves on various state committees and community boards including the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Shillington Borough Council.

He received his Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree from Immaculata University, his Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Scranton Graduate School, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from the University of Scranton.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) has named Kimberly L. Valuntas as regional manager, Reading/Greater Berks County.

In her new role, Valuntas will serve as the lead point person in delivering BFTP/NEP's services and in supporting its mission in the Reading/Greater Berks County region. She will work with the region's technology-based early-stage and manufacturing firms, helping them access capital, expertise, and best practices support through Ben Franklin's network.

Valuntas has more than 20 years of sales and marketing, and client support experience. She served as BFTP/NEP's client services specialist since 2018, managing the Ben Franklin Solutions Network (BFSN). She has worked in various marketing roles in the life/health insurance industry. She also holds several leadership roles and board positions with non-profit organizations.

She earned an MBA in marketing from DeSales University, and a B.S. in marketing from the New York Institute of Technology. She resides in Orefield.

Penske Logistics

Cristy Sinclair, director of food safety for Penske Logistics, has been named a recipient of the 2022 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award by Food Logistics Magazine. The honor recognizes influential individuals whose achievements, hard work and vision have helped shape the cold food supply chain.

Sinclair is the company's first-ever food safety director. Since joining Penske in 2016, she constructed a comprehensive food safety program that supports the organization's warehousing and dedicated contract carriage product lines. She oversaw the first-time implementation of all applicable elements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Sinclair also spearheaded the company through a Certified Cold Carrier certification with the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA).

RKL

RKL LLP has announced that Jacob Stehman has joined the firm as a talent acquisition manager within the human resources department,

In his new role, Stehman works with the recruiting and HR teams to source the best candidates in the region. He partners with all service areas to provide guidance, ideas and timely feedback throughout the recruiting process.

Stehman has nine years of accounting and finance experience working with a Fortune 500 staffing firm where he ran multiple teams in Central Pennsylvania. He has also worked for a nonprofit, where he built a brand new talent acquisition team.

He holds a B.S. in business administration from Lebanon Valley College.

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance has hired Keith Stamm as the new director of workforce development.

In his new role, Stamm will develop and implement program initiatives that address the priorities of employers in Berks County and in designated industry sectors.

Most recently, Stamm served as director of counseling, advising and career services at Harrisburg Area Community College, Lancaster campus. Prior to Harrisburg Area Community College, he served as the career services director at Reading Area Community College.

Email your news to money@readingeagle.com and attach a recent (high-resolution) photo. Or use the "Newsmakers" form under the Money tab at readingeagle.com. Include a contact name and phone number with your submission. Deadline is the Tuesday prior to publication.