Catalyst Awards on December 7, 2022

By Press release submission

Dec 3, 2022

CATALYST AWARDS

Wednesday, December 7, 2022 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM EST

Hilton Harrisburg

One North Second Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC is proud to announce the 2022 Catalyst Award winners!

Catalyst Awards are presented to those who demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in their communities, creating more opportunities for business and building a brighter future in our region.

Please join us in honoring them and their accomplishments in-person on December 7th at Hilton Harrisburg. Doors will open at 5:15PM. Award presentations will be interspersed throughout an evening of celebration, networking, and heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Dress code is "Business Formal or Cocktail Attire".

Deadline to register is Monday, November 28th.

THE CHAMBER & CREDC IS PLEASED TO HONOR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS AS RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 CATALYST AWARDS.

Athena Award Recipient

Kathleen Mckenzie, Vice President of Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Shield

Kathleen McKenzie is the Vice President of Community Affairs at Highmark Blue Shield. Ms. McKenzie oversees corporate grants management, community programs and volunteerism for Central Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern PA. She also provides oversight and support for community affairs activities in the State of Delaware. She is responsible for the development and execution of defined strategies that promote Highmark’s corporate Community Affairs initiatives and the coordination of strategic provider relationships.

Previously, Ms. McKenzie was Vice President of Community Affairs for Highmark Health where she was responsible for the functional integration and alignment of Allegheny Health Network’s community affairs division into the parent organization. McKenzie began her career with Highmark in March of 2011 as the VP of Community and Civic Affairs at Allegheny Health Network and provided strategic management of civic and community relations for the hospital network.

Ms. McKenzie also served as Allegheny County Deputy Manager. She was responsible for the supervision and administration of the county’s operations and was also responsible for major policy initiatives of the County Chief Executive including city-county consolidation and the establishment of the first county parks foundation.

Ms. McKenzie completed a B.A. in Government and Law from Lafayette College and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Ms. McKenzie currently serves as a board member for The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and The Capital Region United Way. She holds various leadership roles in the community including serving as a member of Penn State Health’s Cancer Committee and the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Network. She has served as chair of the 2020 American Heart Association’s Heart Ball and the Capital Region’s Go Red for Women Campaign. She was also selected as a Central Penn Business Journal Woman of Influence.

Catalyst Award Recipient

M&T Bank and Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (CIE)

In May 2022, M&T Bank launched the Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Innovation Lab in partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE). The inaugural program was designed to provide multicultural small-business owners in Greater Harrisburg with the skills and resources necessary to build strong businesses, spur economic growth in the region and foster generational wealth among minority communities.

The innovation lab’s curriculum featured sessions on business planning, establishing credit, accessing capital and networking led by staff of M&T and CIE. The six-week program included 40 entrepreneurs and ended June 9, 2022, with a ‘Shark Tank’ style business pitch competition that awarded three local entrepreneurs grants of $8,000, $4,000 and $3,000, respectively. The grants were funded by M&T and Dauphin County Commissioners.

The innovation lab was the outcome of focus groups held with multicultural community leaders to address the challenges their communities face when launching or growing businesses. M&T and CIE shared a strong desire to bring a variety of resources to the community at a time when the number of minority-owned businesses in Harrisburg is growing.

Small businesses are the fabric of our communities, and the entrepreneurs that lead them will carry what they learned as they uplift their communities. With the goal of helping multicultural entrepreneurs overcome barriers to success, M&T and CIE were thrilled to provide this program for local startups and look forward to continued collaboration to support the region.

The program drew the attention of many, including the Dauphin County Commissioners, who recognized the impact of the initiative, proclaiming May 5, 2022, “Capital Region Multicultural Small Business Lab Day.”

Corporate Diversity Champion of the Year

The GIANT Company

The GIANT Company believes that no matter where or how, when meals happen, families connect, and when families connect meaninfully, good happens. Guided by its brand platform, For today's Table®, the omni-channel retailer proudly serves millions of neighbors across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey.

The GIANT Company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral in how it goes to market, in the inclusive culture it fosters and the community support it provides. It strives to be an inclusive place to work and shop, reflective of the diverse communities it serves. The nearly 100-year-old omnichannel grocer embraces the unique talents and celebrates the differences of its team members, customers, suppliers, and community partners. Guided by its ‘Be You” Team Promise, the company works to create a culture where everyone is respected, valued, heard, and welcomed.

The company has received numerous honors for its work: Great Place to Work Certification; a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the past four years; the Urban League of Philadelphia’s Community Service Award in 2021; The Shelby Report’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in 2021 and 2022; and named a member of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia, a group of civic-minded employers using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact in their communities, in 2021 and 2022.

With more than 35,000 talented team members supporting more than 190 stores, 133 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations, and over 175 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service in hundreds of zip codes, The GIANT Company is changing the customer experience and connecting families for a better future. Founded in 1923 in Carlisle, Pa., The GIANT Company family of brands includes GIANT, MARTIN'S, GIANT Heirloom Market, GIANT Direct and MARTIN’S Direct. The GIANT Company is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA. For more information, visit the GIANT or MARTIN’S websites.

Diversity Influencer of the Year

Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski, President and CEO of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College

John J. “Ski” Sygielski, MBA, Ed.D., became the seventh president and CEO of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, in July 2011. His previous appointments include president of Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, and president of Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, Virginia. He began his professional career as a teacher in a K-12 Catholic school in Chicago followed by a stint as a corporate trainer for two Fortune 500 companies. He transitioned to a community college career at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he began his community college administration and college teaching career.

Ski is a current member and past chairman of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Board of Directors and served on the AACC’s 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges. Ski served a two-year term in 2019-21 as chair of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges Board of Directors. He also serves on several local, regional and national higher education advisory committees.

Ski currently serves on the boards of the Broad Street (Farmers) Market, Recycle Bicycle of Harrisburg, Harrisburg Regional Chamber and Pennsylvania's Workforce Investment Board.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Ski is the only member of his working-class family to graduate from college earning bachelor, two master and doctorate degrees, including an honorary associate degree from a community college. A biking enthusiast, he and his husband, Steve Perrault, live in Harrisburg with Bart, their Basenji dog.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Derek Dilks, Owner and CEO, Dilks Developments

Derek Dilks is the owner and CEO of Dilks Development, a real estate development company specializing in historic preservation, urban development, and adaptive reuse projects. Derek Dilks began his construction career 20 years ago and he has continued to work to preserve, restore, and adapt historic properties in Harrisburg and the surrounding region ever since.

Derek studied at the University of Maryland and has a certificate of historic preservation through Goucher College. Throughout his career, he has volunteered for many non-profit and community organizations including the central PA Chapter of the Urban Land Institute, Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee, and the Historic Harrisburg Association. He has received a number of honors and recognitions for his work in Harrisburg such as the Mayor’s award for Distinguished Public Service and the Mayor’s award for Preservation Excellence.

Throughout his career, he has led many notable and unique projects such as the first 48-unit student housing redevelopment in the City of Harrisburg for Harrisburg University; the conversion of the former Furlow five and dime into the 24 unit COBA apartments in Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood; the development of the former AFL-CIO headquarters into a 42-unit LUX condominiums on State Street in front of the State Capital building; and 56 units of student housing apartments at the historic former Kunkel building on Market Street for Harrisburg University.

Current projects of note include conversion of the former First united Methodist Church on Boas St into eight residential apartments and the mixed-use redevelopment of the former Lemoyne Middle school. Outside of the office, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, Erica, and their three children; playing golf and pickleball; and, a preservationist at heart, visiting historic U.S. cities.

Government Leader of the Year

Nathan Silcox, Hampden Township Board of Commissioners

Nate Silcox has over 25 years of experience in public policy at the state and local levels.

He currently serves as Executive Director of the PA Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. Nate has also served as Director of the Aging & Youth, Communications & Technology, and Local Government Committees. He has also served in Senate Leadership -- assisting the Majority Whip and the Majority Caucus Secretary as Legislative Director. Nate had a role in re-organizing the State Fire Commissioner’s Office; allowing municipalities to establish tax credits for first responders; establishing the Military & Family Education Program; expanding the Local Government Capital Project Loan Fund; and authorizing Respite Care programs for senior citizens. Nate started his career in the Department of Education helping to establish academic standards, ensure school safety, and provide for additional educational opportunities.

As a Hampden Township Commissioner since 2010, Nate founded the Veterans Recognition Committee which is leading the efforts to complete a Veterans Park & Memorial. Nate also established a Breakfast with Business Leaders and a Community Shred Day. During his tenure as liaison to the Golf Advisory Board, Armitage was voted Simply the Best 6 out of 7 years; the Capital Region COG undertook a strategic plan; and the Planning Commission updated its Comprehensive Plan. As Fire Commissioner, he helped initiate a CV/HACC Fire 101 Course. Nate also served as President of the State Association of Township Commissioners and received the Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence.

Nate earned his BA in Political Science and a Minor in History from Lock Haven University and received a Masters in Public Administration from Penn State University. He is a member at New Covenant Fellowship PCA. He has volunteered for numerous organizations. He is married to Magisterial District Judge Kathryn Silcox, and has two children.

Small Business of the Year

Cornerstone Coffeehouse

Sue and Al Pera have owned Cornerstone Coffeehouse since 1999, though the coffeeshop was originally founded in 1994. Sue and Al have always strived to create a community gathering space for Central PA through excellent coffee & food and an inviting atmosphere. Because of the success they've achieved, they've been able to give back to the community in big ways through donating time, money and product.

Volunteer of the Year

Davis Holliday, Owner, Searcher Films

Davis has always been driven by a desire to find and share meaningful stories. After graduating High School, he spent the next year partnering with nonprofits around the world through volunteering and video production work. After returning to Pennsylvania, he founded Searcher Films, a production company dedicated to lifting up powerful stories. He now lives in Mechanicsburg PA with his wife and their cat Nacho.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE PLATINUM SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE ATHENA AWARD SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE CATALYST AWARD SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE DIVERSITY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD

EXCLUSIVE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

CAPITAL BLUE CROSS

DAUPHIN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HACC, CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA'S COMMUNITY COLLEGE