Nancy J. D. Krajovic is recently retired from her professional career in the for-profit, regulated utility industry. Retirement is providing the opportunity to expand her knowledge of and participation in non-profit organizations in Washington County. She sees Leadership Washington County as a key player in the ongoing success of that facet of our community. She is finding great joy in spending more time outside, working on projects and enjoying visits from the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, groundhogs and others who share her yard!

Prior to retiring, she was serving as the State Finance Director for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc. and Columbia Gas of Maryland, Inc., both subsidiaries of NiSource, Inc. a Fortune 500 energy holding company based in Merrillville, Ind.

In that role Krajovic was responsible for analysis and support in the financial planning, forecasting and O&M and capital budgeting processes for Columbia of PA/CMD operating companies and coordination with the NiSource Corporate financial planning and budgeting processes. She moved into the financial arena after four years in the Rates/Regulatory Affairs where she was responsible for the development and implementation of rate and regulatory strategy before the state regulatory commissions as well as overseeing Customer Programs, Universal Services and Regulatory Compliance.

Before joining Columbia Gas in 2009, Krajovic served in a variety of regulatory and customer care functions for 21 years with Duquesne Light Company, a local electric distribution company based in Pittsburgh, Pa. At the start of her professional career, Krajovic was employed as an auditor for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for four years where she was responsible for reviewing energy cost rate filings and performing property record and compliance audits.

Krajovic holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Duquesne University and an Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business.

Tammy Hardy is having a powerful positive impact. Just ask the Junior Achievement students she teaches. Just ask the women in her networking group, Power. Just ask the Washington Hospital Foundation, Peters Township Public Library, Peters Township High School Thespians, and Girl’s Hope- she’s raised funds for all of them.

Tammy Hardy, Vice President of Waterdam Plaza responsible for Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, started her career at ALCOA in computer science and advanced through various senior leadership positions. She was President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the ALCOA Women’s Network.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Grove City College, led multiple student organizations, was an Academic All-American and was later inducted into the GCC Athletic Hall of Fame. Tammy completed her MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and graduated from Women’s Unlimited LEAD program. She was named a Fast Tracker by Pittsburgh Business Times.

Tammy enriches her community at multiple levels. As a trustee of the Washington County Community Foundation, she leads a committee that awarded $4M in grants and over $300,000 in scholarships in the past year alone. She is on the board of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Washington County. In recognition of her character and contribution to her community, she received the Carol Foley award. She was also named a finalist for Athena in Washington County.

Tammy and her husband, Alex, give generously to many charities. They live in McMurray with their daughters, Kate and Rachel. Tammy says that “One person can make an immense difference in the lives of others, each of us has that capability, and it’s my job to live that truth!”

bio coming soon

Hi! I’m Sheana...

I am the Client Experience Director at Astyr Wealth. And while yes, that may seem like an oxymoron, I am truly obsessed with all things related to strategy, design, and execution. I believe that the heart of any business lies in its marketing and that most aspects of your business depend on successful marketing and optimum client relations.

Learning has always been a priority for me. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Jefferson College, double majoring in Psychology and English, and was a member of the Women’s Basketball team. In 2012, I received a Master of Science degree in Legal Studies with a concentration in Law and Public Policy. In 2019, I was awarded the LFN “Staff of the Year” award. And while my accolades are crowning achievements in my life, it doesn’t compare to the opportunities Astyr Wealth create to help others achieve their financial goals. And I am honored to be a part of that.

Outside of the company, you will find me volunteering in the community of Pittsburgh. I believe giving back is the key to true wealth. I have served as a volunteer for Junior Achievement, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Women and Girl’s Foundation of Western PA, and Leadership Washington County. Currently, I serve as the marketing chair for the Leadership Washington County Board.

And remember how I was a member of the women’s basketball team in college? Well, you found me out; I am competitive by nature, playing recreational softball and basketball in my spare time, but my dog Riley doesn’t mind, especially when we are playing tug-of-war with his favorite toys.

To me, success is knowing your life is filled with an abundance of love, health, friends, and family.

Marne has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting. She focuses on providing tax planning, compliance and research services for closely held businesses, as well as their owners and executives.

Marne has served companies of various sizes, including those operating in multiple states and with foreign ownership. She has provided services for businesses in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, software and continuing care retirement communities.

A graduate of Miami University, Marne earned her B.S. degree in accounting and her Masters of Taxation from the University of Akron. Before joining Grossman Yanak & Ford llp in 2021, Marne provided tax services at a regional public accounting firm in Cleveland, Ohio, and at a national public accounting firm in Pittsburgh.

A CPA in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Marne is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She also is a member of the Washington County Manufacturers Association and the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA). Additionally, Marne serves on the advisory board of the Allegheny YMCA.

Marne is part of the 2020-2021 class of Leadership Washington County (LWC), an intense program for a select group of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through LWC participation, professionals strengthen their network of contacts and actively engage in relevant issues.

She resides in Washington County with her husband, Jim, and their son, James.

Robert Rak is a finance, technology and facilities management expert who works with accomplished organizations - from the world-class Pittsburgh Opera to the globally leading technology organization, ANSYS, Inc. - to help them manage finances, payroll, human resources, technology strategy and investment management strategies.

Robert believes in combining innovation with sound financial practices. As such, he has designed and implemented a multi-dimensional, predictive cash-flow forecasting system to support proactive budgeting cycles. This has allowed organizations to maximize a return from their funding and minimize interest costs from credit facilities by predicting short-term cash needs and modeling the most effective ways to meet them.

He is currently Director of Finance for the Pittsburgh Opera; and he has served in executive financial, management and technology roles with ANSYS, Inc., The Early Learning Institute, Mainstay Life Services, The Center for Creative Play, and CommuniTech, LLC. He graduated in 2016 from Leadership Washington County, where he now also serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer.

Robert holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Management of Information Systems from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

His MBA Concentration was Finance and Accounting. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh. He resides in McMurray, PA with his wife, Pamela Selker Rak.

Matt Thiel was appointed President of AUMA Actuators Inc in January of 2016. Matt is responsible for AUMA’s North American operations, which includes manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing and service. AUMA Actuators Inc. operates two facilities in North America, a manufacturing center in Canonsburg Pa and a Service and Automation center in Houston Texas. Matt joined AUMA in February of 2015 as Executive Vice President. Prior to AUMA, he worked at Bacharach Inc as Vice President of Fixed Instrumentation. Matt has a B.S in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s in Management and Technology and an MBA, both from Carlow University in Pittsburgh. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA), Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Southpointe CEO Association.

Eric Chandler is a solutions-driven Business Analyst for Del Monte Foods, Inc. with over 15 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the adoption of sustainable, repeatable and quantifiable process innovations. He has trained, mentored, coached and facilitated employees on the Lean Manufacturing principles in the service and administrative processes within the company while establishing continuous improvement strategies supporting overall business goals and growth strategies.

Eric serves as a Local Government Official for the Borough of Canonsburg, where he is responsible for deciding local laws, taxes and services for residences. He leads the Redevelopment Committee in the Borough which is responsible for economic development, job creation, eliminating blight, and achieving the goals of development, reconstruction and rehabilitation of residential, commercial, industrial, and retail districts. He serves on the Greater Canonsburg Economic Development Committee, Inc. He also serves on the coaching staff of the Canon McMillan High School Football Team as the character coach and team development.

Eric has been married to his lovely wife Julie for eleven years and they have raised a daughter, Jasmine, who owns her own photography business. They enjoy pursuing their passion of coaching, mentoring and parenting girls, boys, women, and men in living out their full potential in life.

Aaron attended West Virginia University where he graduated in 2002 and 2004 with a Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, respectively. While pursuing his Masters degree, Aaron was awarded and successfully completed a National Science Foundation Teaching Fellowship. After graduation, Aaron worked as a civil engineer for a large transportation engineering firm performing bridge design, construction and inspection.

Aaron graduated cum laude from the Duquesne University School of Law in 2010. During law school, Aaron completed an externship with the Hon. Kevin Sasinoski of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He was also active in a number of student organizations, including serving as president of the Duquesne Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta and vice president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.

Following graduation, Aaron worked as a law clerk for the Hon. Janet Moschetta Bell of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas.

Prior to joining Peacock Keller, Aaron was employed as the Appalachian Regional Manager for a national land services company providing land related services to the energy companies developing the Marcellus and Utica shale formations.

Mr. Smith is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and Washington County Bar Associations as well as the Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the American Association of Professional Landmen. Aaron serves on the Peters Township Planning Commission.

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Jennifer Trapuzzano is the Advertising and Marketing Director for the Washington Auto Mall, where she is responsible for the planning, placement and overseeing of all marketing initiatives for Washington Honda, South Hills Toyota and Washington Hyundai. She has over 15 years of experience in Marketing and Advertising, nine years automotive and six as co-owner of a local Advertising Agency.

Jennifer is a graduate of the Leadership Washington County’s Class of 2017 and was awarded the Southpointe CEO Association Emerging Leader Award the same year. She is currently on the Washington Health System Charity Ball Committee and joined the Leadership Washington County Board of Directors in 2018.

Born and raised in Washington County, Jennifer is a very active member of the community. In her spare time, she loves traveling and spending time with her husband and children.

Megan Chicone is the owner of Megan Chicone- State Farm Insurance Agency, with two locations in Peters Township and Robinson Township. She proudly represents the #1 auto, home, and life insurer in the nation serving as a third generation Agent. Prior to opening her agency in 2011, Megan worked as a corporate marketing representative for State Farm.

Born and raised in Washington, PA, Megan is passionate about giving back to the local community. She is currently a trustee to The Washington County Community Foundation and current Treasurer for the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce. Past board positions include Co-Chair of POWER, a professional women’s organization that promotes leadership and development and a board member for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Megan has volunteered with local non-profits including the American Cancer Society, the City Mission, Junior Achievement, and Dress for Success.

Megan was a 2016 Zonta Club Award recipient, the 2014 recipient of the Carol Foley Memorial Award and the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for the American Cancer Society (Washington Office). She was also named as one of Whirl Magazine’s “13 under 30” in 2013.

Megan resides in Bridgeville with her husband, Nathan, and three year old son, Madoc.

Jean Hale, Ed.D., is motivated by the amazing things that can happen when people coalesce around an inspiring vision and when diverse talents and viewpoints are cultivated to achieve good things—big and small.

Jean’s career focus is in strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations through the development and implementation of comprehensive, strategic fundraising and constituent relations programs.

Jean is an alumna of Leadership Washington County, class of 2020. She believes that LWC is a transformational experience for current and aspiring leaders in all sectors and that LWC is a distinctive resource for professionals and community leaders throughout Washington County

As Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Westminster College, Jean provides creative and strategic leadership for one of Pennsylvania’s finest liberal arts colleges. She develops fund- and friend-raising initiatives and she works closely with the president and the College’s senior leaders to strengthen Westminster’s relationships with local, state, and federal leaders to advocate for key institutional initiatives and campaigns. She leads a team of talented and dedicated professionals who together have a remarkable depth of knowledge and expertise spanning alumni relations, advancement operations, fundraising, marketing and communications.

Previously, she led a substantial change management undertaking at a regional university seeking to build and strengthen its relationships with community and corporate leaders, and in conceptualizing and developing an innovative approach for educational partnerships in support of workforce development. Earlier, she achieved significant advances in philanthropic support and constituent relations on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh; she credits dedicated faculty and staff with whom she worked for creating an environment full of opportunities to engage friends and alumni. Jean began her efforts to connect employees and employers with educational opportunities while working for the State University of New York Empire State College, the institution that set the standard for enabling motivated students to earn a degree regardless of location or circumstances.

Jean earned the Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree from the State University of New York and Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh, all while working full time and raising a family.

Deana attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where she graduated in 2000 with a Political Science and English degree. Thereafter, Deana attended law school at Duquesne University in the evening while working full time for the Central Blood Bank. Following graduation, Deana clerked for President Judge Cascio in Somerset County before joining the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

After serving as an assistant district attorney for five years (in both Allegheny and Washington counties), it was time for a change that led her to pursue a new area of law that was gaining momentum in the area, oil and gas. While enjoying the fast pace nature of the courtroom and the knowledge that she was making a daily change in her community, in order to grow as a person, Deana needed to grow professionally which meant learning additional skills and challenging herself to enter a new area of the legal community. Presently, Deana works for Steptoe and Johnson focusing on Energy Law.

Deana is a member of the Washington County Bar Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors as Secretary. Additionally, she chairs the Diversity Committee for PIOGA, is a member of WEN (Women in Energy Network) and is admitted to practice before the PA Western District and the United States Supreme Court. Deana stays involved in the local legal community while networking with others in her field.

Deana resides in Chartiers Township with her husband, Kurt, where they are proud parents to 6 year old Eli and 5 year old Isabelle.

Katie Unger-Chipps is the Executive Director of LWC Leadership Program, the leading resource for leadership identification, connection and development in Washington County, Pennsylvania. Under Katie’s leadership, LWC has received local and national recognition and steady growth for governance and innovation. Katie is responsible for the administration, programs, and strategic plan for the organization, including key initiatives such as fundraising, marketing and community outreach. Her key role is to make connections and build relationships with LWC participants and other business leaders, which serves to strengthen not only the participants’ leadership skills, but also the Southwestern region businesses.

Katie approached her role at LWC as an entrepreneur, bringing the organization to financial solvency, rebranding, expanding the programs that leaders undertake and reorganizing and recruiting a new, refocused Board of Directors. In 2021 she launched the introduction of Masterclass programs providing opportunity for continuing education. Katie and the board launched three types of Masterclass programs: Elevate, Empower, & Emerge. The programs have specific topics in a lunch and learn environment for alumni but are also open to the community at large.

In March of 2020, Washington County faced the effects of the pandemic on frontline workers in healthcare and public safety along with the financial crisis to the local restaurant industry. By April 2020, Katie organized her board, fellow LWC alumni, and community support to start Feed the Fight Washington County. The goal was to patronize local restaurants and show support for healthcare workers.

Katie is involved in the community as Co-Chair of the Washington Health System’s Annual Gala since 2018, one of five co-chairs with The Giving Tree Project at Westminster Presbyterian Church in conjunction with the Bair Foundation, Co-Chair of a fundraising event for Westminster Nursery School, Horses of Hope Gala committee member, St. Clair Health’s fundraising committee for their 23rd Annual Summer Swing fundraiser, a volunteer of the South Hills Food Bank, a committee member of South Fayette Civic Center and a committee member of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Katie holds a Bachelor of Communication from Bowling Green State University, where she studied interpersonal and public communication with an emphasis on sales and marketing. Katie also served as co-chair of Bowling Green University’s Leadership Conference.

Katie and her husband Eric have been married for 15 years and reside in South Fayette with their children Will and Lillian.

Kelley Duppstadt is the LWC Program Coordinator. She comes to LWC with passion for community connections. As a results-oriented and organized individual she will be supporting LWC and our mission to develop leaders creating impact.

Kelley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and has been an active member in the Washington County community for over 20 years.

She and her husband Craig have recently moved to Somerset County where she will continue her dedication to community building, fundraising and leadership.