SEDA-COG News Release

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been actively investigating the potential mismanagement of two housing rehabilitation projects under our administration in the Borough of Berwick. Since discovering the potential issues in 2024, SEDA-COG reported the concerns to Borough officials and to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED). PA DCED conducted its own investigation, resulting in findings regarding other past contracts in SEDA-COG’s grant-funded housing rehabilitation program.

SEDA-COG has a long history of working with municipal partners to create a positive impact in the region’s communities. Over the past decade, we have managed the rehabilitation of 308 homes in 14 communities with an investment of almost $15 million. The projects affected by the DCED findings represent a small number of total contracts.

As an agency devoted to public service, we continue to remain focused on improving processes and the delivery of services to the communities and the individuals we serve. We have restructured the management of the program and are committed to working with both the PA DCED and affected municipalities to efficiently and effectively take corrective action.

The SEDA-COG Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing transparency and accountability and will continue to brief its stakeholders on our efforts to comprehensively remediate the findings.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

For more information, please contact Nancy Osborn, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-254-4491 x7234 or 570-768-0525 or nosborn@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG Welcomes Regional County Commissioners for an Insightful Morning of Discussions

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) welcomed the regional county commissioners to participate in their Strengthening County Services Together event on Friday, May 30 at their headquarters in Lewisburg.

Seventeen commissioners from across the region were joined by SEDA-COG executive director, deputy director, program directors, and other staff members.

Executive Director Kim Wheeler greeted the county commissioners at the beginning of the event, expressing the importance of each of SEDA-COG’s programs and the significant impact that they have on the surrounding communities.

Wheeler remarked, “Today’s event is meant to be conversational and thought-provoking. Your insights will help shape our strategies moving forward and ensure that the services we provide are not only relevant, but impactful and support your needs and goals.”

The event consisted of breakout sessions where the commissioners and program directors reviewed the achievements of the 2024 calendar year. This was followed by discussions about future initiatives and how SEDA-COG can continue to enhance county services. These discussions were aimed at fostering collaboration and ensuring that the services provided by SEDA-COG continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

In closing remarks of the event, SEDA-COG Board President and Snyder County Commissioner Joe Kantz said, “This meeting is to make us stronger and better together cumulatively, because the residents that we all represent care about what is happening in our region.”

Overall, the event was a success, highlighting the importance of partnership and open dialogue in strengthening regional governance and community support. SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG Hires New Deputy Director

Lewisburg, PA- SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Angela Grieco has been selected as the new Deputy Director.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Grieco’s alignment with the needs of the organization is undeniable. She brings skillsets and expertise that complement the current SEDA-COG management team.

“I am excited to welcome our new Deputy Director Angela Grieco to SEDA-COG. We searched high and low for someone who has a passion for public sector leadership, sees themselves as a public servant, enjoys identifying and tackling challenges—someone who will help us continue to think differently, entrepreneurially, and foster innovation with others,” said Wheeler. “I am thrilled that Grieco is that person who will bring the full package to SEDA-COG.”

Grieco brings years of private sector experience at leading management consulting firms, including Deloitte Consulting and Guidehouse, as a project management leader supporting public sector clients. She has a proven track record of building high-performing, cross-functional teams and excels at guiding clients to uncover root challenges and develop innovative, practical solutions. Her expertise spans project planning and implementation in key areas, including strategic planning, grant program design, stakeholder engagement and analysis, organizational analysis, change management and transformation, and technology project management support.

“I was drawn to the impressive breadth and depth of public services and expertise SEDA-COG provides and its strong footprint in the communities it serves,” said Grieco. “The dedication and tenacity that SEDA-COG leadership and staff bring to their communities is truly inspiring. For these reasons, I knew that SEDA-COG was the right fit for me and am honored to serve and work alongside such a talented organization.”

Grieco continued “In my new role, I hope to grow as a public service leader and contribute to the organization’s existing talent by bringing new perspectives and practical solutions to the challenges our region and organization face as they transition for future generations to come.”

SEDA-COG Announces New Fiscal Controller

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Jamie Carnes, a 5-year staffer, has been promoted to Fiscal Controller.

Carnes began her career in finance over 10 years ago, gaining experience in financial statement preparation, general ledger activity, and capital spending management. Her career with SEDA-COG began with her role as a Finance Analyst where she served several different departments.

Throughout Carnes career, she is especially proud to have worked on correcting and updating outdated and inefficient policies and procedures. “In previous positions, I felt my work only benefited larger corporations. At SEDA-COG, I feel our work in the organization provides a much more direct impact to our local communities and the individuals who reside there,” Carnes said.

One of Carnes’ major goals includes supporting the varied programs that SEDA-COG provides.

“I look forward to the opportunities this position offers for the growth and advancement of my accounting knowledge. I am grateful for my past experience that will enable me to continue to provide support to the many diverse programs that SEDA-COG provides,” Carnes said.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Carnes is well equipped to take on the larger role.

“Jamie’s experience in the world of finance and the guidance and training she was able to receive from her predecessor, Bo Hornberger, has made her the perfect person to take on this endeavor. I believe that under her financial direction and management, SEDA-COG will continue to make a major difference in our local communities for generations to come,” Wheeler said.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Lycoming College in 2011.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.