CAAPtivating Excellence: Celebrating the Everyday Heroes of Community Action

On October 29, we gathered at the Eden Resorts & Suites in Lancaster for the CAAPtivating Excellence Awards, a highlight we look forward to during our annual conference.

These awards weren’t about titles or tenure. They were about heart. About honoring the people across Pennsylvania who go above and beyond because they care deeply about the work. These honorees lead with humility, show up with consistency, and reflect the very best of what Community Action stands for.

Some are front and center, leading teams and shaping policy. Others work behind the scenes, keeping programs running smoothly and clients supported. Each one represents a story of impact, commitment, and quiet leadership that deserves to be seen.

Meet the 2025 CAAPtivating Excellence Award Honorees:

Anti-Poverty Advocate Award

Awarded to leaders who demonstrate a consistent public commitment to reducing poverty and advancing equity across systems.

Erin Lukoss, Bucks County Opportunity Council

Erin Lukoss doesn’t just support anti-poverty work; she elevates it. As Executive Director of Bucks County Opportunity Council, her advocacy extends from community events to state-level policy conversations. She champions resources, mobilizes others, and ensures the voice of Community Action is heard where it matters most. Erin’s leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to long-term change and public engagement, making her a powerful force in anti-poverty work across Pennsylvania.

Local Leader Impact Award

Recognizing Executive Directors who model excellent local leadership while advancing bold strategies for community well-being.

Anne Garrison, Tableland Services, Inc.

Anne Garrison leads with heart and purpose in every decision she makes at Tableland Services, Inc. Her impact is visible not just in program results but in how she listens to, supports, and lifts up her team. With a fierce commitment to local leadership, Anne fosters innovation, encourages advocacy, and advances strategies that transform lives throughout her region. Her work builds stronger systems and stronger people.

CAAPacity Builder Award

Celebrating individuals who use innovation, fundraising, and partnership-building to strengthen agency sustainability.

Kate Spofford, Schuylkill Community Action

From strategic planning to safety inspections, grant writing to Canva campaigns—Kate Spofford does it all with excellence and heart. She leads agency communications, supports program funding, and coordinates signature efforts like “Fix-it Fridays” and Brighter Holidays. Kate’s impact touches every corner of Schuylkill Community Action, proving that the most powerful heroes don’t need the spotlight to lead.

Emerging Excellence Awards

Honoring rising stars in Community Action who bring new energy, fresh ideas, and a clear commitment to mission-driven work.

Derek Reber, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.
Jacqueline Hersh, Tableland Services, Inc.
Danielle Bush, Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc.
Torrian Raco, Community Action Partnership of Cambria County

These four rising leaders are shaping the future of Community Action in bold, thoughtful ways. Whether building bridges in the community, reimagining systems, or mentoring peers, Derek, Jacqueline, Danielle and Torrian model the kind of excellence that makes this work sustainable. Their actions show not just talent, but vision. Each one is an emerging leader to watch.

Community Catalyst Award

Awarded to a partner agency or organization whose collaboration leads to transformational, equity-focused community outcomes.

Geisinger, nominated by Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.

Geisinger’s partnership with Central Susquehanna Opportunities goes far beyond collaboration; it’s a shared mission. From transportation solutions to health access and community connection, Geisinger has helped co-create programs that make real change possible for families with low incomes. Their investment in accessibility and long-term outcomes makes them a true catalyst for community transformation.

Community CAAPtain Awards

Honoring board members and public partners who advance the Community Action mission through trust, strategy, and advocacy.

Ellen Kyzer, PNC Bank
Tara Davis, Tri County Community Action
Todd Hooper, Tri County Community Action
Greg Sacavage, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.
Brenda Nichols, Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc.
Rich Kisner, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.

These six board members and public partners lead with integrity, strategy, and relentless heart. They champion their agencies’ missions not just in boardrooms, but in public spaces, policy conversations, and community gatherings. Ellen, Tara, Todd, Greg, Brenda and Rich understand that effective boards don’t just oversee, they uplift! Their work ensures long-term success through vision, accountability, and deep-rooted trust in the Community Action model.

Community Action Excellence Award

Honoring long-time professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, creativity, and community impact.

Jill Walter, Central Susquehanna Opportunities

Jill Walter has lived out the Community Action mission for over two decades at CSO. She improves communities, empowers families, and uplifts others without ever asking for the spotlight. Jill’s work embodies the full spirit of excellence in action: consistent, compassionate, innovative, and deeply committed to equity. She doesn’t just do her job, she makes her agency and her community stronger with every step.

Impactful Educator Award

Recognizing educators who foster inclusive, empowering classrooms and help close equity gaps for children and families.

Judith Kyei-Poku, Tri County Community Action

Judith brings joy, honesty, and unwavering dedication to everything she does at Tri County Community Action. Whether she’s mentoring new staff, leading the agency’s foundational values efforts, or connecting with families, her energy is both grounding and uplifting. Judith leads with transparency, compassion, and contagious enthusiasm…creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Empowerment Navigator Awards

Celebrating frontline professionals who walk alongside clients with empathy, encouragement, and resourceful guidance.

Amy Misunas, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.
Alicia Lysinger, Tableland Services, Inc.
Erica Segarra, Tri County Community Action
Teri Deeds, North Hills Community Outreach
Jennifer Gottwald, Tableland Services, Inc.

Guiding others through tough terrain takes more than expertise — it takes empathy. Amy, Alicia, Erica, Terri and Jennifer are the steady voices helping clients believe in themselves, set goals, and take brave next steps.

Whether working one-on-one or walking beside whole families, they keep clients moving forward with dignity, patience, and encouragement. These navigators don’t just support change, they spark it.

Hidden Hero Awards

Recognizing behind-the-scenes professionals who ensure excellence through logistics, operations, and quiet dedication.

Tiena Blouse, Community Progress Council, Inc.
Jennifer Slifka, Schuylkill Community Action
Serina Asekomhe, Tri County Community Action
Jacob Phillips, Tableland Services, Inc.
John Naradko, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc.
Nicole Peterson, Union-Snyder Community Action Agency
Jessica Gallagher, Indiana County Community Action Program, Inc.
Jennifer Lindsay, Community Action Association of Pennsylvania

Behind the scenes, these individuals make everything work. From operations to IT to program logistics, their work may be invisible to the public, but without them, nothing happens. Tiena, Jennifer, Serina, Jacob, John, Nicole, Jessica and Jennifer are the stabilizers, the fixers, the listeners, and the helpers. They ensure excellence without needing attention, lifting others through quiet reliability and thoughtful action.

Dependable Difference Maker Awards

Recognizing team members whose day-to-day dedication keeps programs running and clients supported—often without fanfare.

Richard Bigg, Schuylkill Community Action
Laura Sprain, Tableland Services, Inc.

Whether it’s showing up early, stepping in without being asked, or keeping everything on track behind the scenes, Richard Bigg and Laura Sprain are the heart of their teams.

Their dedication to their respective agencies shows that leadership doesn’t require a title, just heart, consistency, and care. They are the definition of reliable excellence, proving every day that the quietest heroes make the loudest impact.

A Culture of Recognition

Every nomination was heartfelt. Every story shared during the ceremony reflected what makes this network so powerful: the people.

In our work, it’s easy to move on to the next challenge. But moments like this remind us to pause and celebrate. These awards aren’t just about individual achievement. They serve as a collective reminder that our network is stronger when we lift one another.

Thank you to the nominators who took the time to see and elevate their colleagues. And thank you to every honoree, not just for what you do, but for how you do it.

Keep the Celebration Going 📸 

If you attended the awards or want to show support for your team, share your photos and shout-outs on LinkedIn using the hashtag #CAAPtivatingExcellence. You can also tag CAAP so we can see those amazing faces and celebrate with you!. 

This was just the beginning of a new tradition at CAAP. And we can’t wait to keep building it with you.

Here’s to another 50 years of showing up, lifting others, and leaving a legacy of excellence.