2025 Central PA Chamber Board of Directors Election Candidates
The following individuals have been nominated to serve a three-year term on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors starting January 2026. One ballot will be e-mailed to each member business’ voting member (via Election Buddy) on Nov. 14, 2025. Ballots will be accepted until the close of business on Nov. 21, 2025. Please, select no more than three candidates on the e-mailed ballot.
Rachael Herb (incumbent seeking 2nd term)
VP Danville Market – Service 1st FCU
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I am passionate about helping local businesses thrive and being a reliable resource, they can turn to for whatever they might need. I truly love where I live, and I believe that supporting our local businesses is essential to keeping our community strong and vibrant. Serving on the Board is one meaningful way I can contribute to that mission.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
The Central PA Chamber’s Vision and Mission align closely with my personal values, especially the shared goal of helping people and businesses grow and succeed, both personally and financially. I strongly believe in the idea of people helping people, and the spirit of support and collaboration is something the Chamber consistently demonstrates. It’s that alignment that makes me proud to be involved and eager to continue contributing.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Breakfast Briefing, Legislative Event, Inside Job Tour, Golf Tournament and Annual Meeting.
Terry Burke (appointed – seeking 1st term)
Coordinator of Experiential and Community Engaged Learning – Bucknell’s Freeman College of Management
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I enjoy connecting with people and this gives me a wonderful platform to grow more and to be able to do that. Additionally, the Board is great and fun group of people with which to work.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
I believe that it is our duty (perhaps civic duty) as individuals to build our community. Strong communities lift other individuals up and feed a cycle of growth for all.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Raising the Board graduate, Breakfast Briefing, What is the Central PA Chamber Seminar, serves on the Membership & Engagement Committee.
Eric Turofski
Cooperative Education Coordinator – SUN Area Technical Institute
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I believe it would be an honor to serve on the board of directors to help our community connect business leaders with non-profit organizations. I also would like to learn more about how our state representatives and congressmen represent our counties and small communities, including funding for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
I believe that the Chamber of Commerce mission is to connect the community with business and help to provide services to businesses that are just starting. I feel that my mission as a school representative and coordinator are the same for that reason. Connecting community members, schools, business leaders, and non-profit organizations.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Raising the Board Graduate, Inside Job Tour, Elevator Pitch training, Annual Meeting, Legislative Event, and community service repairs at the Chamber.
Brenda Raker
President/CEO – Pinpoint Federal Credit Union
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I want to serve on the Board because I believe in the Chamber’s role as a connector, advocate, and resource for businesses and organizations in our region. Strong businesses create strong communities, and I want to contribute to initiatives that foster growth, collaboration, and opportunity across Central Pennsylvania.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
The Chamber’s vision strongly resonates with me. My personal and professional values are rooted in service, collaboration, and empowerment. At Pinpoint we focus on improving the financial well-being of individuals and families so they can thrive – values that directly align with both the Chamber’s mission and vision.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Annual meeting, Breakfast Briefing, Ribbon Cutting, Golf Tournament, School Counts, and Strategic Planning Retreat.
J. Tyler Thompson
President – The Young Industries, Inc.
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I serve to create a sense of inclusiveness and belonging in everything I do, building a community where everyone feels welcome and supported. I believe in the Chamber’s mission and want to contribute to its continued success by fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
They align with my philosophy of creating a culture of inclusiveness and belonging, exceeding expectations, embracing change and innovation, and fostering personal and organizational growth. I strive to exceed expectations and foster growth, which resonates with the Chamber’s goals.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Breakfast Briefing, Legislative Event, and Inside Job Tour.
Sharon Leon
Executive Director – Union County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I have worked and served in the human services realm for many years, but I look to grow in my knowledge of the economic and business aspects of our region; specifically in the areas we serve.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
Growing up in Central PA, I personally value what is offered in our community, through programs and resources, and how to help it grow and reach all people. I have a passion for the work I do because it can help others to learn and thrive, making our community stronger.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Breakfast Briefing, Annual Meeting and Ribbon Cutting.
Jay Jarrett
Borough Manager – Borough of Watsontown
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I have always admired this organization, and I value the opportunity to be more involved with its mission and future success. I think my time in local government will bring a different perspective to board conversations, initiatives and decisions that might be helpful. Also, I would be interested in looking at ways to foster public/private partnerships where possible and appropriate.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
The mission statement is about service to the membership and I am all about service to our customers (residents).
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Legislative Event, Ribbon Cutting, Inside Job Tour, and Seminar/Training.
James White
Business Development/Community Liaison – VNA Health System
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I have found the Central PA Chamber to be a great asset to the community. The benefits offered can be very helpful in the community. I have also found the support of the staff amazing. I have shared my experience with others, and I talk about becoming a member and how great the chamber is and encourage them to check the chamber out.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
Community service and the welfare of the community is a passion of mine. Encouraging people to live a better life, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Sharing ways to be better, making them aware of services in the area that can help them live a better life.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Insite Job Tour, Breakfast Briefing and Annual Meeting.
Steven Beattie
Executive Director – SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
#1 – Why do you want to serve on the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I have been involved with the Central PA Chamber for many years as a member, attending events, and served two terms on the Board approximately 15 years ago. I believe this Chamber fills a void by focusing on the small businesses that prosper in our valley communities and on workforce development that our businesses need to grow and stay relevant in a fast-moving business world.
#2 – How do the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Vision and Mission Statements align with your personal values?
My role at the Joint Rail Authority is to promote this valley and encourage investment in the communities we serve, this is like the Chambers role to promote a strong economy and advocate for businesses. Personally, I have been and continue to be committed to the community I live in through my extensive volunteer hours and donations given to multiple organizations in Lewisburg.
#3 – List the Central PA Chamber activities in which you have been involved as a participant and/or sponsor?
Legislative Event, Inside Job Tour, and Strategic Plan Retreat.
