Jennifer Castro has been appointed director of admissions at Kutztown University, effective Sept. 25. A KU graduate, Castro comes to KU from Lehigh University in Bethlehem and brings more than 15 years admissions experience.
Most recently, Castro spent nine years at Lehigh University, service the past two years as senior associate director of admissions, special populations and yield team. She overhauled and reengineered the on-campus admitted student experience, leading to the largest admitted student events to date with more than 800 students and 2,400 people. She oversaw the department's diversity recruitment team, which saw an increased yield of domestic students of color from 13% to 33% from 2015-23.
She designed Lehigh's inaugural Merit Dinner in 2022, and Parent Reception in 2023, oversaw the admitted student event calendar, was part of the office of admissions senior leadership group and constructed a yield communication and marketing plan.
Castro earned her Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Kutztown University in 2005, and her Master of Education in student affairs administration from Kutztown in 2009. After earning her bachelor's she joined East Stroudsburg University as its assistant director of multicultural recruitment. During her time there, ESU saw an increase of 20% in its annual percentage of incoming multicultural students.
She is a member of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Pennsylvania Association for College Admissions Counseling. She is a member of the Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association, served on its DEI Committee and was selected to join the District IV Regional Committee.
American Crane Equipment Corp.
Karen Norheim, president and CEO of American Crane Equipment Corp. (ACECO) has been named the recipient of a 2023 Leadership Award by Vistage, the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. The Leadership Award celebrates a member's enduring excellence in leadership, recognizing the impact they've had on their business, Vistage group and community. Leadership Award winners have implemented significant changes in their businesses that lay the groundwork for a strong future.
Norheim serves as the second-generation leader of her family's company. As president & CEO, Karen has led American Crane with the mantra "GRIT Matters: Perseverance, Heart, & Integrity," which represents the company's vision, mission, and values. Her philosophy, instilled by her father, emphasizes personal and professional growth.
Norheim continues to lead American Crane Equipment Corp.'s digital transformation by spearheading initiatives such as the ACECO Innovation Lab, which applies cutting-edge technology to the company's business and processes. Through the lab's work, ACECO has introduced new product lines, including the Smart Crane IoT System and Machine Health IoT.
She also created what she refers to as the ACECO Leadership Framework, providing more effective form and function to the other leaders at the company who help bring success every day.
New Castle Lawn and Landscape
Brad Stephenson, CEO of New Castle Lawn and Landscape has been named the recipient of a 2023 Impact Award by Vistage, the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. The Impact Award recognizes the remarkable development and achievement of trailblazing leaders. From business growth to leadership development, dedicated leaders reach significant heights within their first years as Vistage members, with lasting impact on their company, peers and community.
New Castle Lawn and Landscape, provides a full range of high-end landscape design, installation services, as well as ongoing care and maintenance programs for outdoor spaces in Berks County and surrounding areas.
A key area Stephenson focuses on is continuously evolving New Castle's tight-knit family culture, which has resulted in New Castle's turnover rate averaging between 5 and 8%, while the industry average is 23%. He works to help every employee overcome their own self-limiting beliefs to reach their full potential.
Several key programs New Castle employs to impact lives includes use of the H-2B program helping foreign nationals come to the United States for seasonal work, being a second-chance employer, as well as employing high-functioning special needs individuals.
Saxton & Stump
Erin M. Redding has rejoined Saxton & Stump as an equity shareholder in the firm's Healthcare Litigation, and Risk Management and Quality Assurance practice groups. Redding's focus is on healthcare litigation as well Saxton & Stump's emerging practice in quality and data analytics.
Redding returns to Saxton Stump after serving as the corporate counsel at an international life sciences company in Lancaster County. At the company, she worked on litigation, risk mitigation, compliance, quality initiatives, data analysis, safety and multiple business issues.
Best Lawyers in America named her to the 2022 "Ones to Watch" list. She earned her J.D., magna cum laude from Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University and her B.S., summa cum laude, from Delaware Valley College.
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