GREATER READING CHAMBER ALLIANCE
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance announced new leadership of its Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry board and new members of its GRCA board.
The GRCCI board named Laura Haffner, region executive at Wells Fargo, chairwoman; and Kristi Gage Linderman, CEO at Gage Talent & Business Solutions, vice chairwoman.
Haffner’s leadership follows Sara Kuzma-Stump, director of sales & marketing, Suburban Testing Labs Inc.
Additionally, Dr. Radha Pyati, chancellor at Penn State Berks, was named GRCA board treasurer, and James Sarro, principal at MG Architects, also was named to the GRCA Board.
TOMPKINS FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Tompkins Financial Advisors has appointed Christopher Hewitt as the firm’s newest wealth advisor. In his new role, Hewitt will provide holistic financial services to individuals, families and businesses around the Pennsylvania region. He will be responsible for helping clients reach investment objectives through careful monitoring of portfolios, initiation of customized financial plans and establishment of profitable relationships.
With 21 years of investment process and capital experience and retirement plan expertise, Hewitt brings his skillset in strategic partnership development and relationship-building, as well as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary certification and CDAA Digital Asset Advisor, to Tompkins. He has taken on positions within several investment centers and advisory groups, including Sentinel Investments, Emerald Advisors, PNC Capital Advisors and Hand Benefits & Trust. He is presently the CEO and founder of CIT Advisory Group, a firm dedicated to the consulting and education of its stakeholders, creating customized retirement plans for clients.
Hewitt is a graduate of LeBow College of Business at Drexel University and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Drexel University. He is an active member of his community’s youth baseball and basketball.
RETTEW
RETTEW has announced that Andy Bennett officially stepped into the role of chief operating officer effective April 7, succeeding Rob Lauriello as part of the company’s succession plan.
Andy Bennett joined RETTEW on July 29, 2024, as vice president of operations. With more than 30 years of experience in the AEC industry, Bennett brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to RETTEW. He previously worked at Pennoni Associates Inc. for 19 years, where he served as regional vice president overseeing the business operations of nine offices in Pennsylvania. His responsibilities included project performance, client relations, talent development and retention initiatives, and business development.
As COO, Bennett will be responsible for developing and overseeing technical excellence to drive and support RETTEW’s strategic direction. He will oversee all day-to-day technical operations, with the objective of delivering profitable and exceptional projects and services to clients. He will also lead the development and implementation of annual business plans and quality management plans, working closely with the president & CEO, and CFO to ensure successful project performance throughout the company.
Lauriello has been instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition, working closely with Bennett, sharing his knowledge and experience while coaching and mentoring him to prepare for this role the company said. Lauriello will remain with RETTEW until his retirement, transitioning to the role of senior advisor/project manager.
SAXTON AND STUMP
Saxton & Stump has announced the addition of Lancaster County trial attorney Rory O. Connaughton as a shareholder in the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment groups. Connaughton brings three decades of experience representing financial institutions, publicly traded corporations, and closely held companies. He will be based in the firm’s Lancaster office, a region where he has practiced his entire career.
Saxton & Stump CEO James W. Saxton emphasized that his addition further strengthens the firm’s ability to handle high-stakes litigation.
Before joining Saxton & Stump, Connaughton was the founder and managing partner of a Lancaster County law firm, where he played a pivotal role in its growth and success. His litigation practice includes: commercial disputes, including contract enforcement, partnership, and corporate governance disputes and litigation, business torts, fraud and construction disputes; as well as employment matters, such as enforcing restrictive covenants, protecting trade secrets, and defending against discrimination claims
Connaughton has been named to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list every year since 2014.
Beyond his legal practice, Connaughton has played a significant role in bringing the U.S. Women’s Open to Lancaster Country Club in 2015 and 2024, helping generate over $50 million in economic impact for the region. As a key leader in the event’s executive committee, he served as vice chair in 2024, further reinforcing his commitment to Lancaster’s growth and success.
He earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson College.
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Source: Berkshire mont
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