Penn's Northeast was created in 2002 by a coalition of private business leaders, utility companies, local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and governments to promote Northeastern Pennsylvania and its collective assets to the world.

Penn's Northeast's goal is to attract quality employers to Northeastern Pennsylvania by acting as an easy one- stop-shop for businesses looking to expand or locate to our region.

Our mission is to promote the region as a whole by raising awareness, stimulating interest, fostering relationships, and marketing Northeastern

Pennsylvania to site selection consultants, real estate brokers, developers, and businesses while acting as a liaison between local development partners, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the companies seeking new facilities.

As the first point of contact, Penn's Northeast promptly provides regional information to potential prospects by identifying buildings or sites, supplying demographic and workforce data, creating connections with economic development groups and workforce partnerships, and organizing site tours in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

JOHN L. AUGUSTINE III

PRESIDENT/CEO

John L. Augustine III is the President/CEO of Penn's Northeast. With over 25 years of experience in economic development, John has worked with local and national firms, elected officials, business leaders, and community leaders in various capacities. His areas of expertise include economic and community development, site selection, regional planning, technology implementation, capital fundraising, operations, and strategic planning.

Before joining Penn's Northeast, John served as the Community Outreach Manager for the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the State's leading trade organization for responsible development in the Marcellus and Utica Shale. Prior to that, he was the Senior Economic Development Director for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry, where he managed marketing for available real estate within their five business parks and oversaw the development and growth of the Innovation Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

John serves on several boards, including the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Leadership Northeast, Fidelity Bank, The McGowan School of Business, and the PA State Police Camp Cadet. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Penn State, King's College, and Luzerne County Community College. John's experience and expertise in economic development and community outreach make him an invaluable asset to Penn's Northeast.

John resides in Mountain Top with his wife Kristine, two children – Jack and Jill and their dog, Louie.

RACHEL ANTOSH HAWK

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Rachel is Penn's Northeast's Marketing Director with over 17 years of experience in graphic design and digital marketing. She attended Luzerne County Community College, where she majored in computer graphics specialization.

Rachel started her career as a graphic designer at Rhino Media Advertising Agency. Shen then moved to The Times Leader, where she was promoted to team leader in the production department. Prior to joining Penn’s Northeast, Rachel was the Art Director at Positive Results Marketing, where she managed the graphic design and marketing departments and worked with local and national clients on print and web design projects.

Rachel received an Economic Development certificate from Penn State University and a certificate in Advanced Leadership from Leadership Wilkes-Barre. Additionally, Rachel is Google Digital Marketing Certified and currently serves on the Pennsylvania Economic Development Associations Young Professionals Committee.

Rachel's diverse background in design and marketing demonstrates her ability to apply design skills in innovative ways that enhance brand and design excellence. Her passion for art and her extensive experience in the field make her a valuable asset to Penn's Northeast.

Rachel resides in Shavertown with her husband Matthew, son Matthew Jr. and their two dogs, Nova and Luna.