A lifelong resident of the Greater Pittston area, Jonathan grew up in Pittston and proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Austin. Following military service, Jonathan dedicated more than 25 years to serving the Greater Pittston community. Licensed as a real estate agent in 2001, Jonathan built a career grounded in integrity, trust, and community connection. In 2023, Jonathan opened JJNRE, a locally owned real estate business committed to serving clients while giving back to the region that has given so much in return.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of Jonathan’s personal and professional life. In 2023, Jonathan Participated in the Paint Pittston Pink , raising over $15,000 and was the top fundraiser that year. Jonathan also serves on the YMCA Board of Directors and is an active member of the Pittston Chamber of Commerce serving on the Board of Directors as well. Since 2014, has been a Wyoming Area Scholarship donor, helping deserving students pursue higher education each year.
Additional contributions include ongoing support of local youth sports organizations, high school athletic programs, fire departments, community fundraisers, cancer research initiatives, and charitable organizations such as the American Heart Association, Pittston Santa Squad, Miles for Michael, and countless other fundraisers. Through both financial support and countless volunteer hours, Jonathan and his team remain deeply committed to strengthening the Greater Pittston community. Volunteer efforts include initiatives such as Thanksgiving meal preparation at local soup kitchens, holiday bell ringing, and securing donations for community organizations.
Family is central to Jonathan’s life. He and his wife, Melissa, recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary and are the proud parents of Matthew, Patrick, and Emily, all of whom have earned higher education degrees from Wilkes University, Penn State University, and American University. Education has always been a priority for Jonathan and was a core value emphasized while raising his family. Also is the “pet parents” of Penny, Izzy, and sometimes Figgy when Emily lets us babysit
Gerard A. “Jerry” Champi is President and Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Financial Services Corp. and Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company with more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. Jerry has held leadership positions spanning retail banking, commercial sales, operations, and executive management over the course of his career, he has served as Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors.
Following the 2024 merger that brought together FNCB Bank and Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Jerry was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Financial Services Corp. and Peoples Security Bank & Trust in January 2025. In April 2026, he was also named President of both organizations. Throughout his career, Jerry has maintained a strong connection to the communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has given his time and leadership to numerous business, educational, and nonprofit organizations, with particularly strong ties to the Greater Pittston community.
Jerry is a past President of the Board of Directors of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as President of the Boards of Directors of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Luzerne County Community College Foundation. Today, Jerry continues his community involvement as a board member of Leadership Northeast, the Lackawanna Blind Association, and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, where he also serves on the Executive Committee. He serves on the Wilkes-Barre Law & Library Association’s Lay Advisory Committee and is a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association.
Over more than four decades, Jerry has built a career centered on leadership, service, and a strong connection to the communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania. His longstanding relationship with the Pittston community makes this recognition especially meaningful.
Jay and Katie Duffy have been lifelong residents of Greater Pittston and currently live in West Pittston with their two sons, Chase and Cash. Katie Duffy is a local business owner and former Greater Pittston YMCA Board member. Before opening The Salt Barre, Katie spent all her career in corporate Human Resources, serving on executive leadership and school recruiting boards and supporting women’s networks and organizations such as the American Heart Association. She also helped bring peers together around dyslexia awareness to create and offer better learning experiences for students.
Katie also volunteered at the Greater Pittston YMCA as a Barre instructor. It was there that she saw firsthand how movement could become something much bigger than exercise. That experience stayed with her and ultimately helped shape The Salt Barre, which she opened with business partners as a place where people could move, feel supported, and find community.
Jay is the Managing Director of Investments and Senior Financial Advisor of The Duffy Donnelly Financial Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. Jay specializes in helping individuals and families pursue their financial goals through prudent planning and investment advice. With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Jay brings a focused and honest insight into clients’ financial strategies.
Jay has always been passionate about his involvement in the community. He has served on the Boards of the Pittston Tomato Festival Committee, Paint the Planet Pink, Greater Wyoming Area Little League and the Greater Pittston YMCA. For over 20 years, he also served as the Race Director for the Miles for Michael Pittston Tomato Festival 5K and Fun Walk. Jay has previously been awarded the Unsung Hero Award for his contributions to Paint the Planet Pink. Jay has always been active in Youth Sports while volunteer coaching at JCC, Greater Pittston YMCA, Wyoming Area Catholic, Holy Rosary and the West Pittston Little League. Jay also served as League President for the West Pittston Little League of Greater Wyoming Area where he oversaw the revitalization project at the West Pittston Little League complex.
Katie and Jay are committed to supporting the community they call home. Over the years, they have contributed their time and resources to numerous local nonprofit organizations through fundraising efforts, charitable events, 5K races, donation drives, collections, and volunteerism.
Matt Fino first joined the Pittston YMCA in 1975. Employed by the Y as a life guard, swim instructor and day camp staff, he became a program director for the new Pittston Y in 1983. Along the way, he earned his Bachelors degree from Edinboro State University, a Masters from Marywood University and recently retired from a 30-year career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Department of Human Services. His work with children followed his volunteer work with Boy Scouts, Church Youth Group and Soccer Coach. Matt resides in Avoca with Julie his wife of 40 years. They have two boys Mike residing in Forty Fort and Eric of Peckville.
Throughout her high school journey Isabella Dessoye has worked hard, grown as a leader, and earned accomplishments that she’s truly proud of. Athletics have been a major part of Bella’s experience, shaping her discipline and determination. She is a three-year Cross Country All-Star, a three-year state qualifier, a three-year district medalist, and this year’s team captain. In addition, Bella is a two-year Soccer All-Star and a three-year soccer captain. She is a four-year basketball player, captain and MVP of the Thomas Tigue Memorial tournament. Bella has also received several district medals for Pittston Area’s track team. She embraces every opportunity to challenge herself and contribute to her teams.
Academically, Isabella is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned Honors with Distinction. She is involved in the Zero Conflict Club and a member of the Year Book Committee. Balancing coursework, athletics, and leadership has taught Bella discipline and perseverance. These qualities have guided her both on and off the field.
She also believes strongly in giving back by volunteering at her church and the YMCA children’s basketball program. These experiences have allowed Bella to support others while becoming more involved in her community. She is especially grateful for her amazing and supportive family, who has encouraged and motivated her throughout this entire journey. Bella is proud of what she’s achieved so far and excited for the future and all it will bring.
Nicholas Ciampi is a 2026 graduate of Wyoming Area High School, where his leadership, academic achievement, athletic success, and commitment to service have distinguished him throughout his high school career. A member of the Wyoming Area Gifted Program, he maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing a rigorous academic schedule. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council Executive Board, and Pickleball Club.
Athletics have played an important role in Nicholas’s high school experience. He played soccer for most of his life and was a starter for the Wyoming Area Varsity Boys Soccer team before making the difficult decision to leave the sport and join the football team his junior year. In a short time, football became one of his greatest passions and an area in which he quickly demonstrated both talent and leadership. He served as a captain for the Wyoming Area varsity football team and earned numerous honors, including 2024 NPF Wyoming Valley Conference First Team All-Star Kicker, 2025 Citizens’ Voice Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star Running Back, Times Leader All-WVC First Team Running Back, and NPF Division 2 First Team All-Star honors. He also received honorable mention recognition as a running back and was the recipient of the 2025 Falcone Award. Throughout high school, Nicholas also competed on the varsity track & field team and played basketball until his sophomore year. He will continue his academic and football career at Susquehanna University.
Beyond the classroom and athletic field, Nicholas has consistently given back to his school and community. He has volunteered with Corpus Christi Church, helping with Easter baskets and holiday meals for families in need; supported the Wyoming Area Food Pantry; participated in Valentine’s Day for Veterans through his gifted program and served as a statistician for the GWA Junior Warriors Mini Football program. He also umpired for the GWA Little League. Through school and athletic fundraisers, including grocery-bagging events at Gerrity’s Supermarket, he has also supported local programs and connected with community members.
Nicholas has also worked for his family’s business, Independent Graphics, from a young age, taking on responsibilities ranging from production work and assembling materials to helping wherever needed. These experiences have helped shape his work ethic, sense of responsibility, and willingness to contribute as part of a team.
Through his dedication to academics, athletics, service, and leadership, Nicholas has consistently demonstrated the qualities recognized by the James and Jean Yates Youth Leadership Award. He has shown that leadership is not only about achievement but also about commitment, perseverance, service to others, and the willingness to step forward when his school, team, or community needs him.
