Roof Garden Biz: Listak named vice president, Miller retires, new surgeon and internships offered

Roof Garden Biz is a monthly roundup of business happenings in Somerset County. To submit an item, email news@dailyamerican.com.

Riggs Industries hires Jason Listak to lead engineering

Riggs Industries welcomes Jason Listak as vice president of engineering, a new position within Riggs Industries. Listak has 20 years of experience in all aspects of machine design, fabrication and equipment construction for industrial applications. He has a proven track record of successfully leading teams across a variety of projects and industries.

Listak comes to Riggs Industries from Heyl & Patterson Equipment, Pittsburgh, where he managed aftermarket and field service engineering. Prior to his work at Heyl & Patterson, Listak, a graduate of Penn State, worked for Bechtel at Bettis Laboratory, leading an integrated design team in electro-mechanical, mechanical, thermal, and structural design.

“Jason brings a breadth of experience and engineering leadership to our businesses. He is well-suited to lead our engineering efforts and make strategic contributions to our future growth,” said Emily Korns, president of Somerset Welding and Steel and co-owner of Riggs Industries. “We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team and to the Laurel Highlands.”

More: Somerset County Recorder of Deeds lists property transfers for the week of March 4-8

Riggs Industries and its divisions of Somerset Steel Erection, Lincoln Contracting and Equipment, James A. Redding, and Somerset Welding & Steel are already recognized for full-service engineering, fabrication, construction and service of industrial and commercial buildings and equipment. Listak, a professional engineer, will guide the company’s engineering strategy, teams, and new product development efforts.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead engineering on behalf of Riggs Industries,“ Listak said. “I have enjoyed working in both manufacturing and construction during my career, and prior to accepting this position I was able to meet some of the team and quickly realized there is a lot of experience and many passionate people within Riggs, and that culture is highly contagious and inviting.”

Co-owner of Riggs Industries and President of Somerset Steel Erection and Lincoln Contracting and Equipment, Aaron Riggs said, “We firmly believe that great engineering is a foundation of our business. We have a talented engineering team in place already, and in Jason, we have a coach that will bring out everyone’s best and build the playbook for the future.”

Riggs Industries, family-owned since 1958, employs about 350 people in Somerset County, and beyond. Riggs Industries has a mission to “Build from Within” by continually investing in their people, products, and customers and always striving to be a safe and great place to work in the communities where they operate.

Miller retires from The Children’s Aid Society Foundation

After more than 45 years spanning the Children’s Aid Home Programs and The Children’s Aid Society Foundation in Somerset, Robert C. Miller Jr. has retired. His last day was Jan. 31. Miller spent the majority of his life helping and ensuring that children in The Laurel Highlands are cared for and have the necessary services needed to thrive and overcome many obstacles and challenges. Larry M. Stormer has been hired to replace Miller as the president of the Children’s Aid Society Foundation.

“As the Children’s Aid Society Foundation's first employee, Bob Miller has made it his lifelong pursuit to deliver on the mission of the organization: Our Mission is to develop, grow, and distribute resources which will be used to support, guide, and enhance the lives of children and families in need,” said trustee chairman John Jacob. “First with his work at The Children's Aid Home Programs of Somerset County Inc. and later with the foundation, Bob's impact assisting the children and families of our region has been exceptional.”

Miller began his career at the Children’s Aid Home in Somerset as a college intern in the summer of 1977. He was hired as a full-time employee on Jan. 8, 1979. Miller has been involved in the expansion of programs and services offered for children, the building of a new Children’s Home facility, the restructuring and evolution of the Children’s Aid Society Foundation, and the creation and growth of the Endowment. He has held positions ranging from caseworker, to program director, to executive director, to the president of the foundation.

“If I could summarize my career in one sentence, it would be that my career has been a blessing,” said Miller. “I have been blessed with hard-working and dedicated co-workers, committed and compassionate board members, generous and caring community supporters, and most importantly tremendous children and young adults. I have had very rewarding experiences and memories over the years. None are greater than visiting with those children I’ve worked with who are now successful adults – graduates, parents, coaches, professionals, skilled workers, and business owners. Our foundation mantra rings true: Our Children, Our Future.”

JWF announces summer internship opportunities

JWF Industries President and CEO William (Bill) Polacek continues to offer college students real-world educational experiences with the summer internship program. Summer internships provide sophomores, juniors and seniors in college paid work experiences that will help them gain valuable skills for the world of work in a world-class metal manufacturing facility.

The program is entering its sixth year and will run from May through August. Opportunities this year include experiences in mechanical engineering, quality engineering, supply chain and IT/cybersecurity.

“Internships provide young people an opportunity for real, applicable learning in business and industry,” said Polacek. “I’m proud to provide an excellent experience, with our knowledgeable staff, for college students here in Johnstown. Additionally, this creates the opportunity for our youth to experience local companies relative to career opportunities, as well as, the future growth through technology and international commerce.”

For more information and to apply for the summer internship program, visit www.jwfi.com/careers/

JWF Industries designs, manufactures and integrates metal-centric products. Capabilities include program management, engineering, laser services, welding, forming, machining and coatings. Today, the company has operating sales of more than $100 million. It occupies more than 1.3 million square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 400 professionals. To learn more about JWF Industries, visit www.jwfi.com.

CSSMCW welcomes new breast surgeon

Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) welcomed Tyshaun James-Hart, MD, who will see patients at the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) beginning in April. She comes to the JMBCC with 27 years of surgical experience and focuses on the treatment of breast disease.

“I am looking forward to joining the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center because it is clear to me that they value breast cancer care and breast health as their own entity as a science and service. They understand that it is an essential service that women in the community need and deserve. Education, prevention, treatment, and survivorship are essential components of breast health and breast cancer. The center is committed to this concept, and I am proud to join their team,” said James-Hart.

She received her medical degree from Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in Huntingdon, West Virginia. James-Hart completed a general surgery residency at Harlem Hospital Center in New York, New York, during which she served as chief resident for pediatric surgery and surgery. She then pursued a surgical oncology fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Following her surgical oncology fellowship, James-Hart served as a general surgeon within the Northern Generations/Health and Hospitals Corporation of New York. She has practiced breast and general surgical oncology in Newport News, Virginia, and Charleston and Beckley, West Virginia. In 2011, she assumed a role at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Lafayette, Louisiana, establishing a practice entirely focused on breast care. Most recently, James-Hart served as a breast surgeon and surgical oncologist with UPMC in Altoona.

Certified by the American Board of Surgery, James-Hart is an active member of the National Medical Association, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the Society of Surgical Oncology. She specializes in the treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases. She also performs breast biopsies as well as lumpectomy, mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Appointments with James-Hart can be made by calling 814-467-3080.

Highlands Health Clinic board restructuring

Highlands Health: Laurel Highlands Free & Charitable Medical Clinic (HHC) announced the restructuring of its board of directors, a significant step in preparation for achieving Federally Qualified Health Clinic Look Alike (FQHC LAL) status. President Richard Lobb reaffirmed the clinic's commitment to meeting federal requirements.

"The clinic has been diligently working towards fulfilling the criteria necessary to become an FQHC LAL," he said.

The board, known for its hands-on approach, functions as a working board, with all members actively overseeing operations and contributing to policy development. Alongside Lobb, other officers reconfirmed include Bruce Jordan as vice president, Lisa Shirt as treasurer, and Natalie Kauffman as secretary. New additions to the board are Quan Britt, Eileen Ramirez, Holly Shomo, Anita Faas, Connie Bennett, Terri Gritzer and Robert Callahan. Bill Mardis, Michele Scanlan, Dr. Richard Wozniak and Paul Nihoff continue their service on the board.

Highlands Health Clinic provides comprehensive medical, pharmaceutical and wellness services to individuals of all backgrounds and circumstances without discrimination based on age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual preference, disability, health status, or financial means. For more information about Highlands Health Clinic and its services, visit www.highlandshealthclinic.org.

Windber Aesthetics Studio rebrands and expands

Windber business Swanky Skin & Lash Studio has officially rebranded to Swanky Aesthetics, 808 Somerset Ave.,

Windber, reflecting the physical expansion of the space and new services offered. Owner and CEO Emillee Swank and her staff offer advanced med-spa services such as electrology (permanent hair removal), neurotoxin, dermal filler and microneedling, in addition to the list of services already offered.

Call 814-509-6423 or hello@swanky-aesthetics.com.

Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp hires outdoor educator Jen Hargrave

Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp announced the hiring of an experienced outdoor educator and camp administrator, Jennifer W. Hargrave, as director of the camp’s Environmental Education program. The program serves students from Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.

Hargrave brings more than three decades of experience leading and supporting outdoor and traditional camp programs for children and adults. She most recently served as interim manager of Camp Quest, Inc., a nationwide network of camps.

“We are extraordinarily fortunate to welcome Jen to Deer Valley,” said Tom Griesbaum, chairman of Deer Valley’s Board of Management. “She brings more than a lifetime of outdoor education experience to camp. She also has a passion for sharing the joy of nature with children.”

From 2013-2020, she worked for The Fresh Air Fund’s Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, New York. She was a program coordinator with oversight of health and safety, staff scheduling, and the six waterfronts for the 2,000-acre reservation that served school groups from the tri-state area and underserved children of New York City. From 2008-2013, she served as the School Program Assistant Director and School Program Director for the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Vermont. In addition to her outdoor education experience, Hargrave holds certifications in first aid, CPR PRO, lifeguard and lifeguard instruction, is a USA Archery Level 2 coach and instructor trainer and is experienced in high and low Ropes. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education from Northland College, where she graduated cum laude.

“I am so happy to be at Deer Valley,” Hargrave said. “I know firsthand how transformative outdoor education can be. I look forward to sharing this living classroom with students and educators.”

Deer Valley’s Environmental Education program is designed to meet state academic standards and National Next Generation Science Standards. Its core curriculum is designed for middle school students but can be adapted for any age group, and customized to meet different schools’ needs. Deer Valley’s Environmental Education activities and programs include:

● Environmental Lessons in aquatic, forest and wildlife ecology

● Outdoor Skills including: Outdoor living skills and orienteering

● Seasonal Activities including: Canoeing and snow tubing

● Adventure Lessons including: Archery, team-building, hikes and high ropes course

● Evening Activities for overnight trips including: astronomy and campfire

Deer Valley YMCA Family Camp, part of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh association, is on 724 pristine acres at the base of the highest mountain in the state. Situated around a 125-acre lake, the camp offers woodlands, fields, ponds, streams, rock formations, hiking trails, a wide variety of trees and plants, and abundant animal life.

Schools interested in learning more about Deer Valley’s program can visit the website, email Hargrave at jhargrave@ymcapgh.org, or call 1-800-YMCA-FUN.

Madolin Edwards can be reached at medwards@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Roof Garden Biz: New administrator, surgeon, board member and internships announced