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Jim Wansacz

Executive Director

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Jim has been with the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA (ACE) as Executive Director since 2019. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, he served as ACE’s Weatherization Director, helping establish a statewide Weatherization Deferral program, and SLRDC Director, leading ACE’s effort to help develop high-quality affordable housing in Northeastern PA. Under Jim’s leadership, ACE continues to look for ways to fill the needs of the community by developing programs that address community shortfalls and improve economic outcomes. One recent need was for transportation and workforce help. To respond, ACE developed a Workforce Initiative Program designed to help people get the work skills needed to gain and maintain employment. This program includes the Rise and Ride and Vehicle Assistance Program to help individuals solve transportation barriers to joining the workforce.

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Previously, Jim served as Chairman of the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of County Departments and led the County from no credit rating to an A credit rating in only four years. The County went from an operating deficit to a $28 million dollar surplus during his tenure. Jim also served as a five-term Pennsylvania State Representative in the 114th Legislative District where he served on the Environmental and Energy, Small Business, Commerce, Gaming Oversight, Professional Licensure, and other committees. One of Jim’s many accomplishments as a state legislator was helping lead the charge for the Commonwealth to start Early Learning Programs such as Pre-K Counts and HSSAP, experience which is invaluable in his current role at ACE.

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Growing up in a small business family, Jim learned the value of hard work and how to overcome diversity while being community-minded. He holds his bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a minor in Economics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pennsylvania before transferring to Marywood University to complete his Master’s in Public Administration.

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Jim has two children and is involved in coaching youth sports.

123 Wyoming Ave, Suite 311

Scranton, PA 18503

(570) 963-6836

©2025 by Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA

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Disclaimer: This website is supported by Weatherization Grant Number(s) C000082802 and C000073817. CSBG Grant Number COOOO82093 and Grant Numbers 03CH012082-05-00 and 03HP000603 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start..

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