Johnson College has selected Eileen Cipriani, deputy secretary for workforce development at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry to give the 2019 commencement address to graduates on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Theater at North.

As the deputy secretary for workforce development, Ms. Cipriani oversees the commonwealth workforce system, which includes 23 local workforce areas. She is also responsible for the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, the Office for Labor Market Information, the PA State Workforce Development Board and the commonwealth’s newly established Apprenticeship Training Office.    

Under her leadership the newly created Office of Apprenticeship and Training has greatly expanded, not only the number of apprentices statewide, but also the diversity of occupations. Ms. Cipriani has been instrumental in interagency projects, such as the Next Generation Sector Strategy model to significantly improve the way in which state government addresses business needs and efforts to share interagency resources and data.

Prior to her deputy secretary appointment, Ms. Cipriani was acting director for the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF) in Scranton where she was responsible for the management and day-to-day activity of SWIF staff and programs in eight district offices.

In addition to her work as Deputy Secretary, she is also a member of the STEM Advisory Committee, TEAM PA, the PA Interagency Health Equity Team, PA Assistive Technology Council, Aging Council Workforce Workgroup and the Environmental Quality Board.

She holds a bachelor of science from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree in organizational management from Misericordia University.

Ms. Cipriani lives in West Wyoming, PA with her husband. They have two grown children.

Johnson College is proud to announce the promotion of Liz Renda as the College’s Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Renda began her career in higher education at Johnson College in 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Scranton.

Ms. Renda brings to the College over 15 years of accounting experience and involvement as a community leader. She volunteers annually with the Jude Zayac Foundation and is active in activities at St. Clare/St. Paul School in Scranton.

Ms. Renda is excited to continue her journey at Johnson College and said, “I fully support the College’s mission to provide a hands-on education that is affordable for all students. I look forward to working with the administration to carry out financial priorities that will positively impact the campus and our students.”

Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College is excited to continue working with Ms. Renda as she grows into her new role and said, “We are looking forward to Ms. Renda’s financial leadership and guidance as a part of Johnson College’s continued tradition of producing highly skilled technical graduates who have an immediate and direct effect on Northeast Pennsylvania.”

Ms. Renda resides in Scranton with her husband and two children.