Release – Monday, November 17, 2025.
WELLSBORO, PA – The 2025 Change Maker Award Ceremony presented by Develop Tioga was held at the Deane Center in Wellsboro, on Thursday evening, November 13, 2025. During the event a number of individuals across Tioga County, PA, were recognized for their passion, drive, and positive changes they bring to their community, group/organization or job.
According to Develop Tioga, change doesn’t happen on its own. It takes someone who dares to dream differently, who sees opportunity where others see obstacles, and who turns ideas into action.
It is a great honor to recognize the people and organizations creating positive change in our community with the annual Change Maker Awards. As one winner said, “it’s not about the recognition, but it sure is appreciated to know that it’s making an impact.”
The impact of this year’s recipients is undeniable, improving the lives of families, pets, individuals, and even entire towns. Develop Tioga celebrated champions of workforce and employee development, innovation and continued legacies, inclusivity and vision, compassion and second chances, community pride and perseverance.
This year, there were a few new award categories and there was a record-breaking number of submissions telling Develop Tioga about individuals and businesses doing incredible work in local communities. The message was clear: there are Change Makers in every corner of Tioga County, and their efforts are seen and felt every single day.
The following are this year’s winners:
- Employer of the Year Award – Westlake Royal Building Products
- Best New Business Award – Up The Creek Farm Store LLC
- Excellence in Leadership Award – Elisabeth “Lis” Miranda – Blossburg Memorial Library
- Choice Award – “Community Impact Award” – Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries
- Change Maker Award – Stephanie Jacobson-English – Elkland Recreation Authority
- Rundell Award – Trish Wilkinson, Chair of the Board – Develop Tioga
- Kelchner Award – Kristin Hamilton – Executive Director – Develop Tioga
Thanks going out to everyone who shared stories of the Change Makers all around county and to those who came out to “Celebrate the Positives” on Thursday. Special thanks going out to the following:
Event sponsors: UPMC First Heritage Federal Credit Union C&N Laurel Health Centers FCCB The Ranch House The Fund for Northern Tier Development Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority Ron Butler
Venue and team: Deane Center for the Performing Arts, Dawn Kennedy-McClelland, Joe Callahan, and Robert Garrison
Floral arrangement designer: Sue Sticklin
Food and beverage providers: Wellsboro Area School District – High School Catering Club, led by James Mack, The Crowded Table Winery & Gifts, Yorkholo Brewing Company, The Willow Street Cafe and Bakery, Weis Markets Bakery
Music: Derek Young
Speakers: Keynote Speaker – CP Foster
Welcome & Awards: Trish Wilkinson, Jim Nobles, and Christine Francis
Photographers: Al Quimby, Emilee Reese, Ashley Dexter, and Carrie English
Programs: Mike at MU Print Shop
Awards: Main St. Engraving.
