Trust’s Current Directors
“I am starting my 4th year with the Trust and 3rd year serving as Vice President. A long time native of this borough, I joined the Trust to help revitalize our town.
I'm very active in the community, as a volunteer firefighter and as a member of many other organizations in Johnsonburg and the area. I have also worked at Domtar for 39 years”
—Tim ‘Harv’ Davison
“I’m starting my forth year as a director with the Johnsonburg Community Trust and fifth-generation native of the Borough. You may find me creating artisan jewelry in my studio, working on revitalization projects for the Trust or researching for upcoming projects.
I am incredibly excited to start working on heritage/history displays, open houses, classes and events for the Heritage Education Center
—Stephanie Distler
“Originally from St. Marys, I have recently moved back to the area with my husband and son. My husband, Jason, is originally from Johnsonburg. As a family we spend a good deal of time here and at our camp located in Rasselas.
Also, a nurse practitioner, I have worked in a family practice for years and have recently accepted a position at the VA in Dubois.
As part of my new role as director of the JCT I am co-chairing on the Events Committee and can’t wait to be a part of the ever growing line-up of successful yearly events!”
—Becky Durian
“I am excited to be on my 2nd term with the Johnsonburg Community Trust and now co-chair of the Grant Committee. I moved to the area 4 ½ years ago from a big city. Originally though
I am from the Village of Lewiston, a small town up in Western New York. I have watched my town change through the years for the better and hope to bring those fresh ideas to the area to help Johnsonburg grow.
I have the belief that a town is not only made by the people of it but also the businesses within, whether big or small. If other small towns can do it so can Johnsonburg.“
--- Shannon Gittermann
“Going in to my 2nd year as a director with the Johnsonburg Community Trust and co-chair of the Event Committee. Being originally from Brookville, I have lived in Johnsonburg for the past 8 years.
For 2024 I am co-chairing the events committee. Previously serving on the Design & Grant Committees I have helped to obtain funding for Trust projects and assisted in designing the extension for our community garden.
Some of my future goals for the Trust include a fall festival at Bendigo and bringing the small town/Hallmark Christmas movie vibe to downtown Johnsonburg.”
—- Arianne Iorfido
“Excited to be starting my second term with the Johnsonburg Community Trust, I am a Johnsonburg native who started in business at a young age.
I am Secretary, co-chair on the Rehabilitation Committee, chair of the Finance Committee and Public Relations/Marketing Committee.
I serve on several committees dealing with properties, own a beauty salon and look forward to a very productive 2024 with the Trust.”
—Dawn Karellas
“This is my forth year on the Trust. I’ve been involved with historic restoration and community revitalization, in Elk County, since returning to my hometown a number of years ago.
I believe that the Borough of Johnsonburg has many great assets that can assist the region to overcome its challenges. As a proud fifth-generation, Elk-County native and area-business owner, I believe in regional growth and the preservation of our local communities.”
—Andrew Mohney
“This is my 3rd year as director on the JCT, as well as, my first term as Mayor of Johnsonburg.
You can often find me at local events meeting people from the region and volunteering as a firefighter with the Johnsonburg Fire Department.
Our local history has always fascinated me and I am looking forward in being a part of revitalization projects throughout the borough.”
—Mayor, Kyle Paget
“I’m so excited to be starting my second year as a director with the Johnsonburg Community Trust!
I was born and raised in Johnsonburg, so this little town is near and dear to my heart.
I have always had a love for all things vintage and historic so being involved in the revitalization and restoration of downtown and the brick block is very important to me.
When not working with the Trust, you’ll find me spending time with my husband & two boys, as well as, scouring local estate sales, flea markets, yard sales & thrift stores for “junk”.
I love breathing new life into old objects. I am on social media, where I document all of my “junk’ in” adventures, at “The Rusted Rooster”.
—Lauren Pura
“I have been treasurer of the JCT for the last 2 years now and will continue for 2024.
There has been a huge revitalization effort in my hometown of Kane and I would love to see a similar renaissance take place in Johnsonburg. Before moving from Kane to Johnsonburg I served as president of the Kane Chamber of Commerce and and the Kane Rotary Club.
—Christina Tigani
Advisors
Christopher Bohley- partner at Hughes Bohley Engineering LLC, completed plans for the Brick Block/HEC
Christine Bressler- original JCT founding director, former Recreational Director of the Johnsonburg Community Center and Grant Manager.
Rick Delong- rehab/restorations/history
Vern Delong- rehab/restoration/events/history
Herb Distler- contractor- construction consultant
Thea Distler- anthropology with a focus on environmental sustainability - cultural resource management, heritage tourism and indigenous research regionally
Rachel Kilhoffer- former JCT director, and Borough Secretary
Ryan Miller- civil engineer/code enforcement officer for the borough
Jeff Parana- Brick-Block advisor, and Potomac Development Group principal.
David Taylor- Historic Preservation Consultant and Grant Writer.
Brandon Waterman- electrical contractor and communications
Matt Quesenberry- now Emeritus and past director 1/22 to 2024, Elk County Commissioner