Staff

David Pedri, President & CEO

David Pedri has dedicated his career to public service.  An attorney by trade, he accepted the County Manager position at Luzerne County in 2016.  In this role, David was the head of the Executive branch of government, overseeing 1,500 employees in 32 separate departments and a $300 Million annual budget. With David as the County Manager, Luzerne County made great strides both financially and organizationally, paying off over $250 Million in debt, achieving the highest credit rating in Luzerne County history, investing in County facilities and technology while revamping the Human Resources Department.  David also excelled at public outreach creating the Luzerne County Cares Community Expo, an annual event hosting over 600 Human Services providers and subscribers and the “Rockin’ on the River” concert series, a free annual outdoor gathering where over 6,000 citizens enjoy music and food in a County park.

Paul Oswald, Chief Operating Officer

Paul Oswald brings 25 years of for-profit and non-profit senior executive experience to The Luzerne Foundation.  More recently, Paul served as the Chief Development Officer for Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America.  During this time, Paul led and advised the Finance, Endowment & Foundations, and Operations Teams. Paul has successfully developed, organized and implemented investment strategies for managing restricted and unrestricted endowment funds and was a staff leader for developing the objectives and tactics of multiple strategic plans.

Paul is a graduate of Flagler College and enjoys traveling, playing golf, and caddying for daughter, Ella.

A lifelong resident of Luzerne County, Paul resides in Conyngham with his wife Mary. They have three children: Benjamin, New York City; Jack, Savannah Georgia; and Ella, student at Moravian University.

Being in the community for the benefit of the community remains important to Paul and his family.

Donna Eiden, Gifts & Scholarship Administrator

Donna joined The Luzerne Foundation in March of 2010. Prior to that, she worked as a recruiter and branch manager for a large staffing agency. She currently manages incoming gifts, coordinates over 70 scholarships, assists with grants, and provides exceptional donor and fundholder support. Donna has a B.S. in Secondary Education/English from The University of Scranton and enjoys being part of a progressive nonprofit organization that benefits so many in the community. Outside of work, Donna enjoys being outdoors and taking long walks, movies with friends and traveling with family. She resides in the Back Mountain with her husband, Jim; sons, Jason and Ryan; and chocolate lab, Zoe.

Debbie Buczynski, Finance Administrator

Debbie joined The Luzerne Foundation staff in December 2016 as our finance administrator. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from King’s College and has a proven track record in the field.  Her experience, strong work ethic, operational efficiencies, and attention detail has raised the bar on The Luzerne Foundation’s financial operations. Debbie very quickly mastered FIMS, a specialized software specific to community foundation operations.

Outside of the office, Debbie loves spending time outdoors with her husband Joe, and their college-aged children, Joseph, Adam, and Justine.

Jessica Suda Baab, Philanthropic Services Coordinator

Jessica Suda Baab was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  After receiving her BA in Theatre Arts: General Studies from West Chester University, she began working with KISS (Kids Innovating Stage and Sound) Theatre Company in Wilkes-Barre. Through her work at KISS and working creatively with the community, her appreciation for the nonprofit sector flourished. Collaborative endeavors allowed her to meet a diverse array of influential people working to support the arts and humanities. Jessica enjoys supporting community theatre, live music, and going on adventures with her husband, son, and dog. She is honored and thrilled to serve as the Philanthropic Services Coordinator for the Luzerne Foundation, and to work closely with a community she knows and loves.

Sylvia Strowe, Administrative Coordinator

Sylvia came to The Luzerne Foundation in April (July) 2019 and she is the first face that you will see when you enter into the Foundation’s building. Sylvia is originally from New Jersey, but has become a Pennsylvanian by way of California.  Sylvia is a career administrative associate and supports all the personnel at the Foundation, from writing correspondence to troubleshooting technological issues.  She enjoys working within an organization that does so much for so many.

When she is not in the office, Sylvia enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her four daughters, her grandchildren and her grand-fluffies.