Greater Hazleton CAN DO Mourns the Passing of W. Kevin O’Donnell
W. Kevin O’Donnell has been synonymous with CAN DO for almost 50 years. His passion and commitment to the organization was unwavering as he dedicated his life to serving the community and making a difference in the lives of so many. Notably, Kevin’s mastery of economic development was unmatched as Kevin was highly respected throughout economic development circles, not just in Hazleton or Northeastern Pennsylvania, but across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a whole.
Kevin’s tenure with CAN DO spanned for more than four and a half decades. He joined the organization as the second hired employee in 1973 – serving as the Assistant Director - under then Executive Director Joseph Yenchko. During his initial year with the organization, Kevin led the development of the area’s first synthetic fuels plant, the CAN DO Coal Gasification Facility, in 1974. In 1984, Kevin was promoted to the position of Executive Director, a title that in 1995 was changed to President & CEO, until his retirement in 2020. Kevin was one of the incorporators of the CAN DO Community Foundation, and the driving force behind the formation of the CAN BE (Community Association for New Business Entrepreneurship) Innovation Center – which encourages entrepreneurship through the launch of new businesses within the Greater Hazleton Area.
CAN DO announces partnership with Johnson College to bring new satellite campus to the Greater Hazleton Area
Greater Hazleton CAN DO partnered with Johnson College to address the area’s growing educational, economic, and industrial needs. Together, they are spearheading plans to introduce the college’s first-ever satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, located in Hazleton’s Humboldt Industrial Park.
CAN DO employees set to earn water and wastewater credentials
CAN DO staff members Evan McKenzie, Water Utility Specialist, and Daniel Bove, Wastewater Utility Specialist, recently passed their water and wastewater operator certification exams, which puts them on track to earn their Operator Certification within the coming months. To be eligible, McKenzie and Bove needed to meet all education requirements, pass the necessary examinations, and meet the operating experience requirements.