James A. Penna
Johnstown,PA
Summary
Strategic-thinking individual with strong interpersonal and public speaking skills. Proven track record in identifying and achieving goals of 13th largest Fortune 500 company both as a team leader and team member. Experience in handling a wide range of subject matter challenges with ability to adapt quickly, understand changing landscapes and implement measures in a fast-paced environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
President/Startup Founder
Penna Solutions
Johnstown, PA
04.2024 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive organizational growth.
- Oversaw development and implementation of company-wide policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
- Fostered partnerships with stakeholders to align business objectives and promote collaborative efforts.
- Spearheaded market analysis and competitive research to inform business strategy and decision-making.
Pennsylvania State Director Government Affairs
Eos Energy Systems
East Pittsburgh, United States
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Spearheaded critical projects including PA Department of Community and Economic Development negotiations and presentations to fund $55 million expansion.
- Represented Eos at conferences, meetings, and other events to establish relationships with external partners instrumental in furthering legislative agenda.
Director of External and Legislative Affairs
AT&T
Western Pennsylvania. , Headquartered In Pittsburgh, PA
04.2013 - 09.2023
- Managed local, state, and federal relationships that benefit the programs and policies of AT&T in 29 Pennsylvania Counties.
- Enabled effective policy change and implementation through creation of third party and grassroots support.
- Increased recognition and reputation of company brand through both direct dialogue with stakeholders and large-scale public speaking engagements.
- Coordinated media communications and events in partnership with public affairs.
- Led crisis communications and media relations activities in response to challenging situations.
- Collaborated with over one hundred organizations dedicated to closing digital divide, early childhood education, public safety and social justice initiatives while delivering over $800,000 of foundation grants in support of those efforts.
District Director for Congressman Mark S. Critz
United States House Of Representatives
Washington, DC
05.2010 - 01.2013
- Established strategies, plans and activities in district for Member.
- Filled primary leadership role within district in handling staff while addressing wide ranging constituent services.
- Developed and implemented policy objectives in Congressman's district while directing all office staff serving over 760,000 constituents.
- Built consensus among local and state office holders for economic development priorities.
- Presented on behalf of Member in public, private and media settings.
- Credited in part for surprise primary victory following redistricting that titled 2 to 1 in favor of incumbent opponent, winning 52% of vote.
News Director/News Anchor
ABC/FOX , Peak Media
Altoona/Johnstown/State College Metro, PA
01.1999 - 11.2009
- Assigned stories, delegated work and edited pieces.
- Assisted team members with researching stories, finding guests and conducting interviews.
- Wrote and delivered up to 20 daily pieces in deadline-driven environment.
- Oversaw development of as many as 200 stories each week.
- As senior anchor presented developments in stories during live broadcasts and pre-recorded programming.
- Specialized in political reporting, investigative news and long form multi segment feature presentations.
- Credited by United Steel Workers of America for saving pensions of 800 members through investigative efforts.
- Was first news shop in country to refuse to air O.J. Simpson murder denial special, replacing with and creating documentary on domestic violence.
Relevant Experience
Boards, Awards And Volunteerism
Western, PA
07.2007 - Current
- Founder/Lecturer B3D , digital decency programming for education professionals and high school students aimed at reducing screen usage. (current)
- Director of Communications Office of Mayor, City of Harrisburg.
- Board Member Ken Lantzy All Star Football Classic.
- Past Board member Conemaugh Creighton Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit. Improved patient safety and facility rating..
- Board Member Outstanding Young Woman Scholarship Pageant awarding $250,000 in scholarship funding.
- Broadcast Award winner Radio and Television.
- Author and playwright
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA08.1986
Skills
- Strong public speaker
- Can quickly grasp complicated issues with ability to explain those issues in clear, concise and simplified form
- Consensus builder
- Anticipate issues and outcomes of proposed strategies
Timeline
President/Startup Founder
Penna Solutions
04.2024 - Current
Pennsylvania State Director Government Affairs
Eos Energy Systems
10.2023 - 05.2024
Director of External and Legislative Affairs
AT&T
04.2013 - 09.2023
District Director for Congressman Mark S. Critz
United States House Of Representatives
05.2010 - 01.2013
Relevant Experience
Boards, Awards And Volunteerism
07.2007 - Current
News Director/News Anchor
ABC/FOX , Peak Media
01.1999 - 11.2009
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Indiana University of Pennsylvania