About Us
Learn about our mission, history, and leadership team.
Our Mission
- To maintain an administrative framework for planning neighborhood improvements;
- To be an advocacy group for Lewisburg neighborhoods;
- To plan for long-term reinvestment while preserving historic aspects of the community;
- To facilitate public/private communication and cooperation to strengthen community ties and improve neighborhood appearance, property values, safety, and quality of life; and
- To work in partnership with the Borough of Lewisburg to secure funds and to identify, prioritize, and oversee the implementation of neighborhood projects.
Our History
Lewisburg Neighborhoods works to make our community safer, more livable and more walkable.
Formed in 2006 to tackle frequent flooding and blight in the Bull Run Neighborhood, Lewisburg Neighborhoods has brought in more than $4 million in grant funding for projects like the Bull Run Greenway and the streetscape projects on S. 5th and 7th Streets.
We have since expanded the scope of our organization to encompass all of Lewisburg.
Board Members & Staff
The Lewisburg Neighborhoods Board of Directors consists of from 9 to 13 people who are committed to the mission of the organization. The board holds six public business meetings each year. In addition, board members assist with other aspects of the organization, participating in project committees, helping with events, supporting volunteer activities, and being community ambassadors for the organization.
According to the by-laws, two seats are reserved for Borough Council Members, one for the Borough Mayor, and two for Bucknell University representatives. The other seats are held by interested Borough residents, with the option of one at-large director who is not a Borough resident.
Fill out an application to be considered for a position on the board.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEBRA SULAI
Debra Sulai moved to Lewisburg in 2015 and previously served as a board member of Lewisburg Neighborhoods and represented Ward 3 on Lewisburg's Borough Council. She began her career working in municipal government in Multnomah County (Portland), Oregon, her hometown, which gave her experience in transportation and land use planning, public safety and criminal justice, affordable housing, and social service provision, as well as an enduring passion for local government. She taught ethics at the university level in Chicago, Albany, NY, and at Bucknell and Bloomsburg Universities. In her leisure time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, travelling, baking, and reading. Debra is thrilled to be leading Lewisburg Neighborhoods through its next chapter and hopes to ensure that LN's resources are available to all residents.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
JESSIE LEE BILGER
Jessie Lee Bilger is a proud Lewisburg native who earned her degree in International Business from Bloomsburg University and furthered her studies at the University of Essex, specializing in marketing strategies. She serves as Director of Marketing & Community Engagement for Lewisburg Neighborhoods, where she leads the organization's marketing, communications, partnerships, and public outreach efforts. Passionate about building connections, Jessie Lee works to engage residents, businesses, and community organizations through creative storytelling and meaningful community initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, spending time outdoors, volunteering, creating content, and striking up conversations with just about anyone... often making a new friend before the conversation is over.
BOARD MEMBER
TAYLOR LIGHTMAN
A previous director of Lewisburg Neighborhoods, Taylor has been active in Lewisburg civic life for many years. He is passionate about enhancing active transportation and connectivity between Lewisburg and surrounding destinations, enhancing quality of life in Lewisburg through community engagement, and working on the nuts and bolds of creating a better future.
With a background in sustainability and disaster risk management, Taylor now works for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
BOARD MEMBER
ANDREW SNYDER
Born and raised in Lewisburg, Andrew Snyder graduated from Lewisburg Area High School in 2011 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University in 2015. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Transportation Services at Bucknell University and brings more than 10 years of experience in transportation and logistics. His professional interests include focusing on improving transportation services and accessibility in the Lewisburg community. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and sim racing.
BOARD MEMBER
Ted Hamilton (he/him) is an English professor at Bucknell and an attorney working in the climate justice movement. Since moving to Lewisburg in 2022, he’s enjoyed the Borough’s terrestrial and aquatic attractions, and is hoping to make the town a safe, equitable, and healthy place for future generations.
BOARD MEMBER
SAMANTHA PEARSON
Samantha Pearson has been involved in various capacities with Lewisburg Neighborhoods since she moved to the Borough in 2003, initially with the Lewisburg Neighborhood Task Force and later with the non-profit that evolved from it. Her background is in design and planning with a special interest in sustainability. She currently runs PA WalkWorks, a statewide active transportation program promoting public health through expanded walking and wheeling networks to safely access everyday destinations.
BOARD MEMBER
KENDY ALVAREZ
The Honorable Kendy Alvarez is the Mayor of the Borough of Lewisburg. She works in finance and housing and is a Lewisburg and Bucknell University alumna. She has great enthusiasm for all things Lewisburg.
BOARD MEMBER
HALEY STANKO
Native of Lewisburg, Haley Stanko moved away for university but discovered that her heart was really at home in Lewisburg. She joined the board of Lewisburg Neighborhoods to work on housing affordability and availability and to focus on issues relevant to younger adults in the community.
BOARD MEMBER
LORI WILSON
BOARD MEMBER
Maureen "Moe" McGuinness is the Associate Vice President & Fritz Family Dean of Students at Bucknell University. Passionate about student advocacy and community engagement, Moe is recognized for her compassionate leadership and collaborative spirit. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships, creating inclusive opportunities, and strengthening connections between Bucknell University and the Lewisburg community.
Our Partners
We are grateful to our partners and sponsors.
Members of the community working together to preserve natural settings and streetscapes, strengthen ties among neighbors, and improve the quality of life in Lewisburg for residents and visitors.
GET IN TOUCH
Lewisburg Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 298
Lewisburg, PA 17837
PRIORITIES
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