Meet Our Board

David DeCaria

President, DeCaria's on Fifth

David DeCaria is a lifelong resident of Ellwood City married to Donna and father of daughter Kathryn and son Damien who is married to Kelly. They have four children. He is the owner and Artistic Director of DeCaria’s on 5th Hairstyling Salon located in Ellwood City. As the current president of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, David is the creator of the Pride In Ellwood (P.I.E.) initiative. He is also acting chairperson of the annual 5th Grade Walking Tour and 6th Grade Ewing-park-a-palooza. The goal of these events is to give our young people a sense of history, ownership and pride in their community. He has served as a member of the steering committee for The Towne Center Associates program through the borough in 2012/2013 for the development of the downtown marketplace. A councilman for the past two years he has furthered the Towne Center revitalization and development project. He is an active member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic church and serves there as a Eucharist minister, Lector and as a pianist and organist in the music ministry. As part of the community effort at Christ Church he also serves as the organist for The Boar’s Head Festival.

Sarah A. Burns

1st Vice President, Ellwood Group, Inc.

Sarah has been a Quality Engineer with the Ellwood City Forge Group since early 2019. Sarah attended Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA, where she received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management. She has been on the Board of Visitors for the Robert Morris University School of Engineering, Math and Science since 2015 and was a member of the Leadership Lawrence County Class of 2019-2020. Sarah has been a resident of Elwood City since 2016, where she lives with her husband, Daniel and their three dogs.

Matt Reider

2nd Vice President, Heartbeat Websites

Matt Reider started Heartbeat Websites in 2014 with a simple goal: helping businesses and organizations have websites that are easy to manage, easy to use, and actually help them grow. Over the years, he’s had the opportunity to work with clients across the country, partnering with businesses and nonprofits on website strategy, WordPress and HubSpot development, redesigns, and ongoing website support.

Along with running Heartbeat Websites, Matt also works with a marketing agency where he helps nonprofit organizations improve their websites and support their fundraising efforts.

After being a member of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce for several years, Matt decided it was time to get more involved and give back to a community that has supported both him and his business. He’s passionate about helping local businesses succeed and believes strong relationships are at the heart of a thriving community.

Matt lives in North Sewickley Township with his wife, Mindy, and their two sons, Cameron and Caden.

Melissa Johns

Past President, Blooming Beauty Boutique

Melissa is the owner of Blooming Beauty Boutique and is so proud to be part of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce.

What started as a passion for skincare and helping others feel confident in their own skin has grown into something so much more than a business. Blooming Beauty is a space where clients can come to relax, feel cared for, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves. I’ve built my studio with the intention of creating a warm, welcoming environment—never intimidating, always inviting—where every client feels comfortable and truly seen.

Outside of the treatment room, she is a wife and a mom, and family is at the center of everything she does. They are her biggest support system and the reason she’s worked so hard to grow my business into what it is today. Balancing entrepreneurship and family life isn’t always easy, but it’s something she is incredibly proud of.

Melissa is also passionate about supporting other small businesses and being part of a strong, connected community. She truly believes that when local businesses support each other, everyone thrives.

Being part of the Ellwood City Chamber is an exciting opportunity to continue growing, building relationships, and giving back to the community that has supported her along the way.

William R. Scott

Treasurer, Baird

Ricie Scott was born and raised in Ellwood City, and is currently living in Harmony. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2015, went on to Butler County Community College in 2017, and then Clarion University in 2019. Currently, he is working as a Financial Advisor for Chamber member, Baird, where they provide comprehensive financial planning for individuals and families. Ricie is looking to serve a bigger role in the Chamber and community. He believes as a younger member of the Chamber, that he can help provide new ideas and help with future events.

Stephanie Muntean

Howard Hanna Real Estate

Stephanie is a lifelong resident of Ellwood City, and has been in business here as a Realtor for 34 years. Stephanie strives to bring new homeowners and new businesses to our community, and she loves our town, and is devoted to making it a great community. Stephanie is on Multi-Million Dollar Producer, Voted 5 Star Professional Agent by Pittsburgh Magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017,2018, and 2019. She was voted Fan Favorite Realtor in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2018, and Top Team of the Cranberry Office in 2016.

Janet Falotico

Visit Lawrence County

Janet Falotico is the Executive Director at Visit Lawrence County. She has served as a Director of the Board with the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce since 2006. She is active on the Chef’s Wine & Ale Event and Marketing Committees, and has served on committees for the Golf Outing. Prior to becoming a Board member, Janet has helped to promote Ellwood City through her job at Visit Lawrence County. She has served as a board member of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, New Castle Playhouse and New Visions of Lawrence County. Her current and/or past community groups include: Women Connect of Lawrence County, Chairman of the Entertainment Committee for the New Castle Downtown Business Association, Chairman of the Fireworks Festival in New Castle, Pittsburgh Regional Champion, Product Development Committee for Pittsburgh and Its Countryside, Committee for Oktoberfest at Camp Kon-O-Kwee and New Castle Playhouse Grievance Committee.
“I am truly excited for the direction of the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce and the city itself. I am devoted to its success and promoting this wonderful community!

Shawn C. Leopardi

CORE 3 GROUP

Shawn C. Leopardi is president of CORE 3 GROUP — a marketing/branding agency he established in 2009. Leopardi served the corporate world in creative direction and business development roles for over 20 years — working primarily for Michael Baker Corporation (Pittsburgh) and ABC Imaging (Washington DC). Leopardi holds a master’s degree from Geneva College. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with a host of clients from our region to South Florida to the Midwest to New York City. Based on my marketing and strategic business planning background, I believe I can bring value to the chamber.”

Jonathon McElwain

McElwain Motor Car Company

Jonathon was born and raised in the Ellwood City area graduating from Riverside High School in 2009. He then attended and ran cross country/track for Duquesne University graduating from there with a degree in marketing. Jonathon began working for his family’s dealership at age 15. He has worked in multiple positions throughout the dealership and is currently a salesman at McElwains. Outside of work, Jonathon is happily married to his wife Jade McElwain. He sits on the board of directors for Club Hope and still enjoys running. Jonathon enjoys getting to know the people in our community. He is incredibly excited to join the chamber of commerce where he can continue to become even more involved in the town that holds such a special place in his heart.

Angela Shaffer

Wesbanco

Angela Shaffer is a lifelong resident of Ellwood City, where she and her husband Mark proudly make their home. She serves as the Office Manager for WesBanco on Lawrence Avenue, bringing warmth, dedication, and decades of experience to her role. Angela began her banking career in 1989 shortly after graduating from Lincoln High School, and she has been committed to supporting local customers and strengthening community relationships ever since.

After spending many years contributing to Ellwood City’s Earth Day Committee, Angela was thrilled to expand her service by joining the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce Board. She looks forward to playing an even greater role in promoting community growth and engagement throughout the area she cares so deeply about.

Seth Prentice

Armstrong

Seth has worked for Armstrong for 10 years with the past 2.5 years out of the Zelienople office as the Community Marketing Manager. His role is vital in connecting the local office to the community thru many initiatives including: product and services, company programs such as Breaking Bread & Healing Heroes, promoting non-profits and organizations to help spread their message. Seth recently completed Leadership Butler County program as Class Chair and the class partnered with Glade Run Adventures in Zelienople. They fundraised over $30,000.00 to replace the footing surfaces in both of Glade Run horse arenas to ensure their Autistic programs for children & adults can continue for the next 20-25 years. Seth is an active Rotarian for the Rich-Mar Club and currently is serving as the International Chair for the club. He also serves on the Young Professional Committee, known as HYPE, for the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. Seth’s past experience on Board of Directors includes: Penn State Fayette Alumni Society (President 2013-2016), Council on Substance Abuse in Youth for Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol (Media Chair 2015-2018), Wesley Health Clinic Board of Directors 2016-2017, Scottdale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2015-2017), Mount Pleasant Business District Authority Board Member (2017) Seth recently hosted Armstrong’s 50th Anniversary of Operation in Ellwood City in August. He worked with the Ellwood City Chamber to make this a huge success! He also hosts a weekly podcast called “Armstrong In The Loop Podcast” featuring interesting people, places and events. Ellwood City Chamber was featured on the August 12th episode to promote upcoming events & membership!

Rhiannon Schnell

The Borough of Ellwood City

Hello! My name is Rhiannon Schnell. I am 43 and married with 2 furbabies. I work for the Borough of Ellwood City as the Secretary to Public Works and Code Enforcement. I previously worked for McElwain Motors for 12 years.

I enjoy fundraising for various causes and love being involved in anything fun! Some of my causes include Walk MS, Chemo Comfort for Cancer Patients and Toys for Tots.

Ellwood is my hometown and where my husband’s business resides. This community is extremely important to me and I am full of hometown pride! I would love to be involved in bringing our town together for many more years of memories and smiles!

Danielle Edwards

Laine Photography

Looking for someone passionate about growing Ellwood City, then Danielle (Norton) Edwards is your go-to person! She’s a true local, deeply connected to the place she calls home. Danielle has been involved in community events since a young age and comes from a long line of people passionate about serving Ellwood City. For over a decade she has been sharing her talents and capturing memories with local residents through her business, Laine Photography. And now, as she approaches the second anniversary of her studio location right in the heart of Ellwood City, she is taking an even more active role in our chamber as well, and taking her passion for service to the next level. Danielle is a proud mom and wife. Her two active kiddos are busy making their way through the Ellwood City School District, where she also works as a substitute teacher.

John Elms

Think3 Technologies, LLC

John has over 15 years of IT experience performing a variety of technology and security-related roles. He has worked with clients in multiple industries including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, Automobile Dealerships, Start-Ups, and Law Offices. John leads the IT Managed Services Providers Group and helps with the development of client technology strategies and solutions.

Vanessa Venezie

Venezie Sporting Goods

Meet Vanessa Venezie: Graduating from Lincoln High School in 2005, Vanessa went on to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. There she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations, along with a minor in Psychology. Vanessa also holds a Food and Beverage Operations Certificate from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

After graduation, she worked for Jefferson Memorial Cemetery and Funeral Home as a Marketing Director and Pet Funeral Director. Prior to filling the role as Store Manager at Venezie’s, she went from student to employee, becoming a Financial Counselor for the Art Institute’s Online Division. Vanessa’s well-rounded education and career paths have allowed her to run Venezie Sporting Goods with confidence.

One of the privileges of working at a store that does custom apparel is that you are exposed to countless encouraging and heartwarming causes. Some memorable fundraisers that Venezie’s has had the opportunity to be involved with are Kyree’s Dream Team, Austin Strong, Jamie Barile’s Wilsons Disease Golf Outing, and Team Bailey; however, her list doesn’t end there!

Even though Vanessa lived in Pittsburgh for 10 years, Ellwood City still had her heart, and she moved back in July 2015 to begin her adventure with Venezie Sporting Goods. In such a short amount of time, she has seen the store rapidly expand to 20 employees, 18 full-time and 2 part-time. She has also had the opportunity to cultivate countless relationships with residents of Ellwood and the surrounding areas. When asked about a favorite aspect of her role, she tells us, “I love the satisfaction I get when an order goes from start to finish with the end result being a happy customer. Every process that we put into place helps make for the best experience for our customers, and that is of the utmost importance. My employees mean the absolute world to me with how much they care about their work, which goes a long way on and off the clock.”

When Vanessa is not managing the store, she enjoys spending time with her family especially her daughter, Perla Belle and her son Elio. She enjoys activities such as running, golfing, and going to the beach with her family. She is also the Secretary of the Board for the Club Hope Foundation Inc.

Vanessa is also an avid concert go-er as music was her first love as she also is the lead vocalist of the band, The Look.

Katelyn Dominelli

Keller Williams Steel City

Katelyn Dominelli is a lifelong resident of Ellwood City with deep family roots in the community she proudly calls home. She currently serves as a Team Leader with Keller Williams Steel City, is the owner of D4 Investment Properties, and the Chief Operating Officer of Psych-Med Associates. With a Master of Science in Psychology and a professional background that includes over a decade in real estate along with multiple managerial and business consulting roles, Katelyn brings a diverse and strategic perspective to local business and community development.

Katelyn and her husband and business partner, Curt, live in Ellwood City and are the proud parents of two teenage sons and two beloved family pets. Together, they have invested heavily in the community, with the majority of their real estate investments located within Ellwood City. Katelyn is passionate about supporting the growth and success of local businesses, sponsoring several area non-profit organizations and youth sports programs, and promoting the many opportunities Ellwood City offers to both residents and visitors.

With strong generational ties to the area (including her grandfather’s role as a founding member and longtime chair of Ellwood City’s annual 4th of July Festival), Katelyn is committed to continuing her family’s legacy of community involvement. She is especially passionate about attracting new families, supporting economic growth, and highlighting Ellwood City through various platforms as a vibrant place to live, work, and do business.