Maria Russoniello, Director of Development at Penn State Worthington Scranton, recently attended the Big Ten Fund Raisers Institute in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
The BTFRI is a premier forum for development leaders in higher education that offers an intensive retreat where attendees share successful practices, emerging challenges and techniques they use for meeting common goals, while honing their professional skills.
Mrs. Russoniello was chosen by senior management at the University to attend this year's BTFRI. In her current role at Worthington Scranton since 1987, she has successfully completed three university-wide fundraising campaigns.
The recipient of numerous awards, she was chosen as an Administrative Fellow for Penn State's Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations during the 2006-07 academic year; was awarded Penn State's Staff Excellence Award in 1997; received her division's Mentor Award in 2005; and was awarded Penn State's Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Service Award in 1998.
In addition, Mrs. Russoniello was also named Outstanding Fundraising Executive by the Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in 2007 and recognized for Excellence in Administrative Services by Worthington Scranton in 2012.
Her involvement in the community and profession has been extensive, including posts as National Philanthropy Day chair and vice president of the local AFP chapter; board chair of Leadership Lackawanna; a Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce board member; vice chair of the former Easter Seals of Northeast PA board; the Lackawanna County Commission for Women's Excellence in Education recognition; and a Finance/Campaign Committee member and cantor at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Moscow.
She resides in Moscow with her husband, Vincent. The couple has a daughter, Gina, currently a student at University of Pennsylvania Law School.
