Lauren Rusen
What’s your current position?
I’m the Loyalty Program Marketing Manager at Benco Dental. I’ve been with Benco for 9 years, and in my current role for 3.5 years. I manage our loyalty programs, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop and market initiatives such as rewards points, promotions, discounts, rebates, and reporting. A key part of my role is training our sales team to demonstrate the value Benco provides and how our programs can enhance partnerships with customers and support the community.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do? What are you most passionate about?
What drives me most is the people I work with and the opportunity to provide training. I work alongside some amazing colleagues and customers who teach me something new every day. I’m passionate about educating them on Benco, our Select program, and the value we bring. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness those "aha" moments when someone fully grasps the bigger picture.
Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?
I grew up in South Carolina, but my family is originally from the Lehigh Valley area. I attended Elizabethtown College near Hershey, PA, and fell in love with the small-town feel. I eventually moved to NEPA after meeting my husband, and we decided to start our family here.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?
My younger sister has had the biggest influence on me. When she was just 16, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and watching her face such an immense challenge with grace and resilience shaped who I am today. She went into remission and became an advocate for childhood cancer awareness, inspiring me with her strength and involvement in the community, especially through organizations like Relay for Life and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? ?
I learned about Leadership Lackawanna through several co-workers who had gone through the program. After settling in NEPA, I wanted to get more involved in the community, so I joined the Core class of 2019. The experience was invaluable—it taught me teamwork, introduced me to local demographics, and even involved hands-on skills like carpentry and electrical work! Since graduating, I’ve advised other groups and served on the board for the past four years. Watching various projects come together post-graduation has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s exciting to see the positive impact they have on the NEPA area.
Let’s get personal: tell us your favorite movie, favorite book, favorite TV show, favorite NEPA landmark, or favorite local restaurant!
That’s a tough one! For movies, I’m a big fan of The Sandlot and A League of Their Own—I might be a bit of a baseball enthusiast. As for food, Café Soriano’s is our family’s go-to spot for pasta nights, and for pizza, we love La Padrinos in Archbald.