Todd Pousley

What’s your current position?

I was promoted to Director of Community Development in January after serving as Community Development Manager at NeighborWorks Northeastern PA for 6 years. In this role, I manage NeighborWorks’ place-based community development work, which is aimed at improving communities with the help of the residents who live there. We are currently targeting West Scranton (where I live) and Carbondale. I also oversee our Beautiful Blocks program, which encourages neighbors to work together to improve their homes and neighborhoods.

2. What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?  What are you most passionate about? 

I’m passionate about improving my community. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. In my role at NeighborWorks and as a board member for organizations like Leadership Lackawanna and Friends of the Poor, I have the opportunity to improve people’s lives and the communities they live in each and every day.

3. Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?

I grew up in Bucks County outside Philadelphia and came to Scranton to study graphic design at Marywood University. I fell in love with the area and decided to stay in Scranton after I graduated. I later returned to Marywood to obtain a Master’s in Public Administration. I also graduated from the University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Program.

4. Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?

Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks’ President &CEO, was a mentor to me long before I joined the NeighborWorks team. He provided a lot of valuable advice to me when I was board chair of Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County and trying to revive the struggling, all-volunteer organization. Later, when I decided to shift my career focus from marketing to nonprofit management, he guided me through the transition, helping me develop career goals and identify job opportunities.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? Describe your experience. What has your involvement with Leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

A professor at Marywood told me about Leadership Lackawanna when I was studying for my master’s. I participated in the core program, class of 2016. It was an incredible experience. I met a lot of great people, some of whom became close friends. After graduating, I became a project advisor and one Advisor of the Year in 2019. I later joined the board of directors, where I have served for 8 years. I’m currently the chair of the selection committee that reviews applications and selects participants for the Core Program and Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.

Let’s get personal: tell us your favorite movie, favorite book, favorite TV show, favorite NEPA landmark, or favorite local restaurant!

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Restaurant: Native (Honesdale)
NEPA landmark: Top of the World