Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc. is ushering in a new chapter for its Economic Development Department, strengthening its leadership structure with two internal promotions and a key new hire. Under the direction of Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, the changes help to align the department’s operations with CAN DO’s long-term vision, allowing the team to more effectively manage business attraction, retention, and community development initiatives.
As part of this transition, Nico Makuta has been promoted to Economic Development Manager, Ana Perez to Program Coordinator, and Tina Huang has joined the team as Economic Development Assistant. This follows CAN DO’s newly executed management agreement with the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP) which expands the department’s oversight to include downtown revitalization efforts.
The promotion of Makuta and Perez into supervisory positions aligns the department’s growing portfolio of responsibilities, including marketing and community relations, real estate and prospecting, business retention and expansion, business financing and entrepreneurship, downtown development, and workforce development.
“This positions our team for long-term success,” said Sterenchock. “Nico, Ana, and Tina bring an incredible mix of experience, dedication, and fresh energy to the table. Their expanded roles allow us to work smarter, be more responsive, and maximize our impact across the region.”
Makuta, now serving as Economic Development Manager, takes on a more strategic leadership role, overseeing DHAP’s administration, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, and business financing programs.
“CAN DO has given me the opportunity to take on new challenges that directly contribute to the region’s economic development. I’m eager to continue working alongside our team to support businesses and drive community growth,” Makuta said.
Perez, in her new role as Program Coordinator, will lead marketing, branding, and workforce development efforts, as well as oversee signature event planning and programming for CAN DO and its affiliated organizations.
“I’ve always been passionate about creating connections between businesses, students, and entrepreneurs,” said Perez. “This role allows me to do exactly that: build meaningful programs that foster opportunity.”
To further support CAN DO’s evolving initiatives, Tina Huang joins the department as Economic Development Assistant, transitioning from her previous role as a marketing intern. In her new position, she will focus on social media, digital marketing, and real estate administration.
"I'm excited to officially join CAN DO in this expanded role,” said Huang. “This team does incredible work to support economic development, and I look forward to contributing to that mission.”
Meanwhile, Marketing Communication Specialist Miguel Polanco will continue managing CAN DO’s event planning and community relations strategy, ensuring the organization’s presence remains strong throughout the region.
"Our role in the community goes beyond economic development – it’s about building relationships and creating engagement,” said Polanco. “I’m proud to be part of a team that is making a real difference.”
With several key divisions under its umbrella, CAN DO’s Economic Development team remains steadfast in the organization's overall mission of advancing Greater Hazleton’s economic vitality. The addition of downtown revitalization efforts through DHAP’s management agreement further cements CAN DO’s role as a driving force behind regional progress.
"The strength of this team lies in its dedication, adaptability, and shared commitment to CAN DO’s mission," said organizational President & CEO, Joseph Lettiere. "This realignment empowers us to be even more collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking in how we serve the community, ensuring that our initiatives continue to drive meaningful, lasting impact for Greater Hazleton."
