Trust’s Current Directors
“I’m excited to be the newest director of the JCT. I recently returned to Elk County after graduating from Chatham University with a BA in political science and history, and I’m excited to give back and serve my home county and the community of Johnsonburg.
I care deeply about making rural communities places where young people can and want to stay; and I’m invested in preserving and promoting the history of our communities through the experiences of us—the people who live and work here.”
—Aidan Bobik
“I am starting my 5th year with the Trust and served 3 years as vice president. A long time native of this borough, I joined the Trust to help revitalize our town.
I'm very active in the community, as a volunteer firefighter and as a member of many other organizations in Johnsonburg and the area. I have also worked at Domtar for 39 years”
—Tim ‘Harv’ Davison
Vern Delong
Statement coming soon!
“Entering my fifth year as a dedicated director with the Johnsonburg Community Trust fills me with joy, with the privilege of serving as president for three of those years. As a fifth-generation resident of this remarkable Borough, my commitment to Johnsonburg's well-being is not simply a duty, but a deeply ingrained passion.
While my service to the Trust is a significant part of my life, I also find joy and fulfillment in other pursuits. I often retreat to my studio, where I express my creativity through crafting artisan jewelry, fiber art, leather carving and mixed media art. Each piece I create carries a bit of my heart and soul, much like the dedication I pour into my work for the Trust.
I firmly believe that by working together, with open hearts and a shared vision, we can continue to build upon Johnsonburg's rich heritage. Making it an even more thriving and vibrant community for generations to come in a place that truly feels like home is possible.”
—Stephanie Distler
“Excited to be in my second term with the Johnsonburg Community Trust, I am a Johnsonburg native who started in business at a young age.
I am treasurer, co-chair on the Rehabilitation and Public Relations/Marketing Committee.
I serve on several committees dealing with properties, own a beauty salon and look forward to a very productive 2025 with the Trust.”
—Dawn Karellas
“This is my fifth year on the Trust. I’ve been involved with historic restoration and community revitalization, in Elk County, since returning to my hometown a number of years ago.
I believe that the Borough of Johnsonburg has many great assets that can assist the region to overcome its challenges. As a proud fifth-generation, Elk-County native and area-business owner, I believe in regional growth and the preservation of our local communities.”
—Andrew Mohney
“This is my 4rth year as director on the JCT, as well as, my first term as Mayor of Johnsonburg.
You can often find me at local events meeting people from the region and volunteering as a firefighter with the Johnsonburg Fire Department.
Our local history has always fascinated me and being a part of revitalization projects throughout the borough. always excites me.”
—Mayor, Kyle Paget
“I’m so excited to be in my third year as a director with the Johnsonburg Community Trust!
I was born and raised in Johnsonburg, so this little town is near and dear to my heart.
I have always had a love for all things vintage and historic so being involved in the revitalization and restoration of downtown and the brick block is very important to me.
When not working with the Trust, you’ll find me spending time with my husband & two boys, as well as, scouring local estate sales, flea markets, yard sales & thrift stores for “junk”.
I love breathing new life into old objects. I am on social media, where I document all of my “junk’ in” adventures, at “The Rusted Rooster”.
—Lauren Pura
Sarah Schreiber
Statement coming soon!
“I served as Treasurer for the Trust the last 3 years and now chair of the Finance Committee.
There has been a huge revitalization effort in my hometown of Kane and I would love to see a similar renaissance take place in Johnsonburg. Before moving from Kane to Johnsonburg I served as president of the Kane Chamber of Commerce and and the Kane Rotary Club.
—Christina Tigani
Advisors
Christopher Bohley- partner at Hughes Bohley Engineering LLC, completed plans for the Brick Block/HEC
Christine Bressler- original JCT founding director, former Recreational Director of the Johnsonburg Community Center and Grant Manager.
Rick Delong- rehab/restorations/history
Vern Delong- rehab/restoration/events/history
Herb Distler- contractor- construction consultant
Thea Distler- anthropology with a focus on environmental sustainability - cultural resource management, heritage tourism and indigenous research regionally
Rachel Kilhoffer- former JCT director, and Borough Secretary
Ryan Miller- civil engineer/code enforcement officer for the borough
Jeff Parana- Brick-Block advisor, and Potomac Development Group principal.
David Taylor- Historic Preservation Consultant and Grant Writer.
Brandon Waterman- electrical contractor and communications
Matt Quesenberry- now Emeritus and past director 1/22 to 2024, Elk County Commissioner