West Central PA News

The Pennsylvania Senate has confirmed the reappointment of three current members of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Council of Trustees to new terms on the Council. Laurie Kuzneski, David Osikowicz, and Nathan Spade have been reappointed to continue service on the Council, which is responsible for financial oversight of the university and ensuring compliance of university policy with state law.

"The Council of Trustees does an outstanding job working to provide for the current and future stability of IUP," Senator Joe Pittman said. "I am very pleased the Senate acted to confirm the reappointment of Ms. Kuzneski, Mr. Osikowicz and Mr. Spade, with overwhelming support. I thank the trustees for their continued service and efforts to maintain high quality and affordable educational opportunities for students right here in Indiana."

Laurie Kuzneski, a 1993 graduate of IUP, has served on the council since 2018 and is the council's current vice chair and former treasurer. Kuzneski is a partner at Kuzneski Insurance Group. She is also active in her community and various organizations, such as Leadership Pittsburgh Inc., the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board Inc., the Board of Directors of Indiana Regional Medical Center, and the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Kuzneski has demonstrated her commitment to philanthropy by chairing the United Way of Indiana County fundraising campaign and serving on the United Way Board of Directors.

David Osikowicz has served on the council since July 1997 and is a former chairman of the council. He is the owner and CEO of Original Fuels, Inc., Valier Coal Yard, and Grange Lime and Stone. Osikowicz has been actively involved in his community, serving on the Punxsutawney Area School Board, being a member of various organizations such as the Punxsutawney Eagles Lodge, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Punxsutawney Sports Area Boosters Club. Together with his wife Deborah, Osikowicz played a crucial role in establishing the Mahoning Shadow Trail and serves on the Board of Directors for the Punxsutawney Chapter of Rails to Trails.

Nathan Spade, a 2001 political science graduate of IUP, has been a member of the Council since 2016. He currently serves as Vice President of External Affairs for UnitedHealth Group, leading state advocacy across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Spade has an extensive career in public service, having served as Governor Tom Wolf's Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs and as a staffer in both chambers of the General Assembly. He is also actively involved in his community, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in York County and as a Township Supervisor in Silver Spring Township in Cumberland County.

The reappointment of Laurie Kuzneski, David Osikowicz, and Nathan Spade to the Council of Trustees ensures the continuity of experienced and dedicated individuals who will continue to provide financial oversight and ensure compliance with state law at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Their commitment to their community and their respective fields of expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success and development of the university.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatorpittman.com/2024/01/02/three-iup-trustees-reappointed-by-pennsylvania-senate/