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Ron Coffman and Garrett Smith have joined Keller Engineers, Inc. as transportation construction inspectors.
Coffman has more than 20 years of construction related experience, including working as an equipment operator for many Pennsylvania Department of Transportation projects. He also holds certification as a Concrete Finisher from the American Concrete Institute and completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.
Smith is a graduate of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management. His prior experience includes operating construction machinery. In preparation for this role, he also completed the 12 TA-TCI Modules.
Tami Chadick has been named as program manager of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneur's Academy (YEA!). She replaces Tim Gildea who retired from the position.
Chadick, who has facilitated the Chamber's Leadership Blair County Youth program for 20 years, will now also be adding the YEA! program to her list.
Awards and honors
James Pilosky of Grassflat and Jason Tyler of Tyrone, employees from PennDOT's District 2, which represents Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties, recently received the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT's highest recognition.
Pilosky began his employment with PennDOT in the District 2 Survey Unit in November 2021. Tyler began his PennDOT career in 2008 as a Transportation Construction Inspector, later advancing to Transportation Construction Inspector Supervisor in 2014.
John Ventura, president of the Altoona Grand Hotel, has been recognized on Boutique Hotelier's Power List 2025 in the category of Business Leader. The annual Power List highlights the most influential figures shaping the boutique hospitality industry.
Ventura purchased the former Sheraton in 2014 and transformed it into the Altoona Grand Hotel, now a premier destination for lodging, dining, weddings and entertainment in Blair County.
What sets Ventura apart is his hands-on approach to leadership. Involved in day-to-day operations, he is known for coaching and motivating his staff to exceed guest expectations. His unique background as a successful automotive dealer with Courtesy Motors brings a fresh and innovative approach to hospitality.
Submissions for Workplace can be sent to Walt Frank at wfrank@altoonamirror.com. Please include the name of the individual, his/her present address, original hometown and high school and college from where he/she graduated, and information about the person's accomplishment.