The STEP board of directors recently announced Rachelle A. Abbott as the new president and CEO of Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP) Inc.
“Following an extensive search by the STEP board of directors, the board appointed Abbott, who has served the agency in various planning and operations capacities since 2011, most recently as chief operations and planning officer,” a news release said.
Abbott succeeded Jim Plankenhorn, who stepped down at the end of 2024 after nearly 20 years with the nonprofit in a variety of roles.
“Prior to her work with STEP, Abbott was the Lead Planner at Lycoming County Department of Planning & Community Development,” the news release said. “A native of Dunkirk, New York now residing in Cogan House Township, Abbott holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners and attended the University at Buffalo and the University of Toronto.
“It is a great honor to be tasked with moving STEP forward. I think about all the great leaders over the nearly six decades and value the firm foundation the agency is on because of them, including the outgoing President & CEO, James D. Plankenhorn,” Abbott said, according to the news release, “I greatly appreciate the board of directors’ confidence in me to lead this incredible organization with a focus on outcome-driven programs and community engagement.”
STEP’s mission is to engage diverse individuals, families, and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success. As a Community Action Agency, STEP aims to alleviate the conditions of poverty and partner with program participants to overcome barriers to stability.
