FCADC President Mike Ross discusses the socio-economic and quality-of-life issues impacting Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Hear from local business, cultural and community leaders from across the County. Who knows maybe a little comedy, sports, and politics thrown in.
đď¸ This Week on Mike on the Mic đď¸
Join me as I sit down with Mark Story, whose journey from Maine to Chambersburg has led to an unwavering commitment to Habitat for Humanity. For more than 25 years, Habitat has been building affordable housing and transforming lives across Franklin County â and their future plans could dwarf that already incredible impact.
Plus, ever wonder how much revenue the ReStore generates each year to reinvest back into our communities? Youâll have to tune in to find out!
Donât miss this inspiring conversation about service, community, and the power of building hope â one home at a time.
Don't forget to Like and Subscribe
This Week on Mike on the Mic
If youâre looking for a story that will truly inspire, you wonât want to miss this episode. Mike sits down with Dr. Francis Achampong, former Chancellor of Penn State Mont Alto, to explore his remarkable life journey â from growing up in Ghana and overcoming polio, to earning degrees from some of the worldâs most prestigious universities and leading in higher education.
Dr. Achampong also shares insights from his new book, âChristians As Imitators of Christ,â reflecting on the powerful role of faith in his life and leadership.
Itâs an uplifting and thought-provoking conversation you wonât forget.
đ§ Tune in to this edition of Mike on the Mic â and be inspired!
Think thereâs not much to do in Franklin County? Well, think again! On this edition of Mike on the Mic, Mike sits down with two of the countyâs biggest âworker beesâ đ â Lauren Formosa and Evan Crider from the Franklin County Visitors Bureau â to uncover all the hidden gems, local favorites, and canât-miss events that make our community shine.
From scenic trails and historic landmarks to one-of-a-kind festivals and foodie finds, Franklin County has something for everyone. Plus, learn how YOU can become a Certified Tourist Ambassador and help spread the word about all the amazing things the Cumberland Valley has to offer.
If you donât walk away with a brand-new appreciation for Franklin County after this episode⌠well, maybe you should move đ
đ§ Tune in now â and fall in love with your hometown all over again!
đď¸ Mike on the Mic â Special Guest Neil Doran!
This week, Mike sits down with Neil Doran, Director of the Hagerstown Regional Airport, for one of our most eye-opening and informative interviews yet. âď¸
Neil shares the surprising benefits of the airport you didnât know about, its vital role in our region, and exciting plans for future expansion of services. đ
Youâll walk away realizing that the Hagerstown Regional Airport is far more than a runwayâitâs a powerful economic and community asset shaping our regionâs future.
đ Donât miss this conversationâitâs one youâll be talking about long after the show ends!
Mike on the Mic â where local voices take flight.
Mike on the Mic â Meeting the Needs of the Community! đď¸
On this inspiring edition of Mike on the Mic, meet Dr. Maulik Joshi, President & CEO of Meritus Health â Washington County, Marylandâs largest employer and a driving force for community well-being.
Through his visionary leadership, discover how Meritus is going beyond healthcare to meet the needs of the region because âitâs the right thing to do.â From launching a Food Pharmacy to combat food insecurity, to expanding mental health support, to building a new medical school that will shape the future of care â Dr. Joshi and his team are transforming lives across the community.
This is more than just a conversation â itâs a story of innovation, compassion, and impact. Donât miss this episode of Mike on t
For more than a century, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has been fueling generosity and transforming lives across Central Pennsylvania. In our latest episode, Erin Gilbert and Ann Finucane join me to explore how TFEC empowers donors, strengthens nonprofits, and shapes the future of philanthropy right here in Franklin County.
⨠Whether youâre dreaming of starting your own foundation, looking to support an existing one, or leading a nonprofit that could benefit from TFECâs support, this conversation is for you.
Tune in to discover how philanthropy doesnât just fund projectsâit builds stronger communities and changes lives.
đ Donât miss itâlisten now to Mike on the Mic!
Mike on the Mic: The Future of Workforce Development
If you care about the future of our workforce and the growing impact of technical education, this episode is a must-listen. Mike sits down with Dr. Lesli Shuman, Acting Director of the Franklin County Career & Technology Center (FCCTC) â one of Pennsylvaniaâs premier technical schools.
With passion and vision, Dr. Shuman is steering FCCTC at a pivotal time, preparing students with the skills our communities and industries need most. From welding to healthcare, and beyond, discover how technical education is transforming lives, strengthening the economy, and meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
đ§ Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on why the right skills at the right time matter more than ever.
Mike on the Mic â The Greatest First-Generation Rock Bands Debate! đ¸
This might just be the most entertaining episode of Mike on the Mic yet⌠or maybe not. One thing's for sure: if you're expecting a deep dive into the many community issues affecting us all right nowâthis isnât that episode.
Instead, Mike and his all-star panel tackle a different kind of pressing question: Who are the Greatest First-Generation Rock Bands of All Time? From British Invasion powerhouses to American rock revolutionaries, nothing is off limits. Expect passionate arguments, legendary names, and maybe even some unexpected picks.
Joining Mike on this musical journey:
But waitâthereâs more! Stick around for a bonus segment on the greatest singer-songwriters of the same generation. If you love rock, music history, or just hearing strong opinions about great tunes, this episode is your backstage pass.
đ Tune in, turn up the volume, and rock on. This is one podcast you wonât want to miss.
In this powerful episode, Mike sits down with Lori Rice, a true local hero and founder of the Coalition to Protect Franklin County. As the driving force behind the Stop Transource movement, Lori led a grassroots resistance to halt the construction of a proposed 29-mile high-voltage transmission line that threatened some of the countyâs most fertile and productive farmland.
đ What began as a daunting battle against a massive energy corporation became a story of community, courage, and conviction. Discover how one womanâand a determined group of citizensâstood up to protect their land, their rights, and their way of life.
đ§ Tune in for an inspiring, real-life âDavid vs. Goliathâ tale that proves the power of local action in the face of industrial overreach.
To learn more about Lori's efforts and to get involved check out to her and the Coalition to Protect Franklin County directly at ctpfc.pa@gmail.com or online at www.ctpfc.com
Donât miss it. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
This week on Mike on the Mic, Mike sits down with Olivia Rosenthal, the visionary CEO of Patch Caregiving, to talk about how her company is reshaping the future of work and care.
Patch Caregiving is making waves by providing affordable, high-quality on-site child care for employees during emergenciesâhelping working parents stay productive while reducing absenteeism for employers.
In this episode, Olivia shares:
⢠đ§ How Patch is solving one of the biggest challenges in todayâs workforce: last-minute child care
⢠đ Why investing in emergency care services drives down employee absenteeism and boosts retention
⢠đ The startup journey of building a care-first company with operational scale and social impact
⢠đ Her vision for equitable access to child care across industries and income levels
Whether you're an HR leader, a working parent, or a founder passionate about social innovation, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
đ§ Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen. Subscribe and spread the word!
đď¸ đĽ This Week on Mike on the MicđĽ
âLeading from the Front: Colonel Santilloâs Command Reflectionsâ
Get ready for a power-packed and deeply insightful edition of Mike on the Mic as we sit down with none other than Colonel Donald Santillo, the outgoing commander of the Letterkenny Army Depot. đşđ¸
After a distinguished command tenure marked by grit, innovation, and unwavering leadership, Colonel Santillo joins the mic to reflect on:
This isnât just a conversation â itâs a front-row seat to military leadership in motion, legacy in reflection, and forward-looking optimism.
đ Whether you're a defense industry pro, a leadership junkie, or just love a damn good story, donât miss this one.
Mike on the Mic is pulling up a seat with Chad Reichard, Pennsylvaniaâs newest voice in the 90th Legislative District â and trust us, you donât want to miss this one!
From his early days in public service to tackling the real, gritty issues facing our community, Chad brings energy, insight, and a sharp sense of humor that might just surprise you.
Watch and listen to hear why heâs standing up for Penn State Mont Alto, how heâs navigating the challenges in our region, and what makes him â honestly â a pretty sharp, genuinely clever, and all-around good guy.
Tune in now for a dose of inspiration, some laughs, and a fresh perspective from one of our newest voices in Harrisburg!
đď¸ New on Mike on the Mic
âHealthy Eating Adventureâ with Dr. Liz George & Chef Nick Lula
Feel better. Sleep better. Live betterâby eating better. đđż
In this episode, Mike sits down with physician Dr. Liz George and plant-based chef Nick Lula to dig into their new book, Healthy Eating Adventure. From small kitchen shifts to major lifestyle wins, discover how a plant-based diet can spark big transformations in your health and well-being.
đĽ Real advice. đĽ Delicious strategies. đŞ Lasting change.
Listen nowâon Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your inspiration. đ§
In this inspiring episode, Mike sits down with Jen Hitz, President of Leg Up Farm, to talk about a game-changing initiative right here in Franklin County. Together, they explore the exciting progress of Leg Up FarmâFranklin County, a future state-of-the-art pediatric therapy center thatâs poised to transform the lives of thousands of children with special needs and their families.
From comprehensive building plans to a broad range of therapeutic services, youâll hear how this one-of-a-kind facility is taking shapeâand why its mission is more urgent and meaningful than ever.
đ§ Tune in to learn:
Schoolâs Out â But The Future is Just Getting Started!
What happens when you hand the mic to the next generation of leaders? You get honest insight, fresh ideas, and maybe a little wisdom beyond their years.
In this special episode, Mike sits down with two rising stars â Kimber Yeager and Keegan Reed â both 11th grade students and proud graduates of Jr. Leadership Franklin County. Theyâve spent the last year learning about leadership, community involvement, and what it means to make a difference.
Now, theyâre ready to share their unfiltered take on the future of Franklin County.
What do they love about our community?
What keeps them up at night
And what opportunities do they see that adults might be missing?
Kimber and Keegan arenât just talking about the future â they are the future.
Tune in for a lively, inspiring, and thought-provoking conversation about whatâs working in our community, whatâs not, and how these young leaders think we can build a better tomorrow.
This is more than just a student spotlight â itâs a front-row seat to the voice of the next generation.
đď¸ Mike on the Mic unlocks the vault for an unfiltered, high-energy conversation with the one and only Tim Henry, outgoing CEO of F&M! After nine impactful years at the helm, Tim reflects on his legacy, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and dives into the biggest challenges and boldest opportunities shaping the future of banking. You donât want to miss this power-packed episode!
Start your morning sunny-side up with the latest episode of Mike on the Mic! Over breakfast, join Mike as he cracks open the details of the âEgg Crisisâ with special guest Cody Herbruck, AVP of Operations & Production at Herbruckâs Poultry Ranch and Blue Spring Egg Farm.
Discover how Herbruckâs managed to keep store shelves stockedâeven after losing 6.5 million chickens. Youâll also get the inside scoop on just how many eggs are produced daily at their Mercersburg facility and when you might finally see egg prices drop. Donât miss this egg-citing episode!
New Episode Alert!
Mike on the Mic is back with an exclusive, wide-ranging conversation with Dean Horst, Chair of the Franklin County Commissioners! From the correct way to say his name to tackling Franklin Countyâs biggest challengesâincluding the hot topic of property reassessmentâthis episode has it all!
Donât miss out on this must-listen discussion. Watch now on YouTube or stream it wherever you get your podcasts!đ§đĽ
Mike sits down with Preston Spahr, CEO of DL Martin Company, to talk about DL Martin Co, trade tariff impacts on local manufacturers, education and workforce initiatives both locally and globally, legislation on recreational marijuana and its implications on the workforce, and the Vibrancy Committee! It is an episode you do not want to miss.
Mike sits down with Chris Bigger, Superintendent, Chambersburg Area School District to learn more about Chris, the state of education in the district, and what's in store in the CASD for the future.
Mike and David are joined by Bruce Newell and Abby Wurzbach of MANTEC. MANTEC is the industrial resource center representing the needs of small to mid-sized manufacturing companies in South Central, PA. Take a listen to learn more about Bruce and the services offered by MANTEC to our local manufacturing companies. Â
Mike and David meet with Ron Celaschi the new President and CEO of Patriot Federal Credit Union. Â
Mike and David chat with Kelly Kozlowski, Executive Director of the Capitol Theatre in Chambersburg. Take a listen to learn a little about Kelly, who hails from Waynesboro so you know she is cool, and learn about all the great things happening at the Capitol and their upcoming season. Â
Mike and David are joined by Ashley Winters and Graham Messner of Mercy House of Chambersburg. Mercy House is a new palliative care facility opening soon on Norland Avenue in Chambersburg. Â
Mike and David welcome Dr. Wesley Fugate, President, Wilson College to the POD studio. Take a listen and learn about all the exciting things happening at the 154 year old institution in Chambersburg. Find Your BOLD. Rise Up! Â
Mike and David are joined by LTC Tim Ballas, Commander, Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC). Get to know LTC Ballas from his upbringing in western PA to his command of LEMC, its several hundred dedicated employees, and multi-million dollar DoD mission. Who knows, he might even sign up Mike and David for basic training...Â
Mike and David are joined by Chancellor of Penn State Mont Alto, Dr. Francis Achampong. "Dr. A" has an incredible life story/journey that eventually brought him from Ghana, Africa-to-Mont Alto. Take a listen to learn more about Dr. A, his thoughts on the current state of post secondary education in America, and his vision for Penn State Mont Alto.  David thinks it is worth noting that he has an Associate Degree from PSUMA (class of '97)...and Mike does not. Â
Tom O'Connor and Patti Nitterhouse join Mike to introduce Leg Up Farm Franklin County. Take a listen to learn more about the world class therapy provided to children with special needs...and their families. Based in York County, Leg Up is planning a Franklin County location near Penn National in Guilford Township. Â
Sam Worley is a Franklin County icon and at 101 years old he is still going strong. Join us to learn a little about Sam and his upbringing in Path Valley as well as his thoughts on Franklin County, past-present-and future. Â
After summer break school is back in session, Mike and David return with Dr. Lura Hanks, Superintendent, Greencastle Antrim School District. Â Get to know Dr. Hanks, her journey to Franklin County, (via Massachusetts...by way of New Hampshire), and about her vision for the future of the District and early childhood education. Â
Mike and David sit down with architect Vern McKissick to learn more about the successful redevelopment of Central Junior High School in Chambersburg. History meets the modern in this latest episode.  Â
"What kind of training soldier?" "Army training, Sir".  Mike and David sit down with COL Rick Allbritton, Letterkenny Army Depot's 51st Commander to get an update on the latest Depot activities and to learn a little bit more about the Colonel and his career. "Rangers Lead the Way" and so does COL Allbritton. Â
Mike and David are joined by Sherri Stahl, VP Wellspan Health West Region to discuss the state of healthcare in Franklin. A resident of Mercersburg, Stahl started at Chambersburg Hospital as a volunteer "Candy Striper", then as a nurse, and is now in senior management. Take a listen. Lot's of good things planned for the local healthcare sector. Plus David has a Candy Striper story.... Â
Mike and David learn as there is to know about Steve Christian, President of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director, Chambersburg Area Development Corporation. Including his wild and wonderful upbringing in West By God Virginia. Â
Mike and David are joined by fellow staff member Rhonda to celebrate Festivus. Just like Seinfeld we talk about nothing, but we have a lot of laughs and only discuss economic development for like 5 minutes. We have feats of strength and we air grievances. Other topics include Christmas shopping and WWE. Take a listen, share a laugh and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the FCADC. Â
Mike and David are again joined by Ric Herrera, VP of Marketing, Herbruck's Poultry Ranch and get a personal tour and onsite update of the construction of the new Blue Spring Egg Farm on Corner Road in Montgomery Township. All we can say is wow. Take a listen to find out all the good details.  Â
Mike, David, and Brad Graham recap a windshield tour of Antrim Township with Township Manager, Brad Graham. The Township is one of the fastest growing areas in south central PA. Take a listen to all the good stuff going on. Even with Mike's horrible driving, David held it together in the back seat and did not throw up. Â
Summertime and the livin's easy. Mike and David provide an update on economic development activities taking place across the County.  They argue a bit also, must be the heat getting to them. Â
Mike and David learn what truly came first...the chicken or the egg. Ric Herrera, VP of Marketing, Herbruck's Poultry Ranch sits down to discuss all things eggs, chickens, and Herbruck's $100 Million egg laying facility currently under construction in Montgomery Township. Â
Mike and David are joined by Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski. Topics include, the County (go figure) and all things "Bob Z", including a flashback to his bartending days as a youth.  So give a listen and get to know Franklin County Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.Â
The boys cover our local healthcare system, the status of the Covid pandemic in Franklin County, asa well as Penn State wrestling and John shares a life changing experience with SGT Slaughter.  "McMahon, the only lady in my life stands in NY harbor"-SGT Slaughter
Mike and David sit down with surfer dude Tim Henry, President and CEO of F&M Trust. Tim shares his opinion on what 2021 holds-in-store for banking, the economy and everything in between. Plus Tim is a Green Bay Packers fan...so he is nursing his wounds from the NFC Championship loss. Â
Mike and David discuss the year that was 2020..no not the election...but just about everything else, including economic development in Franklin County. They also discuss their favorite Christmas movie and both agreed that Clark W. Griswald is the best with cousin Eddie a close second. Take a listen. Â
Mike and David "plan their work and work their plan" with Steve Thomas, Director of the Franklin County Planning Department. I mean who else to help you plan something, than the planning director. Learn about all the exciting efforts currently being spearheaded by the Planning Department. Including Ag land preservation, community block grants, and the always entertaining land development and subdivision plan review. Â
Mike and David learn all about the Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC) in Chambersburg as they talk with its commander, LTC Dennis Williams. The Munitions Center makes things go boom...sometimes big booms. Listen in to learn about all the good things going on at LEMC.Â
Mike and David discuss every topic under the Sun, including the upcoming Small Business Recovery Grant in Franklin County, the optimism for a strong post-covid economic recovery locally, what Netflix shows they're currently watching, college sports, and the PIAA decision to play high school sports this Fall. Â
Mike and Bosco talk with Dave Keller, Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners regarding the County's COVID response as well as an update on the construction of the County Judicial Complex. Plus a little sidebar on favorite WWII movies and Seinfeld episodes. Â
Mike and David remotely (and socially distant) talk shop with Jesse McCree, CEO of South Central PA Works. We learn a little bit about regional workforce development pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. Being from New England we assumed he was a Patriots fan, turns out he is the Switzerland of NFL football.  Â
Mike and David chat with Susan Small, Director of Business Development, Washington County, Maryland. Tired of COVID this and COVID that, take a few minutes to learn about our colleague from "South of the Border"...I mean after all she lived in Waynesboro for 20 years...so she is super smart like David. Â
Mike and David chat with Amy & Amy from Franklin County United Way about all the good stuff their organization is doing to positively impact the quality of life in Franklin County. Â
Mike and Bosco are joined by Janet Pollard, Director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. Together they discuss all things tourism in Franklin County. Plus we learn that Janet is a die-hard Boston Celtics fan and she's not even from Boston. Go figure. Â
Mike and Bosco sit down with Bill Kohler, Director of Economic Development for Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc.  Lot's of good stuff happening in downtown Waynesboro, take a listen to find out more. Bosco would like to take a moment and let everyone know that Waynesboro is the best Borough in the County. Â
Mike and Bosco are joined by Tim McMahon, CEO, Triangle Tech to discuss the post secondary vocational training available at Triangle's new location in Chambersburg. They also discuss Pittsburgh sports...which Bosco can't stand. Â
Mike and Bosco talk shop with Letterkenny Army Deport Commander, COL Greg Gibbons. All things Letterkenny Army Depot...with a little diddie about COL Gibbons mixed in. Â