Rachelle A. Abbott

The STEP Board of Directors has announced Rachelle A. Abbott as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., effective December 16th.

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 & Planning Officer. Abbott will succeed current president and CEO Jim Plankenhorn, who will officially step down on Dec. 28 after nearly 20 years with the nonprofit in a variety of roles.

Prior to working with STEP, Abbott was the senior planner at the Lycoming County Department of Planning and Community Development. A Dunkirk native who now lives in Cogan House Township, Abbott holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners and attended the University of Buffalo and the University of Toronto.

“It is a great honor to be tasked with advancing STEP. I think of all the great leaders over the nearly six decades and appreciate the firm foundation the agency stands on because of them, including President and CEO James D. Plankenhorn. I greatly appreciate the Board of Trustees’ confidence in me to lead this incredible organization with a focus on results-based programs and community engagement.” Abbott said.

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 conditions of poverty and work with program participants to overcome barriers to stability.

STEP, Inc. is one of 1,100 community action agencies nationwide and a member of the Pennsylvania Community Action Association. Founded in 1966 and formally known as Lycoming-Clinton Countys Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., the agency recently marked 58 years of community partnerships and service. The mission of STEP, Inc. is to engage diverse individuals, families and communities in the pursuit of social and economic success. The mission of STEP, Inc. is met through five pathways to success: Early Learning, Housing Options, Workforce Development, Community Engagement, and Independent Living.