Rachelle A. Abbott

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

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 her work with STEP, Abbott was the Lead Planner at Lycoming County Department of Planning & Community Development. A native of Dunkirk, 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 and CEO, James D. Plankenhorn. 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,” said Abbott.

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.

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