Annual awards honor visionary leaders and businesses shaping the Harrisburg region
Harrisburg, PA (October 16, 2025) – The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC proudly announces the honorees for the 2025 Catalyst Awards, recognizing exceptional leaders and businesses for their dedication to advancing positive change across the Harrisburg Region.
“The Catalyst Awards highlight individuals and organizations that bring our mission to life,” said Ryan Unger, President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “As the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity, we are proud to honor the people and organizations making an impact every day. We look forward to telling their stories.”
The 2025 Catalyst Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Harrisburg Ballroom at the Hilton Harrisburg. To learn more and register, visit Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s event page.
The 2025 Catalyst Awards Recipients
ATHENA Leadership Award
Sheilah Borne
Penn State Health | Penn State University
Sheilah began in Penn State’s Office of Government Relations in May 2004, representing Penn State Health and College of Medicine’s interests on the local, state, and federal levels of government.
Prior to her tenure with Penn State, Sheilah served as a senior appointee in both the Ridge and Schweiker gubernatorial administrations. She was a congressional aid for U.S. Congressman George Gekas after receiving a degree in political science from Temple University.
Sheilah served as Mayor of Paxtang Borough, Dauphin County from 2017 to 2022, and is running unopposed for the same position beginning in January 2026. She has served on many non-profit boards and commissions, one of the most meaningful being as Chair of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors in 2018.
Catalyst Award
Goodwill Keystone Area
For over 77 years, Goodwill Keystone, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, has empowered individuals and families across central Pennsylvania to thrive through the power of work and sustainability. Headquartered in Harrisburg and serving 22 counties—including Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry—we are proud to be a trusted partner in advancing sustainability. Our mission is rooted in four pillars: Prosperity, People, Planet, and Perpetuity. These guide our efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible future for the Harrisburg region. Learn more about Goodwill Keystone at yourgoodwill.org.
Diversity Leader of the Year
Dr. Roosevelt Allen
United Concordia Dental
Roosevelt Allen, DDS, MAGD, ABGD, is chief dental officer for United Concordia Dental, a national dental solutions partner. He leads oral and overall health efforts, overseeing professional affairs, dental directors, and clinical and dental policy.
Before United Concordia, Dr. Allen retired at the rank of major general after a 30-plus-year United States Air Force career, serving as medical operations director and chief of the Dental Corps, Office of the Air Force Surgeon General.
Dedicated to service, he is a member of several boards, including the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Initiative to Integrate Oral Health and Primary Care, Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, and The Highmark Foundation.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Christina Milano-Damaskos
Athlon
Christina Milano is the Co-Founder & CEO of Athlon, a youth wellness technology company transforming how kids build healthy bodies and minds. Through Athlon’s flagship augmented reality app, Rallee, she’s leading the next movement in youth wellness, turning five-minute “microworkouts” into science-backed moments that turn what was once kids’ sedentary behavior into active play.
After more than a decade in sports, media, and entertainment, Christina and her husband and co-founder, Matt, set out to tackle the youth physical and mental health crisis through technology, education, and play. Today, Rallee partners with schools, pro sports teams, and community sponsors to make wellness engaging, measurable, and accessible to all kids and families.
Government Leader of the Year
Cumberland County Commission for Women
The Cumberland County Commission for Women (CCCW) was established by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on December 13, 1999, and formally launched in 2001. With a 25-member volunteer board the Commission advances opportunities for women and girls throughout Cumberland County. Driven by a mission to increase awareness of women’s issues, the CCCW works on professional development, educational growth, networking, governmental support, and promoting women’s participation in civics.
Small Business of the Year
TheBurg
TheBurg is a Harrisburg-based community news outlet that operates on two tracks: a daily online news service and a monthly print newsmagazine. It also organizes events, most notably 3rd in the Burg, Harrisburg’s monthly arts, culture, and nightlife event.
Founded in 2008, TheBurg is a homegrown success story now entering its 18th year, despite a very difficult time for the news industry. The publication has earned the respect of its peers, winning News Organization of the Year in Pennsylvania for five consecutive years. TheBurg credits its success to steady leadership, a high-quality product, and—most importantly—the enthusiastic support of the greater Harrisburg community.
Volunteer of the Year
Matt Caylor
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Matt joined The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) as Vice President of Marketing & Communications in January 2025, bringing over 20 years of strategic expertise in crisis response, digital engagement, and brand development.
Previously, he served as Account Director at Martin Communications and helped advance digital initiatives with MANSI Media, Advance Local, and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. A dedicated community leader, Matt was one of the founders of the Central PA chapter of the American Marketing Association and the Harrisburg Board Game Alliance, where he acts as President of both organizations.
He is passionate about inclusive storytelling, relationship building, and inspiring action to strengthen communities.
About Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the Certified Economic Development Organization for Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
