Kenneth G. Okrepkie
Ken Okrepkie brings a vast array of experience in the education, entrepreneurship and nonprofit fields to his new position as vice president of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Technology Institute. A graduate of the University of Scranton, Ken holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and a master's degree in human resources, along with his Professional Human Resources Certification (PHR).
He spent the first seven years of his career working in the admissions office at the University of Scranton where he traveled primarily to Greater New York City. As Assistant Dean of Admissions, he coordinated the school's transfer program and facilitated curriculum matches with seven two-year institutions. In 1997, Ken became the Executive Director of the regional nonprofit agency, Junior Achievement (JA) of Northeastern PA. As Executive Director, He led the organization to a 140% increase in the number of students it serves in three short years. Today, JA provides economic/community education and mentorship to about 12,000 students from the Great Valley to Williamsport and the Poconos. As the millennium approached, Ken left JA for the world of the entrepreneur. He was a founding member of the Internet start-up, CollegeRecruiting.com, and was Vice President of High School Relations for four years. Students from all 50 states utilize this portal to research careers and connect with colleges, universities and workforce opportunities.
Recently, CollegeRecruiting.com partnered with Work N Play in Northeast PA to offer its services to students in Northeastern PA. Ken also spent the last two years as the Director of Admissions for a local private career school, Career Development and Employment (CDE). During his time there, he streamlined the admissions department and introduced numerous new programs to the school's eight campuses. Ken is a member of the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the United Way of Lackawanna County (where he serves as vice chairman of allocations), and other civic organizations. He lives in Clarks Summit with his wife, Kim, and two daughters, Emily and Grace.