Lackawanna County Taps Carlucci as New Economic Development Director

Moosic resident aims to support local businesses and attract new investments in the county.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Lackawanna County commissioners have appointed Thomas Carlucci of Moosic as the county's new economic development director. Carlucci, who will earn an annual salary of $75,000, hopes to support and bolster the local business community and attract new investments in the county. He has a diverse background in public policy, education reform, and nonprofit leadership, and plans to work with local leaders, business owners, and regional partners to strengthen downtowns, support existing businesses, and attract new investment.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new economic development director is significant for Lackawanna County, as the position plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and shaping the county's economic future. Carlucci's diverse experience and community involvement are seen as assets that can help drive economic growth and development in the region.

The details

Carlucci, a Penn State graduate, has previously worked in education reform advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and the oil and natural gas industry. He founded the local nonprofit Education Enlightenment and was involved in launching Coffee Inclusive, a Pittston coffee shop that trains and employs individuals with diverse abilities and autism. Commissioners praised Carlucci's contacts, education, and community involvement, believing he will be a 'great fit' and 'great asset' for the county.

  • Carlucci assumed the economic development director role on March 2, 2026.
  • Carlucci replaces former Director Kristen Magnotta, who left the position in January 2026 for a job outside county government.

The players

Thomas Carlucci

The new economic development director for Lackawanna County, a Moosic resident with a diverse background in public policy, education reform, and nonprofit leadership.

Kristen Magnotta

The former economic development director for Lackawanna County, who left the position in January 2026 for a job outside county government.

Thom Welby

A Lackawanna County commissioner who praised Carlucci as a 'bright individual' with a wide variety of experience that will improve the economic development office.

Bill Gaughan

A Lackawanna County commissioner who believes Carlucci will 'make a good fit and provide a fresh perspective on economic development.'

Chris Chermak

A Lackawanna County commissioner who called Carlucci a 'great fit' with his diverse background, education, and community involvement, and said his contacts will be 'invaluable' in engaging with business owners and local officials.

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What they’re saying

“This is home for me, and I care deeply about seeing our communities grow and succeed.”

— Thomas Carlucci, New Economic Development Director (Lackawanna County Press Release)

“His contacts will be invaluable in opening-up our programs to business owners and our local elected officials and stakeholders.”

— Chris Chermak, Lackawanna County Commissioner (Lackawanna County Press Release)

“I'm excited to be a part of a department that seems to have the foresight and the ability to keep Lackawanna County moving forward.”

— Thomas Carlucci, New Economic Development Director (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

Carlucci plans to work closely with local leaders, business owners, and regional partners to strengthen downtowns, support existing businesses, and attract new investment in Lackawanna County.

The takeaway

The appointment of Thomas Carlucci as Lackawanna County's new economic development director signals a commitment to supporting the local business community and driving economic growth through his diverse experience and community-focused approach.