Board of Directors & Staff
The Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority meets at noon on the second Monday of January, February, March, April, May, July, September, October and November in the ETC building at 191 Howard Street, Franklin. The board is appointed or re-appointed for a five-year term by the Mayor and Council of the City of Franklin and our members have been in service for several years adding stability and a wealth of knowledge to the Authority. This Authority has little turnover, is focused and dedicated to helping create a friendly business climate, assisting in the start-up of new businesses, and job creation/retention throughout the County of Venango.
Jason Wible
Chairman
Jason is a graduate of Franklin High School and Gannon University. He is a lifelong resident of Venango County and is heavily involved with youth athletics, in addition to local economic development activities. Jason is President of FrenchCreek Production, an international safety equipment manufacturer and supplier based in Franklin, and has served on the FICDA board since 2006.
Vince Witherup
Vice Chairman
A lifelong resident of Venango County, Vince retired from Conair after 40+ years as Vice President of International Sales and Marketing, He was named International Business Man of the Year In 2000 by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Vince became Commissioner of Venango County in 2011 and has served on the FICDA Board since 1988.
Shelly Hartzell
Secretary
Shelly is a graduate of Franklin High School, and also holds a BS degree in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. Shelly currently lives in Franklin and is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. In addition to being a board member of FICDA, Shelly also offers her time as a board member of the Kirtland Cancer Foundation, a board member of the St. Elizabeth Center and she is active in her church. Shelly's background in economic development, banking and county government give her a diverse background to bring to the FICDA Board.
Richard Mihalic
Vice Secretary
Rich holds a MS from Clarion University of PA. He is a US Army Veteran. Co-owner of Shellrich Enterprises, LLC, Rich is a Certified Contracting Assistance Specialist, and certified in Total Quality Management. Rich has 25 years of government contracting experience and 21 years as a Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Program Manager. For the past 8 years, Rich has served as a Park Director of Two Mile Run County Park.
Roger McCauley
Treasurer
Roger holds a BBA from Wake Forest and an MBA from Clarion University. He is a lifelong resident of the local community with extensive personal and family involvement in schools, church, athletics, and civic and charitable organizations. Roger brings executive finance and business leadership as former Treasurer of Quaker State Corp., CFO of the PA Turnpike Commission, and Sr. VP and CFO of UPMC Northwest, a successful hospital of the UPMC Health System.
Bob Barber
Member
Bob has owned and operated successful manufacturing businesses in the Franklin area for over 25 years. These businesses are known for their precision investments castings, high-quality, consistent products supported by technical expertise, in-house tooling & machining, automated processing and modern manufacturing facilities. Bob’s business experience and community commitment contribute to the success and economic viability of Venango County.
Rod Griffin
Member
Rod is a lifelong resident of Venango County. He is the CEO of Specialty Fabrication and Powder Coating, LLC and President of Specialty Fitness Systems, LLC that sells PRIME Fitness Equipment. In addition to the FICDA board, Rod also serves on his church board, Oil Region Alliance Board, Venango College Board, UPMC Foundation, Venango Technology board, and the Oil Region Soccer Association Board.
