News
William Kobel Joins Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Board of Trustees
January 28, 2025
The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art welcomed lifelong Millersburg resident William Kobel to its Board of Trustees at its January quarterly meeting.
“Everywhere Bill goes, he drives positive change,” said Ned Smith Center Executive Director Lara Maupin. “I know he can help the Center reach a new level of excellence when it comes to getting the word out about all we have to offer. I’m very excited to work with him.”
Kobel currently serves as Executive Vice President of JPL, a full-service advertising agency with 100 employees and offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City. He helped transform JPL from a small video production company to a full-service marketing firm. Prior to JPL, Kobel worked for a private equity firm, evaluating and transforming the marketing departments and go-to-market strategies of newly acquired companies.
Kobel started his career in the community as a news director at WQIN, Lykens and reporter for the Upper Dauphin Sentinel newspaper, going on to work in public and media relations and marketing for Capital Blue Cross and within the Highmark Blue Shield system.
Previous community involvement includes serving on his alma mater Central Penn College’s Board of Directors, the Twin Valley Soccer Club’s Board of Directors, and as a member of the Millersburg Area High School’s boys soccer team boosters.
“I’m driven by a vision to help our community evolve into a vibrant destination that offers unique experiences and opportunities,” said Kobel. “I look forward to sharing my expertise to help the Ned Smith Center continue to thrive, providing great experiences for our community.”
The Ned Smith Center Welcomes Dharla Maiden Back to the Board of Trustees
January 16, 2025
The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Board of Trustees welcomed Millersburg resident Dharla Maiden to the Board at its January quarterly meeting.
One of the founding organizers of the Ned Smith Center, Maiden owned and operated a window treatments business in Millersburg for 37 years, after which she served as the Director of the Millersburg Area Senior Center for a decade. She has served as a Board member of both the Senior Center and the Ned Smith Center.
In her time of designing window treatments, she came to know Ned and Marie Smith. When asked how she became one of the group of community members who developed the plans and recruited the funds needed to create the Ned Smith Center after Smith’s death in 1985, Maiden replied, “I loved Ned. I was fortunate enough to know him.”
Maiden recalls that one of the hardest parts of getting support to create the Ned Smith Center was “convincing people he was worth it.” Maiden explained that Smith was so humble that local residents did not always fully recognize how great his work was. However, she felt his masterpieces needed to stay in his hometown of Millersburg and she worked alongside a small group of dedicated volunteers and Smith’s widow Marie to make this dream a reality.
In the early years of the Ned Smith Center, Maiden filled several officer roles, participated in the Fund Development Committee, Site Selection Committee, Architectural Committee, and participated in the original capital campaign. The Center was founded and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1993, and opened at its current location in 2004, eventually housing three art galleries, a gift shop, staff offices, and educational spaces. Maiden currently serves as a member of the Ned Smith Center’s Arts and Entertainment Committee.
“Having Dharla back on the Board will benefit the Center greatly,” noted Executive Director Lara Maupin. “Her background knowledge, passion for our mission, creativity, and positive outlook are tremendous assets. I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”
The Center Welcomes Our New Nature & Arts Educator, Greg Pizzano
Greg joined the Center in November of 2024. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Greg spent much of his childhood exploring the woods behind his home and traveling to as many national parks as he could. He discovered his love for nature and education during his undergraduate years at Penn State while participating in an outdoor school program at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Since graduating in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, Greg has worked for various environmental education programs across the country from the Catskill Mountains of New York to the Coastal Redwood Forests of California. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, and attending Penn State football games.
Welcome to the team, Greg!