Frank Alvarado, Director of Research & Data Management
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
Frank Alvarado oversees the tracking and reporting of economic and demographic indicators for the Lehigh Valley. Frank directs research projects aimed at enhancing the region's economic marketing strategies, including labor analyses and cost-of-living assessments, and manages talent research initiatives and data projects, utilizing visually engaging formats to showcase the region's successes. Frank holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from DeSales University and a Master of Business Administration from Fitchburg State University.

Christy Beane, Assistant Director of Judicial District Operations
Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
Christy Beane serves as the Assistant Director of Judicial District Operations, supervising the Problem-Solving Courts and General District Operations units. With over two decades of experience at the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), Christy previously managed IT support for appellate and common pleas case management systems. Christy holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science from Millersville University and a Master’s Degree in Corporate Communication and Training from Ball State University.

Harry Crissy, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
Penn State Extension, Penn State University
Harry Crissy, a Penn State Extension Agent, specializes in economic sustainability and consumer behavior within tourism industries. With dual MS degrees from Penn State University, Harry is certified in Applied Project Management from Villanova University and Geospatial Intelligence Analytics from Penn State. Over 17 years, Harry has collaborated with diverse stakeholders to implement strategies for economic growth and environmental sustainability, domestically and internationally. Harry is also a LEED accredited professional.

Philip Falvo, Public Policy Director
United Way of Pennsylvania
Philip Falvo brings over a decade of state government experience to his role as Public Policy Director at United Way of Pennsylvania. With a background in health, human services, and insurance policy, Philip previously served as Democratic Executive Director in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Philip holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Susquehanna University and a Master of Public Administration from Shippensburg University. On June 29, 2023, Philip was appointed to the Children’s Trust Fund Board by Governor Josh Shapiro and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate.

Paul Haugland, Health Informatics Manager
Wright Center for Community Health
Paul Haugland manages Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Health Informatics at the Wright Center for Community Health. With a bachelor’s degree in network communications management from DeVry University, Paul brings over a decade of experience in information technology and health information technology. Paul's work with EMR focuses on organizing patient data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Caleb Hopler, Supervisory Survey Statistician
U.S. Census Bureau
Caleb Hopler serves as a Supervisory Survey Statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey Office. With previous experience as an Economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics and work in sustainable projects in Nicaragua, Caleb oversees data release activities and provides customer support for data users. Caleb holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech.

Sandra Johnson, Chief, Population Evaluation, Analysis and Projections Branch
U.S. Census Bureau
Sandra Johnson holds a Ph.D. from Florida State University in the field of sociology. She has over a decade of experience at the U.S. Census Bureau, where she has spent most of her career working on the production of population estimates and projections. Her expertise lies in analyzing population dynamics and forecasting future trends in the population and components of population change.

Jim Ladlee, Program Leader, Emerging & Advanced Technologies
Penn State Extension, Penn State University
Jim Ladlee leads the development of cutting-edge initiatives in technology as the State Program Leader for Emerging and Advanced Technologies at Penn State Extension. Jim’s expertise in strategic development and stakeholder engagement drives innovation in areas such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, supporting industries and communities statewide.

Maggie Livelsberger, Policy Director
Pennsylvania Partnership for Children
Maggie Livelsberger, Policy Director at PPC, focuses on early learning and maternal and child health policy. With extensive experience in government relations and public policy, Maggie advocates for human services issues and financial stability. Maggie also served as a Legislative Fellow with the state House Education Committee, under co-Chair James Roebuck. Maggie holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Maryland University College, residing in Carlisle with family.

Cassandra Logan, Survey Director, Associate Director for Demographic Programs - Survey Operations 
U.S. Census Bureau
Cassandra "Cass" Logan, a Survey Director for the Demographic High Frequency Surveys Programs, where she oversees operations for the Household Pulse Survey, the School Pulse Panel, the Census Household Panel, and the Census Military Panel. In 2007, Cass started at the Census as a Demographic Survey Statistician and has enjoyed working around the survey lifecycle throughout the years. Cass has a B.S. and Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University and M.S. from Rutgers University. 

Nick Mannone, Data Analyst
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission
Nick Mannone, a Data Analyst at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, produces reports and analyzes data for government entities and stakeholders. Nick focuses on refining and innovating the data gathering process and presenting the information in a way that is efficient and able to be easily understood. Certified in Geospatial Intelligence, Nick holds degrees from Millersville University and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Caroline Riegel, Research and Data Analyst
Pennsylvania Partnership for Children
Caroline Riegel conducts research and data analysis for PPC, focusing on public policy goals. Specific projects Caroline has been involved with include creating a perinatal vulnerability index, analyzing uninsurance rates among undocumented children, conducting root-cause analysis of racial/ethnic inequities, and evaluating aggregate data related to early intervention utilization in Pennsylvania. With a background in sociology and public policy, Caroline brings experience from Penn State University and the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development.

Kyle Snyder, Broadband Planning Specialist
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Kyle Snyder, a Broadband Planning Specialist, utilizes GIS and data analysis to support planning functions and economic development. With a background in geography, Kyle focuses on expanding broadband access and supporting planning initiatives.

Renee Stepler, Research Survey Statistician, Center for Behavioral Science Methods
U.S. Census Bureau
Renee Stepler, a Research Survey Statistician at the U.S. Census Bureau, focuses on improving survey questionnaires and data collection operations. Currently, Renee is working on a Census Bureau initiative to support interviewer-administered surveys, introduce internet self-response modes, and is participating in the testing of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) questions for the American Community Survey. With expertise in health disparities and survey methodology, Renee holds degrees from Penn State University and George Washington University.

Amel Toukabri, Chief Local Government Estimates and Migration Processing Branch
U.S. Census Bureau
Amel Toukabri specializes in producing official population estimates and managing data programs at the U.S. Census Bureau. Amel’s current efforts focus on data mining, including work on Census 2010 unit level data tabulation used as input data for SAIPE program and applied econometrics used for the program. Amel has extensive experience in producing trade price deflators and estimating income/poverty by state, county, and school district, as well as evaluating the impact of economic changes on poverty estimates. Amel oversees multiple projects related to population estimates and economic changes.




*Session times are subject to change.


May 29

National Broadband Navigator: Development & Impacts

Harry Crissy, Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
Jim Ladlee, Program Leader, Emerging & Advanced Technologies
Penn State Extension, Penn State University

Kyle Snyder, Broadband Planning Specialist
PA Department of Community and Economic Development


Explore how the National Broadband Navigator utilizes geospatial intelligence and applied research to support significant broadband deployment across Pennsylvania and the nation. Learn about the creation of a national broadband map that enables stakeholders at all levels—from government officials to local communities—to make data-driven decisions for broadband expansion, particularly emphasizing adoption in underserved areas. This tool combines high-quality data, strategic partnerships, and educational outreach in advancing digital infrastructure and broadband accessibility.



Using Data Analytics to Identify Underinvested and Marginalized Communities

Caroline Riegel, Research and Data Analyst
Maggie Livelsberger, Policy Director
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children


Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is a statewide, independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization which advocates for the improved health, education, and well-being of children and youth in the Commonwealth. As part of the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI) grant extension in 2023, PPC conducted a comprehensive analysis of child outcomes across the state related to the areas of nutrition, maternal health, and early intervention. This session will describe how PPC utilized a wide variety of county-level data points to identify communities that have been historically underinvested and marginalized in those policy areas. In addition to defining the methodology, the discussion will focus on policy implications of the findings moving forward.

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United for ALICE: Use Cases & Insights for Pennsylvania

Philip Falvo, Public Policy Director
United Way of Pennsylvania


Discover how data-driven insights from ALICE reports are reshaping policies and community strategies in Pennsylvania. This session offers an in-depth look at how these comprehensive financial hardship metrics inform solutions that enhance economic stability for ALICE households—those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Additionally, this session will delve into the intricacies of the ALICE data, examining the methodologies and the development of tools such as dashboards that facilitate comprehensive data analysis and visualization.

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Applied Data Visualization Tools

Paul Haugland, Health Informatics Manager
Wright Center for Community Health


Explore how the integration of socioeconomic data collection into the Electronic Medical Records system (EMR), specifically MEDENT, supports strategic patient care initiatives. This session highlights the use of tablets to capture data, which is then visualized on the iDashboard platform, displaying metrics like behavioral health needs, demographic breakdowns, and insurance coverage. Learn about the direct impact of this data on organizing targeted community support activities such as food pantries and grant-funded projects, demonstrating the practical application of data-driven decision-making in healthcare.

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Christy Beane, Assistant Director of Judicial District Operations
Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts


This session provides an overview of the Magisterial District Court Map, a tool developed by AOPC in collaboration with PaSDC, that provides a simple and efficient way to look up an address to assist the public in identifying magisterial district boundaries and locating magisterial district court offices. The MDJ locator map is a benefit to court staff and the public when trying to determine which MDJ has jurisdiction of an address. Court staff can share the MDJ locator map website with individuals who frequently file civil and or landlord tenant cases in the MDJ offices so they can verify jurisdiction without having to call the court directly. The map also provides markers for county courthouses, law enforcement agencies, and both county and state facilities.



Regional Analysis Techniques


Nick Mannone, Data Analyst
Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) typically employs a “compare to regional average method” in reporting on Environmental Justice as part of its Transportation Improvement Program. This year, SPC Data Analysts have compiled the Environmental Justice report data using Location Quotients as an alternative statistical method. This presentation will explore a comparison of the two methods, and delve into the additional analytical context that a Location Quotient approach may provide for analyzing Environmental Justice data and other data-related topics.

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Frank Alvarado, Director of Research & Data Management
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation


The Hot Careers Lehigh Valley Dashboard is an interactive tool that the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) launched in the fall of 2023 to help students, from elementary school through college, and adult job seekers explore career opportunities in industries that are thriving in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The dashboard supports LVEDC’s Talent Strategies initiative, developing programs and partnerships that ensure companies have the skilled workforce they need to grow and thrive and produce more family-sustaining jobs. Users can view in-demand occupations by the education level typically required for jobs or by industry sectors that hire people in those occupations. Users also can search for occupations and learn how to prepare for careers in those fields and which Lehigh Valley institutions offer those programs. In addition, users can search for education programs they want to pursue or degrees they have and see a list of jobs for which they are qualified.

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American Community Survey Updates


Caleb Hopler, Supervisory Survey Statistician
U.S. Census Bureau

An overview of the latest updates to the American Community Survey (ACS), focusing on the integration and refinement of key demographic measures such as Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), disability status, and race/ethnicity. This session will explore the technical and methodological enhancements that have been implemented to ensure precise and relevant data collection.

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High Frequency Surveys


Cassandra "Cass" Logan, Survey Director, Associate Director for Demographic Programs - Survey Operations
U.S. Census Bureau


Explore the Demographic High-Frequency Surveys (DHFS) Program, an initiative leveraging the Household Pulse Survey and other rapid-response tools to meet emergent national, regional, and state-level data needs. This session will delve into how the DHFS Program has transitioned from an emergency response tool to a robust, sustainable framework capable of producing near real-time data to inform policy and community decisions. Learn about the streamlined survey lifecycle, minimal infrastructure requirements, and the partnership-driven approach that empower stakeholders to respond swiftly to evolving social and economic challenges.

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Testing & Implementing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in the ACS

Renee Stepler, Research Survey Statistician, Center for Behavioral Science Methods
U.S. Census Bureau


The U.S. Census Bureau is testing the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions in the American Community Survey (ACS). As a multi-mode survey, the ACS test will include internet, paper, and personal-interview responses. A split-panel test will be conducted that includes the testing of question wording and categories, along with alternatives to write-in collection in the internet mode. In particular, the ACS will focus on evaluating the feasibility and quality of within household proxy response for the SOGI questions. Cognitive interviews are also being conducted to evaluate respondents’ ability to comprehend and answer SOGI items across languages, survey modes, and subgroups. This presentation will provide an overview of these test plans.

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Population Estimates Program

Amel Toukabri, Chief Local Government Estimates and Migration Processing Branch
U.S. Census Bureau


This presentation provides an overview of the population and housing unit estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program (PEP). It will examine the methodologies used and the rationale behind these estimates, highlighting their importance for demographic and economic analysis. Additionally, the session will detail the release schedule for PEP products and describe how to access and effectively utilize this data in demographic analyses.

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May 30

National Population Projections

Sandra Johnson, Branch Chief, Population Evaluation, Analysis, and Projections
U.S. Census Bureau


This presentation covers population trends from 2023 to 2100 based on the latest national projections, highlighting age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and nativity. It explores various immigration scenarios—low, high, and zero—and their potential impacts on future population dynamics. Key findings include slower projected growth compared to previous projections, immigration as the main source of population growth, and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.


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Pennsylvania's Changing Population

Kyle Kopko, PhD, Executive Director
Center for Rural Pennsylvania


Dr. Kyle C. Kopko will explore key demographic trends, including slow population growth, regional shifts, and increasing diversity and aging with insights from population projections created in conjunction with the PA State Data Center. Learn about the economic and educational impacts of these changes, recent legislative hearings, and current reports from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

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