Senator Browne names Chief of Staff

Taps LV Chamber VP Ellen Kern for key job

State Senator Pat Browne, R-16th District, today (May 10) announced the hiring of Ellen Kern, Vice President Development of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, to serve as his Chief of Staff.

"I am extremely pleased to have Ellen heading my staff," Senator Browne said. "She knows the community and is known in the community. That is a great advantage that will help as we establish our presence throughout the 16th District. She has significant leadership experience and great people skills that will serve her well as she directs the staff and interacts with constituents."

Kern graduated from the State University of New York at Geneseo where she received a B.A. in English and Sociology. She also received the New York State Regents Academic Merit Scholarship, the Jesse Stevens Merit Scholarship and the PA Governor's Highway Safety Award. In 1991, the March of Dimes Lehigh Valley Chapter named Kern "Most Wanted Woman in the Lehigh Valley" for her fundraising activities.

Kern became the first female president of the Kiwanis Club of Allentown in 1993 and was designated a "distinguished president" by Kiwanis International in 1994. In 1996, Kern received the Lehigh Carbon Community College "Collegiate Award of Distinction". She was the recipient of the City of Allentown's 1997 Human Relations Award, and most recently, honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Great Valley Girl Scout Council.

"Through her professional experience and her work with many civic organizations, Ellen knows the issues that are important to the people of our community," Senator Browne said. "Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the ideal person to lead my staff."

Kern has been active with many community organizations including the United Way of the Lehigh Valley, March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Kiwanis Club of Allentown.