Central Penn College President Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams Named to 2026 CPBJ 300

Central Penn College is proud to announce that President Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, Ed.D., has been named to the Central Penn Business Journal’s 2026 CPBJ 300 in the Education category.

The CPBJ 300 recognizes 300 influential leaders who are helping shape Central Pennsylvania’s economy, organizations and communities. Selected by the Central Penn Business Journal’s editorial team, the 2026 list includes leaders from 28 categories representing many of the region’s most important industries and professional sectors.

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams’ inclusion recognizes her leadership of Central Penn College and her commitment to strengthening the connection between education, workforce development and meaningful career opportunities.

Leadership Focused on Student and Workforce Success

As Central Penn College’s 10th president, Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams leads the college’s overall strategy with a focus on financial stability, enrollment growth, academic quality and career-focused innovation.

Her leadership reflects a belief that education should lead somewhere.

At Central Penn College, that means creating a faster, more practical and more supportive path forward for students. It means aligning academic programs with workforce needs, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and helping students gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to move from potential to profession.

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has led efforts to reshape and expand Central Penn College’s academic offerings in response to changes in the regional workforce. These efforts have included the development of career-focused programs in fields such as surgical technology, dental assisting and behavioral health, as well as continued investment in business, healthcare, criminal justice and other in-demand career pathways.

“​​I work across teams to strengthen operations, improve academic programs, and ensure the college is prepared to meet the needs of today’s students and workforce,” Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams shared in her CPBJ 300 profile.

Turning Potential Into Professional Mobility

The CPBJ 300 recognition reflects more than individual leadership. It also highlights Central Penn College’s role in preparing students to contribute to businesses, healthcare organizations, public agencies and communities throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

Central Penn College is dedicated to turning potential into professional mobility.

Under Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams’ leadership, the college continues to build an educational experience in which:

Students learn through practical, career-relevant experiences.

Faculty and staff provide personalized guidance and support.

Academic programs respond to employer and workforce needs.

Students begin preparing for their careers before graduation.

Education creates opportunities for professional and personal advancement.

The college’s approach is simple: Education is the foundation. Support is the mechanism. Careers are the outcome.

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has also helped Central Penn College strengthen relationships with employers, community organizations, government agencies and workforce development partners. These connections create opportunities for students while helping regional employers gain access to skilled, career-ready graduates.

Responding to the Changing Higher Education Landscape

Colleges and universities are navigating significant challenges, including changing student populations, rising costs and increased expectations to demonstrate clear career outcomes.

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has responded by keeping Central Penn College focused on what students need to move forward: flexible educational options, accelerated pathways, hands-on experiences, industry-informed programs and individualized support.

“This has helped create stronger enrollment pathways, made our programs more responsive to industry changes, and improved how we connect education to real career opportunities,” she told the Central Penn Business Journal.

That focus supports students at every stage of their educational journey, including recent high school graduates, working adults, transfer students, first-generation college students and professionals seeking new skills or career advancement.

An Influential Education Leader in Central Pennsylvania

Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams became Central Penn College’s 10th president in June 2018 after serving as interim co-president and as vice president for academic affairs and provost. Throughout her presidency, she has focused on improving the student experience, developing career-relevant academic programs and building strategic partnerships that help students thrive.

Her leadership and advocacy have previously earned recognition from organizations and publications throughout Central Pennsylvania and the career education community. Her selection for the 2026 CPBJ 300 further reflects the influence of her work at Central Penn College and across the region.

About the CPBJ 300

The CPBJ 300 is the Central Penn Business Journal’s recognition platform for influential leaders in business, nonprofit organizations, government, education and other industries throughout Pennsylvania’s midstate region.

The list is developed through editorial research, with recommendations also taken into consideration. Honorees are not ranked. Instead, the CPBJ 300 serves as a resource highlighting the leaders who are helping establish the foundation for Central Pennsylvania’s economic success and future growth.

Central Penn College congratulates Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams on being named to the 2026 CPBJ 300 and celebrates her continued commitment to students, career-focused education and the Central Pennsylvania community.

Through her leadership, Central Penn College continues to prepare students for more than earning a credential. It prepares them for what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams?

Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, Ed.D., is the president and CEO of Central Penn College. She became the college’s 10th president in June 2018 and leads its strategy, academic innovation, operations, enrollment initiatives and career-focused mission.

What is the CPBJ 300?

The CPBJ 300 is a Central Penn Business Journal recognition program highlighting 300 influential leaders who are helping shape Central Pennsylvania’s economy, industries and communities.

Where is Central Penn College located?

Central Penn College is located in Summerdale, Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg. The college serves students throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond through on-campus, online and hybrid career-focused programs.