The PennZone

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - PennZone -- Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have named John Marc Rittle a recipient of Pennsylvania's Most Influential Leaders Award. Rittle, the executive director of New Bethany, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to addressing hunger and homelessness, will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Aug. 18, 2026.

"I am truly honored to be recognized alongside so many incredible leaders across Pennsylvania," said Rittle. "This award reflects not just my work, but the dedication of the entire New Bethany team, whose commitment to serving our neighbors inspires me every day."

Rittle will join 33 other Pennsylvania Most Influential Leaders honorees at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, where Lehigh Valley Business and Central Penn Business Journal will host a ceremony recognizing recipients of both the Most Influential Leaders and Empowering Women awards. Attendees will enjoy a luncheon, and honorees will be recognized during the event.

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Since joining New Bethany in 2018, Rittle has guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the nonprofit saw nearly a twofold increase in the number of community members served. Under his leadership, New Bethany has received several accolades, including the 2025 Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Excellent Nonprofit Award and the 2024 Lehigh Valley Business Empowering Women Award.

In 2026, Rittle received the Community Impact Award from The Preventive Measures Foundation, which recognizes leaders whose work has created meaningful, measurable change in the community. Rittle is also an active advocate for housing at the regional and state levels. Rittle serves as chairperson of the Bethlehem Housing Authority Board (https://www.bethlehemhousing.org/BHA/Default.asp) and is a member of the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board's Governance Board (https://lvrhab.org/) and the Pennsylvania Interagency Coordinating Council (https://www.pattan.net/Collaborative-Partnershi...), where he was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro.

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"Leading New Bethany is about creating opportunities, building partnerships, and empowering our community to thrive," said Rittle. "It means advocating for policies and resources that support housing, food security, and health, while also providing direct services that help neighbors overcome immediate challenges and build sustainable futures."

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About New Bethany

New Bethany Inc. is a Bethlehem-based nonprofit dedicated to providing food access, housing and social services to individuals and families experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. Since its founding in 1985, New Bethany has served more than 1.1 million meals, supported over 2,000 residents through its housing programs and engaged more than 12,000 volunteers. New Bethany's services include a drop-in center, food access programs, supportive housing and case management services, and works to remove barriers to stability and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.newbethany.org.