We are pleased to announce that our very own “Chief of Staff” and Advisory Board member, Lenore Wetzel (Member #188), was recently recognized by City & State PA as one of Pennsylvania’s young leaders making an impact here in the Commonwealth. This recognition comes under the title “40 In Their 40’s,” which highlights the accomplishments of forty men and women in their forties who have distinguished themselves in various professions. This is quite an honor. To gain this recognition requires that a person be nominated and then chosen from those whose names were submitted for consideration. So, in the end, Lenore was picked as one of the forty finalists.
Of course, we here at the 1715 Fleet Society already knew of her talents and abilities. As our consultant over the last four years, Lenore has made enormous contributions to the Society. She immediately began handling many day-to-day tasks and then, in time, started managing the website, taking responsibility for membership mailings and payments, and helping to organize our biennial conferences. She was not asked to do this. She volunteered. By assuming all of these tasks, she has single-handedly relieved the Board of Directors of much of the work associated with running our ever-growing organization. In short, if we want something done, we just ask Lenore, and it magically happens. We are fortunate to have her.
Her talents have not gone unnoticed. Recently, she was asked by the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists, one of the fastest-growing numismatic organizations in the Northeast, to manage its website to include updates and content. Needless to say, they are very pleased with her work thus far. We wish to congratulate our “Chief of Staff” on her recent award. It is well deserved.
We wish her all the best going forward, especially as we advance.
Lenore Wetzel
Design Director, Fifth Influence
Over two decades as a design strategist, Lenore Wetzel has earned a reputation for her talents selling everything from shoes to snacks to democracy. Wetzel, 45, is currently the design director at the Pittsburgh-based firm Fifth Influence, leading numerous influential campaigns on behalf of progressive politicians, issues and communities.
A native of Northumberland, she studied design and began her career in a number of commercial design roles, “saying yes to every opportunity that came my way,” she recalls.
In 2024, she brought her talents to politics – managing digital communications for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, including during the 2024 election cycle. More recently, she masterminded the campaign for Vote Local PA, a pioneering state party campaign program.
At Fifth Influence, she draws on experience spanning marketing, digital media, advocacy and public engagement to help mission-driven organizations connect, mobilize constituencies and make an impact.
“In my 40s, I’ve become more intentional about where I invest my time and energy,” says Wetzel. “Experience has given me the confidence to trust my instincts, focus on work that aligns with my values, and recognize that success is about more than personal achievement.”
View “The City & State PA 2026 40 in Their 40s” full article HERE.
View the latest, full issue of City & State PA HERE.
About City & State PA:
City & State PA is the premier multimedia news organization that dedicates its coverage to Pennsylvania’s state and local government, including all things politics and public policy. Our in-depth, non-partisan news coverage serves Pennsylvania’s leaders every day as a trusted guide to the issues impacting the Keystone State. We offer comprehensive coverage through our daily First Read newsletter, print magazine and premier events.
