Jessica Kowalchick has been recognized for her outstanding contribution, talent and skill at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and for that recently had her responsibilities elevated at the newspaper where she will be the Advertising Sales Manager.

Kowalchick, who has been with the Sun-Gazette since 2009, starting as an advertising representative, is expected to take on more management-level duties in sales, special promotions, and be more involved in the daily production of the advertising sales and promotions team.

“I am excited to see what new things we can do,” said Kowalchick in an interview where one of the major projects for the advertising and editorial teams is the upcoming Progress 2026 editions.

These begin to be published in March, she said.

This annual publication has the theme this year of “Then and Now,” looking at the history of communities served by the Sun-Gazette as well as their current status with input from businesses as they look forward to a prosperous year.

Progress each year is one of the biggest projects for advertising and editorial staff and for the community of advertising customers, she said.

The history-theme in 2026 Progress should resonate nicely with readers as the archival photographs and captions of the history of the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County and the region placed in the daily newspaper are looked forward to by the Sun-Gazette readership, Kowalchick said.

“Our goal is to assist individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others who advertise with the Sun-Gazette. The newspaper has a print side with special sections as well as the daily run of the newspaper six-days-a-week. It publishes special sections such as the West Branch Living and has a significant and growing digital presence for the website.

“We all work well together,” Kowalchick said of the advertising and news staff.

The advertising staff currently consists of three outside sales, each with territories, and three in sales who also have duties such as management of the East Lycoming Shopper and News.

Kowalchick thanked Sun-Gazette Publisher/Advertising Director John Leeser.

“He is a great leader and mentor,” Kowalchick said of Leeser.

“His experience and knowledge continues to be invaluable.” “He cares about all of our staff,” Kowalchick said. “He brings new ideas to the table, so we can be successful in our sales and in our readership and viewership.”

“Jessica understands our accounts, our products, and our markets,” Leeser said. “Staff and accounts enjoy working with her, as do I. I’m excited for her and look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Kowalchick is a graduate of Lock Haven University with a bachelor of arts degree in communications media with an emphasis in journalism, advertising and publications.

She is married and lives in Jersey Shore with her husband, Jared, and their two daughters, Jemma, 14, and Jocelyn, 11.