SUMNER

Hope Enterprises Inc. recently announced Angela Sumner as the new director of the Bi-County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program serving Lycoming and Clinton counties.

Sumner succeeds Nancy Bittner, who retired “after an extraordinary 39 years of dedicated service to the program,” a news release said.

The Bi-County WIC Program provides vital nutrition education, breastfeeding support, access to healthy foods, and referrals to health care and social services for eligible women, infants, and children, according to the news release. Serving nearly 3,000 participants across Lycoming and Clinton Counties, the program plays a critical role in supporting healthy families and strong communities.

Sumner brings 18 years of experience with WIC, including 12 years with Hope Enterprises, Inc., to her new role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Mansfield University and a master’s degree in community nutrition from West Chester University. Sumner completed the Department of Health WIC Dietetic Internship in 2023 and became credentialed as a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian nutritionist in 2024. Throughout her career, she has served as a WIC nutritionist and now steps into the director role following her promotion.

“I am extremely honored to take on the role of WIC Director,” said Sumner, according to the news release. “I strive to keep the Bi-County WIC program in high regard with the State Agency, Hope Enterprises, Inc., our community partners, and most importantly, the participants that we serve. I hold the utmost respect for my predecessor and mentor, Nancy Bittner, wishing her all the best as she begins her new chapter of retirement and enjoys her free time.”

Reflecting on her tenure and the transition in leadership, outgoing WIC Director Nancy Bittner shared: “It has been a true privilege to serve the families of Lycoming and Clinton Counties for the past 39 years. Watching this program grow and evolve alongside our community has been incredibly meaningful. I am confident that Angela’s knowledge, dedication, and passion for public health will ensure the Bi-County WIC Program continues to thrive and support families for years to come.”

President and CEO of Hope Enterprises, Inc., Rob Labatch, expressed his gratitude for Bittner’s legacy and confidence in Sumner’s leadership.

“Nancy’s nearly four decades of service have left an indelible mark on the Bi-County WIC Program and on countless families in our community,” Labatch said, according to the news release. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership, compassion, and commitment to public health,” said Labatch. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Angela into this role. Her experience, professionalism, and dedication to the mission of WIC position the program for continued excellence.”

Outside of work, Sumner is a wife and mother of two boys and enjoys cheering them on at sporting events.

With Sumner’s appointment, Hope Enterprises, Inc. looks forward to continued excellence and innovation in delivering WIC services across Lycoming and Clinton counties.