January 29th, 2024
New leadership announcement
The Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT) announces a pivotal leadership transition as Kate Neubert-Lechner, Workforce Programs Director, steps into the role of Executive Director with immediate effect.
Neubert-Lechner assumed her position at ECAT a year ago, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh
perspective to the organization. Her initial role was designed to strengthen and expand ECAT’s tuition-free
career training programs. In this capacity, Neubert-Lechner facilitated the launch of two new programs—
Sterile Processing and Freedom House (scheduled for March 2024). Under her leadership, the career training
team has expanded to meet the administrative demands stemming from the significant growth in the student
body. The ECAT community extends its gratitude to Kate for her contributions to the workforce programs and
looks forward to her continued leadership in this position, and her expanded role as Executive Director.
In a strategic move supported by the ECAT Board of Directors, Daria Devlin, ECAT’s former and first
Executive Director, has fully transitioned into her new role as Director of Social Impact at Hamot Health
Foundation. As a testament to her ongoing commitment to East Ave neighborhood development, executive
oversight of ECAT Wayne building operations will remain under Devlin’s purview in her new capacity. This
continuity reflects a dedication to sustaining the positive trajectory and investment initiated by the
transformation of ECAT Wayne from a vacant building to a vibrant community hub. The ECAT community
looks forward to the continued positive impact Devlin will bring to the Eastside neighborhood.
ECAT’s senior leadership team continues to include Jude Shingle, Arts Program Director, who will maintain
oversight of the direction of ECAT’s arts programs. Shingle leads the development of arts initiatives with a
continued commitment to providing more youth arts exploration and entrepreneurship opportunities to students
in Erie County. Arts programming inquiries can be directed to jude@eriecat.org or 814-388-5841.
ECAT would like to thank the Board of Directors for their guidance and support as we transition to a new
chapter and continue to make positive, lasting change for our neighbors in Erie County.
Follow the Erie Center for Arts & Technology on social media and visit eriecat.org to subscribe to our
newsletter to stay apprised of announcements, programs, and events. For media inquiries or further
information, please contact Kate Neubert-Lechner at kate@eriecat.org or 814-388-5854.
