New Leadership for Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) has announced a new leadership structure, with David Capperella elected as the new chair of the board. This change takes effect on July 15 and marks a significant transition in the organization’s direction. Capperella, a business owner from the Bellefonte area and supervisor of Spring Township, is also the president of Capparella Furniture. He succeeds Jennifer Brooks-Stahl, who served as the outgoing chair for two years.
Capperella expressed his excitement about taking on this new role, stating, “It’s an exciting time in Happy Valley, and I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful group of board members and staff, who represent the best of our community.” He also acknowledged the legacy of previous leaders, noting that they have set a high standard for the bureau’s work in promoting tourism and economic growth in the region.
Under Capperella’s leadership, the HVAB aims to continue driving innovative ideas and opportunities that enhance tourism and contribute to the local economy. The organization is optimistic about building on the successes achieved during Brooks-Stahl’s tenure, which included record visitation numbers in 2024 and a milestone of $1 billion in visitor spending for the first time.
One of the key achievements under Brooks-Stahl’s leadership was the establishment of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance. This partnership between Penn State and the HVSEA led to the hiring of Eric Engelbarts as the alliance’s first executive director. The alliance played a crucial role in bringing high-profile events to the region, such as the Luke Combs concert at Beaver Stadium and the Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest.
Brooks-Stahl shared her confidence in the future of the bureau, saying, “I am confident that The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau will continue to thrive under the leadership of David Capperella. I look forward to seeing the Bureau reach even greater heights during his term.”
In addition to Capperella’s appointment, the board has also made several other changes. Vince McDonald, chief international strategy officer at AccuWeather, has moved into the vice chair role. Eric Rusnak, an attorney with Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw and Pittman and president of the Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation, will serve as treasurer.
The HVAB Board also welcomed three new members:
- Laura Philippi, director of sales and marketing for Happy Valley Hotels
- Mandy Stitzer, vice president of operations for Hospitality Asset Management Company
- Michael Lee, general manager and principal owner of Nittany Valley Sports Centre
Two new reciprocal board members also joined the team:
- Lee Anne Jeffries, executive director of Downtown State College Improvement District
- Lorraine Mulfinger, interim executive director of Downtown Bellefonte Inc.
Outgoing board members include:
- Jennifer Brooks-Stahl
- Edward Tubbs, CEO of Hospitality Asset Management Company
- Tim Bowser, proprietor of Elk Creek Café + Aleworks
- Tom Fountaine, State College Borough Manager
This transition signals a new chapter for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, with fresh leadership and a commitment to continuing the region’s growth and success in the tourism sector.
