Community Progress Council is pleased to celebrate an extraordinary achievement and recognize two outstanding people who drive the organization to success — Chief Financial Officer Tiena Blouse, and immediate past Board Chair Ellen Kyzer, VP, Client and Community Relations Director at PNC Bank.
Tiena and Ellen were honored at the recent Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) conference during the third annual CAAPtivating Excellence Awards:
- Tiena Blouse as the “Hidden Hero,” a behind-the-scenes powerhouse whose essential work often goes unseen by clients but is a vital part of the agency’s success; and
- Ellen Kyzer as the “Community CAAPtain,” an individual agency board member whose visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless advocacy have profoundly advanced the mission of their Community Action Agency
The CAAPtivating Excellence Awards were created to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the PA Community Action Network. The awards ceremony, held on October 29, 2025, at the Eden Resort & Suites in Lancaster, recognized individuals in the Pennsylvania Community Action Network for their excellence, dedication, and hard work in the fight against poverty.
As CFO for Community Progress Council, Tiena is the quiet force behind Community Progress Council’s financial strength and operational success. For over 20 years, she has managed complex budgets with precision, led with integrity, and championed bold, mission-driven initiatives — all while keeping families at the center of her work.
Having ended her two-year term as Chair of Community Progress Council’s Board of Directors in June 2025, Ellen’s leadership has been transformative, focused on strengthening the organization’s governance and sustainability. Her strategic vision and ability to build powerful partnerships have expanded CPC’s reach and impact.
“Tiena and Ellen represent the very best of community action — through steadfast, behind-the-scenes excellence, visionary, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to the families we serve,” said Robin Rohrbaugh, President/CEO, Community Progress Council. “Their dedication has shaped Community Progress Council in powerful and lasting ways, and we’re grateful to see their hard work and tremendous impact recognized on this level.”
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About Community Progress Council
Founded in 1965, Community Progress Council is York County’s nonprofit community action agency, whose mission is to empower individuals and families to move toward self-sufficiency and advocate for change to promote community growth. Celebrating 60 years in 2025, Community Progress Council goes beyond emergency stopgaps to provide comprehensive, integrated services for low- and moderate-income people of all ages. Connected by client-centered coaching, programs include early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start and Pre-K Counts; housing and financial education; nutrition support and education via the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program; York City Community of Hope at Hannah Penn K-8; and the agency’s Self-Sufficiency Program that helps residents of York County reach financial stability. Learn more at www.YorkCPC.org.