PROFESSIONALS
Dane Higbee
Principal
Dane brings in-depth analytical and writing skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Dane assists the Community Planning and Funding teams with delivering accurate and client-oriented deliverable products. Prior to joining Delta, he graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a student at Indiana, he was able to amass skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data research, report writing, and GIS mapping. Dane also has insight into the public planning process through his internship with Franklin County, Pennsylvania’s Planning Department.
Principal
Dane brings in-depth analytical and writing skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Dane assists the Community Planning and Funding teams with delivering accurate and client-oriented deliverable products. Prior to joining Delta, he graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a student at Indiana, he was able to amass skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, data research, report writing, and GIS mapping. Dane also has insight into the public planning process through his internship with Franklin County, Pennsylvania’s Planning Department.
Christian Muniz
Principal
Christian joins Delta Development Group after more than 20 years of public and private sector experience focused on Pennsylvania state government. Over that time, his work for clients has included community and economic development incentives, tax and pension reform, and a multitude of legislative policies. He brings project management and leadership skills to the service of Delta’s clients. Most recently, Christian served as a contract lobbyist with Pugliese Associates. Within state government, he served as a legislative staffer to a former House leader and later as the Legislative Director at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under former Governor Ed Rendell. Christian is a Navy veteran, having served as a cryptologist from 1988 through 1994. Today he also volunteers his time as an appointed Planning Commissioner for Carlisle Borough.
Principal
Christian joins Delta Development Group after more than 20 years of public and private sector experience focused on Pennsylvania state government. Over that time, his work for clients has included community and economic development incentives, tax and pension reform, and a multitude of legislative policies. He brings project management and leadership skills to the service of Delta’s clients. Most recently, Christian served as a contract lobbyist with Pugliese Associates. Within state government, he served as a legislative staffer to a former House leader and later as the Legislative Director at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under former Governor Ed Rendell. Christian is a Navy veteran, having served as a cryptologist from 1988 through 1994. Today he also volunteers his time as an appointed Planning Commissioner for Carlisle Borough.
Maggie Roby
Principal
Maggie Roby is an Economic Development Principal at Delta Development Group, Inc., where she combines expertise in strategic funding, grant management, and data analysis to support sustainable community and economic development. Maggie has successfully secured significant local, state, and federal funding across diverse sectors, including transportation, public safety, affordable housing, and recreation. With a strong background in economic theory and data analysis, Maggie is skilled at assessing complex funding needs, analyzing economic impacts, and aligning grant opportunities with community priorities. Beyond grant acquisition, she provides essential support in compliance monitoring and fund drawdowns, ensuring resources are used efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.
Principal
Maggie Roby is an Economic Development Principal at Delta Development Group, Inc., where she combines expertise in strategic funding, grant management, and data analysis to support sustainable community and economic development. Maggie has successfully secured significant local, state, and federal funding across diverse sectors, including transportation, public safety, affordable housing, and recreation. With a strong background in economic theory and data analysis, Maggie is skilled at assessing complex funding needs, analyzing economic impacts, and aligning grant opportunities with community priorities. Beyond grant acquisition, she provides essential support in compliance monitoring and fund drawdowns, ensuring resources are used efficiently and meet regulatory requirements.
Luke Galyen
Senior Consultant
Luke brings research, analytical, and bilingual communication skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Luke assists
Delta's funding team, working collaboratively with clients on implementation of economic development strategies as well as researching federal and state economic development programs and assisting with the completion of comprehensive grant proposals and loan applications. Before becoming a part of Delta’s team, Luke graduated with degrees in Politics and Economics from Messiah University. The combination of these majors allowed him to develop a range of skills including writing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and an understanding of political and economic systems. Luke also participated in multiple internships while in college. During these internships, he applied his research skills to produce a presentation on financial centers for the Director of Clearing and Risk for the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and to provide an overview of the history of how derivatives have been regulated in the United States. Luke has also worked with PA property tax data.
Senior Consultant
Luke brings research, analytical, and bilingual communication skills to Delta’s team. At Delta, Luke assists
Delta's funding team, working collaboratively with clients on implementation of economic development strategies as well as researching federal and state economic development programs and assisting with the completion of comprehensive grant proposals and loan applications. Before becoming a part of Delta’s team, Luke graduated with degrees in Politics and Economics from Messiah University. The combination of these majors allowed him to develop a range of skills including writing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and an understanding of political and economic systems. Luke also participated in multiple internships while in college. During these internships, he applied his research skills to produce a presentation on financial centers for the Director of Clearing and Risk for the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and to provide an overview of the history of how derivatives have been regulated in the United States. Luke has also worked with PA property tax data.
Ryan Godard
Senior Consultant
Ryan has a wide range of experience in the emergency planning and disaster readiness field with a focus in crisis planning. Prior to joining Delta, Ryan interned with the Loyalsock Township School District. In this position he planned, guided, and evaluated an HSEEP-consistent, full-scale exercise with the school district to test evacuation and accountability procedures during a massive structure fire that forced students and teachers to move to a secondary location. A debriefing with senior leadership allowed for an assessment of the drill and strategies to improve the existing plan. With extensive experience in military training, Ryan is currently a member of the PA Army National Guard PAANG, 28th ECAB, Officer In-Charge (OIC) of Force Protection and Physical Security. He oversees, plans, updates, and develops Brigade Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, Threat Assessments, Anti-Terrorism Assessments and Training, and Emergency Management functions.
Senior Consultant
Ryan has a wide range of experience in the emergency planning and disaster readiness field with a focus in crisis planning. Prior to joining Delta, Ryan interned with the Loyalsock Township School District. In this position he planned, guided, and evaluated an HSEEP-consistent, full-scale exercise with the school district to test evacuation and accountability procedures during a massive structure fire that forced students and teachers to move to a secondary location. A debriefing with senior leadership allowed for an assessment of the drill and strategies to improve the existing plan. With extensive experience in military training, Ryan is currently a member of the PA Army National Guard PAANG, 28th ECAB, Officer In-Charge (OIC) of Force Protection and Physical Security. He oversees, plans, updates, and develops Brigade Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, Threat Assessments, Anti-Terrorism Assessments and Training, and Emergency Management functions.
Trent Miller
Senior Consultant
As a Senior Consultant for Delta, Trent focuses on community and economic development initiatives for a diverse range of clients. He has extensive experience navigating state and federal funding programs, specializing in securing grants and loans for infrastructure, transportation, and economic development projects. Since joining Delta, Trent has worked with municipalities, state agencies, and private sector clients to develop funding strategies, coordinate grant applications, and advocate for critical projects. His expertise includes project development, econometric modeling, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and grant compliance, ensuring successful outcomes for clients across Pennsylvania.
Senior Consultant
As a Senior Consultant for Delta, Trent focuses on community and economic development initiatives for a diverse range of clients. He has extensive experience navigating state and federal funding programs, specializing in securing grants and loans for infrastructure, transportation, and economic development projects. Since joining Delta, Trent has worked with municipalities, state agencies, and private sector clients to develop funding strategies, coordinate grant applications, and advocate for critical projects. His expertise includes project development, econometric modeling, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and grant compliance, ensuring successful outcomes for clients across Pennsylvania.
Delaney Schilling
Senior Consultant
Delaney brings knowledge and experience in emergency management and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning to the Disaster Preparedness Solutions (DPS) team. Delaney currently holds the Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) Certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) and the Continuity of Operations Excellence Series- Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In addition to her COOP work at Delta, Delaney has worked on Emergency Operations Plan writing, program management, and HSEEP consistent exercise design, development, and evaluation. Her experience comes from her time earning a degree in Emergency Management from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and her time working at Delta. Delaney understands the importance of and continuously promotes inclusive planning for the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) community.
Senior Consultant
Delaney brings knowledge and experience in emergency management and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning to the Disaster Preparedness Solutions (DPS) team. Delaney currently holds the Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) Certification from the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) and the Continuity of Operations Excellence Series- Level I Professional Continuity Practitioner Certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In addition to her COOP work at Delta, Delaney has worked on Emergency Operations Plan writing, program management, and HSEEP consistent exercise design, development, and evaluation. Her experience comes from her time earning a degree in Emergency Management from the Pennsylvania College of Technology and her time working at Delta. Delaney understands the importance of and continuously promotes inclusive planning for the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) community.
Nathan Book
Consultant
Nathan supports Delta Development’s client projects with expertise in economic research, business development, and data-driven analysis. Before joining Delta full-time, he served as a Statistical Analysis and Economic Impact Research Intern at the World Trade Center Harrisburg, where he designed and conducted economic impact studies and trade flow analyses that provided actionable insights for regional development. Nathan recently graduated from Messiah University with a degree in Economics and minors in Spanish and International Business. During his time at Messiah, he served as co-captain of the swim team, participated in the Economic Empowerment Group, and studied abroad through the International Business Institute program, traveling to eight countries and strengthening his skills in global development and cross-cultural collaboration. Passionate about applying economic principles to real-world challenges, Nathan brings a global perspective and a commitment to helping businesses, communities, and organizations achieve sustainable growth and success.
Consultant
Nathan supports Delta Development’s client projects with expertise in economic research, business development, and data-driven analysis. Before joining Delta full-time, he served as a Statistical Analysis and Economic Impact Research Intern at the World Trade Center Harrisburg, where he designed and conducted economic impact studies and trade flow analyses that provided actionable insights for regional development. Nathan recently graduated from Messiah University with a degree in Economics and minors in Spanish and International Business. During his time at Messiah, he served as co-captain of the swim team, participated in the Economic Empowerment Group, and studied abroad through the International Business Institute program, traveling to eight countries and strengthening his skills in global development and cross-cultural collaboration. Passionate about applying economic principles to real-world challenges, Nathan brings a global perspective and a commitment to helping businesses, communities, and organizations achieve sustainable growth and success.
Daniel Fooks
Consultant
As an Economic Development Associate/Grant Writer at Delta Development Group, Daniel Fooks supports communities, nonprofit organizations, and public-sector clients in securing funding for projects that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. His responsibilities include researching state, federal, and foundation funding opportunities, developing competitive grant applications, and preparing supporting documentation that clearly communicates each project’s goals and community impact. Daniel leverages advanced capabilities across Microsoft Office and visual design platforms, including Canva, to create polished, visually engaging proposals, presentations, and informational materials. By combining policy analysis, research, analytical thinking, and technical writing, Daniel helps clients identify funding opportunities and develop strategic, well-supported proposals.
Consultant
As an Economic Development Associate/Grant Writer at Delta Development Group, Daniel Fooks supports communities, nonprofit organizations, and public-sector clients in securing funding for projects that strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. His responsibilities include researching state, federal, and foundation funding opportunities, developing competitive grant applications, and preparing supporting documentation that clearly communicates each project’s goals and community impact. Daniel leverages advanced capabilities across Microsoft Office and visual design platforms, including Canva, to create polished, visually engaging proposals, presentations, and informational materials. By combining policy analysis, research, analytical thinking, and technical writing, Daniel helps clients identify funding opportunities and develop strategic, well-supported proposals.
Kiersten Layton
Consultant
Kiersten brings a strong background in strategic fundraising and project management to Delta Development Group, where she supports the Community & Economic Development Services team through grant development, funding strategy, and project coordination. She has helped secure over $2 million in funding for nonprofit organizations and is experienced in managing projects from planning through execution while navigating compliance and stakeholder coordination. Prior to joining Delta, she served as Contracts and Project Coordinator for Pennsylvania Cable Network and previously held roles as a Development Specialist and Legislative Assistant with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Kiersten lives in Juniata County, where she leads The Jared Box Project of Juniata County, providing toys to local hospitalized children.
Consultant
Kiersten brings a strong background in strategic fundraising and project management to Delta Development Group, where she supports the Community & Economic Development Services team through grant development, funding strategy, and project coordination. She has helped secure over $2 million in funding for nonprofit organizations and is experienced in managing projects from planning through execution while navigating compliance and stakeholder coordination. Prior to joining Delta, she served as Contracts and Project Coordinator for Pennsylvania Cable Network and previously held roles as a Development Specialist and Legislative Assistant with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Kiersten lives in Juniata County, where she leads The Jared Box Project of Juniata County, providing toys to local hospitalized children.
Patrick O'Toole
Consultant
With a background in public health, Patrick (Pat) provides expertise in public health research and analysis coupled with practical healthcare experience. His background includes key areas such as public health emergency preparedness, regulatory processes, and governmental affairs. He has completed extensive research monitoring and interpreting state and federal policy, working closely with government agencies. Prior to joining Delta, Patrick worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation as a quality assurance specialist in the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health Office of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Immunization. As part of the Office of Epidemiology, Patrick was trained in infectious disease public health preparedness. As a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, Patrick collaborated on a team to conduct academic research in the field of legal epidemiology. The research aimed to create a treatment model that governments could use to reduce mortality and morbidity in individuals with substance use disorders. During his time developing this project, Patrick closely followed federal and state policies, as well as directly aided legislators, court officials, and Department of Corrections officials.
Consultant
With a background in public health, Patrick (Pat) provides expertise in public health research and analysis coupled with practical healthcare experience. His background includes key areas such as public health emergency preparedness, regulatory processes, and governmental affairs. He has completed extensive research monitoring and interpreting state and federal policy, working closely with government agencies. Prior to joining Delta, Patrick worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation as a quality assurance specialist in the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health Office of Epidemiology and Prevention, Division of Immunization. As part of the Office of Epidemiology, Patrick was trained in infectious disease public health preparedness. As a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, Patrick collaborated on a team to conduct academic research in the field of legal epidemiology. The research aimed to create a treatment model that governments could use to reduce mortality and morbidity in individuals with substance use disorders. During his time developing this project, Patrick closely followed federal and state policies, as well as directly aided legislators, court officials, and Department of Corrections officials.
Megan Zepiora
Consultant
Megan brings economic research and analytical skills to Delta Development Group. Megan works with the Community Planning and Funding teams to write comprehensive grant proposals and conduct research for studies. Prior to joining Delta, Megan graduated from Messiah University with a degree in Economics and minors in Mathematics and International Business, equipping her with skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis. As a part of an economic development club on campus, she worked closely with domestic and international non-profit and economic development organizations to aid in their operations and growth. For her senior honors research project, Megan conducted extensive research on the potential viability and efficacy of savings groups in shantytowns.
Consultant
Megan brings economic research and analytical skills to Delta Development Group. Megan works with the Community Planning and Funding teams to write comprehensive grant proposals and conduct research for studies. Prior to joining Delta, Megan graduated from Messiah University with a degree in Economics and minors in Mathematics and International Business, equipping her with skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis. As a part of an economic development club on campus, she worked closely with domestic and international non-profit and economic development organizations to aid in their operations and growth. For her senior honors research project, Megan conducted extensive research on the potential viability and efficacy of savings groups in shantytowns.
Kwegya Awotwi
Consultant
Kwegya Awotwi is a recent graduate of Lafayette College, where he studied International Affairs and Economics with a focus on Development Studies. He previously interned with the Solidarity Center in Washington, D.C., conducting research on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for stakeholders across labor, civil society, and the U.S. government. He also developed grant proposals for the National Endowment for Democracy supporting labor initiatives within the African Continental Free Trade Area. As a research intern with the Economic and Social Research Foundation in Tanzania, Kwegya evaluated Special Economic Zones and produced related policy papers. At Delta, Kwegya brings his growing expertise in grant writing and funding strategy as well as economic development analysis to Delta’s community and economic development planning initiatives. Kwegya has worked to conduct socioeconomic and data analysis for market studies in collaboration with the economic development team.
Consultant
Kwegya Awotwi is a recent graduate of Lafayette College, where he studied International Affairs and Economics with a focus on Development Studies. He previously interned with the Solidarity Center in Washington, D.C., conducting research on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for stakeholders across labor, civil society, and the U.S. government. He also developed grant proposals for the National Endowment for Democracy supporting labor initiatives within the African Continental Free Trade Area. As a research intern with the Economic and Social Research Foundation in Tanzania, Kwegya evaluated Special Economic Zones and produced related policy papers. At Delta, Kwegya brings his growing expertise in grant writing and funding strategy as well as economic development analysis to Delta’s community and economic development planning initiatives. Kwegya has worked to conduct socioeconomic and data analysis for market studies in collaboration with the economic development team.
Crystal Spence
Part-Time Consultant
Crystal posses over 20 years of continuous leadership and management experience in the disciplines of health services and education and training. With her extensive military background in the United States Air Force, Crystal brings experience in disease and disability education, care, and evaluation of nursing care. In addition, she has provided disaster training for medical and non-medical personnel, and has obtained intermediate to expert fluency with programs associated with various medical systems.
Part-Time Consultant
Crystal posses over 20 years of continuous leadership and management experience in the disciplines of health services and education and training. With her extensive military background in the United States Air Force, Crystal brings experience in disease and disability education, care, and evaluation of nursing care. In addition, she has provided disaster training for medical and non-medical personnel, and has obtained intermediate to expert fluency with programs associated with various medical systems.
Tyler Rossi
Intern
As an Economic Development Intern at Delta Development Group, Tyler supports a variety of public infrastructure and community development projects across Pennsylvania. His responsibilities include researching funding opportunities, preparing competitive grant applications, developing project narratives, creating maps and visual exhibits, and coordinating with clients to ensure applications are accurate, complete, and compelling. Working primarily with Rebecca, Tyler is gaining firsthand experience in strategic planning, transportation investment, and public-private partnerships that promote regional economic growth. He brings experience in technology, interpersonal communication, commercial and residential real estate research, and artificial intelligence, allowing him to contribute innovative ideas and creative solutions for Delta and its clients. Tyler’s goal is to build practical expertise in economic development, grant writing, and infrastructure planning while developing skills that will support his long-term career in business and real estate development.
Intern
As an Economic Development Intern at Delta Development Group, Tyler supports a variety of public infrastructure and community development projects across Pennsylvania. His responsibilities include researching funding opportunities, preparing competitive grant applications, developing project narratives, creating maps and visual exhibits, and coordinating with clients to ensure applications are accurate, complete, and compelling. Working primarily with Rebecca, Tyler is gaining firsthand experience in strategic planning, transportation investment, and public-private partnerships that promote regional economic growth. He brings experience in technology, interpersonal communication, commercial and residential real estate research, and artificial intelligence, allowing him to contribute innovative ideas and creative solutions for Delta and its clients. Tyler’s goal is to build practical expertise in economic development, grant writing, and infrastructure planning while developing skills that will support his long-term career in business and real estate development.
Dr. Kent Trachte
Higher Education Advisor
With more than 40 years of leadership in higher education, Dr. Trachte served as the 15th President of Lycoming College from 2013 to 2025, where he led two strategic plans that raised the institution’s academic reputation, forged strong community partnerships and transformed the physical campus. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Franklin & Marshall College. He has extensive experience with strategic planning, higher education governance, and accreditation. He served on regional and national higher education boards, including the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania and the NCAA Division III Presidents Council as well as community boards including the United Way, the Community Arts Center and the Water & Sanitary Authority. Now with Delta Development Group, Dr. Trachte will provide advisory services to college presidents and support institutions in securing public funding to advance their strategic priorities.
Higher Education Advisor
With more than 40 years of leadership in higher education, Dr. Trachte served as the 15th President of Lycoming College from 2013 to 2025, where he led two strategic plans that raised the institution’s academic reputation, forged strong community partnerships and transformed the physical campus. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Franklin & Marshall College. He has extensive experience with strategic planning, higher education governance, and accreditation. He served on regional and national higher education boards, including the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania and the NCAA Division III Presidents Council as well as community boards including the United Way, the Community Arts Center and the Water & Sanitary Authority. Now with Delta Development Group, Dr. Trachte will provide advisory services to college presidents and support institutions in securing public funding to advance their strategic priorities.