Team Eckenrode
Transparent communication
Over 260 Years of Combined Experience
Getting the job done
PSCOA President
John Eckenrode
A native and resident of Cambria County, John attended the California University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in the United State Marines in 1995. John later served the Commonwealth in the Army National Guard. While serving his country, John was a Non- Commissioned Officer, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service.
A Corrections Officer since 1999, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served on the Corrections Emergency Response Team, while working at SCIs Cresson and Benner Township and was Training Sergeant
John developed a passion for serving his fellow H1 members as a Local Official of the PSCOA. In 2002, he was elected PSCOA Secretary of SCI-Cresson, and for the next decade, fought for the rights of his fellow members. In 2011, he was elected to Cresson’s PSCOA Executive Board. After transferring to SCI-Benner in 2013, he was elected as Secretary, then Vice President and finally President. In 2019 John was elected PSCOA Western Region Vice President and became the PSCOA President in 2021, proudly serving more than 10,000 men and women that work in Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institutions and Forensic State Hospitals and Community Corrections Centers.
John has been married to his amazing wife Jennifer for thirty years, and they have four adult children and three lovely grandchildren. He has a love of football and was a youth football coach for many years.
Executive Vice President
Hank McNair
Hank was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Graduating high school and attending Saint Francis College on a baseball scholarship, Hank began a career in trades, ultimately moving his family to Pennsylvania.
In 1996, Hank started as a Corrections Officer at SCI Graterford, later being promoted to Sergeant in 2001. In 2007 he transferred to SCI Retreat to be closer to home, moving into the Maintenance Department as a Maintenance Repairman and finally a Plumbing Trades Instructor. Hank transferred to SCI Phoenix following the closure of SCI Retreat.
While at SCI Graterford Hank got involved with the watchdog group questioning issues with our representation through the then representative AFSCME. After PSCOA took over as the Union for our H-1 members and believing he could make a difference for his brothers and sisters, he ran for office and ultimately held the position of Local PSCOA
President at SCI Graterford. After transferring to Retreat he served the Local by becoming the Local Vice President and served the members statewide as a PSCOA Executive Board Member, Non-CO. Hank held both positions until he was elected to his current position of PSCOA Executive Vice-President in 2019. In his 28 years of service within the DOC he has always been proud to keep a position within the H-1 bargaining unit and to proudly serve in Union activity.
While living in New York, Hank met his lovely wife Kathleen and has been married to her for over twenty-eight years. Hank and Kathleen enjoy spending time with their five adult children and a beautiful grandchild. Hank has also been involved in his community as a baseball and softball coach to include the local school district.
Eastern VP
Mark Truszkowski
Born and still a resident of the Mountain Top area in Luzerne County, Mark joined the United States Air Force after graduation, becoming a Special Purpose Vehicle Equipment Maintenance Journeyman. He was stationed in the Republic of South Korea and multiple U.S. bases, earning the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished service.
Mark Truszkowski has proudly served as a Corrections Officer since 2000, at SCI Dallas. Mark worked many jobs over his years at Dallas and grew to love supporting his brothers and sisters behind the walls.
During his time there, he demonstrated strong leadership as both Local Vice President and Local President. In 2010, he was elected to the PSCOA State Executive Board and later hired as a Business Agent for the Eastern Region of Pennsylvania. In this role, Mark was entrusted with the responsibilities of Benefits Coordinator, where he handled and processed all H1 Heart and Lung appeal forms, attended hearings, and provided crucial support to members in need. In 2019, Mark was elected as PSCOA Eastern Region Vice President. In this capacity, he collaborates with fellow PSCOA executives to serve 10,000 H1 members while also overseeing the Heart and Lung Department. His dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of Corrections and Forensic employees remains unwavering.
Beyond his professional commitments, Mark has been happily married for 23 years to his beautiful wife Jamie and is a devoted father to three awesome children. Mark has been involved with his home community as a football coach as well as an avid drag racer.
Western VP
Adam Rieg
Adam, a resident of Chest Springs PA since childhood, graduated high school and shortly after served in the United States Navy from 2005 to 2009. As a Cryptologic Technician with the Navy, he honed his skills in communication and critical thinking. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Mount Aloysius College and an associate’s degree in telecommunications from Coastline College.
Adam Rieg is a dedicated Corrections professional with over a decade of experience in the field. He began his career as a Corrections officer at SCI Houtzdale in 2012, advancing to the rank of Sergeant by 2016. Adam then became a Training Instructor at the DOC Training Academy from 2016 to 2018, sharing his expertise and knowledge with new recruits to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism within our organization.
His commitment to his colleagues led Adam to serve as Local Secretary at SCI Houtzdale. In 2020, Adam was elected Local President where he served the members of Houtzdale until 2024, when was appointed as a Business Agent for PSCOA. Over the years, Adam has served on the statewide PSCOA committees to include Constitution & Bylaws, Judicial & Ethics and Legislative.
Outside of his professional life, Adam is a devoted family man. He has been happily married to his wife, Jenna, for seven years, and together they are proud parents of their two daughters. Adam’s passion for service, Corrections, and family drives him to make a positive impact for his brothers and sisters of the PSCOA.
Secretary / Treasurer
Justin Krommes
Justin grew up in Plymouth, PA where developed a strong sense of community and duty. As a member of the PA Army National Guard, he served seven years in his community as well a tour in Iraq supporting war efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2006, Justin began a career as a Corrections Officer at SCI Dallas, serving in various capacities over the years. Since 2013, Justin also served on the SCI Dallas Honor Guard, honoring current and former staff members during funerals and ceremonies.
As an Active member of PSCOA, Justin has held several positions with the Local PSCOA to include Treasurer and President. In these roles, he guided the Local through daily issues, recruitment of new members and leading labor management negotiations. More recently. Justin has served as a State Executive Board Member, a PSCOA Business Agent and currently serves as the PSCOA Secretary/Treasurer. For many years, Justin has taken much pride in the service of PSCOA and its members.
Justin is a proud parent of four wonderful children and has been happily married to his wife, Christina, for 17 years. As a father, Justin has supported his children and the community as the President of the Mountaintop Area Little League, which provides baseball and softball opportunities to over 500 youth.
E-Board
Edward Bogan
Edward Bogan was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Frankford High School and attended DPT Business School, where he studied Computer Networking, Desktop, Troubleshooting, earning his A+ certification.
In 2004, Edward began his career with the Department of Corrections at SCI Graterford, eventually being promoted to Sergeant. He was also a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team and he is currently assigned at SCI Phoenix as a Control Sergeant.
Edward’s dedication extended beyond his immediate duties. Starting as a Weingarten Steward, he served as a Local Executive Board member and held two terms as the Local President at SCI Phoenix, a position he currently holds. Additionally, Edward is a proud member of the PSCOA Executive Board. As Local President and PSCOA Executive Board Member, Edward’s contributions include advocating for mandatory paid steward training and implementing accountability and checks and balances within the Association. With a commitment to doing what is right and a steadfast record in labor management negotiations, Edward has brought a passion to not only the membership at SCI Phoenix, but the H1 members across the state.
Edward is happily married to his graceful wife Alexis. Ed is a father of five daughters, three sons, and is a grandfather to a beautiful granddaughter.
E-Board
Joshua Wilson
A resident of Montgomery County, Josh was raised in Norristown, PA, graduating from Boyertown High School in 1997. Shortly after High School, Josh became a welder, supporting his young family.
Josh started his career as a Forensic Security Employee for the Department of Human Services at RFPC Norristown in 2002. He has served many roles since then and currently is a member of the transportation team. Josh has also assisted his fellow coworkers as a forensics training instructor.
As a PSCOA Member, Josh represented forensics employees as a Local steward for many years. He took the role of Local Vice President in 2019, fighting for his members through the grievance process. In 2023 Josh became a PSCOA Executive Board Member, Non-CO, serving the H-1 members across the state. In addition to his duties as a Union Official, Josh has been active with the Corrections Benevolent Fund for over two years. Since September 2024, he has proudly served as the CBF’s President, raising funds to help PSCOA members in need.
Josh has lived in Montgomery County PA since childhood. He his married to his beautiful wife, Tara, for the last 26 years. They have two lovely children and two wonderful grandchildren.
E-Board
Ken Oswalt
A native and resident of Cambria County, Ken enlisted in the United States Army for Field Artillery in 1992. After his military service, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he studied Electrical Engineering. Recently, he is continuing his education with Penn State University, studying Fermentation Science.
Beginning his career in 1999 as a Corrections Officer, Ken served on the Corrections Emergency Response Team and Fire Emergency Response Team. He was a Chemical Munitions Instructor for the Corrections Emergency Response Team. and has trained many C.E.R.T Team members statewide while working at SCI Cresson. Ken transferred to SCI Benner when it opened in 2013 and has worked at SCI Houtzdale as a
Electronics Trade Instructor since 2017.
In 2004, Ken served locally for PSCOA as a Steward, Executive Board member and Local Secretary across three institutions. Ken now proudly serves on the PSCOA Executive Board as a Non-CO member, a position he has held since 2023. He proudly serves more than 10,000 brothers and sisters that work in Corrections and Forensics across the Commonwealth.
Ken has been married to his wonderful wife Billie for eleven years, and they have three amazing children. Ken has a passion for brewing, and, along with Billie, is a regular supporter of the Arts.
E-Board
Ryan Kopa
Ryan was born and raised in Mayfield, PA. After graduating from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School, Ryan went on to Penn State University, studying Business Management. Additionally, Ryan served Pennsylvania as a soldier in the Army National Guard from 2000 to 2007, serving the nation overseas in Bosnia, 2002-2003, and Iraq, 2005-2006.
Ryan began his career as Corrections Officer at SCI Waymart in 2007, and now has over 17 years of experience. He served as a member of the Hostage Negotiation Team and he currently works as a Training Sergeant, passing his experience on to young Corrections Officers.
Ryan had a great interest in the PSCOA early in his career, attending various training seminars and serving as a Steward on the Local’s Grievance Committee. In 2009, Ryan became the Local Secretary, serving in that capacity until 2019. Ryan served the next two years as a PSCOA Business Agent. After returning to SCI Waymart, he again felt the call to serve the membership, becoming the Local President in the summer of 2024. As the Local President, Ryan serves the members by addressing their issues, leading labor management meetings and assisting in processing grievances. Ryan currently serves the members at large as a PSCOA Executive Board Member.
Ryan is a proud father of two beautiful girls and has been happily married to his longtime dance partner and wife, Candice, for 9 years. Ryan supports the education of his children, serving on the school board for Fell Charter School in Simpson, PA, starting in 2017.
E-Board
John Benfield
A longtime resident of Cumberland County, and a 1997 Mechanicsburg Wildcat alumnus, John started his law enforcement career with the PA Special Task Force. He later moved on to Juvenile Corrections with Cornell Abraxas.
In 2001, John started his DOC career at SCI Camp Hill as a Corrections Officer. With over 20 years of experience, John has served on the Corrections Emergency Response Team and worked various positions within the institution, currently working with the reception and intake unit.
In 2019 John was elected as the Local Vice President for Camp Hill, a role continues today. As Vice President and Grievance Coordinator, John has organized the fight for H1 by creating a grievance tracking system for members, implementing media platforms for information sharing, resolving numerous member issues, and fighting for increased work benefits, to include over 100 new bid positions. His organizational skills has helped the Local foster honesty, ethics, transparency and accountability. In 2022 John joined the PSCOA State Executive Board, where he continues to lead the charge of representing members and upholding his fiduciary responsibilities to the membership. John continues to fight for financial responsibility and increased cost savings, working towards the goal of even more dues reductions.
John has been married to his loving wife, Heather, for over 24 years. The two of them have raised three amazing young adults and now enjoy caring for two very furry four- legged children.
E-Board
Ken Elstner
A longtime resident of Fayette County, Ken is rooted at his work, in his community and with his family. Ken served proudly in United States Marine Corps and carried that sense of duty shortly after into a career with Corrections.
In 2004, Ken began his career as a Corrections Officer at SCI Fayette shortly after its opening. Over 20 years later, Ken has lived the corrections life having worked in many capacities through the changing Corrections landscape.
Understanding the importance of strong Union involvement, Ken began PSCOA service as the Local Secretary in 2005. In 2010 he moved to the position of Local Vice President where over the next six years he processed hundreds of grievances on behalf of the H1 membership. In 2016 he served as Local President for an additional six years, fighting for members rights and working conditions. In 2019 Ken joined the PSCOA State Executive Board where he was instrumental in correcting financial waste and bringing accountability to the PSCOA on behalf of the members. As an Executive Board Member, Ken was instrumental in coordinating with his community’s state representatives, one of which ultimately wrote the OC bill, greatly increasing safety for
many of our members.
A proud husband of over 20 years to his wife Lindsay, and father to two awesome sons, Ken is dedicated to continuing his decades of work for the PSCOA members.
E-Board
Chris Sheetz
Chris, a native of Greensburg PA, graduated high school in 1995, directly enlisting into the United States Marine Corps. After serving his country, Chris began a career in Corrections at Westmoreland County Prison, while studying Criminal Justice at Westmoreland County Community College.
Chris began his current position as a Corrections Officer at SCI Fayette shortly after its opening in 2004. He has also worked at SCIs Pittsburgh and Greensburg, ultimately finding his way back to SCI Fayette where he works today.
Chris has served many roles in the PSCOA over there years to include being Fayette’s Local Vice-President until 2010, where he fought to hold management accountable to our contract and to bolster the rights of the H1 members. As Chris moved through institutions, he always maintained involvement with the PSCOA, continuing as representative at each stop. Chris most recently is serving at the statewide level on PSCOA’s legislative committee.
With decades of Union involvement and experience, Chris will be a zealous advocate for the PSCOA members across the state, fighting for transparency, accountability and above all high ethics from top to bottom.
Chis is celebrating his tenth wedding anniversary with his beautiful wife Donna, as they proudly raise their two children, Elana and Jakob. Chris supports his community by volunteering with various youth sports leagues and the Boy Scouts of America.
E-Board
Christian Ortiz
Christian was born and raised in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, rising from a family with a long and proud tradition working within the Corrections field. He graduated from Josefa Velez Bauza High School in 2004 and, shortly after, moved to the United States, eventually settling in Johnstown PA in 2012.
It was after coming to Johnstown that Christian began a dedicated career as a Corrections Officer at SCI Somerset. Christian has worked in many posts throughout the institution, and he has been a Sergeant at Somerset since 2021.
Recognizing the importance of the PSCOA, in 2017 Christian became more actively involved with the Union, serving as a Local Steward and a Local Executive Board Member. As of 2023, Christian moved to his current role as SI Somerset’s Local President. Christian works with diligence and pride advocating for the membership and fighting to improve the often-dangerous institutions that our members serve at.
A proud father of three children, enjoys participating in his community as an amateur boxer and a volunteer firefighter. As a future PSCOA State Executive Board Member, Christian will further the teamwork necessary to fight for our members across the state, while advocating for the safety of our staff and the welfare of the H1 body.
