James E. Orichosky, President

×

President James E. Orichosky, Director of Elementary Education for Bald Eagle Area School District and Principal of Wingate and Mountaintop Elementary, assumed leadership of the PA Principals Association in 2024. His two-year term runs through August 2026. Mr. Orichosky has been a member of the association for more than 23 years. Over the years, he held various positions at the state and national levels. Mr. Orichosky earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Saint Francis University; his principal certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University of Pennsylvania; and his Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.

Rick Esche, Ed.D., Treasurer

×

Treasurer Dr. Rick Esche is the principal at Paradise Elementary School in the Pequea Valley School District in Lancaster County.

Mark Ziegler, NASSP State Coordinator

×

Mark Ziegler serves as the NASSP State Coordinator on the board of directors. He is the principal at Camp Hill High School in the Camp Hill School District.

Donna Rose, NAESP State Representative

×

Donna K. Rose is the NAESP State Representative on the board of directors. She is principal of Clark Elementary School in the Harbor Creek School District, Erie County.

Robert Palazzo - East II Elementary

×

Robert Palazzo is Supervisor of Curriculum, Student, and Community Services at Panther Valley School District and serves as the East II Regional State Director for elementary members. Mr. Palazzo previously served as a school psychologist and an elementary school principal over the course of his 18 year career in education. He was the 2022 NAESP National Distinguished Principal for Pennsylvania. Mr. Palazzo earned a Masters of Education in School Psychology from Oswego State University; his Master of Education in Educational Administration from Wilkes University, and his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from Kings College.

Dr. Peter Mayes

×

Dr. Peter Mayes, Principal of Whitehall High School in the Whitehall-Coplay School District, Whitehall, Pennsylvania, is currently serving as the East II Secondary representative on the Board of Directors. Dr. Mayes has been a member of the association for 20 years. Over these years, he has served as an elementary assistant principal and principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. Dr. Mayes earned a B.S in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University, a Masters in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University, a Masters in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from Wilkes University, and a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership and Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from East Stroudsburg University. Dr. Mayes resides in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with his wife, who serves as an elementary teacher. Dr. Mayes’ daughters are also training to be elementary teachers.

Dr. Amy Brown - Central I Secondary

×

Dr. Amy Brown is the Jr./Sr. High School Principal of the Northeast Bradford School District and assumed the role of Central I Director for the Pennsylvania Principals Association in 2025. She brings 13 years of experience teaching high school mathematics and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. Dr. Brown is committed to collaboration, professional growth, and fostering inclusive, high-quality education while supporting the integrity and excellence of Pennsylvania schools.

Dr. Joshua Weitzel - Central II Secondary

×

Dr. Joshua Weitzel joined the Manheim Central High School administrative team in April of 2013 as an Assistant Principal/Assistant Athletic Director. In 2018, Dr. Weitzel was named Principal of Manheim Central High School. Before arriving at Manheim Central, he was a high school social studies teacher at Oxford High School in Oxford, PA and Norman High School in Norman, OK. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Weitzel has served as co-sponsor for the Global Awareness Club and as a head assistant wrestling coach. Educationally, Dr. Weitzel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Weitzel resides in Lancaster with his wife and two daughters.

Veronica Will - West I Elementary

×

Veronica Will, PhD(c), is an educational leader and scholar committed to equitable, high-impact learning for all students. She serves as an elementary school principal in the Iroquois School District, leading data-driven improvement, student leadership development, and community partnerships. A former music educator, her work reflects a strong commitment to creativity, student voice, and whole-child education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a post-master’s certificate in School Administration, and is a PhD candidate in Public and Educational Policy at Liberty University, researching state-level homeschooling regulation. She serves on the Pennsylvania Principals Association Board of Directors and the Wattsburg Area School District Board of Directors.

Brian Fuller - West I Secondary

×

Brian Fuller has been a member of the PA Principals Association for 13 years serving as West I Secondary Director for 10 years. Brian has served the Board by chairing the Bob D. Schiller Cancer Memorial Award committee as well as the Ass’t Principal of the Year committee. Brian earned a Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Gannon University, his Business Education certificate from Mercyhurst University, Masters of Curriculum and Instruction and Principals Certificate from Gannon University.

Melanie Rosenberger - West II Elementary

×

Melanie Rosenberger also serves as the Federal Relations Coordinator on the board of directors.

Mariah Rackley, Ed.D. - Supervisor At-Large Representative

×

Mariah Rackley is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Cornwall-Lebanon School District. She served 13 years as the principal at Cedar Crest Middle School. Mariah has been a member of PA Principals for 18 years. Mariah earned her B.S. in Elementary/Special Education from Lebanon Valley College, her M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum and Principal Certification from Penn State University, a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania, and an Ed.D. from Drexel University in Educational Management and Leadership. Mariah was named an NASSP Digital Principal of the Year for 2018 and received the 2022 June Herr Educator of the Year Award from LVC.