Passion for Community Drives Volunteer

You know those people who boggle your mind with how much they accomplish? The ones who work as hard as anyone at their day jobs and somehow have the energy, patience and perspective to give that same effort volunteering in their community? The ones that make you want to be a better human?

Ali Zurawski is one of those people.

A community relations coordinator covering more than 30 Community Bank branches in Pennsylvania, Ali develops community and social outreach activities while promoting the bank in the communities it serves. Outside the office, she’s an active leader in her community, serving as a volunteer for numerous organizations and fundraising committees.

This year, Ali was recognized with two separate awards for all that she does in the community and as a professional. She was named the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year at their annual EPIC Awards, and later was named to the 20 Under 40 list by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal.

“I am sure that some people will say, ‘well that is her job, she gets paid to do all those things,’ but I am here to say that her dedication to the community goes way beyond her job,” says Lissa Bryan-Smith, who nominated Ali for the EPIC Awards honor. “I’ve had the honor to work with Ali on several volunteer events: the North Branch Land Trust Annual Dinner (where she is my auction co-chair), the Osterhout Library Gala Committee, and most recently, on the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center March Madness Committee. I know that I can reach out to her at any time of the day or night and she is there to help in any way for these organizations.

As a member of the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Alumni Council—she graduated from the program herself in 2016—Ali is a mentor to the future leaders of the community as a living example of servant leadership. She truly “gets it” and inspires others to step up and volunteer in their communities. She also sits on the board of directors for Back Mountain Chamber, Northeast Sight Services and Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center.

“I’m extremely honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award and am sincerely grateful for the recognition I’ve received for my work serving the community,” Ali says. “There are numerous others from my Community Bank family and many other businesses and organizations who have helped me along the way. But most importantly I need to thank my husband Brian. He spends many nights alone, but always supports me wholeheartedly in everything I do.”

A graduate of Luzerne Community College, Ali lives in Trucksville. She’s been a part of the Community Bank team for 17 years, but she sees no reason to slow down anytime soon.

“I have many more years ahead of me and I look forward to continuing to support the community we all call home.”