Breakfast4Success - Behind the Leadership (Oct 2026)

Behind the Leadership: The East Penn Story

Join GRCA for our final Breakfast4Success of the year featuring the leadership team of East Penn.
 
Hear directly from the leaders shaping one of Berks County’s most recognized organizations as they share insights on leadership, navigating change, building strong teams and creating a culture where people can succeed.
 
This engaging conversation will offer practical takeaways for professionals at every stage of their careers and an opportunity to learn from leaders who understand that great organizations are built by great people.
 
Come connect, be inspired and finish the year with a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with purpose.

Chris Pruitt currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the Board for East Penn Manufacturing. Pruitt is the former President/CEO retiring from the position on Sept. 29, 2025, after 31 years with the company. As President/CEO, he oversaw the many functions and global reach of a privately held company that operates the industry’s largest, single-site lead battery facility with over 10,000 employees.

In addition to his support of the company, Pruitt has been instrumental in his support of the industry: Past Chairman of Battery Council International (BCI), current Board Member of Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

He has received numerous awards in recognition of his leadership. Most recently, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Battery Council International recognizing his long history of service on the Board of Directors as a member, President, and Chairman. He also was recognized with the Outstanding Business Leader Award in April 2024 from Northwood University.

Pruitt is very involved in the community serving many roles in local organizations and has received many awards from organizations including Berks County Television, United Way and YMCA. Formerly, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Wyomissing Foundation, and The United Way of Berks County; Board Member of YMCA; President and Treasurer of The Children’s Home of Reading; Board Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Board Member of the Children Advisory Center; Treasurer and Board Member of The Reading Area Community College Foundation; Audit Committee Chairman and Board Member of the Berks Community Foundation.

Pruitt joined East Penn as the Controller and has held numerous financial positions including Chief Financial Officer. He has worked hard to leave a legacy that has upheld the company’s growth and advancement while protecting the company’s culture. His strategic oversight of every segment of the business has positioned the company well for the leadership team and the next generation of employees.


Pete Stanislawczyk | CEO

As the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Pete Stanislawczyk oversees the company’s Operations and Commercial areas of the business, which include Manufacturing and Distribution, Engineering, Sales and Marketing as well as serving on the East Penn Board of Directors. He provides strategic leadership to guide long-term growth, innovation and industry leadership, while ensuring the organization’s structure, resources and culture are aligned to achieve company-wide goals.

Stanislawczyk joined East Penn in 1992 as a Territory Sales Representative. He most recently held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, where he led the organization’s sales operations, including the Transportation, Industrial, and Wire, Cable & Battery Accessories segments. Over the course of his career, he transitioned through increasing levels of leadership and managerial responsibilities that were instrumental in growing the Transportation sales team and its customer base.
Prior to joining East Penn, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware.
He pursued post graduate studies at New Haven University. Stanislawczyk holds an Executive Certificate of Leadership from Lehigh University’s Vistex Institute.

He is actively engaged with the energy storage industry and a key contributor within its associations, including being a member on the board of Battery Council International. He also is a director on the board for MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. In support of education and the community, Pete serves as a board member for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, board member University of the Aftermarket Foundation and member of Penn State University – Berks
advisory council.

Christy Weeber | President

As East Penn’s President, Christy Weeber oversees the company’s finance, legal, personnel and IT functions and serves on the Board of Directors. She leads financial strategy in alignment with the company’s long-term goals, driving initiatives that promote sustainable growth and position the company for continued success in a competitive marketplace.

Weeber joined East Penn Manufacturing in 2012 as the Internal Audit Manager and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Finance in 2014. She most recently served as Chief Financial Officer, where she led the company’s financial operations as well as the legal and technology services divisions.

Weeber is a native of the Reading area and a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School. She also is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a B.S. in Accounting. She started her career at KPMG LLP in Philadelphia in the audit department, where she worked for 11 years and became a certified public accountant. In 2005, she received her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

Christy has strong ties to the community and demonstrates leadership through her service as Vice-Chair of the Great Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), a board member of the Wilson Education Foundation, and a member of the Audit Committee of the United Way of Berks County. She is also the Financial Secretary for her church Parish Council.

Moderated by: Dr. Susan Looney, President, Reading Area Community College

 

 

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About Breakfast4Success
Breakfast4Success is one of GRCA’s signature member experiences—a morning designed to connect, celebrate, and inspire. Join fellow members to welcome new faces, honor long-time supporters, and hear updates on the initiatives that strengthen our local business community. Each program features an engaging, topic-driven presentation that equips you with new ideas and perspectives to fuel your personal and professional success.

​Thank you to our Breakfast4Success Series Sponsor