LEADERSHIP COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY
The Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute is guided by a dedicated group of community leaders who share a deep commitment to the region and its future. Bringing together expertise is business, development, marketing, and public service, these individuals are united by a common vision - to create a vibrant, accessible cultural destination and educational resource that enriches lives and strengthens community connections for generations to come.
Anthony “Tony” Colaizzo
President
Public service and community commitment are party of Tony’s roots. His father, Anthony Sr., was the Mayor of Cbg, founded the town’s 4th of July Parade, and served as State Representative. Tony continues that tradition as serving as president and visionary of CECI. His love for the arts inspires the vision to transform the space into a vibrant hub where people can pursue and share their creative passions.
A 1975 graduate of Canon McMillan, Tony earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Business Administration from Emory University, and a Postgraduate Degree in Strategy from Oxford University.
For 39 years, he was employed with UPS, starting as a truck unloader and working his way up to VP of Operations for the U.S. West Region and Western Europe. He later brought his expertise to Amazon as Logistics Director of Worldwide Strategy, focusing on the critical final-mile delivery network. In 2019, Tony founded TC Big Rig, LLC, a real estate development and business management company, where he currently serves as president.
Lisa Scarmazzi
Executive Vice President / Secretary
Lisa is the former Director of Economic Development for the Borough of Canonsburg, where she led efforts in business recruitment, downtown revitalization, and community development. She is a Canon McMillan graduate, earned a BS in Marketing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and BA Degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
She continues to play an active role in the community as a founding board member of the Downtown Canonsburg Merchants Association, former Chairperson of Canonsburg’s Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration, and volunteer for the Washington City Mission. She is a partner, alongside her husband Paul, in their privately held development company, Scarmazzi Homes, where she previously served as Director of Marketing and Advertising.
As a lifelong resident of Canonsburg, she has witnessed Canonsburg’s transformation and believes in its future success. For Lisa, CECI is a powerful addition to that revitalization - one that creates opportunity, inspires community, and leaves a lasting legacy. Lisa’s role with CECI includes working with the construction team on the design of the Canon Theatre, marketing, website development, fundraising efforts, and adjunct performance promoter.
Paul Scarmazzi
Vice President / Treasurer
After graduating in 1981 from Canon McMillan, Paul earned his Bachelors Degree in Finance from Carnegie Mellon University and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School. He began his professional career in commercial real estate finance, sales, and development, which served as the foundation for launching Scarmazzi Homes, a home and land development company. For more than 25 years, he has served as President and CEO overseeing the land development, engineering, entitlements and construction and has grown the company to become Pittsburgh’s eighth largest homebuilder.
A lifelong resident of Canonsburg, Paul has long been active in the community, including serving as President of the Canon McMillan School Board. He has also served as President of the Builder’s Assoc of Metro Pittsburgh and currently serves as Board Chair of the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County.
Paul’s motivation for serving on the CECI board is a desire to bring to life something truly transformative to the area. In his role with CECI, Paul oversees the construction and renovation of the Canon Theatre and campus property, manages grants, and supports fundraising efforts.
Leslie Peters
Legal Council
Leslie is an accomplished real estate attorney with Bowles Rice, LLP, practicing in the firm’s Southpointe, PA office. She has vast experience in commercial real estate transactions, land use, zoning, leasing and development. She is also experienced in managing labor and employment matters and hospitality-related issues, such as liquor licensing.
Leslie has a strong connection to Canonsburg, often visiting her grandparents who lived in the borough. She believes the adaptive reuse of the former middle school presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the local economy, support small business development, and ultimately create a more vibrant destination.
Her role on the CECI board includes input for the governance committee and handling legal and tax related matters.
John Dziak
John Dziak is the Owner and CEO of Printscape, Inc., a business leader, and community advocate dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Canonsburg region.
Beyond his business achievements, John is passionate about investing in people and place. He is a Naming Rights Partner for Printscape Arena at Southpointe, supporting youth sports and recreation, serves as Title Sponsor of the Printscape Pony League World Series, Founder and President of Fresh Start Café, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Canonsburg that supports local youth and their families, Title Sponsor of the Printscape Media Lab at Chartiers-Houston School District. serves as a Board Director for CFS Bank and is a Founding Board Member and Treasurer of the Downtown Canonsburg Merchants Association.
John is a Canon McMillan graduate and holds a BS degree in Business Studies from Duquesne University and Masters Degree from Waynesburg University. He is also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.
Suzanne Malausky
Suzanne is the founder and owner of WeInspire Talent Solutions, human resources consultant, and certified executive coach with a 25-plus year career working with corporations such as Tegra, United Health Group, MedExpress, Highmark, STIHL, Resa, Presbyterian Senior Care and others.
Suzanne currently serves as a board member of Leadership Washington County where she led the strategic planning process and now teaches leadership development topics. Other volunteer work extends to Women United, a United Way organization, and she is a strong supporter of Dress for Success.
As a former high school band member with an inner wish to be a comedian, Suzanne saw CECI as a great opportunity to use her talent and energy to give back to the community in some way. She is excited to be engaged in an initiative way where she can use her experience and energy to positively impact the community and region.
Suzanne’s role in CECI is the building and managing of human resource processes and procedures, recruiting, and managing the volunteer program.
Terri Petras
For more than 30 years, Terri worked in the Pittsburgh advertising community, beginning as an account executive and advancing to vice president before her retirement in 2025. During her agency career, she led integrated marketing efforts for a diverse range of clients — from tourism and healthcare, to startups, nonprofits, business-to-business and technology companies — providing strategic planning and guidance.
Her teams earned numerous advertising awards and consistently delivered results that exceeded client expectations. Earlier in her career, Terri served as a communications specialist for Genesis Healthcare in Ohio and as marketing director for the economic development organization Northwest Indiana Forum.
A resident of Canonsburg for more than 30 years, Terri’s children attended Canonsburg Middle School and participated in events at its auditorium. She is excited to see the facility renovated and repurposed into a vibrant community hub for arts and culture. Terri has also contributed to the community as a co-founder of the Canonsburg Girls Recreational Basketball program and as a youth travel basketball coach.
She brings her marketing and advertising expertise to help define the CECI and Canon Theatre brands, develop content, and support the launch of this exciting new venue.
JAY ROMANO
Board Member Emeritus
Jay served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre for more than 40 years. He helped lead the organization to increasing levels of service, recognition, and support, while fulfilling its mission to advance the arts and enrich the cultural growth of the region.
Jay was a life-long resident of Canonsburg. He graduated from Canon McMillan Sr. High in 1976 and Waynesburg University in 1981.
He was deeply committed to the community. Jay served for 16 years on the Canon McMillan School Board, as officer and coach with Canonsburg Youth Baseball, and a faithful member of St. Oscar Romero Parish Holly Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Muse. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Cianelli Romano, and sons, Jayson and Jaret.
Jay made a profound and lasting impact on CECI, helping shape its vision and future. He is truly missed.