Tory Irgang introduced our speaker – Tracy Gates, who serves as President of UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown, where she is responsible for the strategic, operational, and cultural leadership of one of UPMC’s regional hospitals. She joined UPMC in 2025, bringing more than two decades of executive experience across community hospitals, integrated delivery networks, long-term care, and multi-site physician enterprises.
Jason Beckwith serves as Chief Executive Officer at Lutheran Jamestown, a role he began on January 1st, 2025. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for more than two decades.
Bringing with him 24 years of experience and leadership within the organization. Jason earned a bachelor's degree from Duquesne University and has an MBA from Penn State. He completed the Administrator Certificate Program through D'Youville University. He serves on the board of directors for Leading Age New York, where he also sits on their investment committee and serves as a trustee on the Workers' Compensation Trust. He's also a board member for Southern Tier Healthcare System. Jason lives in Findlay Lake with his wife, Sherry, and their 15-year-old son. They also have three adult daughters, and he recently became a proud grandfather. Locally, he serves on the Board of Assessment Review and as a member of an economic advisory committee for the Town of Minor. In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his family and attending Penn State football games in the fall.
Dan Heiitzenrater introduced our speaker Megan Hageney – Economic Recovery Corps Fellow with Southern Tier West.
Megan Hageney is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) through the international Economic Development Council, with more than 8 of experience helping communities strengthen small businesses, workforce opportunities, and local economic growth.
Her work has taken her from Houston to Maine and now western New York, where she has supported Main Street revitalization and entrepreneurial support through coalition building.
