Jody Ocker Recognized as a 2026 Window Keeper by PA Humanities
Statewide Civic Honors initiative recognizes Pennsylvanians strengthening their communities through the humanities
SUNBURY, PA - Jody Ocker, Executive Director, Sunbury's Revitalization, Inc., has been named a 2026 Window Keeper by PA Humanities as part of The Window Keeper: Civic Honors, a statewide initiative recognizing Pennsylvanians whose everyday actions help shape strong communities and sustain civic life through the power of the humanities.
Jody Ocker brings people, organizations, and resources together to strengthen Sunbury while creating new opportunities for residents to connect with their community. As volunteer executive director of Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc., she has helped grow the organization and lead community-driven efforts, including downtown revitalization and the development of the Albright Center for the Arts as a hub for arts, culture, education, and community gatherings. Through her leadership, Ocker is helping reimagine spaces, build community connections, and create a more vibrant future for Sunbury and the greater Susquehanna Valley.
“I’m honored to be recognized as a Window Keeper,” said Ocker. “I am grateful for the amazing team of people working and volunteering with SRI. Over the past 4 years, we've been able to build momentum for real positive change in Sunbury. I'm pleased with our accomplishments and look forward to much more to come!”
PA Humanities has recognized 180 Window Keepers representing 64 counties across Pennsylvania who were all nominated by members of their communities. Together, they reflect the many ways people use storytelling, history, culture, education, civic engagement and other tools of the humanities to bring people together and strengthen the places they call home.
Created as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, The Window Keeper: Civic Honors was inspired by poet Yolanda Wisher’s “The Window Keeper.” Through the initiative, PA Humanities is identifying community leadership, making it more visible and connecting people across regions and sectors.
The full group of Window Keepers can be explored through an interactive map and searchable list at pahumanities.org/thewindowkeeper.
The official announcement can be accessed at https://pahumanities.org/conversations/2026/10/07/pa-humanities-announces-125-new-window-keepers-bringing-statewide-total-to-180/.
On Nov. 10, Window Keepers from across Pennsylvania will gather in Harrisburg for a statewide celebration hosted by PA Humanities. The event will include recognition at the Pennsylvania House and a gathering at the Civic Club of Harrisburg.
The Window Keeper: Civic Honors initiative is supported in part by Pennsylvania state legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the National Endowment for the Arts, and individual donor Randall M. Miller. The Nov. 10 Window Keeper celebration in Harrisburg is sponsored by Erie Insurance. “The Window Keeper” by Yolanda Wisher was commissioned by PA Humanities and ArtPhilly for America250PA’s National Convening of State Partners Closing Dinner on September 21, 2024.
About PA Humanities
PA Humanities is an independent nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities and part of a network of 56 state humanities councils across the country. Its mission is to champion the humanities as a means to spark civic engagement, build community, educate and inspire.
