Leaders
YEP’s leaders are members who saw an opportunity to make a difference—stepping up to guide the organization while growing as leaders themselves.
Become a leader!
Express your interest – Email Leadership@yeperie.org.
Executive Team
Vice President - Marcus A Jacobs
Marcus, a native of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood, moved to Erie to attend Penn State Behrend, where he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Economics and International Business, along with a Master’s in Project Management.
He currently serves as the Borough Manager of Wesleyville in Erie County and is eager to contribute to the YEP Board. Marcus is passionate about YEP’s mission of uniting and empowering young professionals in the Erie region, recognizing its positive impact on the local community.
In his free time, Marcus enjoys camping and hiking in the great outdoors.
President - Harland Ashby
Harland was born in West Springfield MA but spent most of his life in Houston TX. Harland graduated from Texas A&M in 2019 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Harland then joined Wabtec’s (GE Transportation) Operational Management Leadership Program which brought him to Erie in 2021. Harland is currently the Lead Additive Application Engineer at Wabtec. When he is not at work, Harland is keeping the hills safe as part of the Ski Patrol at Peak’n Peak. In the summer, Harland likes to hike, bike, swim, kayak, and scuba dive!
Treasurer - Matthew Elder
Matthew was born and raised in Erie, PA. He attended Clemson University in South Carolina graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Economics. Matthew is currently the Postmaster at the Harborcreek Post Office. In his free time he enjoys cooking and exploring Erie with his dog, a black lab named Vanish.
Secretary - Amber Schultz
Amber, an Erie Native, didn’t need to venture far from her own backyard to pursue Dual Bachelor Degrees in Sociology & Criminal Justice from Mercyhurst University; later pursuing her MSW from Edinboro University.
A pioneer in personal and professional development, Amber is heavily invested in the enrichment and diversification of the Erie community’s workforce. Currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Growth and Success Committee with Young Erie Professionals, and as a workforce wizard in the talent acquisition realm, she enjoys inspiring innovators, collaborative communicators, and teaching top talent.
Amber’s experience spans across varying facets of the social service field but her heart lies in providing necessary resources and bridging educational gaps to afford equitable opportunities for the Erie community. Her passion lies in paving accessible pathways to all professions because you can’t be what you don’t see.
Amber is an avid Harry Potter fan and is a Gryffindor. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing retro video games like Tetris and Super Mario. She likes to go kayaking, often attempts several unfinished Pinterest projects at once, and enjoys binging Netflix documentaries with take out.
Board Members
Advisory Team
Previous Leadership