Chairperson
Joseph Donahue
Term expires: December 31, 2028
Municipal Authority — Est. 1978
Northeastern Pennsylvania
Hospital and Education
Authority
Providing access to the municipal bond market for healthcare providers and educational institutions throughout northeastern Pennsylvania — a volunteer-led public authority serving the region since 1978.
1978Founded
1989Education Added
NEPARegion Served
Our History
About the Authority
1945
Municipal Authorities Act
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacts the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945, establishing the legal framework under which the Authority would later be formed.
1978
Authority Founded
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Hospital Authority is formed to provide healthcare providers in northeastern Pennsylvania with access to the municipal bond market — enabling cost-effective capital financing.
1989
Charter Amended & Name Changed
The Authority amends its charter to include eligible educational institutions, broadening its mission. The name is updated to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Hospital and Education Authority to reflect this expanded scope.
Today
Continuing the Mission
The Authority continues its mission under a dedicated volunteer board — with no employees and no occupancy costs — ensuring maximum benefit flows to the region's healthcare and educational communities.
Volunteer-Led Governance
The Authority operates under a volunteer board of directors. It has no paid employees and incurs no occupancy costs, keeping its administrative footprint minimal and focused entirely on its public mission.
Municipal Bond Market Access
By issuing tax-exempt bonds on behalf of qualifying institutions, the Authority gives healthcare and educational organizations access to lower-cost capital that would otherwise be unavailable to them independently.
Serving Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Authority exclusively serves institutions located in northeastern Pennsylvania, reinforcing local healthcare and educational infrastructure that communities across the region depend on.
Governed by the Municipal Authorities Act
The Authority was created under — and continues to operate in accordance with — the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945, ensuring accountability, transparency, and legal integrity in all bond issuances.
Leadership
Board of Directors
The Authority is governed by a volunteer board of dedicated community members. All board members serve fixed terms in accordance with the Municipal Authorities Act.
Vice Chairperson
Nanci Romanyshyn
Term expires: December 31, 2030
Secretary
Maria Oberto-Jacoby
Term expires: December 31, 2029
Board Member
Thomas J. McGrath, Jr.
Term expires: December 31, 2027
Board Member
Kathy Grinaway
Term expires: December 31, 2027
Executive Director
John Riccetti
Executive Director
Authority Solicitor
Peter John Moses, Esquire
120 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
F: (570) 826-1408
Bond Financing
Municipal Bond Programs
The Authority serves as a conduit for tax-exempt municipal bond financing, enabling qualified healthcare and educational institutions to access capital markets at lower interest rates than conventional borrowing would allow.
Tax-Exempt Bond Issuance
The Authority issues tax-exempt revenue bonds on behalf of qualified borrowers, reducing borrowing costs significantly compared to taxable debt. Interest paid to bondholders is exempt from federal income tax.
Healthcare Financing
Hospitals, medical centers, nursing facilities, and other healthcare providers in northeastern Pennsylvania may qualify for bond financing through the Authority to fund capital projects, equipment, and facility improvements.
Educational Institution Financing
Since 1989, eligible educational institutions — including colleges, universities, and private schools — have been able to access tax-exempt bond financing through the Authority for qualifying capital projects.
Conduit Financing Structure
The Authority acts as a conduit issuer — it does not assume financial liability for the bonds. The obligations are solely those of the borrowing institution, backed by their own revenues and credit.
How the Process Works
01
Inquiry & Eligibility
The institution contacts the Authority to determine eligibility and discuss the proposed financing.
02
Application & Review
The borrower submits an application. The Authority's board and solicitor review the request.
03
Board Approval
The volunteer board votes to approve the issuance at a duly noticed public meeting.
04
Bond Issuance
Bonds are issued and proceeds are made available to the qualifying institution for their approved purpose.
Who We Serve
Eligible Borrowers
The Authority serves two broad categories of institutions located in northeastern Pennsylvania. Both must meet applicable requirements under the Municipal Authorities Act and federal tax law.
Healthcare Providers
Available since the Authority's founding in 1978
- Acute care hospitals and medical centers
- Long-term care and nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Home health and hospice organizations
- Physician group practices and clinics
- Continuing care retirement communities
- Assisted living facilities
- Other qualifying healthcare entities
Educational Institutions
Available following the 1989 charter amendment
- Colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Independent and parochial schools
- Charter schools (where applicable)
- Vocational and technical schools
- Non-profit educational organizations
- Libraries and cultural institutions
- Other qualifying educational entities
Public Meetings
Meeting Notices & Schedule
As a public authority, all board meetings are open to the public and conducted in accordance with Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act. Meeting notices are posted in advance as required by law.
2026 Meeting Schedule
All meetings open to the public
Apr
22
Regular Board Meeting
Quarterly business and pending applications
May
11
TEFRA Public Hearing – Wyoming Seminary
Tax-exempt bond issuance hearing for Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
Jun
30
Regular Board Meeting
Quarterly business and pending applications
Public Access & Transparency
The Authority is committed to transparent governance. All meetings are conducted in accordance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act (65 Pa. C.S. §§ 701–716), ensuring the public's right to attend and observe.
Meeting notices are posted at least three days in advance per applicable law.
Minutes of all public meetings are maintained and available upon request.
Executive sessions may be held for matters permitted by law, including legal advice and personnel matters.
For special or additional meetings, notice will be given as required. Contact the solicitor's office for the current schedule.
Public Records
Documents & Resources
Public documents of the Authority are available for download below. For documents not listed here, contact the solicitor's office.
Meeting Minutes & Agendas
Official minutes and agendas from all public board meetings
| Document | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Board Meeting Minutes – June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | |
| Board Meeting Agenda – April 22, 2026 | April 22, 2026 | |
| Board Meeting Minutes – October 29, 2025 | October 29, 2025 | |
| Board Meeting Agenda – October 29, 2025 | October 29, 2025 | |
| Board Meeting Minutes – March 20, 2025 | March 20, 2025 | |
| Board Meeting Agenda – March 20, 2025 | March 20, 2025 |
TEFRA Public Hearing Minutes
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act public hearing records for bond issuances
| Document | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Seminary – TEFRA Public Hearing Minutes | May 11, 2026 | |
| Wyoming Seminary – TEFRA Public Hearing Notice | May 11, 2026 | |
| Tenor Health – TEFRA Public Hearing Minutes | November 10, 2025 | |
| Tenor Health – TEFRA Public Hearing Notice | November 2, 2025 |
Annual Reports & Filings
Yearly reports and official filings
| Document | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents will appear here as they are added. | |||
Get in Touch
Contact the Authority
For inquiries regarding bond financing, eligibility, meeting information, or general questions about the Authority, please reach out through the solicitor's office.
Solicitor & Primary Contact
Authority Solicitor
Peter John Moses, Esquire
Mailing Address
120 South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone
Fax
(570) 826-1408
Email
Note: The Authority has no employees and no physical office. All correspondence and inquiries should be directed to the solicitor's office listed above. For meeting schedule confirmations, please contact the solicitor directly.
Send a Message
Founding Body
Luzerne County
Courthouse Address
200 N River St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Website