Board & Staff

John joined NPLS in 2017 as a staff attorney and subsequently advanced to the position of Managing Attorney, before becoming Executive Director in 2026. Throughout his tenure, he has focused his legal practice on consumer protection and housing law, particularly mortgage foreclosure defense, tax sales, and helping individuals and families preserve their homes. In addition to his legal practice, John has provided continuing legal education, mentorship, and leadership to attorneys and staff throughout the organization.

John pursued a career in law with a commitment to giving back to the community and helping others overcome barriers to justice, inspired by the support and opportunities he received throughout his own personal and professional journey. This commitment has guided his work at NPLS and his dedication to ensuring that individuals and families have meaningful access to legal representation and advocacy.

John earned his Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where he received honors in Moot Court and Trial Advocacy and held leadership positions in student organizations. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Scranton.

Beyond his work at NPLS, John has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and organizational leadership. He serves as Chair of the Scranton/Lackawanna County Continuum of Care and as a member of the Minor Judiciary Education Board. He has also volunteered with the American Red Cross, where he supervised volunteers and helped coordinate responses to local disasters.

Lori Molloy announced her plans to retire in 2026 after nearly 30 years of dedicated service to NPLS, including the past eight years as Executive Director. Under her leadership, NPLS has continued its longstanding commitment to providing high-quality civil legal services to individuals and families throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ed Schirra began as our Chief Financial Officer in 2018.  He is l licensed CPA in Pennsylvania. Ed is a graduate of the University of Scranton and DeSales University. He works out of our Pittston location.

Cici Stafiuc started work for North Penn Legal Services in 2006, first as a staff attorney in Lehighton and Hazleton offices, and then as a managing attorney of our Hazleton and Stroudsburg offices. Mrs. Stafiuc earned her J.D. from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law in 2006. Prior to that, she earned a J.D. in her native country, Romania, from Al.I. Cuza University School of Law, where she practiced law in the private sector. Mrs. Stafiuc is currently serving as the Deputy Director of Legal Advocacy, and continues managing the two offices. She works out of our Hazleton location.

John Hurtt began working for North Penn Legal Services in 1990. He first began as a judicare attorney, then worked as a contract attorney before accepting a full-time staff attorney position in 2000. During his tenure at North Penn, he has held positions as the Compliance Manager for the Pittston Office, the Managing Attorney for the Pittston Office, and most recently Deputy Director for Legal Advocacy for the program. John is a graduate of the University of Scranton as well as the Dayton University School of Law. He is currently based in our Pittston Office.

Tim Smith started work for North Penn Legal Services in 2009, first as a staff attorney in our Stroudsburg Office and then as the managing attorney of our Towanda Office.  He currently serves as the Deputy Director for Operations.  Tim is a graduate of Yakima Valley Community College, Brigham Young University, and  Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law. He works out of our Towanda location.

Nicole Gitkos joined North Penn Legal Services in August 2024 and currently serves as the Human Resources Manager. She is a graduate of King’s College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a major in Human Resources Management. Nicole is based out of our Pittston office.

Sean started at NPLS in October 2017, having previously done Development and Communications-related work for Carnegie Hall and Muhlenberg College. He is located at the Bethlehem office.

Tarah Sullivan started work for North Penn Legal Services in 2005, first as an Americorps Volunteer and Intake Worker then as Central Intake Supervisor. She currently serves as the Compliance Manager. Tarah is a graduate of Lycoming College.