Meet Jeff Shubzda, Emmaus Borough Councilman

Name: Jeff Shubzda

Where do you live? Emmaus

What's your educational background?

• Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre
• Art Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated with a degree in Visual Communications
• Went back to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh many years later to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Multimedia/Internet Technologies
  

What do you do for a living?

"I’m the Creative Director for Trifecta Technologies. I specialize in website design, graphic design and development. I have also been an adjunct professor for over 10 years."

How long have you lived in Emmaus?

"Since 2001, before that I lived in Allentown, but had my business in Emmaus."

Tell us why you decided to become part of Emmaus Borough Council.

"I have been involved with many groups and organizations such as the Arts Commission and Parks and Rec, and wanted to become more involved in the operation of Emmaus. I was one of the candidates a few years ago for an open seat, but had to remove myself because of prior commitments. The position presented itself again and I jumped in. I wanted to make more of a difference than I had with other organizations."

What goals do you have in your new position?

"Right now my first goal is to become fully aware of the process. I have always been on the outside looking in, but it’s a bit different now as the one looking out. The more I understand, the easier it will be to achieve goals.

"Short-term goals would be to get our borough back on track as one of the nicest places to live in the country. That begins with a strong infrastructure where families feel safe, businesses thrive and organizations work together. A long-term goal of mine would be a community center for our borough."

What other organizations are you involved with and what are your roles/responsibilities?

"Within the borough I serve on three boards: Health and Sanitation, Community Relations/Development, and Budget and Finance. I also serve on the Arts Commission, on which I chair the Annual Student Horror Film Festival. I serve on the Parks and Rec Commission (in the area of) marketing and public relations.

"I have just completed another season as an assistant wrestling coach for Emmaus. I also serve on the board of directors for the Celtic Cultural Alliance in Bethlehem."

Tell us about your family.

"My family have been my biggest supporters. My wife, who is a very busy person, is the one who has been behind me all the way. We are both very busy individuals, with two actively involved children."

What do you like to do in your spare time?

"When I have spare time, I enjoy watching movies. I collect antique toys and love attending auctions and yard sales."

What is your favorite band and why?

"I enjoy many different types of music, from classic rock, broadway, punk rock to alternative. Growing up I enjoyed and still love The Clash. Their music was written around social issues of their time."

Tell us something interesting about yourself that others might not know.

"I was in the production of the Nutcracker for five years."