From left to right: Adam Krick, class of 2006, 2024 Volunteer Service Award winner; Penn State Berks Chancellor Radha Pyati; Chellby Kilheffer Johnson, class of 2012, 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner; and Peter J. Rio III, class of 2010, 2024 Alumni Achievement Award winner.
WYOMISSING, Pa. — Three outstanding Penn State Berks alumni were recently celebrated by the Penn State Berks Office of Development and Alumni Relations during its annual awards ceremony on May 15. Peter J. Rio, III received the Alumni Achievement Award, Chellby Kilheffer Johnson was presented the Outstanding Young Alumnae Award, and Adam Krick received the Volunteer Service Award.
2024 Alumni Achievement Award: Peter J. Rio, III, Class of 2010
The Penn State Berks Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished alumnus or alumna who exemplifies leadership in their profession, makes meaningful contributions to society, and serves as an extraordinary role model for our community.
Rio began his college career at Penn State Berks, earning his associate degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2009 and his bachelor’s degree in business in 2010. He went on to earn an MBA and a graduate certificate in human resource management from Penn State Great Valley in 2017.
After more than 10 years at Translogistics, Rio moved to Uber Freight as director of client engagement – transportation management. Currently he serves as vice president of strategic customer success, where he is focused on the client experience.
Professionally, Rio has been recognized with an Employee of the Year Award and was a President’s Club Recipient at Translogistics. He is also a member of the Transportation Intermediaries Association Young Executives Committee.
Rio’s achievements go far beyond the workplace. His has been involved with the CHOICES program through the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, where he mentored high school students as they navigated critical life decisions.
Throughout his career, Rio has been a strong advocate for Penn State Berks. For the past eight years, he has been a member of the Berks Business Advisory Board , serving as chair for the last four years. In this role, he is helping to shape the future of the college’s business degree program. He has also supported interns from Penn State Berks in his professional roles.
Rio's dedication to students, service to the community, and success in his profession make him the ideal candidate for this award.
One nominator described Rio as “a man of character, integrity, passion, and drive — humble enough to be teachable and always willing to learn from others.”
2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Chellby Kilheffer Johnson, Class of 2012
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes a Penn State Berks graduate under the age of 35 who has demonstrated exceptional professional success, service to their community, and a lasting commitment to the campus.
Kilheffer Johnson was one of the first Penn State Berks students to earn a general biology degree. A standout student and leader during her time on campus, she conducted research as a field assistant at Presqu’ile Provincial Park; and served as a Lion Ambassador, resident assistant, and mentor, just to name some of the ways she was involved on campus.
After graduation, she went on to earn her master's degree in conservation biology and her doctorate in wildlife biology and management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Along the way, she received prestigious honors — including the Wilford A. Dence Award for academic excellence — and served as a Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, working at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Today, Kilheffer Johnson serves as a biologist at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where she plays a critical role in setting national conservation policy standards. She’s a five-time recipient of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ecological Services STAR Awards, a mentor to future scientists, and a national-level educator and leader in endangered species protection.
Despite the demands of her professional career, Kilheffer Johnson remains actively engaged with Penn State Berks, regularly visiting the campus and sharing her expertise with students.
Jennifer Arnold, professor of biology, stated, “At 34, Chellby has already accumulated an outstanding suite of accomplishments and made many important contributions to conservation, natural resource management, environmental policy, and to our society in general. Along the way, she has always taken the time to help others and gives back to Berks to help realize opportunities for our current students.”
2024 Volunteer Service Award: Adam Krick, Class of 2006
The Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual who represents the University and its mission and contributes to fostering advancement at Penn State Berks by dedicating their time, talent, and resources on behalf of the college.
Krick earned his bachelor’s degree in finance at Penn State Berks. He went on to earn an MBA from Alvernia University and completed the Wharton Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania in 2023.
Today, Krick serves as vice president and deputy chief risk officer at Tompkins Financial.
Krick is dedicated to serving Penn State Berks and has done so in a variety of ways. As a current member of the Penn State Berks Advisory Board, where he serves as vice chair and previously as treasurer, he has played a critical role in shaping the direction and future of the campus. He has been an active participant in Penn State Berks events ranging from career networking mixers and etiquette dinners. He also served as a guest speaker and was part of the 2023 Chancellor Selection Committee.
Beyond Penn State Berks, Krick’s community involvement is extensive and impactful. He has dedicated his time and leadership to organizations across the region. He serves on the Board of Directors Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Committee for Caron Treatment Centers. He has held leadership and advisory roles with Greater Reading Young Professionals, the Alvernia University Alumni Council, the Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s CHOICES program, and multiple youth and faith-based organizations throughout Berks County.
The Reading Eagle named Krick to its inaugural “Forty Under Forty” feature in 2018.
Krick has a passion for giving back. He is a leader who leads by example, a mentor who invests in the next generation, and a community builder whose impact can be seen not only at Penn State Berks, but throughout Berks County.
About the awards program
The selection of the Alumni and Volunteer Award recipients is made by a committee consisting of faculty, staff, an advisory board member and select alumni who review nominees and provide their recommendations to the chancellor.
For more information on the Penn State Berks Alumni and Volunteer Awards, contact Heather Wise, assistant director of alumni relations, at [email protected].
