Frank S. Archibald
Frank S. Archibald is a lifelong engineer, educator, and community advocate with deep connections to State College. After earning his BSME from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a PhD from Cambridge, Frank built a career in research and innovation with organizations including Lockheed, Pratt & Whitney, the Navy, and Penn State’s Applied Research Lab, where he specialized in hydroacoustics and new product development. Sharing his expertise, he taught both mechanical engineering and new product development to graduate students.
Frank’s community work is just as impressive. Before retirement, he served on the Board of the State Theatre and contributed to its fundraising efforts, including the paver campaign on College Avenue in support of the theatre. He played an active role in Discovery Space’s relocation and has helped connect Penn State students with museum exhibit design projects. As a member of the Centre County Historical Society, Frank has a strong interest in the industrial growth of Centre County. He also supports public banking initiatives focused on creating more affordable infrastructure.
Frank is committed to projects and partnerships that strengthen connections among residents, institutions, and organizations. His current goal is to foster a stronger sense of community in State College, helping the area remain vibrant, welcoming, and resilient for everyone.
Joe Minich
Joe Minich is a local champion for small business and entrepreneurship in Happy Valley, known for his hands-on expertise in accounting, finance, and general business management, along with his enthusiasm for land management and conservation. As a CPA and consultant, Joe balances spreadsheet duty with running an outdoor services operation and pursuing new creative business ideas. He is committed to representing business owners and entrepreneurs who keep the region vibrant, and he prefers writing and working behind the scenes rather than stepping in front of the camera.
At home, Joe stays busy with his wife Liz and their three energetic kids, dividing his days between crunching numbers, building businesses, and family adventures. He recharges in the woods, seeking peace and solitude, or unwinds with friends at one of Happy Valley’s breweries. If he had a local superpower, Joe would relocate State College to the shore of a large, pristine lake so everyone could enjoy nature and community together.
Joe’s experience as a transplant gives him valuable perspective. As an entrepreneur, he knows Happy Valley can feel isolating at times, and believes locals deserve more opportunities than just being part of a destination. New businesses need an accessible and supportive community. Joe joined Connect Happy Valley because he believes that the community grows stronger when the people who live and work here every day make real connections.
Rebecca Farmer Force
Rebecca Farmer Force infuses Happy Valley with southern charm, creative flair, and genuine heart. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, she grew up among church-length hems, debutante classes, and summers spent in service, always with a sense of community. Moving to State College in 1996 for her father’s job at Penn State, she soon found her calling in costume design, which led to a 15-year career in TV, film, and theatre in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Returning in 2018, Rebecca embraced State College’s slower, healthy pace and deeper family roots.
Now, Rebecca leads Marketing and Communications for Ben Franklin Technology Partners, amplifying the voices of local entrepreneurs, while also running SALT (Style and Leadership Training), a workshop series that empowers teens and adults with personal style and confidence. She teaches everything from dressing for one’s body type to mastering poise and communication—and believes style is about expressing who you are, not just what you wear.
Rebecca loves Boal City Brewery for sunset hangouts and blanket picnics, occasionally lends her voice as backup to her brother Eric’s music, and spends time at favorite local spots like the MLK Plaza or Elk Creek Café. Her quirky dream superpower? To instantly “pop up” new, fun gathering spots that build community, from dance clubs for thirty-somethings to roller rinks and mini-bowling alleys.
Her personal philosophy is clear: “Living slowly (and in good health) is the greatest wealth.” As a Connector, Rebecca’s why is simple: she seeks to help those who feel unseen and believes confidence and joy spread when people find true community. For her, “When I help people find their tribe or a new idea, I feel this warmth under my skin and a sense of peace knowing that’s one less person who feels alone.”
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