Today, we get to meet John Papalia, director of chamber operations for WCCBI.

A lifelong resident of the area, Papalia currently lives in Youngsville with his wife Lindsey and their two sons, John and Max, ages 10 and 12.

His professional journey, community involvement, and family life are all grounded in a commitment to service, leadership, and giving back to the region that raised him.

“I’m incredibly thankful to live and work in a community that shaped who I am,” Papalia said. “And I look forward to continuing to serve Warren County–whether in the office, on the field, or side by side with my family.”

John Papalia

For more than 16 years, Papalia has worked for the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI), where his career has been marked by innovation, dedication, and a deep understanding of the local community’s needs. He began his career at the WCCBI as director of the Council on Tourism, where he helped elevate the county’s tourism presence by improving marketing and communication strategies, developing and promoting multi-day events, and enhancing tourism assets that continue to benefit the region today.

In 2014, Papalia was promoted to director of chamber operations, where he expanded his impact by leading initiatives to market local businesses and provide critical support in the areas of startup development, business retention, and expansion planning. He has worked hands-on with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and legacy companies alike, tailoring solutions that meet their unique challenges and empower their growth.

Now, Papalia serves as the senior vice president of the WCCBI. In this capacity, he leads multiple key initiatives including business and community assistance programs, the Elevating Nonprofits Initiative, and Warren Worx–a community-wide effort to align resources, workforce, and economic development for long-term progress.

John’s professional achievements are only a part of his story. His commitment to volunteerism and community involvement runs deep, inspired by the example set by his parents. He devotes countless hours to serving others in various leadership roles. Since 2019, he has served as president of the Warren County Youth Baseball and Softball Association, where he oversees a growing program that now serves more than 650 young athletes. His leadership has not only increased participation but has also ensured that the youth of Warren County have access to quality, community-based sports programming.

He is also the president of Revitalization of Youngsville (ROY), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing the Youngsville area through improvement projects, special events, and long-term development. Under Papalia’s leadership, ROY is currently spearheading a transformative downtown improvement project, including the creation of a much-needed community plaza designed as a central gathering space for residents and visitors alike. This ambitious effort aims to boost local pride, attract investment, and provide a lasting resource for generations to come.

Pictured is John Papali and his wife Lindsey and their two sons, John and Max.

In addition to his work with ROY and youth sports, Papalia is an executive team member of the Warren Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where he helps raise awareness and critical funding for research and treatment of the disease. His advocacy for Alzheimer’s research reflects his broader belief in supporting the vulnerable and working toward a healthier, more compassionate community.

Papalia is also one of the newest members of the Youngsville Television Corporation board, where he is helping to improve access to high-quality television services and broadband internet in underserved areas.

In his personal life, Papalia is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting and fishing with his family, a tradition that began in his childhood. Raised in a family that valued time spent in nature, he now shares these passions with his sons. Many of his most cherished memories involve time spent in the woods or on the water with his father, and now, he is creating the same lasting experiences with his own children.

Papalia also finds great joy in coaching youth sports, especially baseball. He coaches both of his sons’ teams, not just to teach the sport, but to instill teamwork, discipline, and the value of hard work in the next generation.

Of all his accomplishments, Papalia said he is most proud of the life he’s built with his wife Lindsey and their sons. He considers starting a family his greatest milestone, and prioritizes spending quality time with his loved ones. As a family, they enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, attending baseball tournaments, and going on road trips together. They are always on the lookout for new adventures and meaningful ways to bond as a family.

Pictured are John Papalia and Warren County Youth Baseball and Softball players.

“The youth of our community are the future,” John says. “It’s important to show them now how much impact they can have.”