Lucine Sihelnik was appointed to the Berks County Board of Commissioners in February 2023 to complete the unexpired term of former County Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt, who resigned to become the County’s Chief Operations Officer.

Sihelnik is a leader in Community and Economic Development and has spent the last 15 years working to bring sustainability to Berks County, least of all through her newest business venture, Great American Creamery.

Years ago, Sihelnik started her first small business, a small, organic vegetable farm near Bernville. Later, she led the revitalization and expansion of the Penn Street Market and served as Food Systems Director to create a local food policy and action council (RRFPAC). The council hosted several successful community initiatives under her leadership. 

Later, while serving as Berks Agricultural Resource Network’s (B.A.R.N.) first female president, she also ran and won the District 1 seat on Reading’s City Council in 2019/2020 and served 2 years as Vice President. 

Sihelnik has a master’s degree from Alvernia University, and currently volunteers with several community initiatives & boards. She believes that sustainability should and can be applied to every facet of “people, planet and profit!” 

Sihelnik resides in Reading with her husband Balasios “Saki” Lahaniatis, and their son, Orion.