Dr. Joyce Honors Retiring Altoona District Office Manager, Announces Successor
June 30, 2026
Altoona, PA – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. released the following statement announcing the retirement of his Altoona District Office Manager, Jennifer Mearkle:
“For over twenty years, Jenny has served her south-central Pennsylvania neighbors with kindness, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help. She has been an invaluable part of my team since I came to Congress in 2019, having previously worked for the Office of Congressman Bill Shuster starting in 2005. Jenny has been an outstanding leader, and her impact on this office will be felt for years to come. On behalf of my entire team and the residents of Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District, I want to thank Jenny for her dedicated public service and wish her nothing but happiness as she begins this exciting new chapter.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Kathleen Gassler as our new Altoona District Office Manager. A resident of Blair County, Kathy possesses a profound grasp of the issues affecting our communities and I have full confidence she will continue the high standard of service while bringing her very best to serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District.”
To view Congressman Joyce’s floor speech honoring Jenny Mearkle, click here.
In addition to serving as Congressman Joyce’s Altoona District Office Manager, Kathy Gassler will also assume leadership of the Congressman’s Service Academy Nomination and Congressional Art Competition programs.