HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Lou Barletta today named key additions to his campaign team.

Vince Galko will serve as campaign manager. Kristin Nash will become finance director and Shawn Kelly will be communications coordinator.

“I'm excited to have professionals such as Vince, Kristin and Shawn on my team.  I'm even more excited that they are from right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Barletta said. "The amount of support and encouragement I've received from people throughout the 11th Congressional District has been overwhelming. When you combine that with a terrific campaign team and a message that is resonating throughout the district, I have no doubt that we will win this November.”

Vince Galko was born in Scranton and grew up in Carbondale, attended Scranton Prep and received a master's degree from the University of Scranton. Galko worked for both U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.  He served as an aide to Specter in his Scranton office and as Northeast State Director for Santorum. Galko has worked on several races both nationally and in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and holds an MGA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Kristin Nash grew up in Taylor, Lackawanna County, and went to Riverside High School.  A graduate of Lycoming College, Nash has years of political and governmental experience in coordinating logistical events and fundraising. She began her career in the scheduling office of Gov. Tom Ridge and was director of Scheduling and Advance for both Ridge and Gov. Mark Schweiker. In 2004, Nash became the director of Scheduling and Advance to Secretary Ridge in the first Department of Homeland Security. In both director roles, she coordinated and oversaw thousands of events and trips in the country and overseas. Nash has worked and consulted on many political campaigns, most recently for Bill Scranton's gubernatorial campaign.

Shawn Kelly grew up in Tresckow, Carbon County, and is a graduate of Penn State. He has experience in media, public relations, and politics. Most recently, he was an assistant city editor at the Standard-Speaker newspaper in Hazleton. Before that, Kelly was a copy editor and reporter at the newspaper, and was a creative copywriter for Precision Design, a Hazleton-based public relations firm. In 2002, Kelly served as media coordinator for Barletta's congressional campaign.

“The chance to work for a true hero like Lou Barletta does not come around very often. We couldn't pass up the chance to be part of this historic campaign. The fact that it is in our backyard makes it all the better," Galko said on behalf of the campaign team. "The people of Northeastern Pennsylvania deserve better leadership in Washington, D.C. They deserve a leader like Lou Barletta. We are honored to be part of his team”

“Like me, Vince cares deeply about the future of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its residents.  His experience and knowledge – and the strong local roots and ties of my entire campaign staff – will be a valuable asset to my campaign.” Barletta said.