The Miele Group is proud to announce that Lou and Nicole Miele have been named recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Citizens Award by Scouting America’s Susquehanna Council. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, character, and commitment to service reflect the values of Scouting and have made a lasting impact on their communities.
The honor was celebrated at the annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner, where community leaders, business professionals, and supporters gathered to recognize the Mieles' contributions. According to Scout Executive Dennis Dugan, this year’s event raised more than $65,000, helping provide Scouting programs and opportunities for over 1,200 youth throughout the region!
Lou Miele: Building a Legacy of Leadership
Lou Miele’s connection to Scouting began in childhood as a Cub Scout, where he learned lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and leadership that would help shape his future.
Growing up, Lou faced challenges in school. With the encouragement of a dedicated teacher, Mrs. Webber, he discovered that success comes through perseverance and determination. He later attended Valley Forge Military Academy, where he played football and developed the discipline and leadership skills that would serve him throughout his career. Demonstrating his adventurous spirit, Lou earned his private pilot’s license just one day before graduation.
After a brief college experience, Lou joined the family business and learned firsthand from his parents, Louis and Marie Miele, the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Those values became the foundation for what would eventually grow into the Miele Group, a diverse family of companies that today includes Miele Amusements, Miele ATM and Merchant Services, Virginia Amusements, Miele Manufacturing, Miele Development, FASTSIGNS, and Angelina’s Song.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Lou has remained committed to serving his industry and community. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Amusement and Music Machine Association (PAMMA) and has served on the national board of the Amusement & Music Operators Association (AMOA). As Vice President of Angelina’s Song, he has also helped expand access to music and healing for children in hospitals across the country.
Nicole Miele: Leading with Compassion and Purpose
Nicole Miele is a respected business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose passion for serving others has made a significant impact throughout Northcentral Pennsylvania.
As Chief Administrative Officer of the Miele Group, Nicole helps guide the organization's strategic growth while leading many of its community and philanthropic initiatives. She brings more than 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and public relations to the company and plays a key role in advancing the mission and vision of the Miele Group’s family of businesses.
Her commitment to community service is evident through her extensive involvement in nonprofit and civic organizations. Nicole serves on the boards of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. She is also a longtime member and past president of the Junior League of Williamsport.
Nicole is also the President of Angelina's Song, a nonprofit founded in memory of Lou and Nicole's daughter Angelina. Angelina's Song aims to expand music therapy services in children’s hospitals by providing grants, funding scholarships for future music therapists, and installing jukeboxes that allow children and families to experience the healing power of music at no cost. Through Angelina’s Song, they have transformed personal loss into a mission that continues to bring hope, comfort, and joy to countless families.
As a champion of numerous charitable initiatives, including the Miele Group’s transformative $ 1.2 million gift to the YWCA Northcentral PA, Nicole ensures the Miele Group supports programs that strengthen families and communities throughout the region.
Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Nicole is the lead singer of the band Wild Honey, combining her love of music with her passion for connecting with others.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Together, Lou and Nicole exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Distinguished Citizens Award: leadership, service, generosity, and a commitment to making a difference in others' lives.
Married for 15 years, they share a blended family that includes Alexandra, Sabrina, Louis, Angelina, and Lorenzo, along with two grandchildren. Through their businesses, charitable efforts, and community leadership, they continue to create opportunities, inspire others, and strengthen the communities they call home.
The Miele Group congratulates Lou and Nicole on this well-deserved honor and thanks Scouting America’s Susquehanna Council for recognizing their enduring commitment to serving others and investing in future generations.