Who Scott Is

Scott was born in Pennsylvania and has lived here most of his life. When he graduated from high school, he voted for a Democrat in his first presidential election. Before finishing college, he worked in a factory as a member of the United Steelworkers. The values that shaped his life — hard work, personal responsibility, faith, and family – have been there since the start.

He understands working families because he comes from one.

A Life of Service

Scott made a career of helping others, been raising support for charities in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and now as the director of gift planning for the 12-state Eastern USA Territory of The Salvation Army. He specializes in helping people use their resources to their highest purpose, and helps charities accept assets that are often overlooked, but can supercharge their missions.

Real Results. Real Impact.

Under Scott’s leadership, his 29-member team has directed $1 billion into efforts that feed the hungry, house the homeless, support recovery from addictions, expand educational opportunity, and help families break free from the cycle of intergenerational poverty — with programs grounded in Christian compassion and the belief in second chances.

Two years into his current role, Scott’s team was challenged to double new planned gifts by 2027. They accomplished that goal two years early — because of interdisciplinary communication, a disciplined focus on top priorities, and participatory, accountable leadership.

This is the kind of results-driven leadership Pennsylvania needs.

National Recognition, Local Roots

Scott earned his master of divinity in 1984, and his doctorate in education in 1994, writing his dissertation on the key characteristics that distinguish exceptional leaders. He has written and edited dozens of publications for Philanthropy.org and spoken at ten National Association of Charitable Gift Planners conferences.

He is a Presbyterian minister who serves as Vice Chairman of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection — a global faith network representing more than 114 million members and affiliates.

Scott’s has achieved his regional and national leadership roles without leaving his home base in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Deep Roots in Pennsylvania

Scott is a tenth generation American whose Pennsylvania heritage dates back to Rebekah Biles who was born here two years before William Penn arrived, and married Joseph Janney who came the year after Penn landed. He is also a second generation American with a grandfather who was a naturalized American citizen and a local elected official.

Scott’s wife, Rebecca Price Janney, is the award-winning author of 27 books, including the Easton Series. In 1977, Rebecca’s mother wrote a letter to The Easton Express asking, “Why don’t we have Heritage Day in Easton every year?” The next year, Heritage Day became an annual celebration. Since 2013, Scott has portrayed their ancestor, Colonel Peter Kichline, in Easton — a proud reminder of Pennsylvania’s history, tradition, and patriotism.

Scott and Rebecca live with their 21-year-old son, a senior at Northampton County College, and their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

He Entered Politics for the Right Reason — Service, Not Ambition

Scott is the opposite of a career politician. He is not seeking a political career, but answering a call from local and state leaders to fight for the people of PA Senate District 18. He has no intention of serving more than two terms in the Pennsylvania Senate.

In 2022, he was elected as a write-in candidate for Republican committeeman. One month later, his fellow committee members selected him as their area chair. And under his leadership, all six Republican candidates in his district won their races in 2024.

Scott believes public service must be limited, accountable, and rooted in principle — not a lifelong job.

Outside the Office

Scott is a guitar player, hunter, gardener, and outdoorsman — grounded in the simple, traditional Pennsylvania values that shaped his life.

The views of the candidate are not necessarily those of The Salvation Army, the Wesleyan Holiness Connection, or Philanthropy.org.