Meet Danica Hartenfels

Born in East Stroudsburg and raised in Pike County’s Delaware Township, Danica comes from a family with deep ties to our region. Her father, a Navy veteran, local printer for decades, and employee at Dingmans Bridge, and her mother, a respected legal secretary in Monroe County, raised her with the values of hard work, service, and community. Her family’s roots in the district go back generations — her grandfather was a well-known builder in Dingmans Ferry.

Danica’s first job after high school was with PennDOT in Pike County as a flagger and office assistant while working her way through college. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1997 with a degree in Hospitality Management and has called Monroe County home since 2004, raising her family in Smithfield Township.

With more than 25 years in hospitality and tourism, Danica has built a reputation as a leader in her field. After 20 years in corporate America working for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, she gained extensive experience collaborating with C-suite executives and leading strategic initiatives at the executive level. Drawing on that breadth of expertise, she founded DB Hart Hospitality Consulting, serving clients ranging from local builders like DDB Construction to global hospitality groups including Accor Fairmont/Raffles and Lanyard Stays.

She is also the owner of Wick It Candle Bar, a creative business offering eco-friendly candles, diffusers, and event experiences. This venture reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainable practices.

Danica is known not only for her business leadership but also for her dedication to community service. She serves with:

• Rotary International
• ESU Alumni Association (Vice President, Golf Committee Co-Chair, HRTM Board)
• Chamber of Commerce & Women in Business Committee Member
• Meals on Wheels
• Family Promise (Board Director)
• Labor of Love Basketball League
• LPGA Golf initiatives
• Co-Founder of Pocono Leads
• Lehigh Valley-Pocono Jefferson Ladies Auxiliary

Her work has earned recognition, including Citizen of the Year from the Boy Scouts of America (2025), Erin Resilience LLC Entrepreneur of the Year (2025), Pocono Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year (2024), and Pocono Chamber of Commerce Tiny but Mighty Business Award (2024). In 2025, she was also nominated for Business Leader of the Year with the Pocono Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond her professional and civic achievements, Danica is most proud of her family. Danica's children are part of the East Stroudsburg School District. Danica is also the proud mom of a daughter who is a dual-sport athlete at Kean University in Union, NJ. Her son proudly works for the 911 Control Center in Monroe County, and his wife work for Middle Smithfield Township. Their son, Danica's grandson, is the newest addition to the family. Rounding everything out is their beloved dog, Harper, who never fails to keep everyone smiling and active.