United Way of Bucks County Elects New Class to Board of Directors

United Way of Bucks County is pleased to announce the election of five new members to its Board of Directors.

Paul Bencivengo, President & COO of Visit Bucks County and United Way of Bucks County’s Nominating Chair says, “Each individual in the next class of board members brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, but they all share the passion to do everything they can to help support the Bucks County community.”

New members include; Karen Johnson-Susko, Global Customer Care Director, Supply Chain, SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, Dr. Kern Jolibois, Senior Thought Leader, Liaison, Genentech, Dr. David Pocalyko, Senior Director, Janssen Research & Development, Carol Anne Schramm, Finance Executive, Gannett, and Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esq., Senior Partner, Owner, The Thomas Smith Firm, P.C.

“Our Board of Directors is a dedicated team of community leaders committed to creating opportunities for quality education, financial stability, and good health to ensure real, lasting change for individuals and our communities.” said Marissa Christie, President & CEO, United Way of Bucks County “Without question, I know that our new board members will be instrumental in furthering our mission.”

Catherine McElroy, Board Chair, United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors adds, “We look forward to working with these new members as we continue our important work with the citizens of Bucks County.”

Karen Johnson-Susko is a strategic leader with 20+ years’ experience in supply chain, customer experience, and commercial support roles. She has a proven track record of growth, transformation, and operational excellence. She leads all aspects of fulfillment operations in the specialty chemicals sector for a $3B BU, providing sustainable solutions to complex water and process treatment challenges across a diverse range of industries.

Johnson-Susko says, “As a leader at GE, and now SUEZ Water & Process Technologies, I have been able to leverage my position as a director and influence our employees to further our rich history with the United Way. I have been a key leader in our annual giving campaign for North America, as well as fostering our years-long connection in Bucks County. As a leadership donor, I believe in what the United Way of Bucks County does every day in helping our neighbors and am excited about playing a larger role as a board member.”

Dr. Kern Jolibois is a dynamic professional with strong business acumen and the ability to step forward to handle challenges and deliver results. He has several years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Dr. Jolibois has cross-functional expertise across clinical, sales, marketing, and health care trends.

Dr. Jolibois says, “I would like to be involved in the many activities supporting the community, and to contribute to the success of the organization. I have participated in national United Way annual campaigns in the past but being able to have a direct impact on my community, through the United Way of Bucks County, will be very rewarding.”

Dr. David Pocalyko is a pharmaceutical industry executive with extensive experience in drug discovery and development. Dr. Pocalyko has a track record for building high performing teams and delivering results including multiple INDs and POCs. He is a highly motivated leader capable of effectively working in dynamic multi-disciplinary teams.

Carol Anne Schramm has comprehensive and progressive experience as senior finance professional. She is results-driven, utilizing data and metrics to provide critical financial insight and strategic support to CFO, CEO, and various stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

She has a strong background in both publicly and privately held, multi-national, high growth companies in diverse industries, such as engineering and construction, services and manufacturing. Carol Anne enjoys strategic decision making, influencing outcomes, and serving as a mentor and role model to colleagues.

Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire is owner and partner of The THOMAS SMITH Firm, PC, a boutique legal firm in Newtown, PA. Ms. Thomas-Smith provides her clients in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties with client-centered quality legal services focused on family law issues.

She is admitted to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bar. She has been practicing law for over 20 years. As an active member of the Bucks County Bar Association (BCBA), Doylestown, PA she currently serves as Chair of the Diversity Committee and frequent volunteer for Pro Bono PFA Defense. Additionally, she serves as President of the Buck County Collaborative Law Group (BCCLG) and is trained in mediation and Parenting Coordination Process with Pennsylvania Bar Institute and Pennsylvania Psychological Association.

UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN.

Join us in changing lives in Bucks County for good by making a donation today. Donations can be made online or by mailing a check to, United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030.