Nonprofit Elects New Board Class, Looks Toward Future
United Way of Bucks County held its first United for Good celebration on Friday, May 6, bringing almost 400 participants together in person and online. During the event, which was presented by Penn Community Bank, the nonprofit announced its new slate of board officers and its goals for the coming year.
Paul Bencivengo, President and COO at Visit Bucks County and formerly Vice Chair, Nominating Committee, will succeed Catherine McElroy as Board Chair. McElroy, who has served in various leadership roles on the board since 2012, will remain involved with the organization.
“As the new chair, I’m humbled to continue to work alongside this amazing board and support the hard-working UWBC team as we work to end homelessness, fight hunger, expand education and stabilize families in Bucks County,” said Bencivengo.
Jeane Vidoni, President and CEO at Penn Community Bank, will continue as Vice Chair of Community Impact, a position she has held since 2016. Vidoni leads the region’s largest locally run, independent mutual bank.
Kristen Elder, CPA and finance leader with a long history in the pharmaceutical industry, will serve as the organization’s Treasurer.
Bernard Tynes, Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing at Penn Community Bank, will take on the role of Vice Chair, Nominating Committee.
Karen Johnson-Susko, Global Customer Care Director at Suez Water Technologies & Solutions, will serve as Corporate Secretary.
Newly elected board members include Paul Braun, Director of Business Development, Comcast Technology Solutions; Matt Hanson, VP – Senior Regional Manager, Police and Fire Federal Credit Union; Dana Weissenberg, Publisher/Owner, Newtown Lifestyle; Carrie Nork Minelli, Director of Advertising & Public Relations, Parx Casino; and Dr. Michelle Burroughs, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, WSFS Bank.
During the event, the nonprofit announced that Senator Casey secured $220,000 in congressionally directed spending for United Way of Bucks County’s HELP Center.
“The HELP Center is an essential community resource, but the truth is that we sometimes struggle to keep up with demand,” said Marissa Christie, President & CEO at United Way of Bucks County. “Thanks to Senator Casey’s support, we will be able to continue meeting the needs of some of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” she added.
Christie also looked toward the future, announcing three commitments:
First, the nonprofit is expanding access to early education scholarships. This includes doubling the amount available for the children of veteran, reservist, or active-duty military families.
Second, the LIFT United pilot program – a collaboration with the County of Bucks and Penn Community Bank – will launch by the end of the year. In addition to providing financial literacy, it will make secured, low-interest car loans available for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who need transportation to get to work.
Third, the nonprofit will spend the next year planning for the future of the HELP Center. All stakeholders, including the board, staff, collaborators, donors, advocates, volunteers, and service recipients are invited to participate in the visioning process.
Community members interested in watching a recording of the United for Good celebration can visit www.youtube.com/uwbucks/videos.