2025 CAAP Conference

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Speakers

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2025 CAAP Conference • Speakers •

2025 CAAP Conference Speakers

Rachelle Abbott

  • Rachelle Abbott, AICP, is currently the President & CEO for the Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., prior to this position, she was the STEP Chief Operations & Planning Officer. Rachelle lives the mission of STEP to engage diverse individuals, families, and communities in their pursuit of social and economic success. Before working at STEP, Rachelle was the Community Development/Lead Planner for the County of Lycoming. Rachelle, who grew up in Western New York, received two Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo one in Urban and Public Policy and the other in Sociology in 2004. She received a Master’s of Science in Planning from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada with a specialization in Community Development and Social Planning in 2007. Rachelle’s areas of expertise include Community Development, Strategic Planning, Program Development, Grant Writing, and Administration. Rachelle received her American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) status in 2010. Rachelle currently holds the position of Chairperson of the Central Section Council of the American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter, Secretary of the Harry Plankenhorn Foundation, and board member of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. Beyond her love of planning, Rachelle is loving experiencing the world through the eyes of her three young children!

  • A lifelong Lancastrian, Kristy Aurand (she/her) serves as the Chief Development Officer at Community Action Partnership of Lancaster. In this role, she works to fundraise and friendraise to support the organization’s mission to end generational poverty and create a community where everyone thrives. In the past, she held roles at the Lancaster Chamber, the Lancaster Stormers, and Lancaster Newspapers. An active volunteer, Kristy serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), she coaches youth cheerleading for the Lancaster Recreation Commission, and she is a member of the Lancaster Chamber’s Annual Dinner advisory committee. She is a member of the American Lung Association’s national lung cancer caregiver advisory group, and in 2021, she was recognized as one of the Central PA Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees. She graduated from Millersville University with a degree in government, and she lives in Millersville with her daughter, Kylar, and their dog, Sally.


  • Julie Brewer, MSW, MPH, is a Senior Program Implementation Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh. She provides technical assistance to Pennsylvania’s Centers of Excellence (COEs), drawing on her experience in both substance use and justice systems. Informed by work at both the client and system levels, Julie approaches each project with a focus on real-world application. Her work emphasizes actionable solutions that reflect the realities of frontline service delivery. A skilled trainer and collaborator, Julie is committed to advancing harm reduction, client-centered care, and responsive technical assistance across diverse communities. 

  • Jamie Center is a sales executive on the non-profit/social service team in the Clearwater office of MMA. In his role, he excels at helping clients find the right risk management strategy for their business needs. He specializes in employee health & benefit plans and business insurance and believes his responsibility is to help clients make the best possible decisions for their unique situations. Jamie has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management from Florida State University. He holds seats on two non-profit boards in his free time and is active with numerous other associations. Jamie is an active high school and collegiate football official during the fall. He and his wife Abbey reside in Clearwater, FL, with their daughter Stevie and two dogs, Bo and Forrest.


  • Kelsey DeMerlis is the Director for the Center for Community Services at the PA Department of Community & Economic Development.  Within her role, Kelsey leads the Center’s community investments through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program.  Kelsey is committed to creating equitable community investments focused on ending cycles of poverty across the commonwealth.  Prior to DCED, Kelsey led Community Engagement for the City of Philadelphia’s West Philadelphia Promise Zone, implementing a collective impact approach for a place-based initiative aimed to reduce poverty and bring greater opportunity to communities.  She has a background in youth workforce development with an emphasis on community partnership and business development.   

    Kelsey is a proud graduate of Penn State University.  Kelsey has been recognized as a Keeper through Leadership Philadelphia.  She also served as the Chapter Director for New Leaders Council Philadelphia.   Kelsey is a current board member at the Clean Air Council, Keep PA Beautiful and Philadelphia’s Sunday Breakfast Club, a space where Philadelphia’s rising and established leaders meet.  

  • Emilie Bree Carlino is the founder of Emilie Carlino Consulting and a Certified DiSC® Coach with over 15 years of experience in organizational development, talent strategy, and leadership coaching. She has dedicated her career to helping mission-driven organizations design people-first strategies that strengthen retention, elevate leadership, and create high-performing workplace cultures.

    Her professional journey spans non-profit, healthcare, and workforce development sectors, where she has led large-scale initiatives in workforce planning, succession, and internal mobility. Emilie has developed in-house outplacement programs that generated significant cost savings, built recognition and professional development infrastructures that improved retention, and implemented leadership pipelines that positioned organizations for long-term success.

    Recognized as a 2024 Women of Influence honoree by Lehigh Valley Business, she is widely respected for blending data-driven analysis with empathy and practical solutions. She holds certifications and advanced training in DiSC®, Crucial Conversations, Inclusive Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Dynamic Public Speaking, and brings expertise in MBTI, 360-degree feedback, and competency frameworks. Beyond her consulting work, Emilie serves on non-profit boards and is a champion of women’s empowerment initiatives, mentorship, and leadership development.

    As a speaker and facilitator, Emilie challenges organizations to see wellness and recognition not as optional perks, but as strategic imperatives that deliver measurable ROI. Her sessions provide real-world case studies, practical tools, and proven strategies that demonstrate how investing in people directly enhances performance, engagement, and culture.

  • Jason Embick is the Executive Director at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Clean Energy Center. He is responsible for the overall leadership and vision for the Clean Energy Center's infrastructure, program areas, and technical assistance services. Jason’s background includes instructing Commercial and Residential courses, public speaking, instructional design, earning multiple industry certifications, and proctoring. He is experienced at collaborating with a diverse array of educational institutions, government, industry, and non-profits.


  • Erik has provided programs and consulting to both for and not for profit companies throughout Pennsylvania and nationally for 25 years. Enscoe Long Insurance Group takes pride in their understanding of client operations and the issues they face. Erik's professional background is in property/casualty insurance including, but not limited to Property, General Liability, Directors & Officers, Professional, Abuse/Molestation, Automobile, Workers Compensation and Cyber providing Risk Management and Consulting Services. Erik specializes in servicing nonprofits. His clients range from contractors to manufacturers, technology operations to general/professional services, and law firms to large property management companies. 

  • Anne T. Garrison is an accomplished executive leader with over two decades of experience in educational and community service roles, specializing in leadership, program implementation, and staff empowerment. She currently serves as the Executive Director at Tableland Services, Inc., where she fosters a culture of staff wellness and success, overseeing the delivery of high-quality community services such as Early Education, Transportation, and Weatherization, across Somerset County, PA. In this role, she works closely with the board of directors, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and effective fiscal operations.

    Anne’s career has been shaped by her commitment to community development, education, and leadership. Prior to her current position, she served as the Director of Early Childhood Education at Tableland Services, Inc., implementing and managing early childhood programs serving over 400 families. Her leadership in educational settings spans back to her 14 years as Principal of Zeb Vance Elementary in Kittrell, North Carolina, where she led a Title I school through a period of excellence in student development and staff empowerment. 

    Her extensive leadership experience also includes serving on multiple boards, such as The Family Center and JARI Growth Fund, and she is an active member of various regional and state-wide educational and community coalitions. Anne is a passionate advocate for trauma-informed care and education, consistently striving to create impactful, sustainable programs that empower individuals to thrive.

    Anne holds a Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Temple University, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Education from Seton Hill University. Her dedication to leadership and service has earned her numerous accolades, including Principal of the Year awards and recognition as a distinguished leader in education.

    Her work is guided by a deep commitment to fostering prosperity and self-sufficiency within her community, making a lasting impact on those she serves.

  • Bree Groff is a workplace culture expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). She has spent her career guiding C-suite leaders at companies such as Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, Calvin Klein, and Hilton through periods of complex change. She is a Senior Advisor to the global consultancy SYPartners, previously served as the CEO of NOBL Collective, and she holds a MS in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University. Bree lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.

  • Joe Cuozzo is the Director of Development for the Bucks County Opportunity Council.  Over the last ten years, Joe has led the fund raising efforts of BCOC by building a diverse group of funders including individuals, businesses, religious organizations and private foundations.  Joe has over 25 years of experience fundraising for many different organizations in the greater Philadelphia area, Milwaukee, WI and New York City.  Joe earned his Certified FundRaising Executive designation in 2010 and is one of the founders of the Bucks County FundRaisers Group.

  • Darius Davenport is a Community Planning Coordinator for Tri County Community Action. With years of experience in community engagement and development, they're passionate about using data-driven and authentic community-centered approaches to plan, implement, and sustain local community initiatives.

  • Ann Fleisher has worked behind the scenes in the Finance Department at TCCA for the past 4.5 years.  Occasionally she dons her yellow cape and becomes Captain Partnership to help share the Core Values of TCCA. Her favorite Core Value is INTEGRITY.


  • Nic Horting is the Director of the Center for Residential Reinvestment Programs within DCED’s Office of Community Affairs and Development, where he oversees the Department’s state-wide administration of the Weatherization Assistance Program, LIHEAP Crisis Heating Program, and the Whole-Home Repairs Program.  With more than 13 years of federal and state program management experience with DCED, Nic has served as the Director of Loan Underwriting for DCED’s Office of Business Finance, and Administrator of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority prior to moving into his current role as Center Director.  


  • Elesia Fowlin is an accomplished Human Resources leader with over a decade of experience designing people-centered strategies that strengthen workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational performance. With 20+ years supporting operations in both nonprofit and corporate settings, she brings a unique perspective on aligning people, processes, and purpose. Elesia has led transformational initiatives including the implementation of digital HR systems, workforce planning strategies, benefit administration, and professional development programs that improve employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. As the former Associate Executive Director of Human Resources at Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley, she championed programs that not only advanced business objectives but also prioritized employee wellness, resilience, and balance in mission-driven environments. Elesia specializes in using people analytics and HR strategy to create sustainable, high-performing workplaces where employee well-being and business goals align. She is passionate about using data-driven insights and people analytics to create thriving, high-performing workplaces. She believes that true organizational success is built when wellness and recognition are embedded into leadership practices and workplace culture. Elesia blends her expertise in HR strategy with a people-first philosophy, inspiring leaders to view wellness not as an initiative, but as an essential driver of organizational growth and sustainability.

  • Tiffany Jarvis is a seasoned Community Action veteran with more than 23 years in the network. Starting at the Kansas association, Tiffany helped CAAs with ROMA implementation. Moving to a CAA in 2017, she oversaw the community services, housing, and weatherization programs. In 2023, Tiffany joined NASCSP. In her current role, she assists state offices and CAAs with all things performance management, including collection, analysis, and reporting. Over her tenure, Tiffany has also taken part in various national efforts including ROMA, CCAP, Pathways to Excellence, and Organizational Standards.



  • Holly Kyle has served as Executive Director of the Union-Snyder Agency on Aging, Inc. since 2006, following nearly 20 years of prior service in roles including Protective Services Caseworker, Supervisor, and Deputy Director. With nearly four decades of experience, she has led the Agency through significant program growth, regional collaboration, and innovative initiatives supporting older adults.

    Under her leadership, the Agency has expanded senior centers and adult day services, launched housing initiatives, and led the local COVID-19 vaccine response for older adults. Holly holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and is deeply involved in community service.

    She serves on the P4A Board of Directors, Riverwoods Advisory Council, Union-Snyder CAA Tripartite Advisory Board, SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation Board, and several protective services committees.

  • Autumn Karper is the Self Sufficiency Manager at Tri County Community Action, where she supports individuals on their path toward stability and growth. A recent graduate of the Leadership Cumberland Program, she’s always looking for thoughtful, practical ways to make a difference. Known for her teamwork and heart for the mission, Autumn brings steady dedication and a collaborative approach to everything she does.

  • Erin A. Lukoss is the Executive Director and CEO of the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC). BCOC is the designated community action agency for Bucks County. Their mission is to partner with the community to reduce poverty and promote economic self-sufficiency. BCOC offers multiple programs to stabilize individuals and families living in poverty and to ultimately move people out of poverty, permanently.

    Lukoss started at the agency over 20 years ago as a case manager, helping address basic needs of the community. Over the years she has held several leadership roles before being named CEO in 2015. Erin is Vice Chair of the board of directors for Bucks County Workforce Development, a member of the board of directors for PA Community Action Association, co-chair of the HEAL PA Poverty Reduction Action Team, and is the vice chair of the Housing Continuum of Care in Bucks County. She is a graduate of Lock Haven University and has a MS in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. Erin received the “Women Who Make A Difference” Award by the YWCA of Bucks County in 2015 and was named an Emerging Leader by Calkins Media and Bucks County in 2016.

Heather Maneval

  • Heather Maneval is the founder of Spur & Sprout, a nonprofit consultancy that partners with organizations to sow powerful missions through strategic planning, grant writing, and fundraising services. Heather focuses her talents on driving strategic initiatives and growing nonprofit capacity. She shifted from an executive to a consultant in the nonprofit sector after working for iconic organizations like the YWCA and Please Touch Museum. A community-minded leader, Heather likes to roll up her sleeves to jump in as a volunteer. She serves as Treasurer of Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), Past President of AFP Central PA, and as a director on the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry County (DVSCP) and York Central Market boards. She is also a registered yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance and teaches classes at Stepping Stones in Dover, PA.

  • Judith Kyei-Poku holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work and has served as a Parent Educator with the Tri County Community Action's Parents as Teachers program since 2023. Grounded in a strong cultural identity, she brings a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion to her work. This passion is reflected in her service on Tri County's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee, where she helps lead initiatives that promote an inclusive and supportive environment for both staff and families.


  • Håfa Adai yan Tirow, I'm Mona (they/them). For nearly a decade, my work in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, and across local, state, and federal government has shown me firsthand how systems are designed to prevent our communities from accessing the resources they deserve and need to thrive. My path has led me through managing multi-million dollar poverty-fighting programs and co-creating Texas's implementation of the first federal water assistance initiative. While I've had the opportunity to speak at engagements across the country about this work, what matters most to me is how we do it - with intention, care, and always in partnership with community. I'm passionate about transforming how organizations work with and for their communities. Whether I'm diving deep into community assessments, helping teams navigate change, or building equitable solutions for basic needs like water and housing, my focus is always on centering the voices that need to be heard most. This work is deeply personal to me - through it, I bring both professional expertise and cultural understanding, knowing that lasting change happens when we honor both. At MPOWERD, I get to combine everything I care about - using data to tell powerful stories, reimagining how programs can truly serve people's needs, and creating spaces where community wisdom shapes the path forward.

  • Elizabeth Marx serves as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP), a statewide specialty legal services project of Regional Housing Legal Services. Elizabeth leads PULP's policy, litigation, training, and specialized projects in furtherance of its mission to secure just and equitable access to safe and affordable utility services for Pennsylvanians experiencing poverty. She currently serves as Chairperson of multiple agency advisory groups, including the DHS Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Advisory Committee, the DCED Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council, and the DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee. She is also an appointed member of the Public Utility Commission’s Consumer Advisory Council. Before joining PULP in 2014, Elizabeth worked as an attorney for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She holds a BS in Political Science from Temple University, and a JD from Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

  • Sarah practices in the Labor and Employment Law Practice Group at McNees. She assists employers with navigating state and federal employment laws and regulations and counsels clients on a range of workplace claims and litigation, including Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance, accommodating employees with disabilities, labor matters, employment discrimination and harassment concerns, occupational safety and health, wage and hour compliance, and unemployment compensation.


  • Meghann McBryan currently serves as the Special Projects Coordinator at Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc., a community action agency serving North Central Pennsylvania. In this role, Meghann leads innovative county-wide initiatives that strengthen the early childhood education (ECE) workforce and improve access to child care services. Most notably, she developed and oversees the Substitute Aide Pool Program (SAPP), a groundbreaking effort that supports ECE providers by supplying trained substitute staff, stabilizing operations, and increasing workforce retention. She also manages the Early Learning Resource Center Region 7 Rapid Response Team, ensuring timely support for providers and families facing care disruptions. Meghann holds an Associate of Art in Mass Media Communications from Pennsylvania College of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Project Management at Colorado Technical University. With a background spanning project management, higher education, and event operations, Meghann brings a diverse and dynamic skill set to every initiative—combining strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven coordination. Beyond her professional contributions, Meghann is actively engaged in volunteerism and civic leadership. She serves on the board of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, supporting cultural preservation and local outreach efforts. She also volunteers as a coach with the Fundamental Cheerleading Program at Firetree Place, a youth development organization in Williamsport, where she mentors young participants through skill-building and team-based learning.

  • Wendy Melius has served as the Executive Director of Center for Community Action since March of 2012. She has a passion for developing and implementing programs and services that provide positive change in families and transform communities. She brings the planning skills to develop a holistic approach of strengthening families and communities. She focuses on the necessary funding resources, advocacy, collaboration of leaders and program implementation for families to be successful and communities to grow. Her commitment of helping families and communities has led to the expansion of Center for Community Action from three county service area to a ten-county service area.

    Wendy is active on community organization boards and committees. She is Vice Chair of the Broad Top Medical Center Board of Directors; member of the Huntingdon County Planning Commission; member of the grass roots initiative Juniata River Blueprint Community; board member of the Fulton Industrial Development Association; board member of Community Action Association of Pennsylvania and member of the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Investment Opportunity Board. She resides in James Creek with her husband.

  • Vanessa Philbert, Chief Executive Officer for the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, has been engaged in community-building and non-profit work in Lancaster County for the past 20 years. A native of New York City, Vanessa previously held roles locally at the United Way of Lancaster County, the Gate House for Men, and Pressley Ridge. In her role at CAP, she provides leadership and strategic vision to CAP’s 15-plus programs. Vanessa brings a unique perspective to community problem-solving based on her lived experiences and journey out of poverty.

    She works to address generational problems with generational solutions and through a cross-sector, strategic approach. She is married to Ronnie and has three daughters. She holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development from Elizabethtown College and a Bachelors Degree in Applied Phycology and Organizational Development from Albright College. Vanessa serves on the Board of Directors and as Equity Chair of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania and is Board Chair of Lancaster Equity Community Development Corporation, and she serves on the Board of Directors of the Lancaster City Alliance and the Board of Trustees of the Lancaster Chamber.

    She is also a member of the President’s Advisory Council at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and the Grants & Programs Committee at the High Foundation. She received the Lancaster Chamber’s 2022 Athena Award and the YWCA of Lancaster’s 2020 Woman of Achievement Award.

Kathy Rulli

  • Kathy Rulli is a graduate of Penn State University and after working various jobs from waitressing and teaching Kindergarteners to job coaching she started at the Commonwealth of PA as a social worker in 1999.   She is currently employed at the PA Department of Economic Development and has been working in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and LIHEAP Crisis for over 15 years.  Both programs focus on helping low-income households in need of assistance which a central theme in Kathy’s various jobs.  She started with WAP in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) days and has seen the program through a focus on production, quality and energy savings to the realization that Pennsylvania’s housing stock needs to be restored/improved before it can be made energy efficient.  Energy savings, quality and production are still a focus but ensuring the household member’s health and safety is of equal importance. 

  • Hattie B. McCarter is a Certified Executive in Health Diversity, with 17+ years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging; 21 years of public speaking; and 8+ years in Human Resources/Recruitment. Hattie is from Enterprise, Alabama, a small town that is surrounded by farmland, good soul food, and strong family values. Hattie obtained her master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University (HBCU), Montgomery, AL; and then moved to PA to start her next chapter in life.

    Hattie’s appetite for DEI blossomed before moving to PA, Hattie started her career at the Department of Labor & Industry’s: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) where she worked for 10 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor while promoted to a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Specialist. As the VR Specialist (Human Resource, Diversity and Communication), she redeveloped and led the agency’s DEI Program as well as their recruitment strategy for hiring diverse and qualified master’s level students for OVR’s employment and internships. In 2022, Hattie transitioned to the Department of General Services to oversee and implement their Equity Management Program (EMP) as the EMP Coordinator. Hattie pioneered and implemented the Commonwealth’s 1st Employee Resource Group for two state agencies; in addition to promoting and fostering a workforce that was diverse and inclusive through equity training(s), steering committee, assessments, and metrics.

    After 13 years of working in state government, Hattie stepped out on faith and launched her consulting business, McCarter’s Equitable and Distinctive (MEND) Solutions, LLC. MEND is a heart-focused agency that equips organizations and their leadership with tools in framing and integrating an equitable lens into a culture of belonging. MEND’s vision is to “mend hearts and shift mindsets.” MEND prides itself on nurturing spaces where leaders can demonstrate compassionate listening; promote systemic change and inclusion; commit to vulnerability; and be an active Ally with integrity.

    In being a Culture Strategist, Hattie continues to illuminate through her passion and purpose in leading with humanity. In 2023, Penn Live noted Hattie as one of the leading Trendsetters and Trailblazers for Central PA; and on November 3, 2023, Hattie was the recipient of the DEI Trailblazer Award from The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Harrisburg Chapter. As she expands her reach and opens her heart into the world of equity, she continues to live by the famous words of Former U.S Representative, Shirley Chisholm, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

  • Berneitha K. McNair is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Berneitha McNair Consulting. She is an author, strategic planner, motivational speaker, successful grant writer, developer of anti-poverty programs, leadership coach, national consultant, and forward-thinking trainer. She has trained community action agencies across the country and individuals who reside in 41 states. Berneitha has more than 25 years of executive and management level experience at two multi-million-dollar community action agencies. She has dedicated her entire professional career to helping at-risk individuals and low-income families have an enhanced quality of life. Berneitha is a previous community action executive director and former board chair of the Florida Association for Community Action (FACA). Berneitha has also facilitated sessions for the Region IV Head Start Association, Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies, Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies, Washington State Community Action Partnership, South Eastern Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA), Community Action Association of Alabama, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Florida Association for Community Action, Georgia Community Action Association, Maryland Community Action Partnership, West Virginia Community Action Partnership, Michigan Community Action, Iowa Community Action Association, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, Nevada Community Action Association, and the Florida Head Start Association. Berneitha has gained a wealth of knowledge throughout her career and remains dedicated to improving the capacity of the community action network. She is known for providing a modern, trendy approach to training that is fun, inspirational, and energetic. Berneitha is the author of two books: Grant Writing That Works: Confessions of a Nonprofit Chief Executive and D.O.P.E. Leadership: Success is in the Style which is the introduction of the new leadership style that she developed.

  • Amy Mininger, CEO, MarComFly and Community Action Consultant:  Develops accelerated strategic roadmaps to meet growth objectives for nonprofits, Community Action entities and enterprise B2B technology companies.  Founded MarComFly and shares 22 years of experience in management consulting, advocacy, marketing, business development and partnership development. Continuous learning in emerging AI tools for content management and communications.  Favorite passion projects have centered around a newly launched Communications Maturity Model, developed especially for Community Action and mapped to the national standards of excellence to help document strategic and tactical communications documents.  


  • Ryan Peasley is a highly respected leader in Wipfli’s national nonprofit, government, and education practice, where he helps organizations align their technology and cybersecurity strategies with their overall goals. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing these sectors, Ryan is a trusted advisor and sought-after thought leader. He regularly speaks at conferences, sharing his insights on the latest trends and best practices. Known for his collaborative and organization-focused approach, Ryan is dedicated to developing customized solutions and building long-lasting relationships to ensure the success of those he works with.

  • Brandi Sash is the National Sales Director at Food & Supply Source, a Buyers Edge Platform company—the foodservice industry’s largest Group Purchasing Organization. With more than 25+ years of leadership experience at Sysco, Gordon Food Service, and Buyers Edge Platform, she works directly with nonprofits and social service organizations nationwide. Brandi understands that Community Action Agencies are doing vital work and that every dollar saved on operations means more resources for the families who need them most.

    Her clients have achieved average savings of 10–35% through strategic partnerships and improved procurement processes. Having worked extensively with Head Starts, food pantries, senior meal programs, and emergency assistance operations, she understands the balance between maintaining quality services and managing tight budgets.

    Driven by a commitment to service beyond her professional role, Brandi volunteers her time supporting children who have experienced trauma. She focuses on building their confidence and helping them discover new possibilities for their futures, reflecting her belief in the power of compassionate guidance to transform lives.

  • Hello and Håfa Adai! I'm Demi (she/her), and I've spent almost a decade learning what it really means to build with community. From growing a volunteer program from just 10 people to over 1,000, to working with Fortune 500 companies like Delta and Walmart to support families in need, I've seen how powerful it can be when we bring different people together around a shared mission. My work has centered around providing essential baby items and period products to families that need them most - evolving into understanding the intersections of these needs, and rooting solutions in what communities tell us they need - always centering their voices. As a CHamoru woman, I bring my whole self to this work - including the cultural values and community practices that shape how I see the world. Whether I'm designing programs, facilitating workshops, or building partnerships, I focus on creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. At MPOWERD, I get to do what I love most - bringing people together to create real change. For me, it's about more than just getting things done - it's about how we do it, making sure every step forward strengthens our connections to each other and to the communities we serve.

  • Emily Seitz is Director of Development at Community Progress Council in York, Pennsylvania, where she is growing the organization’s philanthropic footprint and recently boosted revenue by 40% in the last fiscal year. With experience spanning academic, medical, and community-based fundraising, she has secured support from national funders including the National Endowment for the Arts, Hearst Foundations, and Bank of America. Emily earned her PhD in History from Penn State University and serves on the boards of York Day Early Learning and the York Academy Regional Charter School Foundation. When she’s not fundraising, she can be found teaching U.S. history at York College of Pennsylvania, knitting (or at least trying to), and keeping up with her favorite people—her husband, Mat, and their three kids, Isla, Ben, and Nat.

  • Melissa serves as the Deputy Director of the Center for Community Services at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, where she helps administer more than $100 million in federal and state resources that strengthen communities and expand opportunities across the Commonwealth. A graduate of Lock Haven University, and an alumni fellow of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, Melissa is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to equity, innovation, and local revitalization. In addition to her state leadership role, she is also a partner in a small-scale real estate development company, and a founding member of a volunteer community engagement organization in her hometown.

  • Megan Shreve is CEO of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), where since 2005 she has led the serving  Adams and Franklin counties. Under her leadership, SCCAP has grown into an integrated service delivery system of programs including shelters, food supports, Weatherization, WIC, Early Learning Resource Centers, Family Services and Person Centered Coaching combined with community development initiatives like Support Circles, The Gleaning Project, @Home, and Franklin Together where we advance community and systemic solutions that strengthen the social and economic infrastructure of our counties. Megan is a collaborative leader dedicated to strengthening families and building resilient communities. She also has the honor of serving as the Board President of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania.

  • Peter Venie is a Vice President with MMA, specializing in business insurance and employee health & benefits. Peter joined MMA in 2016, focusing on non-profits and healthcare industries. Peter’s client service strategy leverages MMA’s captive solutions, understanding client’s strategies, goals, and needs—and providing a tailored, comprehensive solution that works seamlessly within the context of the client’s business. Peter graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in business. He has obtained his 2-15 Health & Life, 2-20 General Lines, and Commercial Line Coverage Specialist designations.


  • Deborah D. Vereen is recognized as a Strategic Thinker and DEIB Thought Leader with twenty-five years of experience in designing and implementing inclusionary Belonging initiatives and processes in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The Vereen Group is committed to assisting organizations and executives in formulating systemic change strategies with a “Holistic Leadership” mind set to enable a Culture of Belonging.

    Deborah is a certified master trainer and facilitator whose areas of expertise comprise DEIB Strategic Planning, Leadership Coaching, Discovery Learning & Development, and Demographic Analysis & Metrics. She is one of a select few in the nation who has earned the unique double credential of CCDP/AP (Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner) from Cornell University. She is recognized as one of the most “Influential Inclusion Leaders” of Central Pennsylvania. Deborah was invited to offer testimony before the bi-partisan Labor & Industry Committee of the Pennsylvania Legislature regarding Pay Equity for Women.

    Deborah is co-founder of the Diversity & Inclusion Professionals of Central PA (DIPCPA), and is a Member of Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. She served on the Tri-County Community Action Board of Directors for 16 years.

  • Susie Weller is the Executive Director of Union-Snyder Community Action Agency, a charitable organization reducing poverty in Union and Snyder Counties through self-sufficiency initiatives for families and individuals living with low to moderate income in collaboration with community partners. Susie brings more than 14 years of experience from direct service to leadership of programs that serve low-income individuals and families of Union and Snyder counites as they work towards self-sufficiency. Susie’s experience includes a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural populations, the importance of leadership that motivates, and a rich familiarity with the needs of her community.

    In addition to her work at CAA, Susie serves on a number of boards and committees throughout the region including Area Agency on Aging, Union County Assistance Office, DIG Furniture Bank, and Advance Central PA. She believes collaboration is crucial to the work that we do to support low-income residents because the complex challenges they face cannot be solved in a vacuum. Coordination and collective action are necessary at many levels in order to impact true change.

    Susie holds a B.S in Education from Susquehanna University and has received additional credentials in Leadership through Northampton Community College and Strength-Based Family Work through Temple University. She is a resident of Snyder County.

  • Dave Young is a 2003 graduate of Shippensburg University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  Mr. Young entered the human services field shortly after in 2004, working primarily with adjudicated youths and children suffering with Mental Health disorders.

    Mr. Young began working at Schuylkill Community Action (SCA) in 2010, as a Case Manager, and was responsible for providing direct services to low-income Schuylkill County residents.  In 2016, Dave was promoted to Director of Planning where he was responsible for grant preparation, developing the agency’s Strategic Plan, overseeing the Community Needs Assessment, agency risk assessment, Annual Report preparation and social media outreach efforts.   Mr. Young was promoted by the SCA board of directors to the role of Executive Director in September 2020 and has served in that capacity since.   

    Mr. Young has received Certification through the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Trainers, allowing him to provide training to Community Action Agencies statewide. Currently, he serves on the Schuylkill County Local Housing Options Team, Schuylkill Technology Center Advisory Committee, Pennsylvania Housing Advisory Committee, Weatherization Assistance Program Policy Advisory Committee, Pottsville Area Development Company Board of Directors-Vice President, the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania Board of Directors, and serves as Chairperson of the Eastern Pa. Continuum of Care Funding Committee.



  • Kelly Stewart is the Founder of The Positive Business, improving strategic planning and implementation by helping to foster innovation and align actions to outcomes through strengths-based, generative conversations. Kelly is also a certified Conversations Worth Having trainer and Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. She facilitates strategic planning workshops and teaches people how to have more productive and meaningful conversations because better results begin with better conversations. She works with businesses and non-profit organizations that are purpose-driven and making a positive impact on people and the planet. She is also co-founder of the Conversations Worth Having Institute, Inc. offering resources and training opportunities for organizations that want to support productivity, invite engagement, and nurture strong relationships through conversation. Kelly has a natural desire and proven ability to bring out the best in an organization. This comes from a long background of leadership experience in Client Services, New Business Development, and Marketing where she was both the "face of the company" and the "voice of the client." She is grateful and humbled to support Community Action Agencies in having conversations that enhance their ability to reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, create opportunities for people to thrive, and strengthen communities.

  • Maria Vazquez is a dedicated and accomplished HR professional with a remarkable tenure at Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV). Since joining the organization in 2019, she has been recognized and promoted multiple times—not only for her unwavering dedication to serving the community, but also for her passion for supporting CALV’s employees. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, advocacy, and a deep commitment to building a workplace where people feel valued and supported. In her pursuit of continuous professional growth, Maria earned her SHRM certification, further strengthening her HR expertise and her ability to address the evolving needs of the workforce. In 2024, she stepped into the role of CALV’s Wellness Champion and Co-Chair of the Wellness Committee, where she expanded the program to include comprehensive wellness education, access to resources, and engaging events. Maria’s advocacy for mental health has been especially impactful—she spearheaded the creation of dedicated employee wellness rooms, providing safe and supportive spaces for staff to recharge and focus on their well-being. Maria’s career reflects her belief that a thriving community begins with empowered employees. Through her vision and dedication, she continues to shine a light on wellness, inclusion, and the power of a supportive workplace culture.

  • Jen is a Member of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, where she co-chairs her firm’s Labor &Employment Group. Since joining McNees in 2003, Jen has worked with Executives, In-House Counsel, Labor Relations and Human Resources professionals to help implement the strategies necessary to achieve their business objectives, while staying compliant with the ever-evolving labor & employment laws. While Jen devotes most of her professional time to leading labor negotiations in the private sector, she previously served as Assistant Counsel to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board prior to joining McNees. She earned her B.A. from Dickinson College and her J.D. from Widener University School of Law and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

  • Mandy Welty Zalich graduated from St. Vincent College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and she gained her Master’s Degree in Counselor Education at Duquesne University.  After working in direct practice with children and families for a number of years, she moved into non-profit management. The transition to Chief Executive Officer of Westmoreland Community Action (WCA) in April 2019 was a significant step in both personal and professional growth for her.  Working in this dynamic community organization, Mandy is able to see impacts made on the lives of individuals across all stages of life, as well as throughout the entire county; thus, making a bigger impact in the lives of her neighbors. In her free time, Mandy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, husband Nick, son Noah and dogs Daisy and Sicily, often visiting nearby Mammoth Park.  


  • Jennifer Wintermyer serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Tri County Community Action (TCCA). At TCCA, she leads efforts to build strong partnerships, enhance community programs, and advance the organization's mission to transform lives and strengthen communities. Jen is deeply committed to collaboration and service. She is a member of the agency's Foundational Understanding Network, or F.U.N. team, which focuses on bringing the agency's values to life everyday, and is a member of CAAP's Equity Committee.

  • Greg is a member of the McNees Labor & Employment Group, where he collaborates closely with his clients to address their legal needs through open communication and long-term success strategies. He defends employers in workers’ compensation cases, including hearings, mediations, investigations, and appellate proceedings. Additionally, he represents employers facing employment law claims in both state and federal courts, as well as before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.