Allentown, Pa., August 11, 2024—Jennifer L. Mann rejoined the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Governors in July 2024. This marks her second tenure with the Foundation’s Board, having previously served from 2013 to 2022. She serves on the Community Foundation’s Community Relations Committee.
Jenn is the founder and president of JL Mann Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in lobbying and government relations consulting. With a distinguished career as a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a successful small-business owner, Jenn brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community service.
Jenn’s public service journey began in her twenties when she was elected to serve her hometown of Allentown and later as a state representative from 1998 to 2012. During her legislative career, Jenn was recognized as a skilled facilitator, consensus-builder, and mentor. In 2008, she made history as the third woman elected to a leadership position in the House Democratic Caucus, serving as Caucus Secretary. Jenn was also a member of the Pennsylvania Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) Leadership Team and chaired the DLC’s State Legislative Advisory Board, earning a spot on the DLC’s “100 to Watch” list.
Before her legislative career, Jenn launched a successful wireless telecommunications business in Allentown and worked in the financial services industry, where she continues to maintain her life, health, and annuity licensing. Her background provides her with a unique perspective on business-friendly economic policies and the challenges and opportunities associated with entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Jenn currently serves on the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors and has been a member of the Board of Directors of QNB Bank since 2015. Additionally, Jenn is deeply involved with several community organizations, including the Board of Associates for Muhlenberg College, the President’s Advisory Council at Cedar Crest College, and the executive board of the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She is also a Cabinet Member of the Tocqueville Society of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Her previous roles include serving on the board of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and as chairwoman of the Finance Committee for the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the private sector and government to foster business growth and job creation. Jenn has also been a government liaison for the Program for Women and Families, a nonprofit supporting domestic violence victims.
A lifelong resident of Allentown, Jennifer earned degrees in government and economics from Lehigh University. Learn more at: https://jlmannconsulting.com/
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenn back to the Board of Governors,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of LVCF. “Her extensive experience, dedication to the community, and passion for philanthropy will be invaluable as we continue to address critical issues and enhance the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown, Pa., August 13, 2024—Lindsay Watson joined the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Governors in July 2024. Lindsay is Co-Founder of award-winning FIA NOW Employment Solutions, and Founder of Joy Fluent, a virtual assistant and support business. She serves on the Community Foundation’s Community Investments Committee.
Lindsay is an award-winning entrepreneur and a seasoned professional in human resources and business development, and public speaking. She brings over 19 years of expertise in staffing, recruiting, relationship management, and career coaching. Committed to guiding individuals across all career levels towards their professional aspirations, Lindsay hails from New England and now calls Lehigh Valley, PA home. From a customer service rep right after college, to having ownership in two companies, Lindsay’s roots in administrative support, connecting others and cultivating diverse relationships still run deep. If you ask Lindsay about her overall purpose, it would be this: “Connecting people to people, and people to opportunities”.
As Co-Founder of award-winning FIA NOW Employment Solutions, and Founder of Joy Fluent, a virtual assistant and support business, she has been involved in ventures that positively impact individuals and communities, fostering multi-million dollar relationships from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, spanning Wall Street to Main Street.
As a public speaker, Lindsay has spoken at events including at the Lehigh Valley Annual Women’s Summit, Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit, Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce DEI Summit, SHRM HR Disruptor Summit, The Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Summit and more. Lindsay holds and/or has held board positions at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, American Heart Association, Miller Keystone Blood Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Women United (a division of the United Way), marking her as the first African American woman to serve on the latter three organizations.
Lindsay has received honors as the 2023 Women of Influence and the 2020 Forty Under 40 award both by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from St. John’s University and Certificates in Women’s Entrepreneurship & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from Cornell University, the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Milestone Accelerator and NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute).
“We are thrilled to welcome Lindsay to our Board of Governors said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of LVCF. “Her entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to community service, and commitment to connecting people with opportunities align perfectly with our mission at LVCF.”
Allentown, Pa., August1, 2024—Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has announced the 2024-2026 cohort for its CORE Fellowship, a two-year capacity-building process designed to bring Lehigh Valley nonprofit leaders together to center equity in themselves, their relationships, their organizations, and the nonprofit sector. LVCF is proud to partner with 16 fellows from 8 organizations, as well as 5 systems stakeholders in this year’s fellowship.
“CORE Fellowship addresses the core aspects of ourselves, our organizations, and our systems,” noted Megan Briggs, LVCF Vice President of Community Investments. “As a funder in the Lehigh Valley, we acknowledge that nonprofits are striving to integrate equity into their operations. Leveraging our position and experience, we aim to support these efforts by providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to both individuals and organizations to achieve equity.”
“We understand that individuals and organizations are at various stages in their equity work, and the CORE Fellowship is tailored to support participants wherever they are in their equity journey,” explained Robyn Weaver, Program Officer of Capacity Building at LVCF, who coordinates the fellowship.
For the third year, the Community Foundation is partnering with consultants Phyllis Alexander, Guillermo Lopez, Jr., and Carter Gilbert to deliver the model. These consultants contribute to the fellowship design and decision-making as well as being in the facilitation role for the Fellowship. LVCF continues its partnership with Partnering for Change as the organizational development consultants for the Fellowship. They will conduct an in-depth equity and organizational discovery process with time to carry out an equity-centered capacity-building project.
“The CORE Fellowship provides an array of benefits for participants, including leadership development, an in-depth equity and organizational development assessment, and guidance from a technical assistance consultant for developing equity-centered capacity building,” explained Robyn Weaver. Fellows also receive the time needed to execute an equity-centered capacity building project, along with coaching and access to a network of nonprofit leaders. Additionally, the CORE Fellowship offers a $25,000 grant to each participating organization, distributed as a $10,000 general operating award in the first year, $15,000 to support an equity-centered capacity building project in the second year, and coaching support in the third year, contingent upon meeting CORE requirements.
Below is the list of Organizations and Fellows that were selected for the 2024-2026 CORE Fellowship:
CORE Fellows 2024-2026
ArtsQuest
Alli Poczak, Programming Specialist
Joanne Garcia, Manager of Education & PCA Programs
Basement Poetry
Chloe Cole-Wilson, Artistic Director
Deirdre Van Walters, President
Bloom for Women
Carol M. Andersen, Chief Executive Officer
Ashley Caravello, Director of Finance and Administration
Community Music School
Laura Burcaw, Operations Manager
Jeffrey J. Reed, Executive Director
Fine Feather Foundation
Maricel Colvin, Program Director
Andrene Nowell, Executive Director
Movement Moves Media
Timothy Foster, Board Director
Michael Frassetto, Executive Director
The Thrive Hub
Rosalind Lucien, Founder/Executive Director
Laureen Pellegrino, Advisory Board Member
Valley Youth House
Shawn Mack, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Systems stakeholders are invited into the CORE Fellowship because we recognize that creating equitable systems and communities requires the intentional collaboration of members from every sector. Systems stakeholders, while not funded through CORE, have the opportunity to fully engage and immerse themselves in the deep work of the Fellowship. They also receive individualized coaching that enhances their ability to show up as an inclusive leader, continuing their own growth and learning alongside nonprofit fellows.
Holly Fitzpatrick Grants Manager Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
Adria Laboy Bilingual Community Engagement Specialist Highmark Wholecare
Sybil F. Stershic President Quality Service Marketing
Heather Turcozi Associate Vice President Data & Evaluation United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Lindsay Watson Co-Founder FIA NOW Employment Solutions
Learn more about the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s CORE Fellowship | click here
Allentown, Pa., July 15, 2024—Lehigh Valley Business has named Monique Saunders Moreno, Program Officer for Arts, Culture & Creative Economy at the Community Foundation, as one of the “Forty Under 40” honorees for 2024.
Monique joined the Community Foundation in October 2020 and was recently appointed as Program Officer, Arts, Culture & Creative Economy. She serves as the liaison to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) Partners in the Arts program, overseeing grant distribution from the Creative Sector Flex Fund and the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program in support of projects in Carbon, Monroe, Lehigh, and Northampton counties. Previously, Monique was the Assistant Director of Community Investments, where she assisted crafting grantmaking strategies, implementing grant cycles, and providing community leadership around several issues.
“Over the past four years, Monique has greatly contributed to the Community Investment team’s work, enhancing the overall culture of the Foundation,” said Megan Briggs, LVCF’s Vice President for Community Investments. “She has led grant cycles, developed key relationships, streamlined processes, and managed complex logistics for our CORE Fellowship and our partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.”
Before joining the Foundation, Monique held various leadership roles at Stitch Fix and BCBG Max Azria, focusing on operations, client experience, and project management. She also interned at the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and worked with the Pittsburgh Human Rights Network. Monique is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Originally from New Jersey, Monique relocated to the Lehigh Valley as a child. She graduated from William Allen High School in Allentown, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Cheyney University, and a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
“The 2024 Forty Under 40 honorees are high-achieving young professionals who give back to the community in exceptional ways. They have demonstrated significant career success but also know that making a difference in the lives of others is essential,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Lehigh Valley Business. “They are the next generation of leaders in the Lehigh Valley, and Lehigh Valley Business is pleased to recognize their accomplishments.”
Forty Under 40 recognizes professionals 40 years of age and younger who have been successful in the Greater Lehigh Valley area. Honorees, selected by the editors of Lehigh Valley Business, were chosen based on professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change. This year’s Forty Under 40 will be honored September 12, 2024, at an awards celebration at the DeSales University Center, 2755 Station Avenue in Center Valley.
About Lehigh Valley Business
Lehigh Valley Business is a multimedia news source with 38 years of journalistic excellence that breaks news daily on its website, LVB.com. It also publishes a print and online edition. In addition, Lehigh Valley Business publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including Reader Rankings and Fastest Growing Companies in addition to the yearly Book of Lists. It also hosts eight annual events, including Women of Influence, Health Care Heroes and Forty Under 40, to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. Learn more at: https://www.lvb.com/.
2024 Forty Under 40 Honorees
Jonathan Becker, RPA Engineering Anthony P. Beltrami, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. Rev. Kimberly Berenotto, Longswamp United Church of ChristSandra Bieber, Discover Lehigh Valley Tricia Bowman, JULABO USA Hilary Brown, C.F. Martin & Co. Erica Butler, Blue Ridge Eating Disorder Care Center Brittney Ciardi, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Brad Cosgrove, Tower Health Joseph Daddona, Shift4 Phil Ellingsworth Jr., Main Line Health Angelo Fattore, MBA, MSDA, Moravian University Zachary Fowler, Gross McGinley, LLP Asaf R. Galeano Paniagua, The Nine Four Group Alyssa M. Hicks, KingSpry Attorneys & Counselors Jimi Honochick, YMI Insurance Samantha Huhn, Military Resource Group (MRG) Teisha Jones, The Lehigh Valley Humane Society and Vet ClinicStephanie Kane, CPA, RKL LLP Michael Keller, Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. Jason Kiesel, Lehigh Valley IronPigsMelissa F. King, Northampton Post Acute Frank Lawler, Quadrant Capital Cody Lichtenwalner, Fellowship Community Dustin A Lukitsch, The Birches of Lehigh Valley Shaun Marakovits, United Way of The Greater Lehigh Valley Stephanie Muzzey, BLOK Design Group Craig W. Peoples, Morgan Stanley Mathew Pezon, Pezon Properties Jessica Reimert, Community Action Lehigh Valley Monique Saunders Moreno, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Theodore J. Schick, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo Tyler Seiferheld, CPA, Lang Faylor Chomo & Company PC Amanda Shanaberger, Baker Tilly Youseff Tannous, KeyBank Tyler Troutman, SAGE Design-Build, Inc. Michelle Veresink Richmond, ArtsQuest Mike Warch, Valley National Financial Advisors Whitney M. Wasem, Lehigh Valley Health Network-Lehigh Valley Physician’s Group Jeremy Zambelli, Samsung Biologics America
Allentown, Pa., June 26, 2024—Robyn Weaver joined the staff at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation in June 2024 as Program Officer, Capacity Building. Her primary responsibilities include implementation and co-facilitation of CORE Fellowship and identifying regional nonprofit capacity building needs and solutions.
Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Robyn has held various roles in racial equity and social justice centered capacity building and nonprofit programming including serving as Equity Officer for Pocono Mountains United Way and as Program Manager for Racial and Ethnic Justice at Community Action Lehigh Valley. She has also engaged with local and regional nonprofits providing contracted services including facilitation of We Interrupted, a white-affinity group with Promise Neighborhoods Lehigh Valley and developing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion learning modules for Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. Robyn currently serves as Board Chair for the YWCA of Bethlehem.
While Robyn is a Lehigh Valley native, she spent years traveling from Philadelphia to Alexandria, Virginia to Corvallis, Oregon, seeking her purpose and taking part-time college courses along the way. Ultimately, she returned home to Allentown where she settled in to complete both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Kutztown University. She currently holds graduate certificates in Leadership and Management and Community Development from Kutztown University as well as a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
About the CORE Fellowship
The CORE Fellowship Program is a two-year capacity building process designed to bring diverse Lehigh Valley nonprofit leaders together to center equity in themselves, their relationships, their organizations, and the Lehigh Valley non-profit sector. The program consists of peer-to-peer learning, individual coaching, consultant pairing for an organizational equity discovery process, and funding to support organizational capacity-building. The fellowship is designed for both nonprofit leaders and their organizations to support equitable change in delivering on their personal and professional mission.
About Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. A leader in charitable giving in the Lehigh Valley for more than 50 years, we receive support from donors, manage funds to grow over time, and make high-impact grants to strengthen local nonprofits.
The Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds, totaling over $80 million, and we continue to grow—both in size and in the way we fulfill our mission. We are evolving to engage more deeply with partners, serve more effectively as a thought leader on community issues, and explore more innovative ways to make life better across the Lehigh Valley.
LVCF Presents Philanthropy Awards to Judith A. Harris, Esq. and The Century Fund
The 2024 Board of Associated (BOA) meeting at the Lehigh Country Club was the perfect occasion for the Community Foundation to present its prestigious philanthropy awards. Linda Sheftel, chair of the BOA executive committee, got the proceedings rolling with a welcome to the crowd of more than 75 members and guests.
LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP® presented the Lifetime Service to Philanthropy Award to Judith A. Harris, Esq. for her exceptional career of service and dedication to philanthropy.
The Community Foundation has collaborated with Judy on numerous occasions to help clients achieve their charitable goals, including our mutual work with the trustees of the Century Fund. “Judy has been instrumental in establishing six endowment funds at LVCF, including the George T. Walker Charitable Fund, our largest endowed fund valued at nearly $10 million,” Erika explained. “Judy’s recognition of the Foundation’s role and her commitment to her clients have significantly impacted philanthropy in the community. The LVCF staff and board express deep appreciation for Judy’s contributions, the importance of her work, and the lasting impact of her dedication.”
Dolores A. Laputka, Esq., representing Norris McLaughlin, LC., which sponsored the meeting, expressed her admiration for her colleague. “I am thrilled to present this award to Judy Harris, my colleague for over 20 years,” she noted. “Judy, born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, returned home after earning her LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University, her J.D. from Washington College of Law, and her A.B. from Bryn Mawr College, and also spending time in Moscow. Her extensive community focus includes leading the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival as President of the Board of Trustees, involvement with the Allentown Symphony Association, and the Lehigh County Agricultural Society. Judy’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy in the Lehigh Valley has earned her many accolades. Her husband, Jack Mydlo, Chairman of Urology at Temple University, has been a steadfast supporter. Judy’s dedication to philanthropy and community service makes her a most deserving recipient of this award.”
Judy then took to the podium and delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing her gratitude and admiration for the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and the dedicated individuals who have contributed to its success. She began by thanking Dolores and acknowledging the Foundation’s role in improving lives in the Lehigh Valley, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of professional advisors and business leaders.
Judy shared her admiration for the Century Fund and lauded the trustees, including Joan Miller Moran, David Bausch, Lee Butz, and Don Bernhard (in attendance), and Pastor Bob Stevens and the late trustees Alice Anne Miller, Dick Hummel, Rev. Dr. Grant Harrity, and Jack Leh. She also paid tribute to the late Attorney Michael Egan, Donald Miller’s lawyer, who wrote the Century Fund Trust and served as a mentor to many, including herself. Judy recognized Lisa Curran, the longtime Executive Director of the Fund for her dynamic leadership. She highlighted the contributions of John Zayaitz, CPA, and Dianne Pagano Manges, who played crucial roles in the Century Fund’s operations and its eventual sunset after 36 years. Harris also thanked her law firm, Norris McLaughlin, for its ongoing support of client philanthropy and community involvement. See the video of the award presentation and remarks.
Erika Riddle Petrozelli announced The Century Fund as the recipient of the Vision in Philanthropy Award, highlighting its legacy of supporting the Lehigh Valley. “After 25 years of supporting the Valley, the trustees were thoughtful in its wind-down,” she said. The trustees established endowments for the Allentown Symphony and the Allentown Art Museum at the LVCF, ensuring the continuation of Donald Miller’s legacy. A video was shared, showcasing the tremendous impact of Miller’s generosity through The Century Fund. See the video celebrating Donald Miller and the Century Fund’s charitable giving.
Lisa Curran, Former Executive Director of the Century Fund, reminisced about the fund’s impactful history and the dedicated individuals behind it. “The inaugural meeting in December 1985, hosted by Richard Hummel, set a tone of warmth and camaraderie that lasted for 15 years. Don Miller, a humble community service pillar and his daughter Alice Miller, chaired the board with strength and passion. Over its history, The Century Fund donated over $55 million to more than 200 organizations,” she noted. “Major gifts included $6 million to the Allentown School District, $5 million to the Allentown Symphony, and a $2 million endowment to the Allentown Art Museum.” See Lisa Curran’s remarks.
Through a recorded video, Max Weintraub, President and CEO of the Allentown Art Museum, expressed gratitude for the Century Fund’s transformational gift, which has made the museum free for all forever. This milestone has led to a 60% increase in general attendance and a 120% increase in educational program attendance. Max emphasized the positive community response and the significant impact of the Century Fund’s generosity.
Al Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Allentown Symphony Association, also expressed profound gratitude for the Century Fund’s transformational support. He highlighted the Symphony’s multifaceted nature, including its professional orchestra and ownership of the historic Miller Symphony Hall, along with numerous educational and community programs like El Sistema Lehigh Valley. The Century Fund’s relationship with the Symphony dates back to 1959 when Don Miller and his brother helped purchase the Lyric Theater, now Miller Symphony Hall. Contributions have supported musician wages, education programs, and free concert attendance for individuals under 21. Al emphasized that the Century Fund’s legacy gift ensures perpetual funding, securing the Symphony’s mission and growth for the future. See Al Jacobsen’s Remarks.
Upon accepting the award, Joan Miller Moran, daughter of Donald Miller and former trustee, said, “I didn’t write anything down, but I want to accept this award on behalf of my father, who had the vision to start the Century Fund. He would be very happy to see its success recognized today. I’ve been proud to serve as a trustee and enjoyed working with the committee. I also want to acknowledge my sister, Alice Miller, an original trustee chosen by our father, and Dave Bausch, the only original trustee present today.” View the video featuring Joan’s comments.
Lee Butz, former trustee of The Century Fund, concluded the remarks by fondly recalling the camaraderie and accomplishments of the trustees, highlighting the remarkable contributions of Lisa Curran and Judy Harris in managing and guiding the fund. He emphasized the lasting impact of Don Miller’s legacy, noting how his influence continued to shape the fund’s decisions and contributions, particularly the Century Promise, which is set to transform the lives of students in the Allentown School District. Lee also praised LVCF for its vital role in facilitating their philanthropic efforts, underscoring its growing importance and value to the community. He concluded by expressing deep gratitude for the Foundation’s support. View the video of Lee’s remarks.
Allentown, Pa., June 10, 2024—The George T. Walker Charitable Fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) recently issued more than $416,200 in grants to support seven organizations that were important to the late George T. Walker of Monroe County in Pennsylvania. A donor designated fund at the Community Foundation, the George T. Walker Charitable Fund provides annual grants to organizations designated through the estate of George T. Walker in perpetuity. Grants from the Fund for 2024 included the following:
American Red Cross – Northeastern PA Chapter General Operating – General Operating & BioMedical Services – $46,200
Deborah Hospital Foundation Capital Campaign – Deborah100: The Campaign – $50,000
Effort United Methodist Church Capital Projects– $40,000
Guiding Eyes for the Blind General Operating – $80,000
Mount Pocono United Methodist Church General Operating – $40,000
Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Corps Emergency Shelter/Housing Programs serving Monroe County, Pa. – $85,000
St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital Named Space at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – $75,000
The late George T. Walker of Monroe County in Pennsylvania discussed his charitable goals with his professional advisors in 2005, creating the parameters for a charitable fund at the Foundation which was funded by bequest upon his passing. The George T. Walker Charitable Fund was established with his bequest in 2011. “Mr. Walker specified that the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has complete discretion, each year, regarding the amounts to be granted to each of these charitable organizations as well as the specific programs to be funded by grants from the Fund,” said Carrie Krug Nedick, LVCF Director of Donor Services. “We are pleased to make these grants to the organizations Mr. Walker held dear as the Foundation fulfills his charitable legacy.”
About George T. Walker
George T. Walker lived a humble life in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He was very generous, and he was especially careful to support organizations doing so much for their communities without asking for reimbursement or charging fees. He wished to continue this legacy of “helping those who help others” after his lifetime. He sought guidance from his financial advisor and estate planning attorney on how to incorporate his charitable wishes into his estate plans. The legacy gifts resulting from his considerable estate had the potential for significant impact. His professional advisors recommended a charitable fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to give to organizations in perpetuity. Grants from the Fund are made to Mt. Pocono United Methodist Church, Effort United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army of East Stroudsburg, the American Red Cross of East Stroudsburg, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Allentown, Pa., March 26, 2024—LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, was selected as one of this year’s Lehigh Valley Business’s Women of Influence. The designation recognizes high-achieving women for their tremendous career accomplishments. The Women of Influence honorees are selected based on professional experience, community involvement and a commitment to mentoring. See the list of recipients at: Women of Influence Awards – LVB
Erika Riddle Petrozelli stepped into the leadership role in January 2021, in the midst of a pandemic and racial justice movement. Through her steady leadership, the Community Foundation has achieved an immense amount over the last three years. A few of those achievements include: Developing a new strategic plan, diversifying the board, creating new messaging and marketing, implementing a new database system to increase efficiency, and leading the process to refine grantmaking platform. During the last three years, LVCF’s assets have grown significantly, in addition to expanding and deepening relationships.
Her entire staff supported her nomination. Her leadership style is empowering, bold, strategic, and thoughtful. She exemplifies what it means to lead with curiosity and intellect. She’s a values-based leader who sees the potential and leadership in each person. She has continuously utilized her position and role to lift up other women around her, often times women who have been unrecognized previously. She inspires her staff to not only be good at their job, but also to be good people.
Some of her current leadership roles in the community include: Board of Directors on the Bach Choir, Vice Chair of the Board of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Alliance, Immediate Past President of the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, member of the Junior League of the Lehigh Valley and mother of two beautiful children.
In 2023, Erika attained the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation, administered through The American College of Financial Services. She was a 2018-19 Rider-Pool Foundation Collective Impact Fellowship, participating in a program that trains and equips nonprofit leaders to address complex community needs and develop stronger cross-sector partnerships. In 2016, Erika completed the Leadership Lehigh Valley program at Northampton Community College. A Bethlehem native, she graduated from Lehigh University with a major in Accounting. She was awarded the President’s Scholarship and went on to earn her Masters in Accounting and Information Analysis.
She is a cherished leader by not only her staff, but also the many fundholders and partners of the community foundation.
Allentown, PA, March 12, 2024 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has announced the distribution of over $175,500 in general operating grants to local nonprofits for improving access to early childcare. This funding initiative is part of LVCF’s foundation-directed community investments grantmaking strategy.
Megan Briggs, LVCF’s Vice President for Community Investments, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to collaborative efforts in mitigating the early childhood care and education crisis. “LVCF is not only channeling funds into this critical area but is also engaging in partnerships and initiatives to further its mission of accessible and affordable early childhood care for all,” she noted.
The following organizations have been awarded second-year grants, as part of a three-year funding cycle, with amounts ranging from $25,000 to $20,000 for the fiscal year 2023-24:
– Resurrected Community Development Corporation – The Children’s Center, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania – Third Street Alliance
Additionally, two-year grant awards ranging from $14,000 to $2,500 for 2023-24 have been granted to:
– Community Services for Children – Fine Feather Foundation Inc. – Greater Valley YMCA – Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Inc. – Mindful Child Initiative – Northampton Community College Foundation – Pinebrook Family Answers – ProJeCt of Easton, Inc. – Red Door Early Learning Center – Saucon Valley Community Center – Via of the Lehigh Valley
These grants support nonprofits tackling the root causes of early childhood care and education challenges. Throughout fall 2023, Erika Riddle Petrozelli, LVCF’s President and CEO, and Megan Briggs met with over 20 stakeholders in the early childhood sector. These discussions highlighted critical issues, such as workforce shortages due to low pay, increasing behavioral and mental health diagnoses among children, and insufficient funding for quality programs. They also explored how these challenges intersect with broader impact areas like family support, workforce development, economic well-being, transportation, and health.
LVCF is actively developing strategies to support and enhance the collective effort towards ensuring high-quality, accessible childcare across the Lehigh Valley. The foundation is committed to leveraging its resources, voice, staff, and positioning to impact the early childhood sector positively.
The Foundation oversees various area-of-interest funds aimed at supporting youth and families in the Lehigh Valley, including the Edward & Inez Donley Fund; Walter & Alma Bastian Fund; Outdoor Recreation Fund for Youth; Robert D. & Gwendolyn-Jane Romeril Campership Fund; Lucille F. Driver Fund, and supported by Roger and Kathy Yott.
Grant applications were reviewed by the Early Childhood Care Grant Advisory Committee, which comprises community experts in early childhood care and family services. This diverse group evaluated applications based on the organizations’ focus areas, the populations served, and their community-driven approaches to delivering transformative services equitably.
For more information about LVCF’s foundation-directed grantmaking: click here.
Allentown, Pa., February 16, 2024—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation recently selected PNC Institutional Asset Management Group (IAM) as it’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) for two of the Foundation’s portfolios. This decision follows a rigorous evaluation process led by LVCF’s ad hoc Investment RFP Committee, which concluded that PNC IAM’s expertise and capabilities align most closely with LVCF’s mission and goals.
The committee chaired by Denise Blew, former LVCF board and finance committee member, carefully reviewed proposals from several esteemed firms, conducted interviews and other due diligence measures before recommending PNC IAM. The committee was composed of LVCF board members, staff, and outside financial experts. “We were impressed by PNC IAM’s people, services, and technological capabilities, recognizing the value they will bring to LVCF’s work and asset growth initiatives,” Blew noted. “We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings and believe it will contribute positively to our investment outcomes and overall success. I thank the committee members for their commitment, insight, and expertise in guiding the Foundation through this very important process.”
“PNC IAM comes highly recommended by other community foundations where they have demonstrated exceptional service and support,” noted Trisha Higgins, CPA, Executive Vice President, and CFO of the Foundation who served on the committee. “Their understanding of community foundation dynamics and commitment to assisting organizations like LVCF manage its assets were particularly noteworthy. We were also impressed with PNC IAM’s cutting-edge technology solutions that will enhance LVCF’s operational efficiency by ensuring smooth processes.”
“In 2023, we made the decision to transition to a new OCIO as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing our investment strategy and ensuring alignment with our organizational goals,” explained Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The Foundation conducts periodic reviews and evaluations of our investment program as part of our fiduciary responsibility and commitment to sound governance practices. This includes a thorough assessment of our investment strategy, performance, and investment partners. The decision to open the process reflects our evolving needs and strategic direction.”
About Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has been responsibly stewarding the community’s endowment and resources for more than 55 years. Committed to sustainable fund growth and impactful grantmaking, LVCF works closely with donors, fundholders, and partners to address pressing community needs and create positive change.
About PNC Institutional Asset Management Group
PNC Institutional Asset Management Group provides comprehensive investment solutions tailored to the unique needs of institutional clients. With a focus on innovation, integrity, and client service excellence, PNC IAM helps organizations achieve their financial goals and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Visit their website: click here
-end-
For more information about LVCF and its partnership with PNC IAM, please Michael Wilson, Director of Communications, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation at michael@lvcfoundation.org or 484-695-3277.
