Board of Directors
The Nonprofit Partnership is proud to be guided by a dedicated and dynamic board of directors. Committed to best practices in governance, our board exemplifies leadership, vision, and strategic expertise. Their steadfast guidance steers our mission, ensuring we effectively support nonprofits to thrive and achieve their goals. With their passion and commitment, The Partnership continues to champion impactful work that strengthens our community and beyond.
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Board President | Del Birch
Retired (United Way of Erie County)
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Board Vice President | Michael P. Thomas
Partner, MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton
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Board Treasurer | Patrick G. Wachter, CIC
Vice President, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Inc.
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Board Secretary | Michelle Patalon, MBA, CPCU
Project Manager, Erie Insurance Group
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Breanna Adams
Founder & Director, Erie Free Store | Director of Environmental Health Services, Erie County Department
of Health -
Gerald Blanks
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation (GEEDC)
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Kurt B. Crays, MDiv., CFRM
Chief Executive Officer, Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA)
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Cassie Dundon, MS, LPC
Executive Director
Achievement Center of LECOM Health -
Jenny Weigold Geertson
Director of Community Outreach - Erie Insurance
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Patrick Herr
Vice President of Community Impact, Erie Community Foundation
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Erika Ramalho
Northwest Regional Director, Department of Community & Economic Development, Governor's Action Team
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Jonathan Rilling
Chief Operating Officer, Erie Homes for Children and Adults
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Matt Stinson
Vice President for Advancement, Allegheny College
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Brandon Wiley, MS, LPC
Founder and Executive Director, OpenedEyes | Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Suicide Prevention, Erie VA Medical Center
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Dr. Mengzhong Zhang
Associate Professor | MPA Program Director, Gannon University
Staff
At The Nonprofit Partnership, our passionate and talented team works tirelessly to bring our mission to life. Each staff member brings unique skills, creativity, and a deep dedication to supporting nonprofits in their pursuit of excellence.
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Adam is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over 20 years of diverse experience in nonprofit management. His career spans roles in Washington, D.C., higher education, and public service advocacy, as well as regional positions in communications, fundraising, and executive leadership.
Adam specializes in governance, administration, and fundraising, with expertise in building programs, marketing initiatives, and capital campaigns. He has also led local, regional, and national events and programs. Adam lives in Westfield, NY, with his wife Carissa and their three children, Isabella, Daniel, and John.
Connect with Adam on LinkedIn here.
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A graduate of Point Park University with a degree in Multimedia and Nonprofit Management, Kensley brings expertise in communications, including graphic design, photography, journalism, and web design. Kensley is passionate about supporting women’s and children’s organizations, having previously interned with Strong Women, Strong Girls and the Pittsburgh Scholar House.
Excited to serve nonprofits in Erie, Kensley supports the Partnership's daily operations, executes marketing and planning functions, and researches critical sector information. Born and raised in Erie, she is dedicated to strengthening her community through her work.
Connect with Kensley on LinkedIn here.
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A Gannon University graduate with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Accounting, Regan brings expertise in event planning, communications, and marketing, contributing to initiatives like The Keystone Nonprofit Conference and local campaigns.
Passionate about supporting nonprofits, Regan has volunteered with the American Red Cross and contributed to the Giving Tree project. Originally from Jefferson County, PA, she is dedicated to strengthening the local nonprofit sector through impactful events and initiatives.
Connect with Regan on LinkedIn here.