Berks’ Best judges come from the business world, government, nonprofits and academia. We’ve asked these working professionals and experts in their fields to represent our community in selecting the finalists and winners of this academic award project.
The judges spent many hours reviewing the 229 applications and nomination letters in 2026 and interviewing the finalists. Berks’ Best could not be held without them.
Business
Mark Dolinski (Courtesy GRCA)
Mark D. Dolinski is vice president of training and professional development for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. Dolinski holds a Master’s of Business Administration in quality leadership from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish; a bachelor’s degree in marketing from West Chester University; and an associate degree in business administration from Reading Area Community College; and three associate degrees in insurance from Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.
Kevin Murphy (Courtesy of Berks County Community Foundation)
Kevin K. Murphy is president of Berks County Community Foundation. He joined the foundation as its first employee in 1994. He supervises the business and operations of the foundation and serves on its board of directors. A State College native, Murphy graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication and business. He holds a Master of Science degree in community leadership from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.
Robert Wert founded the Wert Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. (Reading Eagle file photo)
Robert Wert holds an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in business from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, he completed the Securities Industry Institute program sponsored by the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Wert has been with Wells Fargo Advisors and predecessor companies for more than 25 years. Wert founded the Wert Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.
Career and technical education
Dan Fogarty (Reading Eagle 2021 file photo)
Dan Fogarty has retired as chief operating officer for the Berks County Workforce Development Board. From 2014 to 2025, he led an exceptional staff in developing and implementing effective workforce development plans and priorities for our region. Previously, Fogarty held human resource management positions with leading Pennsylvania employers including Carpenter Technology Corp., a manufacturer of specialty steels, in Reading. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, which he attended on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He earned a MBA from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Fogarty and his family reside in Kutztown.
Glenn Riegel (Courtesy of Glenn Riegel)
Glenn Riegel is a retired Berks Career & Technology Center vocational teacher who served 32 years as the commercial photography instructor at the West Campus. Highlights of his time at BCTC were serving eight years as chair for the State SkillsUSA Photo Competition and overseeing the photo students involved in the BCIU Secondary Art Competition. Photography has been a passion and a vocation for him for more than 40 years. Riegel worked in the commercial photo industry before his employment as a teacher and continues to do freelance portrait, sports and aviation assignments. Wildlife photography and documenting points of historical value also are a passion. His work has been published in books, magazines and featured in juried photo art exhibits and received local, national and international awards.
Linda Sayer is a retired Reading Muhlenberg Technical Center instructor. (Courtesy of Linda Sayer)
Linda Sayer holds an instructor’s license from the PA State Board of Cosmetology and was employed at Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center as a cosmetology instructor for 21 years, retiring in 2022. She previously was employed as the cosmetology instructor at Pottstown High School, a supervisor at Randy Rick Beauty Academy for five years and as a cosmetology instructor at Empire Beauty for five years. Sayer holds a master educator certificate from Milady and attended Temple University. She also was a SkillsUSA adviser at RMCTC.
Communications
Jason Brudereck
(Courtesy of Jason Brudereck)
Jason Brudereck is a communications strategist and consultant with experience in journalism, public relations and nonprofit leadership. A former award-winning reporter and columnist for the Reading Eagle, he later directed communications and public relations at Berks County Community Foundation and Winterthur Museum, where he helped earn national media coverage. A lifelong Berks County resident, he actively supports local nonprofits, is past president of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, and serves on the Berks County Public Libraries Advisory Board. Jason holds a journalism degree from Boston University with a minor in history and remains committed to storytelling that strengthens community connections.
Jennifer Heydt (Courtesy of Berks County Community Foundation, Jeremy Drey)
Jen Heydt is Berks County Community Foundation’s communication manager. She ensures all external communication, media, events and presentations meet the foundation’s mission statement. Previously, Jen worked in marketing and communications across nonprofit, publishing and retail sectors. A Berks County native, Jen earned her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Albright College, where she was a Shirk Scholar and Gold “A” Award recipient. In 2018, Jen became an Artist as Citizen scholar at The Juilliard School. As of 2024, she holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Temple University; there, she served as an acquisition editor for TINGE Magazine, Temple’s literary journal.
Joseph Swope
(Courtesy of Joseph Swope)
Joseph Swope recently retired from UGI Utilities Inc., a natural gas and electric utility, after a 30-year career managing the company’s communications functions. Previously, he served as director of public relations at the then-Alvernia College for 10 years and taught as an adjunct faculty member in the communication department for more than 30 years. Swope has also published six books with Black Rose Writing. His seventh book, “Sharpened Blade: The Story of Dinah Clark,” was released in February. Swope’s books cover multiple genres: historical nonfiction, a children’s book, science fiction and fantasy to Arthurian legends. Swope earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Alvernia and his master’s degree in journalism from Temple University.
Computer science
E. Joy McFerren is the director of human resources for Weidenhammer. (Courtesy of Matt Beard Pictures -Weidenhammer)
E. Joy McFerren is a strategic HR business leader with experience in HCIT, medical devices, manufacturing, distribution, pharmaceutical and hospitality industries. She is the director of human resources for Weidenhammer. Additionally, she teaches the SPHR-CP and SPHR-SCP review course for Lancaster SHRM and Penn State Berks, where she is an adjunct professor. McFerren is a consultant for the Samaritan Business Center and has more than 30 years of experience as a leader in human resources. She has a bachelor of science degree from Elizabethtown College and her master’s degree from Millersville University. She resides in Lancaster, where her son and daughter have homes nearby.
Bryan Mull, senior growth adviser for Weidenhammer. (Courtesy of Bryan Mull)
Bryan Mull, senior growth adviser for Weidenhammer. He helps businesses with their website and marketing strategies through SEO, paid search, email marketing and social media.
John P. Weidenhammer (Matt Rainey/Weidenhammer Creative)
John P. Weidenhammer is chairman and CEO of Weidenhammer, a global information technology company headquartered in Wyomissing. He graduated from Reading High School in 1967 and received a degree in industrial engineering from Lehigh University in 1971. Before founding Weidenhammer in 1978, John worked for Carpenter Technology as a software developer and Ernst and Young as a management consultant. He lives in Wyomissing with his wife of 40 years. He is a volunteer and board member for numerous nonprofit organizations.
Mathematics
Dr. Brian Buerke is associate professor of physics at Albright College. (Reading Eagle file photo)
Dr. Brian Buerke is associate professor of physics at Albright College. Buerke earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester, where he specialized in high-intensity laser physics and worked on a Nobel Prize-winning laser system. His current research focuses on the use of astronomical calculations to date ancient historical events. Since joining the Albright faculty, he has worked extensively in local education, serving as president of the Reading School District board of directors, president of the Reading Public Museum, and as a founding board member of the Reading Science Center.
Dr. Ryan Hassler is a teaching professor of mathematics at Penn State Berks. (Courtesy of Ryan Hassler)
Dr. Ryan Hassler is a teaching professor of mathematics at Penn State Berks. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics education from Clarion University, an master of science degree in applied statistics from Villanova University and a Ph.D. in mathematics and science education from Temple University. His current research involves a $750,000 National Science Foundation grant for increasing recruitment and retention among underrepresented minorities in engineering. As a former high school math teacher, a small-business owner and past chair of the board of directors at Helping Harvest Food Bank, Ryan is invested in making Berks County a better place to learn and live.
Selvi Jagadesan is a lecturer in mathematics at Penn State Berks. (Courtesy of Selvi Jagadesan)
Selvi Jagadesan is a lecturer in mathematics at Penn State Berks. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Bharathiyar University, Tamilnadu, India. She manages and advises the International Club at Penn State Berks. She is also an active committee member in Careers with Math Options, a career exploration conference for seventh-grade girls interested in careers involving math, science, engineering and related fields.
Performing arts
Tamara Black, artistic director of Berks Opera Company and Albright College faculty member teaching voice and coordinating performance opportunities. (Courtesy of Tamara Black, by John Pankratz)
Tamara Black is a soprano, educator and artistic director of Berks Opera Company, where she oversees artistic programming and develops partnerships with regional arts organizations. She serves on the faculty of Albright College, teaching voice and coordinating performance opportunities that connect students with professional experiences. As a performer, Black has appeared with orchestras, opera companies and recital series across the U.S. and internationally, singing leading roles in standard repertory and contemporary works.
Beverly Houck is the senior manager for events and entertainment at Dutch Wonderland and the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster. (Courtesy of Beverly Houck)
Beverly Houck is the senior manager for events and entertainment at Dutch Wonderland and the Cartoon Network Hotel in Lancaster. Prior to this, she spent 18 years at Yocum Institute for Arts Education in various roles, including director of outreach, artistic director and teaching artist.
Adam Void is a theatre artist and youth mental health advocate. Originally from Reading, he spent about 20 years away, first double-majoring in theatre and English at Muhlenberg College for a Bachelor of Arts, then earning an MFA in performance from Arizona State University and then working professionally in Denver, Colo., using theatre as a tool to develop SEL skills and address bullying in elementary schools. He works for the Children’s Home of Reading and is directing “At Some Point,” a play he wrote for a partnership with Yocum Institute for Arts Education, VOiCEup Berks and Reading Area Community College.
Science and environment
Dr. Shannon Nowotarski is an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State Berks. (Courtesy of Shannon Nowotarski)
Dr. Shannon Nowotarski is an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State Berks. She earned her Ph.D. in genetics from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests involve studying non-melanoma skin cancer and how the polyamine pathway is altered during non-melanoma skin cancer progression. She has published over 10 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in her field.
Gregory A. Przyjemski is a principal engineer at Talen Energy and the president and special awards chairman of the Reading-Berks Science and Engineering Fair. (Courtesy of Greg Przyjemski, Cathy Przyjemski)
Gregory A. Przyjemski is a principal engineer at Talen Energy with 35 years of experience in the nuclear and fossil power generation industry with a specialty in software quality assurance. He was also an asset management consultant and a technician in the integrated circuit industry. Przyjemski holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Penn State University and an Associate in Specialized Technology – Electronics from Lincoln Technical Institute. Przyjemski is the president and special awards chairman of the Reading-Berks Science and Engineering Fair and is an active member of the Mohnton-Cumru Lions Club.
Dr. Justin L. Smoyer is an assistant professor of experimental physics and engineering at Kutztown University. He earned a doctorate in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Kutztown University. He is the founder and director of the department’s technology and prototyping laboratory and of the nanoscale thermal sciences laboratory.
Social studies
Dr. Nicholas P. Nicoletti is the interim director of Alvernia’s Ph.D. program in leadership. (Courtesy of Alvernia University)
Dr. Nicholas P. Nicoletti is the interim director of Alvernia’s Ph.D. program in leadership. He is also an associate professor of political science. Nicoletti received his Ph.D. in political science from the University at Buffalo, SUNY, in 2013. He also earned a Master of Science in International Studies and MBA from St. John Fisher University in 2008. His research focuses on the interaction between domestic politics and international relations. His recent research program focuses on the effects of moral reasoning on political behavior.
Dr. Victoria Williams is a professor of political science at Alvernia University. (Courtesy of Victoria Williams)
Dr. Victoria Williams is a professor of political science at Alvernia University. She is a graduate of Twin Valley High School and has a bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College, a master’s from Baylor University, and a master’s and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Her research interests include post-conflict reconciliation, foreign policy and political communication. Williams serves as the director of Alvernia’s Honors Program.
Taylor Seitzinger Award for Community Service and Leadership
Frances A. Aitken is chief operating officer/chief financial officer for Berks County Community Foundation. (Courtesy of Berks County Community Foundation)
Frances A. Aitken is chief operating officer/chief financial officer for Berks County Community Foundation. Aitken was a senior audit manager specializing in nonprofit audits for KPMG in Philadelphia. After KPMG, Aitken worked as a contracted fiscal officer to various companies, including the community foundation, which she joined full time in 1998. Aitken received her bachelor of science degree in accounting from Widener University, Chester, and is a certified public accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and as past president of the PICPA. She is a former board member of Alvernia University, Daniel Torres Hispanic Center and Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Tammy L. Seitzinger LoRusso is the mother of Taylor Seitzinger, in whose memory the Taylor Seitzinger Award for Community Service is named. She resides in Shoemakersville with her husband, Frank LoRusso. Taylor Seitzinger died following a car accident in March 2009. Taylor was a senior at Hamburg High School and was a high honors student and a three-sport athlete who was planning to pursue her dream at DeSales University to become a physician assistant and to play soccer. Seitzinger LoRusso has been employed by Tom Schaeffer’s RV Super Store as the office manager for 43 years. She is a volunteer with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Robert Turchi is CEO of Hope Rescue Mission.
(Courtesy of Robert Turchi)
Robert Turchi has served those in need in the community as CEO of Hope Rescue Mission for more than 15 years. He majored in theology at Cairn University and criminal justice at Bucks County Community College. Turchi has served as a short-term missionary in numerous Spanish-speaking countries, including Peru, where his wife grew up. He has years of experience mentoring at-risk youth in Philadelphia and serving as a police and prison chaplain. Turchi said he was deeply honored to serve as a judge in memory of Taylor Seitzinger’s life and commends all award applicants living out community service.
Visual arts
Mark Baldridge is an assistant professor of fine art and computer science at Albright College teaching in the game and simulation major. (Courtesy of Mark Baldridge)
Mark Baldridge is an assistant professor of fine art and computer science at Albright College teaching in the game and simulation major. He earned the MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has served as a judge for Berks’ Best the past six years.
Fran Parzanese is a retired elementary teacher who has been painting primarily in watercolors for the past 40 years. (Courtesy of Fran Parzanese)
Fran Parzanese is a retired elementary teacher who has been painting primarily in watercolors for the past 40 years. She teaches watercolor at Goggleworks Center for the Arts, where she maintains a studio. She also is a member of Art Plus Gallery and is a past president of the Berks Art Alliance.
Peter Rampson is an associate professor of graphic arts and curator of the Miller Art Gallery at Alvernia University. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island School of Design and a Master of Industrial Design degree from North Carolina State University. He works in traditional and digital media and designs furniture.
World languages
Zohra Melaouah-Shaffer is an associate teaching professor of foreign languages at Pennsylvania State Berks. (Courtesy of Zohra Melaouah-Shaffer)
Zohra Melaouah-Shaffer is an associate teaching professor of foreign languages at Pennsylvania State Berks. She has a master’s degree in French Linguistics. At Penn State, she teaches courses in the French language, Francophone cultures, international studies and women’s studies. In addition, she is chair of the PSU Berks Global Studies Program.
Antonella Merolla is an instructor of Spanish and Italian and the world languages coordinator at Alvernia University. (Courtesy of Alvernia University)
Antonella Merolla is an instructor of Spanish and Italian and the world languages coordinator at Alvernia University. She teaches various language courses. She completed her master of arts in Spanish language and literature at Middlebury College and her undergraduate studies at Immaculata College, earning a bachelor of arts in Spanish and a certificate in Italian.
Dr. Jonathan Needham is a full teaching professor of world languages and literatures at Penn State University-Abington College and an adjunct instructor of Italian at Alvernia University. (Courtesy of Jonathan Needham)
Dr. Jonathan Needham is a full teaching professor of world languages and literatures at Penn State University-Abington College and an adjunct instructor of Italian at Alvernia University. He holds a doctorate in Italian and French and a Master of Arts in Italian from Middlebury College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in romance languages (French and Spanish) from the University of Maine, and he studied at the University of Haute Bretagne, France, and while working on his MA, at the University of Florence, Italy.