A newly created foundation dedicated to supporting education in Berks County has announced the members and leadership of its inaugural board of trustees.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation was established in September to serve as the philanthropic arm of the BCIU. Its primary purpose is to provide sustainable financial support for programs and projects that expand educational opportunities for kids across Berks.
The foundation will work so secure corporate, foundation and community investments, as well as federal and state grants that support educational programs, innovative initiatives and facility improvements benefiting children and families throughout the county.
The newly-created BCIU Education Foundation has unveiled its inaugural board of trustees. (Courtesy of the BCIU Education Foundation)
Last week, the foundation announced the cast of characters who will help lead that effort as part of its inaugural 18-member board of trustees. The leadership team for the board was also announced.
• Chair — Scott L. Gruber, retired president and CEO of Tompkins VIST Bank and executive director of economic development for Our City Reading Inc.
• Vice chair — P. Sue Perrotty, retired president and CEO of Tower Health.
• Secretary — Angel Lee Helm, retired investment banker and current nonprofit leader.
• Treasurer — Ralph Richard, commercial banking executive.
• Member — State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz.
• Member — Michael Fromm, executive chairman of Fromm Electric Supply.
• Member — Patricia Giles, president of The Wyomissing Foundation.
• Member — Barbara Hall, retired educator.
• Member — Bradley Hall, Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission commissioner and retired president of GUI Energy Services.
• Member — Ginger Kunkel, Pennsylvania market president for Tompkins Bank and Trust.
• Member — Dr. Susan Looney, president of Reading Area Community College.
• Member — Alyssa Redding, executive director of commercial banking at JPMorgan.
• Member — Karen A. Rightmire, former president of The Wyomissing Foundation.
• Member — Timothy D. Romig, executive vice president of Customers Bank.
• Member — Jeff Rush, senior executive and executive market president at Fulton Bank.
• Member — State Sen. Judy Schwank.
• Member — Tammy White, president of United Way of Berks County.
• Member — Jay Worrall, president of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the BCIU Education Foundation alongside an exceptionally talented and dedicated group of trustees and staff,” Gruber said in a statement announcing the new board. “Our mission — building futures, enriching lives — reflects our shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the communities we serve.
“We recognize the critical importance of early childhood education and lifelong learning, and we believe that by investing in learners today, we can help shape brighter futures for children, support families and create lasting benefits for our region. Together, we look forward to building partnerships, inspiring philanthropy and advancing innovative programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators.”
The foundation board will also include several non-voting members representing the BCIU.
• Gary McEwen, BCIU board president.
• James E. Mancuso, BCIU board solicitor.
• Dr. Jill Hackman, BCIU executive director.
• Jan Krotee, BCIU administrative coordinator and Foundation recording secretary.
• Melanie Serrano, BCIU chief financial officer and Foundation assistant treasurer.
• Robert Farina, BCIU director of professional learning.
• Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, BCIU director of early childhood and student services.
• Chris Celmer, BCIU consultant.