Five community leaders join ProBerco Board of Directors

ProBerco has announced the appointment of five distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors, each bringing extensive expertise and a strong commitment to advancing our mission. Their collective experience across diverse sectors will provide invaluable insight and strategic guidance, strengthening the Board’s capacity to lead with vision, accountability, and innovation. With these five new appointments, the Board is well‑positioned to enhance its governance and drive continued growth in the years ahead.

Zachary Bell is the co‑founder of Bell Media Group, where he helps businesses and entrepreneurs tell their stories, strengthen their digital presence, and implement marketing strategies that deliver measurable results. He leads business development, client relations, and strategic planning, focusing on positioning the company for long‑term growth and innovation. A graduate of Alvernia University, Zach is committed to continuous learning and professional development. He volunteers with the ProBerco Harmony Walk and has been a strong advocate for the Employment and Vocational Services program, helping build business relationships that expand employment opportunities for individuals. Zach also recently trained a therapy dog that he looks forward to sharing with community organizations. Driven by a passion for helping others, he excels at building meaningful connections and finding thoughtful solutions to both business and personal challenges.

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Eric J. Fabrizio is a shareholder at Bingaman Hess, where he has practiced for over 25 years following service as a Berks County Assistant District Attorney. His work focuses on estate and trust planning, elder law, and asset protection, with a special emphasis on supporting families of children with special needs. Eric is a past president of the Berks County Estate Planning Council, serves on the Berks County Bar Association Orphan’s Court Rules Committee, and previously led the Berks County Chapter of the William Strong American Inns of Court. He served on ProBerco’s Board of Directors from 2019–2024, chaired its Governance Committee, and contributed to the Golf Tournament Committee. Eric has held leadership roles with the Van Reed Athletic Association, Boy Scout Pack 430, and the Caron Foundation’s Planned Giving Committee, and has presented numerous estate‑planning programs. In his free time, he officiates amateur boxing and works with the State Athletic Commission. He is the father of three children, and has a family member with special needs, a cause central to his professional and personal dedication.

Thomas Heck, Vice President, Small Business Lender, for Customers Bank, brings more than a decade of experience in commercial lending and relationship management throughout Greater Berks County. He is committed to supporting local businesses and building strong community partnerships. Tom has served various finance and development roles across several nonprofits and currently sits on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Animal Rescue League, while also chairing Opportunity House’s annual golf outing. A graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, he gained a deep appreciation for ProBerco’s mission through Leadership Berks. A lifelong Berks County resident, Tom lives in Wyomissing with his wife and their three children.

Peter Rowley is a Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Regional Manager, in charge of the Greater Berks County market for Tompkins Financial. He leads a team of lenders in delivering banking strategies that translate to increased profitability and operational efficiency for Tompkins’ clients, while helping to strengthen the communities Tompkins serves. Pete previously served on ProBerco’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2020 and has supported the Golf Tournament Committee since 2015, chairing or cochairing it since 2018.

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Deeply committed to community service, Pete serves on the Reading Area Community College Foundation board, where he chairs the annual golf outing, as well as serving on the Alvernia President’s Advisory Council, United Way’s Leaders United, and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club’s Leaders and Legends event. A 2009 graduate of Syracuse University and four‑year starter on the men’s soccer team, he later completed M&T’s RMSP program and is currently studying in the Wharton Stonier Graduate Program. Pete was named a 2022 Forty Under 40 honoree by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal. He lives in Sinking Spring with his wife, Rachel, and their twin sons, Connor and Lucas.

Yessenia Vasquez is a lifelong Reading resident and a dedicated advocate for early childhood education and community development. With over 18 years of experience in childcare and nonprofit leadership, she brings a deep understanding of the community’s needs. She spent 16 years with the YMCA of Reading and Berks County, ending her tenure as Assistant Director. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Rasmussen University and a master’s degree in education from Albright College. Her commitment to service continued at the United Way of Berks County, where she helped advance key community initiatives. In January 2025, she achieved a longtime goal by becoming Director of Childcare at the new Opportunity House center in Oakbrook Homes.

A proud mother of three, Yessenia, has been married for 18 years and remains actively involved in her church. Her family is well known in the community; her sister is an assistant principal for 13th and Union Elementary School, and her brother has participated in the ProBerco program for more than 20 years. She is an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and previously served on the Board of Berks Community Health Center from 2016 to 2022. Yessenia’s compassion for ProBerco and its mission, passion for education, and strong community connections make her a valuable addition to the Board of Directors.

With exceptional expertise, deep community connections, and shared commitment to ProBerco’s mission, these five distinguished leaders bring a dynamic impact to the organization. Their combined experience across business, finance, law, education, and nonprofit service will strengthen the Board of Directors and help guide ProBerco toward continued growth and lasting impact for individuals with disabilities.

Prospectus Associates, Inc., dba ProBerco, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and their families by providing innovative community participation, community living, employment opportunities, and family support services. ProBerco fulfills its mission by engaging and supporting a talented and compassionate workforce; being inclusive; and living the guiding principles of accountability, communication, and trust every day. Learn more by visiting our website at www.proberco.org.

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Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly
Berks Weekly is an independent and locally owned digital news outlet covering the City of Reading and Berks County. Download the mobile app: berksweekly.com/app
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