Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) announced the formation of its Berks Advisory Board, which has been assembled to spread awareness of the nonprofit’s mission and services throughout Berks County.
“By assembling a dedicated group of local leaders and advocates, we aim to strengthen our efforts in supporting students and families across Berks County,” said Sandy Green, board member of CIS of Eastern PA and community liaison and government relations assistant at Kutztown University. “Together, with the guidance and expertise of the Berks Advisory Board, we are confident in our ability to make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The Berks Advisory Board is composed of a cross-section of business, community and nonprofit leaders who are interested in issues that impact youth and education in Berks County. The board’s goal is to expand awareness of CIS of Eastern PA in three ways: make recommendations for meeting the needs of Berks students consistent with the CIS mission and monitor program performance; act as an informed ambassador for the organization; and develop and engage in fundraising, communication and marketing activities in collaboration with CIS for its programs in Berks County.
The following individuals currently comprise the Berks Advisory Board: Yomarie Castro, fiscal officer, City of Reading. Mike Duff, vice president, Penske. Adonis Fleming, graduate assistant, Alvernia University. Dan Fogarty, director, Berks County Workforce Development Board. Lizette Epps, executive director of community and economic development, Alvernia University. Green, community liaison and government relations assistant, Kutztown University. Teri Hill, executive director, Berks Business Education Coalition. Mark Hornberger, vice president, Truist. Christine Kokinda, community engagement, Capital Blue Cross. Sheryl McKlveen, executive director, Kutztown Strong. Pamela Minto, certified public accountant, EnerSys. Mike Reese, leader, Million Youth Chess Club. Zylkia Rivera, real estate agent, Keller Williams Platinum Realty. Rebecca Shugar, vice president, M&T Bank. Jessica Teel Sadler, community engagement manager, Health Partner Plans. Christi Terefenko, co-founder, VOiCEup Berks. John Weidenhammer, president, Weidenhammer Systems.
“The CIS Berks Advisory Board includes local leaders and advocates who share our commitment to student success and support our efforts to expand the reach of CIS services,” said CIS of Eastern PA President and CEO Timothy Mulligan. “Each member brings a unique background and expertise. With their guidance and support, we will effectively build awareness of CIS of Eastern PA’s mission and, more importantly, grow services in Berks County, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to succeed.“
In addition, two CIS of Eastern PA board members also sit on the advisory board: Vice President of Advancement Maria Esposito and Mulligan. For more information on CIS of Eastern PA, visitwww.ciseasternpa.org.