EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. – The Washington County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the Community PILLARS Class of 2026. This charity governance certificate program was designed to strengthen the overall governance of local charities. Presented over six sessions, the program aligns with an accreditation tool developed by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO).
The PILLARS program is particularly valuable for charity representatives who are new to their leadership roles, providing guidance on industry best practices to help them become Proactive, Impactful, Loyal Leaders who are Accountable, Resourceful, & Strategic. The Class of 2026 represents the fourth cohort to complete the program, bringing the total number of Community PILLARS graduates to 57 since the program's inception.
With the in-kind support of our presenters, all of whom are experts in their fields, the Foundation is able to provide this comprehensive training course at no cost to participants.
This year’s presenters include: Wendy Burtner, Nonprofit Sidekick; Michael Anderson, Imperial Tax South Hills; Megan Hegedus, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania; Rebecca Bownman, Esq., P.E.; Nikki Sarchet, Heritage Public Library; Amanda Gabeletto, Monongahela Area Library; Carole DeAngelo, Natalie Gloady, Trista Thurston, Observer Reporter; and Todd Pappasergi, Esq., Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association.
Members of the Class of 2026 include: James Sulkowski, Professional Artist; Laurie Popeck, The Trevor Popeck Foundation; Michelle Patterson, Washington City Mission; Bill Burns, Neighbor 2 Neighbor; Michael Brownlee, ARC Human Services; Genevieve Peters, Dress for Success; Diana Dick, Literacy Council of SWPA; Sam Carroll, Washington County Watershed Alliance; Christine Lenk, Brownsville Ambulance Service Inc.; Kristie Abercrombie, 412 Food Rescue; Sierra French, Watchful Shepherd; Mark Duffy, 25 Forty PGH; Sara Schumacher, Washington Greene Health Foundation; Janine Sumick, National Duncan Glass Society; and Serenity Woodhouse, Citizens Library.
For more information, please contact the Foundation at 724-222-6330 or allocations@wccf.net.