PRESIDENT, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Laurie Root is the President of United Way of Erie County. She joined United Way in 2010 in the resource development department and moved up to SVP before assuming the role of president.
Prior to her tenure at United Way, Laurie held several executive level positions with organizations in the metro D.C. area, most recently with Women in Cable Telecommunications, overseeing leadership development and training for women executives in the cable industry.
She lived in Seoul S. Korea for two years working as a management instructor.
Laurie is a graduate of Hollins University and completed a year-long executive leadership program at the Center for Creative Leadership.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNITY IMPACT, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Mike has been a member of the Erie County Home Team Homeless and Housing Coalition since 2012 and served as the Chair of the Education and Outreach Committee from 2013-2017.
During that time, he and the committee initiated the first of its kind data analysis of homeless youth in Erie County that was used in a series of community presentations focused on raising awareness and advocating for added supports for homeless youth in our community.
With the launch of United Way of Erie County’s Community School Model in the 2016-2017 school year, supporting homeless youth became a high priority for the organization’s efforts to remove non-academic barriers to student success.
SENIOR CONSULTANT, PERSPECTIVES CONSULTING GROUP
Gary has 35 years of experience in market research and strategic planning for over 145 United Ways throughout the United States and Canada. He is the creator of the Issue Focus Model, a business model for United Ways based on choosing a significant social issue to impact, deciding how best to impact the issue, asking for the money to do it, and measuring progress toward the bold goal.
He is one of the co-founders of Perspectives Consulting Group, a southwest Michigan-based research and strategic planning consultancy. He has conducted research studies with over 250,000 United Way donors and facilitated more than 100 transformation planning sessions with United Way board and staff members. He has spoken on community impact, resource development, and marketing topics at over 40 state and regional United Way conferences.
He earned his degree in marketing and management from Western Michigan University. He has served on the board of his local United Way and serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. His previous experience includes nine years in the news department at WMUK 102.1, the NPR affiliate in Kalamazoo, Michigan; serving as the executive director for the National 24 Hour Challenge, and as an official for the United States Cycling Federation.
PRESIDENT, GANNON UNIVERSITY
Dr. Walter Iwanenko, Jr., named the eighth President of Gannon University in July 2023, was born to immigrant parents from Poland and Ukraine and is a first-generation college graduate.
He earned degrees in Occupational Therapy from D’Youville College and a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from SUNY Buffalo. With extensive experience in both higher education and healthcare administration, he and his wife founded ChildPro of WNY and Monarch Little Learners Academy.
At Gannon, he has held key leadership roles, including Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, driving initiatives like the Ruskin, Florida campus and the Institute of Health and Cyber Knowledge (I-HACK).
Active in the Erie community, he serves on several local boards. Dr. Iwanenko resides in Erie, PA, with his wife, Mary. Together, they have three children and two grandchildren.
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Julie is the Chief Development Officer and shares responsibility and works as a partner with the President in stewarding key philanthropic relationships, overseeing fundraising activities, and developing and implementing strategies that drive investment from individuals, businesses and corporations and foundations.
Julie is an Erie native and after graduating from Boston College she worked in marketing/communications in the health care industry and then advancement in public higher education.
Julie has also served on numerous community boards.
Additionally, Julie was recognized in 2023 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the Judy Ann Lawrence Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
She was also honored by the Mercy Center For Women's Women Making History event in 2019. This award was given on the leadership abilities to advocate, inspire, mentor and celebrate women through their work and community service.
SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lori Krause joined United Way in 2021 as the Senior Director of Community Impact and currently supervises the three middle school and Erie High Community School Directors in Erie’s Public Schools along with three county elementary school Community School Directors in the Girard, Iroquois and Union City Area School Districts.
Lori is a life-long Erie County resident, attending and graduating from Erie’s Public Schools.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Carlow University and her master’s degree in College Counseling from PennWest Edinboro (formerly Edinboro University).
Before joining United Way, Lori worked in higher education for 11 years and held progressive leadership roles in student support, focused on enhancing student development opportunities.
DATA & EVALUATION MANAGER, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Nathan Arora is one of the Data and Evaluation Managers at United Way of Erie County.
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Nathan embarked on a transformative journey to the United States, earning his master’s degree in business analytics from Drexel University.
He embraced a new challenge as a Data Manager after graduation. Here, he passionately contributes to the organization’s noble mission of crushing poverty by harnessing the power of data.
Nathan takes immense pride in his role, knowing that he is instrumental in effecting positive change within the Erie Community.
DATA & EVALUATION MANAGER, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Josh Kehl is one of the Community Impact Managers of Data and Evaluation.
Josh received his bachelor’s degree in statistics and predictive analytics, as well as a master’s degree in data analytics from Robert Morris University.
While at Robert Morris, Josh was a Founding Father of the MU Upsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Delta, where one of their ideals was serving the surrounding Pittsburgh community.
As an Erie native, Josh feels a deep connection to the Erie School District he once was a part of and strives to do what he can to help all community school students in addressing their needs, so they can succeed throughout their schooling and have great and fulfilling lives because of it.
DATA & EVALUATION MANAGER, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Alycia Olivar is part of the Community Impact Data Management and Evaluation team.
She is a West Coast transplant with a background in medical administration, medical assistance, and behavioral health information management in a community-based setting.
Alycia is grateful for the opportunity to work towards long-lasting change for a community she has begun to think of as home and is energized by the passionate creativity of her colleagues as they strive to build better futures for all in Erie County.
Alycia is also a CASA volunteer in Crawford County and an active participant in the Erie arts community, including being part of the interim leadership team for Dramashop Theatre.
DIRECTOR OF DATA & EVALUATION, UNITED WAY OF ERIE COUNTY
Sara Naughton is the Director of Data and Evaluation at United Way of Erie County.
Sara studied writing and sociology at Slippery Rock University and went on to receive a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.
Through graduate school, Sara worked for three different nonprofits, providing technical support in various areas.
Through all of the great work she has been a part of, she feels most excited and grateful to be a part of the ever-growing movement of community schools.
Although she lived on the west coast for much of her adolescence, she considers Erie her hometown.
PRESIDENT/OWNER, AMERICAN TINNING & GALVANIZING
Robin Scheppner, an Erie native, is the President and Managing Owner of American Tinning & Galvanizing. Since Robin took the helm at ATG, the company has nearly doubled its workforce, invested millions of dollars in infrastructure and equipment, earned prestigious aerospace certification, and consistently enjoyed double digit growth.
Ms. Scheppner holds several degrees including a BFA from Denison University, teaching credentials from Cleveland State University and University of Utah, and an associate degree in Building Construction from Salt Lake Community College.
She began her professional career teaching inner-city junior high school in the Cleveland Public School System before moving and teaching in Naples, Florida.
In service to her community, Ms. Scheppner has been involved in various civic and philanthropic organizations throughout her varied work experiences.
Most of her efforts have been focused on the work of United Way; serving as a Board member, founding member of Women United for Community Schools, and member of the United for Education Endowment Campaign.
Robin is a passionate advocate for crushing poverty and supporting the Community School Model in Erie County.
SUPERINTENDENT, ERIE’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Brian currently serves as the Superintendent of Erie’s Public Schools.
He is a certified public accountant with over 16 years of administrative experience in public education.
Brian has also served as Assistant Superintendent and Business Manager for the North East School District and Business Manager for the General McLane School District.
He started his career in public accounting working for Schneider Downs and Buseck, Barger, Bleil & Company.
Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Penn State Behrend and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercyhurst University.
STRONG VINCENT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Katrina L. Byrd grew up in Brownsville, the poorest neighborhood in Brooklyn and the seventh-poorest neighborhood in New York City.
\As a child, she lived in public housing where she was surrounded by poverty, teen pregnancy, and a crack epidemic.
Despite these barriers, she graduated from high school and continued her education to become a licensed funeral director, teacher, and a community school director, working in the same neighborhood she was raised.
After more than twenty years of experience in community health and human services, Katrina moved to Erie in 2017 to become the community school director at Strong Vincent Middle School.
Katrina holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, a Healthcare Business Analytics Certificate from Gannon University, a Bachelor’s of Science from St. Joseph’s College, and an Associate’s in Occupational Services from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Services.
She serves as a board member at the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum and as a Commissioner for the Erie County Human Relations Commission.
LEAD ERIE HIGH COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Meghan is an Erie native, attending Erie’s Public Schools as an elementary and middle school student before graduating from Fairview High School in 2002. Attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology, dual minors in Sociology and Spanish in 2006, as well as a master’s degree in Sociology & Human Services in 2008.
Before joining United Way, Meghan was a child and family counselor providing mental and behavior health services within the home, school, and community-based settings.
In 2017 Meghan helped launch the community school initiative through her role as Community School Director at Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary, one of the original five pilot community schools.
Currently, Meghan is the lead community school director at Erie High School, joining a team of directors supporting the expansion of community schools within the high school setting and completing the continuum of support from PreK- Grade 12 within Erie’s Public Schools.
Additionally, Meghan also works as an adjunct professor at Penn State Behrend, within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
PERRY ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Scot, an Erie native, started as a Community School Coordinator at Edison Elementary before joining Perry Elementary as the Community School Director in January 2021.
Scot is also a retired Paramedic in the City of Erie and has held numerous leadership positions for local nonprofits. He has a passion to serve the underrepresented and undeserved community to help remove barriers for educational success.
Scot is also a successful business owner with the privilege of being the leading company within his local industry.
MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Amy, an Erie native, graduated from East High School in 2003 and went on to obtain a B.A. in Psychology and dual minors in Athletic Coaching and Sports Behavior from Gannon University.
Amy pursued her Graduate studies at California University of PA, earning an M.S. in Sports Management.
Amy has spent her career dedicated to working with youth, teens, and families in the Erie community, most commonly in the nonprofit sector.
She has a passion for Health & Wellness and has coached High School Girls' Basketball within Erie's Public Schools and Erie Crossover.
Amy has worked at McKinley Elementary, one of the original five community schools, since 2018.
IROQUOIS ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Growing up in Mercer County, Caitlin moved to Erie to attend Mercyhurst University, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
After graduating, Caitlin completed a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA and then went on to get her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Caitlin has spent her professional career working for nonprofits and universities in Pittsburgh and Erie.
Caitlin is passionate about United Way's mission and has been with the organization since 2023, serving as the Community School Director at Iroquois Elementary.
EDISON ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Tami, an Erie native, returned back home to serve the community as a social worker in 2011.
After graduating from Mercyhurst Prep, she attended North Carolina State University on a full athletic scholarship.
During her time there, she served as the captain of the women’s soccer team, was named to the ACC All-Academic Team and earned her B.S. in social work.
Tami pursued her graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a master’s degree in social work and a certificate in gerontology.
Tami has been a Community School Director since 2017 and values the beautiful experiences of partnering with the students and families of Edison.
UNITY CITY AREA ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Bailey Pituch, a native of Union City, graduated from Union City High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at The College of Wooster.
After college, Bailey worked as an event producer in New York City, Erie, and Dover.
She returned to Erie in 2019 to work for United Way of Erie County’s Community Impact team, first as a Coordinator, and then as a Manager of Data and Evaluation.
Bailey became a Community School Director in 2021 once the model was brought to Union City.
EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Rachel is an Erie native, a graduate of Iroquois High School and Edinboro University, earning an Associate and Bachelor degree.
Rachel is currently in the concentration year of her Masters of Social Work at Edinboro University.
Prior to working with the students and families at East Middle School, Rachel served as a Family Specialist with Erie Homes for Children and Adults.
Following her time in that program, she went on to serve as the Community School Coordinator and now the Interim Community School Director at East.
Additionally, Rachel serves Erie County through her work as a Crisis Clinician at Crisis Services in Erie PA.
HARDING ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Shanna is an Erie native who attended Edinboro University and received bachelor's and master’s degrees in education.
She is a former classroom teacher and reading specialist, passionate about building relationships with students and families to help them be successful.
She has nearly twenty years of experience in education, working with students of all ages in various capacities.
Shanna has served as the Community School Director at Harding Elementary since January 2020.
ELK VALLEY ELEMENTARY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
A Girard School District graduate herself, Tammy received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling both from Edinboro University.
Tammy went on to pass testing to become a Nationally Certified Counselor and has nearly ten years of experience in counseling. Prior to becoming a community school director, she was the director of the Family Based Mental Health program at Family Services of NWPA.
Tammy has served as the Community School Director at Elk Valley Elementary since March 2020.
