Our Professional Staff
* Director – Pamela Betty, MSW
With 20 plus years of working in Mental Health and advocating for services for the underprivileged, Pamela reports a constant
amazement of the kindness and hospitality shown by our volunteer force. “It is a blessing to work with so many amazing people and witness the miracles that occur in the lives of the families we serve as a result of our program.”
Hired on as the Service Coordinator in 2005, Pamela Betty quickly learned the “job” was a lot more detailed than originally described. Over seven years later she reports not wanting it any other way! Pamela is charged with being the glue that holds the family center together by working with volunteers, coordinators and our guests to make it all work – all the while running the business end of our organization by applying for grants and being our chief cheerleader in charge.
* Office Manager – Pauline Egan
Working with the clients and generally making the trains run on time, Pauline has an extensive work history in office management and employment readiness skills, Pauline brings a wealth of knowledge to our Family Center table, in working with our guests and volunteers. With a constant smile and cheerful greeting, she brings many skills to the table and Family Promise is fortunate to have her. Pauline has been with Family Promise since 2006 and has been a case manager. She now manages the office and makes Pamela’s work just a bit easier.
* Master Social Work Intern – Erica Ward
Erica Ward is a University of Akron master’s candidate in social work. She participates in many of the nuts and bolts affairs of the family center to enrich her learning experience and make our operation work. With Erica’s Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Development, she is taking on many of the case management duties in 2012 and is well-equipped for the task. She is being trained in client relations and intake to help our guests be as successful as possible. Pamela has sometimes referred to Erica as her “heir apparent” for the time when Pamela retires or moves on to warmer pastures, whichever comes first.
Our Board of Directors
* Board President – Bruce Zake
Bruce came to the board about three years ago and has been board president for the past two years. He has been a freelance photographer for many national magazines and newspapers for the past 25 plus years running his own business. Continuing his photo business, from 2006 – 2009, he was the adviser for the University of Akron’s student newspaper, The Buchtelite. After leaving Akron, he entered graduate school at Kent State University and will soon complete his graduate degree in media management at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the school, teaching various photo classes. You’ll see him at many of our Family Promise events shooting photos and video to put on the website.
Bruce & his wife Susan became involved with Family Promise around 2007 after former Temple Israel Rabbi Daivd Lipper suggested there was some great work to do at this little organization that many had not heard about. Bruce’s goal is to make Family Promise more of a household name in Summit County where people can direct families with children to get back on their feet and become more productive members of our community.
* Vice President – Wayne Pressler
Wayne has lived his seventy seven years in the Akron area except his seven years in Columbus attending The Ohio State University. Recently retired, Wayne practiced dentistry in Barberton for over fifty three years. His life long church membership has been with Grace United Church of Christ in Norton.
Through the example of his church leadership he has exhibited an interest in has worked toward peace and social justice.
* Secretary – Pat McDevitt
Pat’s thirty year career with the telecommunications companies of Alltel and Verizon Wireless ranges from auditing and financial reporting to IT project management. Trained as a CPA at The Ohio State University and the Ernst & Young auditing firm, he transitioned to IT development about 10 years ago and presently practices IT project management as a certified Project Management Professional.
As a 20-year member and serving resource of Bethany UCC in Cuyahoga Falls, Pat has served as Financial Secretary, Finance Committee member, Stewardship Committee member, Senior High Sunday School teacher and 7 years as Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the Bethany Endowment Board. He is also the personal financial software consultant to his wife, Beth, who is Bethany’s Financial Coordinator. Pat has strong interests in Christian-based personal financial planning, Christian-based job search, and helping people use and understand technology.
* Secretary – Kathy Wells.
Kathy’s 25 years of experience in managing investment portfolios for Personal Trusts, Investment Management Accounts, Charitable Trusts, Foundation and Endowment Accounts, and IRA Rollovers. In addition, she has managed the Newpoint Money Market Fund, and was an equity analyst for the Health Care Industry. Kathy has earned a BA in Finance and an MBA from the University of Akron.
Board Members
* Ann Wehener
Ann is a commercial litigation attorney practicing in the Akron area for over 15 years. Before coming on to the board of Family Promise, she has been involved with positively impacting her community through the Junior League of Akron, where, through her board service there and time as President, she gained extensive experience in volunteer management, governance and fundraising. She also pursues a music ministry at her church, St. Sebastian, by cantoring and singing in the parish choir there.
Ann joined the board of Family Promise in 2009 and volunteers with the organization regularly. She gives her time to Family Promise because she believes it fulfills an unmet need in the community and it spurs her to put her faith in practice. She says “Family Promise gives families the time and resources they need to stay together and get back on their feet. It’s a truly rewarding experience to know that I am part of an organization that makes that happen.”
* Bob Gandee
Robert “Bob” Gandee received his undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of Akron and his PhD from The Ohio State University. He has experience in fundraising, government and working with newsletters.
Bob was instrumental in starting the Ohio Senior Olympics and from 1980 to 1987, were based in Akron. He was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 because of his contribution in our area. Bob is a treasure to have on our board and will be instrumental in moving us forward.
* Darrin Griggy
Darrin has been a resident of Ohio all his life and Summit County for the last 15 years. Darrin started to reach out to help his local community during his days at Walsh University with the campus led organization, Peace Keepers. From this time Darrin has been involved with many organizations trying to make an impact where possible. Darrin holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and was a Financial Reporting Manager for Advanced Elastomer Systems in Akron. For the last decade Darrin has been a Client Executive helping clients with Business and IT Consulting services and currently he holds a position with Ernst and Young as a Business Development Executive.
* Brighid Hillmuth
Brighid is a Vice President with FirstMerit’s Akron Commercial Banking division. Brighid obtained an MBA from Walsh University, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Excelsior College, and received her certification as a Financial Paraplanner from the College of Financial Planning. She has been recognized twice by the Akron YWCA as a “Woman of Professional Excellence” and in 2006, she was given the “Women in Business Champion” award by the Small Business Administration.
Brighid has had the opportunity to serve and participate with many nonprofit organizations. This include board positions with: Boys and Girls Club of Summit County, Athena Powerlink of Northeast Ohio, Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way, and Family Promise. Additionally she has served in various roles with Boy Scouts, Junior League of Akron, St. Sebastian Parish, Junior Achievement, and Sugar Plum Home Tour.
Brighid currently resides in West Akron with her family.
* Pat Carroll
Pat is a lifelong Akron resident dedicated to the area. He runs a small technology service business with several family members. He is a University of Akron graduate with a BS in Industrial Management. Pat decided to get involved with Family Promise to help others get the opportunities he was given. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, hiking, running, and cross country skiing. He resides in Highland Square with his wife Amanda and daughter Madelyn.
