Rebekah Herman

Rebekah Herman has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2014, joining through the Boardswork program. As the mother of a son with multiple physical health issues and an Autism diagnosis, Rebekah empathizes with families and those served by Mainstay, and appreciates the organization’s mission. Additionally, she looks forward to leveraging her work experience in healthcare and non-profit banking to serve in her role as Chair. Rebekah also chairs the executive committee and participates in both the development and finance committees.

“As the mother of a son with a developmental disability, I appreciate Mainstay’s mission and empathize with families and those served by Mainstay.”

Reid Wolfe

Reid Wolfe joined Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in September 2021.

Reid has dedicated over 40 years of his career to the human service field. Reid brings insight into the needs of individuals with disabilities having had a wide range of experiences starting as a direct support professional to that of Senior Vice President of a non-profit. His career has afforded him opportunities to serve on local and state workgroups focused on system improvement and change.

Reid finds his work most rewarding when processes/opportunities are in place that result in individual’s being able to choose what they wish to do, and are able to achieve it.

Rosemarie Cooper

Rosemarie Cooper, MPT, received a BA degree with a concentration in International Business from California State University, Sacramento in 1994 and the MPT degree in Physical Therapy from University of Pittsburgh in 1998. She is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Cooper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology and left her position as Director of the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology (CAT) in December 2020, where she has worked for over 15+ years as a Clinical Instructor/Wheelchair Seating Clinician, to join the Human Engineering Laboratories Directorship Team as Associate Director for Stakeholder Engagement in January 2021. Cooper has been an author on several articles on wheelchairs and seating. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, business academic honor society, and a member of APTA. 

Jack Ryan, Chair

Jack Ryan joined Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2014 through the BoardsWork! program. It was a perfect match because Jack has been a dedicated Special Olympics coach for more than 20 years and has a passion for supporting people with developmental disabilities. The commitment he saw that Mainstay Life Services makes to ensure the people they support lead fulling lives within the community was evident from day one and he knew it was a mission that aligned with his beliefs. As a certified financial planner and attorney, Jack leverages his background to help serve the board and Mainstay as a whole. Jack is a member of the Executive, Finance, and Real Estate committees.

“From my time with Mainstay, I have been very impressed by the employees, executive staff, and Board of Directors. The connection with each one is how much they care about the people they support and the organization.”

Suzanne Ross

Suzanne Ross joined Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in 2022, bringing with her experience in compliance, ethics, and governance.

Suzanne is the former Managing Director and Compliance and Ethics Chief of Staff at the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). Prior to this role, she served as TIAA’s Senior Compliance Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for TIAA, FSB.

She holds more than 30 years of experience in finance and banking. Before her roles at TIAA, Suzanne worked in a number of senior-level capacities across multiple organizations including Higher One, Inc., BankUnited, BNY Mellon, Sabadell United Bank, and PNC Financial Services Group.

Suzanne received a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Boston College.

“Mainstay has always been a special organization to my family. I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy of my late husband, Charlie Ross, who served on Mainstay’s board for 19 years.”

Thomas Junker

Tom Junker has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since the early 1980’s. He first learned of Mainstay, then Idlewood Center, through Board Member Winnie Feise. Tom became involved with Mainstay because he was impressed by the organization’s caring and compassionate work. He takes pride in his length of service and historical knowledge of the organization, bringing legal and financial expertise. He believes what sets Mainstay apart is the dedication and proficiency of the board, administration and front-line staff.

“Mainstay is a model of how the system should work. The agency is working hard in difficult financial and political times to provide the services that are so desperately needed by those we serve.”

Linda Zane, Ed.D. 

Linda Zane has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2007 after a friend and then board member, Winnie Feise, asked her to join. As someone whose father’s career was devoted to serving people with intellectual disabilities, Linda has a personal passion for Mainstay’s mission. Through her previous experience as the director of a childcare program and her current position as a university professor, Linda provides expertise in program development and finding creative solutions to improve services. Linda actively participates in the executive and program committees.

“The Board and the executive staff effectively work as a symbiotic team, guiding the organization in a conscientious and responsible manner.”

Peter Fleming, Treasurer

Peter Fleming joined the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2021. He was recruited by Chair Rebekah Herman. As a certified fraud examiner and CPA, Peter is an incredible asset to our organization. He looks forward to leveraging his accounting and compliance experience in his role on the Board.

“The community supported by Mainstay is one of the more marginalized communities in society. The important mission of Mainstay reflects the compassion and grace offered toward this community, and it is an honor to participate on its board.”

James T. Gemperle

Jim Gemperle has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2014. He joined the board through the Boardswork program that encourages people to become more deeply involved with local nonprofits. His match with Mainstay struck a chord with Jim, whose aunt had similar disabilities and lived in a nursing home. Although he felt his aunt was well-cared for, he thinks she would have enjoyed an environment like the one Mainstay provides. He is most impressed with the executive staff who he says has a very focused idea of services and a plan for how to provide them in a fiscally sound manner.

“Mainstay provides people with an opportunity to thrive, while giving their families the security of knowing that their loved ones will be safe and well taken care of now and in the future.”

Marvin Gold

Marvin Gold has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2003 after first hearing about the organization from then board member Charlie Ross. As a fundraising expert, Marvin brings a deep understanding of nonprofit boards and what it takes to make them successful. His brother Israel resided in a Mainstay home for 11 years so Marvin understands firsthand the compassion shown by Mainstay and the wonderful work being done. He remains impressed with the depth of experience of the highly qualified executives and managers who oversee Mainstay, as well as the direct care staff who provide quality services.

“Mainstay is an extremely well-run organization that provides great care for those it serves and its staff”

Traysean Harris

Traysean Harris has been a member of the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2020. Supported by Mainstay Life Services since 2015, he is an active member of our Self Advocates Advisory Board. Traysean sees his role as bridging the communication between these two very important boards. Traysean has spoken publicly about his experiences as a self-advocate and how Mainstay Life Services supports him as he lives his “good life.” He has been employed in customer service at Home Depot for the past six years, has been a community volunteer and is active in advocating for the needs of himself and others.

Judith Hulick, Ph.D.

Judy Hulick has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2008. Having had a sister with Down Syndrome gives Judy personal insight enabling her to share a family perspective with the board. She first learned of Mainstay when her sister needed comprehensive residential care. From day one, Judy was impressed with the quality of life her sister experienced while receiving care from Mainstay. Although her sister has passed, Judy sees the value in programs like Mainstay and feels honored to be involved with the governance of the organization. She is a strong advocate promoting quality of life for people with disabilities.

“Mainstay enhances the quality of life for people in the community. I am honored to be a part of this organization.”

John Lovelace

John Lovelace has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 1985. His membership began with Horizon Homes prior to its merger with Idlewood Center. John has a long history of involvement with human services, Medicaid, and other government funded services. When he speaks about Mainstay, John focuses on the organization’s solid record of growth and service development in the disability community, while it maintains consistent funding and an excellent reputation among its consumers and families.

“Mainstay is open, straightforward, and responsive to consumers and families. The senior staff makes efforts to attend to needs of staff, as well as consumers and the community.”

Robert O’Gara

Bob O’Gara has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since the early 1990’s. He joined Mainstay, then Idlewood Center, at the request of friend and Board Chair Tom Junker. His involvement was propelled by his desire to give back where his talents could best be utilized. Bob brings communication and development expertise to the board and believes the strength of the board lies in its ability to run competently with respect to fiscal responsibility and community needs.

“Mainstay serves a vital public with services that maximize quality of life for very needy people.”

Richard Swartz, Vice Chair

Rick Swartz has been a member of Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 1985. He joined the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation (BGC) in 1981 as a commercial district revitalization specialist, following graduate work in urban planning and public administration at the University of Pittsburgh. By 1986, Rick was overseeing all of the BGC’s program development efforts as its Executive Director.

Mahmood (Mike) Usman, MD, MMM

Mike Usman has been a member of the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors since 2020. He was recruited by Mainstay CEO Kim Sonafelt, who had worked with him at Merakey. Initially trained in psychiatry and behavioral neurology, he subsequently gained training, experience and certifications in disaster medicine, medical leadership and public health. Mike has always felt a need to serve the community, both by serving on the boards of medical and social service not-for-profits and by responding to disasters in the U.S. and abroad.