Board of Directors & Leadership

Chair

Senior Vice President/President, Achieva and Achieva Support (Retired)

Reid Wolfe joined Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in September 2021, and became the Board Chair in 2024.

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.

Vice Chair

Senior Project Leader, Alcoa, Inc. (Retired)

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.”

 Treasurer
Wilke & Associates, LLP

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.”

Immediate Past Chair
Financial Consultant, Henderson Brothers, Inc.

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.”

Secretary
Managing Director, Compliance & Ethics Chief of Staff, TIAA (Retired)

Suzanne Ross Schweppe joined Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in 2022, bringing with her experience in compliance, ethics, and governance. She is also on the Board of enTRUST Services.

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.”

Associate Director for Stakeholder Engagement, Human Engineering Research Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh

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. 

Fundraising Consultant

Marvin Gold has been a Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors member since 2003. Marvin first heard about the organization from then-board member the late Charlie Ross. As a fundraising and charitable organization 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 staff and the extraordinary work being done there. He remains impressed with the depth of experience and passion of the highly qualified executives and managers who oversee Mainstay and the direct service staff who provide excellence in care.

“Mainstay is an extremely well-run organization that provides great care for those it serves and our staff that assist clients to achieve their fullest life.”

Advocate

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 Voices of Mainstay, our Advocates Advisory Committee. Traysean sees his role as bridging the communication between these two very important groups. Traysean has spoken publicly about his experiences as an advocate and how Mainstay Life Services supports him as he lives his “good life.” He works at Home Depot, is a community volunteer, and is active in advocating for the needs of himself and others.

Senior Advisor, UPMC Insurance Services Division

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.”

Associate, Labor & Employment Practice Group, Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP

Shane Miller joined the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2024. Shane heard about this opportunity through his friend and former law school classmate, Jack Ryan, who has served on Mainstay’s Board of Directors for several years. After learning more about Mainstay and its mission, Shane was honored to join the Board of Directors. As a practicing employment law attorney in Pittsburgh, Shane hopes that his legal background will be useful in serving the Board of Directors and furthering Mainstay’s mission.

“I am thrilled to join Mainstay’s Board of Directors. Mainstay is an important organization with a noble mission. I look forward to working with the entire Mainstay team to keep building on its success.”

President, Development Worx, LLC

For more than a decade, D. David Misra has been the President of Development Worx LLC where he provides comprehensive support, including grants/fundraising, marketing, and public relations, to the not-for-profit, education and public/civil service sectors. Misra is also deeply committed to education and empowerment, as he previously served as a professor at American University (Washington, D.C.), Robert Morris University and the Community College of Allegheny County and currently teaches Political Science and Organizational Development at several institutions online. His multifaceted expertise will enhance Mainstay’s ability to provide life-enriching services to the community.

Misra earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and, later, dual Master(s) of Arts (Public Affairs and Applied Politics) from American University and holds additional advanced degrees in Non-Profit/Organizational Management and other fields.

Additionally, Misra used to be involved in political campaign management in DC, where he was involved in 34 races on all levels – federal and state. A former journalist with the Baltimore Sun, he is also the author of 100+ articles and short pieces and a book, “Nothing but the Best,” on the philanthropic history of the Catholic Diocese Of Pittsburgh and the DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, one of the nation’s first schools dedicated to caring for children – regardless of race, creed or religion – with hearing disabilities.

Financial Advisor, Baird – The ERA Group

David Riehl joined the Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in 2024. David has been involved with Mainstay for a number of years, both in an advisory role and volunteering on the Golf Committee. David originally was introduced to advocacy and support for people with intellectual disabilities through a client and his sister who had Down Syndrome; in partnership with their family, he served for a number of years on an advisory board supporting her provider organization.

David has served on several non-profit boards, mainly focused on child welfare and advocacy for children in foster care. David is a committee member on the Tocqueville Society of the United Way of SWPA and is a Vestry member at his parish Calvary Episcopal.

Professionally, David is a financial advisor with Baird – The ERA Group (formerly Hefren-Tillotson), who focuses on retirement and estate planning, as well as investment management. David also specializes in investment planning for non-profit organizations, as well as helping families develop charitable giving strategies. David is a proud graduate of Saint Vincent College.

Semi-Retired Physician & Small-Scale Farmer

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.

Sr. Managing Director of Child & Family Services, A Second Chance, Inc.

Toni Wagner joined the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2024.

Toni has worked in social services since 1993. She has provided help to families who have children up to age 21 and has also worked with more mature families, aged 60 and over. Toni has held various positions, including those working with children who have child welfare and juvenile justice involvement, as well as families who work with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging on behalf of their loved ones.

In previous positions, she provided direct care to families and has also held several management positions throughout her career. She is willing to help in all areas when needed, so youth and families thrive.

Toni believes that every family has strengths and wants the best for their loved ones, and with a little help, can overcome all obstacles they may face. Wagner knows that if you’re looking for an expert on a family you’re working with, you must look to the family, as they know themselves best.

Toni received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the Lincoln University and a master’s degree from Carlow University, where she studied professional leadership and development with a concentration in nonprofit management.

Chief Executive Officer

Kim joined Mainstay as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2018. In her role, Kim provides executive leadership and strategic direction in all aspects of operations – including finance, human resources, information technology, property management, agency communications and fundraising – to ensure Mainstay carries out its mission to the fullest extent. Additionally, she is responsible for the development, management, administration, supervision and evaluation of programs, policies and procedures, and staff.

Kim has worked in human services for more than 35 years and possesses extensive experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Prior to joining Mainstay, Kim served Merakey – also a leading provider of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country – as their Regional Executive Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services.

In 2024, Kim was awarded the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA)’s Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of her exceptional innovation, community leadership, and unwavering commitment to better the intellectual disability and autism system as a whole. She also received the Leadership Award from Top Workplaces for medium sized Pittsburgh organizations in 2020.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kim is a proud member of the Mental Health America of Southwest PA Board of Directors, The Provider Alliance Board of Directors, Westmoreland County BH/ID Advisory Committee, Conference of Allegheny Providers Executive Board, Saint Vincent DePaul Society and 100 Women Who Care Pittsburgh.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Master of Science degree in psychology from California University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Kim is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor within the state of Pennsylvania.

Chief Financial Officer

Jodie joined Mainstay as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2017. As CFO, Jodie is tasked with implementing the infrastructure and systems needed to support Mainstay’s mission, operations (including facilities, fleet, and information technology), financial objectives, and strategic initiatives. In 2023, Jodie became the CEO of enTRUST Services LLC, a subsidiary of Mainstay that provides comprehensive financial services that enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Jodie has more than 25 years of accounting experience, with 17 years in a leadership capacity with nonprofit human services organizations. Jodie is passionate about the work as the mom of a son with an intellectual disability. She is an advocate and strong supporter in the disability community.

Jodie serves on the Board of Directors for Embolden WC Trust. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) in accounting, and a Master of Science degree in accounting from Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA.

Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer

Dorothy joined Mainstay in 2021 as its Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer (CAEO). In her role as CAEO, she spearheads fundraising, communications, marketing, and community engagement efforts that promote Mainstay’s mission.

Dorothy came to Mainstay with more than 20 years of leadership in the financial management and nonprofit development sectors, within both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Prior to joining Mainstay, Dorothy worked as the Executive Director of Development and Communications at Merakey Allegheny Valley School (AVS) in Coraopolis, PA.

In addition to her extensive professional experience, Dorothy is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council, and 100 Women Who Care – Pittsburgh Chapter.

Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Arts in sociology with an emphasis in business at Franklin & Marshall College and her Master of Business Administration in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship at the University of Rochester.

Chief Human Capital Officer

Willette Walker joined Mainstay in 2022 as its Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO). In her role she supports the organization’s strategic human capital initiatives as a multifaceted leader through organizational development, employee relations, talent strategy and strategic business partnering.

Willette comes to Mainstay with more than 25 years of leadership experience in human resources and organizational development. Most recently, Walker served as EVP of Human Resources at A Second Chance, Inc. where she provided leadership and oversight over the full spectrum of the organization’s human resource functions. In addition to Walker’s previous experience, she spent six years as an educator with Pittsburgh Public Schools where she developed and implemented lesson plans designed to facilitate student learning.

Willette received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wilberforce University, her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law and her master’s degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of the National Association for African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and Pennsylvania Human Resources Association (PHRA). In addition, Willette is a Board Member of Cayuga Centers, a nonprofit organization helping children and families.

Director of Quality and Performance Improvement

Ryan Lemmon joined Mainstay as the Director of Quality and Performance Improvement in 2023. In his role, he supports Mainstay by providing strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of quality management and guides performance improvement techniques to implement more efficient ways of operating. Additionally, he facilitates a variety of activities that produce outcome-based metrics to enhance the quality of the organization’s services and improve care through training and coaching. Lemmon is also responsible for maintaining quality assurance and ensuring compliance with all accreditation and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

Prior to this role, Ryan worked at Waynesburg University where he served as the Institutional Research and Compliance Coordinator. In this role, Lemmon conducted strategic business analyses which generated creative solutions to otherwise complex problems, wrote policies and proposals, informed research methodology, collected data, and completed statistical analyses.

Lemmon has an MBA with a concentration in project management from Waynesburg University, and is a Certified Associate in Project Management. He also has his master’s degree in criminology from Saint Vincent College. Lemmon earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and social sciences at Waynesburg University.

Director of Program Operations

Ned Ochester was promoted to Director of Program Operations in 2022. In this role, he provides strategic leadership in service to Mainstay’s mission while overseeing all residential, community, clinical, and employment program operations. Ned is responsible for service delivery, team management, quality improvement, technology management and supports, and program development.

Prior to this role, he led Mainstay’s Community Services for 10 years where he was responsible for Home & Community Supports (Community Participation Supports, In-Home & Community Supports, and Companion Services), Employment Services, Life Sharing, and Supported Living.

Ned joined the organization as a Program Manager in 1995 and has worked in several capacities including Program Manager, Program Coordinator, and Summer Program Director.

Prior to joining Mainstay, Ned worked for a variety of social service providers in Chicago and Western Pennsylvania.

He holds master’s degree in Social Work and Social Policy, and a bachelor’s degree in American History, both from the University of Chicago.

Director of Facilities

Brian joined Mainstay as the Director of Facilities in 2023. In this role, he facilitates the management of the fleet, and all commercial and residential properties. Brian is responsible for daily facility and fleet matters and supervises the maintenance staff members and independent contractors.

Brian comes to Mainstay with more than 30 years of commercial and residential construction experience working with project managers, homebuilders, business owners, and homeowners.

Prior to joining Mainstay, Brian served as a Commercial Service Carpenter and Project Manager at F5 Facility Services where he oversaw multiple projects at a time and assessed repairs and issues quickly and effectively. He also served as the Owner of Keystone Closet Company—a residential and commercial design build firm—where his responsibilities spanned across all phases of construction including design, framing, drywall, painting, flooring, and more.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology management from California University of Pennsylvania.

National Foodservice Sales: PepsiCo, Unilever, Campbell’s (Retired)

Janna Chiurazzi Young returned to the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2024 after previously serving 15 years. Her brother-in-law received residential services through Mainstay and, because of her family connection, Janna brings a unique voice to the Board. Her strong community connections and business acumen are essential to her role as a chairperson for various fundraising event committees including her role as Co-Chair of the annual Charlie Ross Memorial Charity Golf Outing, and committee member of Mainstay’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. Janna believes the staff, as well as the organization’s mission to empower people and unlock potential set Mainstay apart from other nonprofits. Janna also serves as the Vice President of enTRUST Disability Services’ Board of Directors.

“Mainstay is an organization to which you would entrust your family. If you had a family member with a disability and wanted to provide an opportunity for them to feel empowered, cared for, to be their very best, Mainstay can provide such an experience.”

Special Needs Child Advocate

Dorothy Pollon joined the Mainstay Life Services’ Board of Directors in 2024.

As a Special Needs Child Advocate, Dorothy works with families to obtain behavioral services, medical diagnoses, and treatment plans for their children. She has developed training programs that use a variety of techniques, including Sensory Integration Therapy to help people with diverse abilities to thrive. Dorothy has served as an advocate for Medicaid and has met with Congress to advocate for children with special needs and Medicaid reimbursement.

Dorothy began her career with Duquesne Systems, Inc. (DSI), a start-up software company. After its 1984 IPO, DSI grew both domestically and internationally, with 35 offices, 5,000 customers, 2,000 employees, and more than 60 software products. Dorothy built the Contracts Department of more than 50 people, and was responsible for the negotiation of all domestic and international contracts, and contract legal negotiations for Fortune 100 clients. DSI was renamed Legent Corporation after several mergers and acquisitions, for which Dorothy assisted in the due diligence. Legent was subsequently sold in 1992.

Dorothy currently serves on the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Board of Directors, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Board of Directors, and Merakey Foundation Board of Directors. Dorothy’s additional service has included Board and/or Committee leadership for The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, Quaker Valley School District, and Temple Emanuel of South Hills.

Dorothy holds a JD from Duquesne University School of Law, an MBA in finance from the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business, and a BA in Business from the University of Pittsburgh.

“As an advocate for people with special needs, I am excited to be a part of an organization that is driving innovation in the disability sector, while ensuring quality and remaining focused on person-centered services and supports. I am eager to be a part of Mainstay’s bright future.”

Chief Financial Officer for Real Estate, Business Credit, and Equipment Finance, PNC Bank (Retired)

James Yahner joined the Mainstay Life Services Board of Directors in 2024.

After launching his career as an auditor with Price Waterhouse (now PwC), Jim joined PNC Bank where he spent 34 years in various finance and accounting roles. These included Director of Accounting Policy, Director of Financial and Regulatory Reporting, Mergers and Acquisitions Director, and Chief Financial Officer for
Corporate and Institutional Banking. When he retired in 2022, he was serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Real Estate, Business Credit, and Equipment Finance.

Jim is an active volunteer with numerous organizations. In addition to serving on the Mainstay Board, Jim is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

Jim graduated from Westminster College with a B.S. degree in Mathematics.

“I have known about Mainstay’s impact for decades through friends Suzanne Ross Schweppe and her late husband Charlie, and I am thrilled to support the organization’s mission as a Board member as it continues to develop and grow.”