Our Team

Board of Directors

Parris Baker, Ph.D.

Chairperson

Gannon University

Junius Johnson

Vice Chairperson

US Postal Service—Retired

Michael Butler

Treasurer

Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Center—Retired

Mary Timashenka

Secretary

WQLN Public Broadcasting

Rachel D-Aurora

Erie Insurance

James Darby

Keller Williams Realty

Hattie Johnson

UPMC Hamot—Retired

Mario Medina, Esq.

Melaragno, Placidi, & Parini

Heather Christie Morris

Erie Insurance

Alice Rodriguez

Erie Public Schools—Retired

Christine Rush

State Representative Pat Harkins

Alison Samuels

Erie Bank

Homer Smith, Jr.

Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter School—Retired

BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION

Responsibilities

As the highest volunteer leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors is responsible for:

determining the mission and purposes of GECAC
selecting and evaluating the performance of the CEO
strategic and organizational planning
ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
fundraising and resource development
approving and monitoring GECAC's programs and services
enhancing GECAC's public image
assessing its performance as the governing body of GECAC

Structure

GECAC's fifteen-member Board of Directors has a tripartite structure, a requirement for all Community Action Agencies nationwide.

One-third represent the low-income population in Erie County
One-third are elected public officials or their representatives
One-third are from the private sector, which includes representatives of business, industry, labor, and other major groups and interests in the community

Bylaws

2025 Meeting Dates

Meetings are held virtually through the Zoom platform. Additional board meetings may be held at the Chairperson's discretion. Contact the executive assistant at mfink@gecac.org with questions.

June 24, 2025
September 23, 2025
December 16, 2025

Become a Member of GECAC's Board of Directors

The Nominating Committee recruits new board members with the key skills to manage and grow the organization. Some areas of expertise they are recruiting for include:

Advocacy
Communication
Community Needs Assessments
Economic Development
Financial Planning and Control
Fundraising
Governance
Human Resources
Information Technology
Legal
Organizational Capacity
Program Planning and Evaluation
Public Policy/Legislation
Strategic Planning

BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION

If you are interested in serving on our Board of Directors, please complete the application and return it to the executive assistant at mfink@gecac.org or mail it to:

Nominating Committee
Greater Erie Community Action Committee
18 West 9th Street
Erie, PA 16501