Despite the government shutdown, GECAC is here for our community. While we do receive federal grants, our Board of Directors planned ahead and set aside financial resources to ensure we can continue providing essential services without interruption. Thanks to the power of community action and your continued support, we remain committed to serving those who need us most.

Our Team

Board of Directors

Junius Johnson
Chairperson
US Postal Service—Retired
Alison Samuels
Vice Chairperson
Erie Bank
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
Christine Rush
State Representative Pat Harkins
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 twelve-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

2025-26 Meeting Dates

Meetings are held virtually through the Zoom platform. Additional board meetings may be held at the discretion of the Chairperson. Contact Dr. Ben Wilson, CEO, at bwilson@gecac.org with questions.

September 23, 2025 
November 25, 2025 
January 27, 2026 
March 31, 2026 
May 26, 2026 
July 28, 2026 
September 29, 2026 
November 24, 2026


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 Dr. Ben Wilson at bwilson@gecac.org or mail it to:

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


Staff Leadership

CEO Biography

Benjamin Wilson, Ed.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Christina Kessler
Chief Financial Officer
Holly Sawatsky
Chief Human Resources Officer
Kimberly McCaslin, CFRE
Chief Communications Officer
Matthew Trott
Chief Operations Officer
Vivian House
Controller
Marybelle Martin
Director
Education, Workforce & Self-Sufficiency
Ray Maholtz, AA, BA,CBMS
Director
Area Agency on Aging
Pasquale Casane
Deputy Director
Area Agency on Aging
Roger Whelan
Director
Management Information Systems
Arden McCullum
Director
Facilities