Meet our Advisory Committee Co-Chairs

  • Emma Hertz - As the CEO and President of HealthSpark Foundation, Emma Hertz serves as the Co-Chair of the Affordable Housing & Homelessness Committee for Moving Montco Forward. With her extensive experience in creating equitable social safety nets in Montgomery County, Emma is a prominent advocate for affordable housing and homelessness solutions. Her leadership roles in the county’s strategic post-pandemic recovery and the Your Way Home partnership have been pivotal. Emma is also known for her involvement in HealthSpark Foundation's Safety Net Initiative and the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund, reflecting her commitment to justice and belonging in community services. Holding a background in public administration from Villanova University, Emma's deep understanding of community needs makes her a key leader in our pursuit of sustainable housing solutions in Montgomery County.

    Kimberly Krauter - Kimberly Krauter joins as the Co-Chair of the Affordable Housing & Homelessness Committee for Moving Montco Forward. Her extensive experience in nonprofit management, especially in affordable housing and development, is a cornerstone of her contribution. Kim's leadership at The Walters Group and Advanced Living Communities showcases her proficiency in managing large-scale housing projects and complex financing. She notably grew a housing development company from $3 million to $68 million, highlighting her strategic and operational capabilities. Kim's involvement in the North Penn Commons project and her dedication to creating supportive service programs are crucial in addressing Montgomery County's housing and homelessness challenges.

  • Dave Nasatir - David Nasatir, Chair of Obermayer and an expert in business law, real estate development, and municipal law, co-chairs the Commerce & Economic Development Committee for Moving Montco Forward. His experience in driving economic growth, as evidenced by his roles with the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, brings invaluable insight into the regional economy. David’s participation in Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro’s transitional team and his advisement on public finance and real estate projects are vital for shaping Montgomery County's economic future. His commitment to people-centered solutions and legal acumen in both public and private sectors is instrumental in guiding the committee's initiatives.

    Erin Boyle - We are excited to have Erin Boyle as Co-Chair of the Commerce & Economic Development Committee for Moving Montco Forward 2024. Erin's extensive background in state and local government and management consulting, particularly her roles in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Offices and Accenture, equips her with a unique perspective on economic development and government initiatives. Her experience in securing major economic incentives and managing key development projects underscores her ability to drive economic growth. Erin's expertise in public-private partnerships and her commitment to bipartisan solutions will be instrumental in fostering commerce and innovation in Montgomery County. Her diverse skills in project management and strategic planning make her a vital asset to our committee's mission.

  • Paul Heaton - Paul Heaton, Professor of Law and Academic Director of the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at Penn Carey Law, co-chairs the Criminal Justice & The Courts Committee for Moving Montco Forward. His interdisciplinary knowledge in legal and criminal justice policy, including economics, policing, courts, and drug offense policy, positions him as a key contributor to meaningful reforms. Paul's background as Director of the RAND Institute for Civil Justice and his cross-disciplinary scholarship approach are invaluable in our efforts to create a fairer and more effective criminal justice system in Montgomery County. His commitment to data-driven, solution-based analysis will steer the committee's work in impactful legal and justice policies.

    Lauren Hughes - Lauren Hughes, recently appointed as a council member representing Norristown’s fourth district, joins as the Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice & The Courts Committee for Moving Montco Forward. Her unique blend of legal expertise and deep community involvement, particularly in addressing homelessness and youth activities, aligns with the community's needs. Lauren's experience in law and government, as a senior assistant solicitor with the Montgomery County Solicitor’s Office and a former lawyer with the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, along with her effective communication skills and legal acumen, make her an ideal leader for this committee. Her passion for Norristown and dedication to improving constituent services will significantly enhance the criminal justice system and court processes in Montgomery County.

  • Lauren Lambrugo - Lauren Lambrugo, with her vast experience in public administration, serves as the Co-Chair of the Government Operations & Innovation Committee for Moving Montco Forward. Notably, her role as Chief Operating Officer at Public Health Management Corporation and her tenure as COO of Montgomery County highlight her distinguished leadership in government operations. Lauren's expertise in managing complex infrastructures, such as finance, human resources, information technology, and real estate, has been critical in fostering organizational growth and operational efficiency. Her strategic leadership in streamlining government services and promoting innovation in Montgomery County is invaluable in guiding our committee towards enhancing government operations and implementing transformative solutions.

    Jeff Scott - Jeff Scott, an expert in digital risk management and compliance innovation from his leadership role at Pfizer, co-chairs the Government Operations & Innovation Committee for Moving Montco Forward. His expertise in digital risks, AI policies, and complex compliance analytics projects makes him an ideal fit for our committee. Jeff's commitment to ethical practices in data and AI, combined with his background in the legal and healthcare sectors, provides a unique skill set essential for driving government innovation and operational efficiency. His experience in community outreach and advocacy adds a valuable perspective on civic engagement, enriching our committee's objectives.

  • Julie Haywood - As Co-Chair of the Human Services & Public Health Committee, Julie Haywood brings an exceptional background in health law and public health, augmented by her hands-on experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having served as Associate Deputy General Counsel at Independence Blue Cross, Julie's volunteer work with the Black Doctors Consortium and the Montgomery County Medical Reserve Corps showcases her dedication to health equity and community service. Her focus on developing fair and effective public health policies is vital to enhancing the well-being of Montgomery County residents.

    Francis McCusker - Co-Chair Francis McCusker, with his robust background in the healthcare industry, especially in mental health and neuroscience, is key to addressing public health challenges. His roles at Neurocrine Biosciences and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, focusing on community mental health initiatives, align with the committee's goals. Francis's expertise in healthcare management and program development is instrumental in crafting innovative solutions for Montgomery County's public health needs, particularly in enhancing mental health services and policies.

  • Tom Tosti - Tom Tosti brings a wealth of labor leadership experience to his role as Co-Chair of the Labor Relations & Worker Protections Committee. With a career spanning from 3M to leadership roles in Teamsters Local 107 and AFSCME Local 2158, Tom understands the challenges faced by workers. His positions as director of AFSCME District Council 88 and president of the Bucks County Central Labor Council highlight his commitment to labor rights. Tom's extensive involvement and awards in labor leadership are key to advancing labor relations and protections in Montgomery County.

    Malik Staten - Malik Staten, Co-Chair of the Labor Relations & Worker Protections Committee, offers a dynamic blend of labor leadership and community engagement. As Secretary-Treasurer of Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 332, Malik's grasp of labor issues and dedication to worker rights are profound. His involvement in the Samuel Staten Sr. Pre-Apprenticeship Program and the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority emphasizes his commitment to workforce development. Malik's diverse experience ensures a comprehensive approach to labor relations and worker protections in Montgomery County.

  • Yaniv Aronson - Mayor Yaniv Aronson, Pennsylvania Mayor of the Year for 2023, serves as Co-Chair of the Local & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. His deep engagement with Conshohocken Borough, including leadership in community initiatives like the Rotary Club and Friends of Conshohocken Parks, exemplifies his dedication to local governance. Yaniv's recognition as Mayor of the Year and his personal journey within the borough underline his ability to foster intergovernmental collaboration and community development.

    Andrea Baptiste - Andrea Baptiste, a former Collegeville Councilperson and active community leader, joins as Co-Chair of the Local & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Her experience in local government, business development, and political activism, particularly her work in Collegeville’s revitalization, showcases her abilities in sustainable community growth. Andrea's involvement in Democratic committees and varied professional experiences provide a unique perspective on local governance and intergovernmental affairs, making her an invaluable asset for Montgomery County.

  • Mike Bowman - Mike Bowman, President and CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board (VFTCB), co-chairs the Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Advisory Committee. His leadership in boosting tourism post-pandemic, achieving record highs in hotel room revenue and tourism, has significantly impacted the local economy. Mike's innovative initiatives, like the U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup and Crave Montco Month, position him perfectly to develop the county's parks, recreation, and tourism sectors.

    Rose Fennell - Rose Fennell, overseeing operations for parks in the North Atlantic – Appalachian region, joins as Co-Chair of the Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Advisory Committee. Her experience at Boston National Historical Park and as a NPS Bevinetto Congressional Fellow provides a deep understanding of park administration and policy. Rose’s expertise in managing historical sites and legislative insight are invaluable in enhancing Montgomery County's parks, recreation, and tourism offerings.

  • Alan Kessler - Alan C. Kessler, Co-Chair of the Planning, Transportation, & Infrastructure Committee, brings extensive experience in commercial litigation, government relations, real estate development, and infrastructure. His public service record, including the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and positions such as chair of the USPS Board of Governors, provides invaluable insights for Montgomery County's infrastructural development.

    Cathy Farrell - Cathy Farrell, with nearly two decades of experience in transportation project management, co-chairs the Planning, Transportation, & Infrastructure Committee. Her roles, including Chair of the ASCE's Report Card for Pennsylvania's Infrastructure and member of the Montgomery County Transportation Authority, highlight her commitment to infrastructure development and equitable transportation solutions. Cathy’s expertise is key to our committee's mission in Montgomery County.

  • Kevin McDevitt - Battalion Chief Kevin McDevitt, Co-Chair of the Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee, brings over 31 years of experience with the East Norriton Fire Company and as East Norriton Township Supervisor. His leadership and accolades in community safety, along with his experience in local government planning, equip him with a comprehensive perspective on emergency response strategies. Kevin's expertise is crucial for strengthening Montgomery County's public safety and emergency preparedness.

    Tom Sullivan - Tom Sullivan, former Director of the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, co-chairs the Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies his crisis management skills and dedication to public service. Tom's expertise in emergency operations is invaluable for enhancing the county's readiness for emergencies and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

  • Zach Davis - Zach Davis, Co-Chair of the Sustainability & Climate Change Committee, brings experience from Gilead Sciences, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline, aligning with our sustainability goals. His leadership in Upper Merion's Environmental Advisory Committee and commitment to renewable energy initiatives demonstrate his dedication to environmental progress. Zach's scientific expertise and activism are key to driving climate action in Montgomery County.

    Joy Bergey - Joy Bergey joins as Co-Chair of the Sustainability & Climate Change Committee, with extensive experience in advocating for environmental sustainability. Her work as an independent consultant and federal policy director in clean air, water, energy, and climate change mitigation aligns with our mission to create a sustainable and resilient community. Joy's expertise is invaluable for our county's environmental efforts.

  • Tim Ford - Esteemed attorney in elections law, his expertise in constitutional litigation, election administration, and campaign finance, along with his strategic insights as chair of the Election Law Committee at Dilworth, equips him to navigate the complexities of voting rights and election integrity in Montgomery County.

    Angelique Hinton - A seasoned community leader and co-founder of PA Youth Vote. Her record in promoting civic engagement and voter turnout, including her role in Michelle Obama's "My School Votes" initiative, is pivotal for enhancing voting rights and election integrity. Angelique's experience in youth organizing and strategic planning is instrumental in fostering an informed electorate in Montgomery County.

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