Berks County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation Announces Inaugural Board of Trustees & Leadership Team

From Berks County Intermediate Unit Education Foundation

The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Education Foundation has announced its inaugural Board of Trustees and Board leadership, bringing together an accomplished group of leaders from business, education, healthcare, government, philanthropy, and community service who will help guide the Foundation’s mission of Building Futures | Enriching Lives. The Foundation will support educational excellence, innovation, and opportunities for learners throughout the communities served by the BCIU.

Board leadership

The Foundation’s elected officers are:

Chair: Scott L. Gruber, retired President and CEO of Tompkins VIST Bank and Executive Director of Economic Development for Our City Reading Inc. With more than four decades of leadership experience in banking, economic development, and community engagement, Mr. Gruber brings a strong commitment to strengthening opportunities for students, families, and communities.
Vice Chair: P. Sue Perrotty, retired President and CEO of Tower Health. Her distinguished career includes executive leadership in healthcare, banking, and public service.
Secretary: Angel Lee Helm, retired investment banking executive and active nonprofit leader whose board service has supported numerous educational, healthcare, and community organizations.
Treasurer: Ralph Richard, commercial banking executive and longtime advocate for education, who served 24 years on the Oley Valley Board of School Directors and more than 20 years on the Berks County Intermediate Unit Board.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the BCIU Education Foundation alongside an exceptionally talented and dedicated group of trustees and staff,” said Scott L. Gruber, Foundation Chair. “Our mission, Building Futures | Enriching Lives, reflects our shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the communities we serve. We recognize the critical importance of early childhood education and lifelong learning, and we believe that by investing in learners today, we can help shape brighter futures for children, support families, and create lasting benefits for our region. Together, we look forward to building partnerships, inspiring philanthropy, and advancing innovative programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators.”

The Foundation’s trustees collectively bring decades of experience in education, business, government, healthcare, philanthropy, and community leadership, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting students, educators, and families throughout the region.

Board of Trustees

Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 129th District and former President of Reading City Council. A lifelong Reading resident, she has dedicated her career to public service, community advocacy, and advancing opportunities for children, families, and neighborhoods throughout Berks County.
Michael Fromm, Executive Chairman of Fromm Electric Supply. A respected business and civic leader, Mr. Fromm has supported numerous educational, economic development, and community organizations, contributing decades of leadership and philanthropic service to the Greater Reading community.
Patricia Giles, President of The Wyomissing Foundation and a veteran nonprofit executive with more than 45 years of experience in philanthropy and community impact initiatives. Her career has focused on strengthening nonprofit organizations, fostering community partnerships, and advancing charitable initiatives that improve quality of life throughout Berks County.
Barbara Hall, a retired educator whose teaching career spanned school districts in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Maryland before concluding in the Reading School District. Since retirement, she has remained actively involved in literacy and early childhood education through United Way of Berks County’s Ready.Set.READ! program, serving as a tutor, trainer, board member, and advocate for children’s reading success.
Bradley Hall, Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC) Commissioner and retired President of UGI Energy Services, concluding a 34-year career with UGI Corporation. A U.S. Army veteran, he has provided leadership and volunteer service to organizations including United Way of Berks County, Centro Hispano, and Ready.Set.READ!, bringing extensive corporate and community leadership experience to the Foundation.
Ginger Kunkel, Pennsylvania Market President for Tompkins Bank & Trust. With extensive experience in banking, strategic planning, and executive leadership, she has served numerous community and nonprofit organizations and is widely recognized for her commitment to community development and financial stewardship.
Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College and a nationally recognized higher education leader. Throughout her career, she has championed student success, workforce development, and educational access while providing leadership on regional, state, and national boards and commissions.
Alyssa Redding, Executive Director of Commercial Banking at JPMorgan. She brings extensive expertise in commercial lending, treasury management, relationship development, and strategic financial solutions, helping businesses and organizations achieve their growth objectives.
Karen A. Rightmire, former President of The Wyomissing Foundation and a longtime leader in education, health, human services, and philanthropy. Her distinguished career includes leadership roles with the Berks County Intermediate Unit, United Way of Berks County, and numerous community organizations dedicated to improving opportunities for children and families.
Timothy D. Romig, Executive Vice President of Customers Bank with more than four decades of experience in commercial and community banking. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives, helping foster economic growth and regional development.
Jeff Rush, Senior Executive Vice President and Executive Market President at Fulton Bank. With more than 40 years of banking experience, he has played an active role in supporting economic development efforts, community organizations, and philanthropic initiatives throughout the region.
Judith L. Schwank, Pennsylvania State Senator for the 11th District and a longtime advocate for education, workforce development, agriculture, and community well-being. Her public service career reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities for students, addressing workforce needs, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.
Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County and a recognized leader in community impact and philanthropy. Her career has focused on building collaborative partnerships that address critical community needs and improve outcomes for individuals and families throughout Berks County.
Jay Worrall, President of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank and an accomplished nonprofit executive, educator, and advocate for community engagement. His leadership has advanced hunger relief, volunteerism, and collaborative community initiatives while helping connect resources to those most in need.

Ex officio members (non-voting)

The Foundation also benefits from the participation of BCIU ex officio members, including Gary McEwen, BCIU Board President; James E. Mancuso, Solicitor; Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director; Jan Krotee, Administrative Coordinator and Foundation Recording Secretary; Melanie Serrano, Chief Financial Officer and Foundation Assistant Treasurer; Robert Farina, Director of Professional Learning; Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff, Director of Early Childhood & Student Services; and Chris Celmer, Consultant.

About the BCIU Education Foundation

The BCIU Education Foundation was established in September 2026 to serve as the philanthropic arm of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), securing corporate, foundation, and community investments, as well as federal and state grants that support educational programs, innovative initiatives, and facility improvements benefiting children and families throughout Berks County.

The Foundation’s primary purpose is to provide sustainable financial support for programs and projects that expand educational opportunities and improve outcomes for children. With a strategic focus on early childhood education, the Foundation is committed to helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.