Orion Communities

Home > About > Our Board of Directors

Meet ORION COMMUNITIES Board of Directors and Board Members

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Keith Burress

Keith Burress

President

Keith stumbled into the most challenging and rewarding opportunity for growth by joining Orion’s board in 2014.

About Keith Burress
Ellen Scott

Ellen Scott

Vice President

Ellen is special counsel in the Berwyn office of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, LLP. She has retired from her prior practice in the firm’s Health Sciences Department.

About Ellen Scott
Kevin Coleman

Kevin Coleman

Treasurer

Mr. Coleman is Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer at AMETEK, Inc., headquartered in Berwyn, PA. 

About Kevin Coleman
Justin Ferrar

Justin Farrar

Secretary

While new to non-profits, the desire to be part of his community and help in any way he can is what prompted Justin to join the Orion team.

About Justin Farrar
Ken George

Ken George

Past President

Ken has been Orion’s go to guy for many years and it is due to his generous nature and incredible variety of life experiences. 

About Ken George
BOARD MEMBERS
Janet Gervais

Janet Gervais

Member

Janet Gervais has worked as a research scientist for local pharmaceutical and Bio Tech companies and has planned social events for corporations.

About Janet Gervais
Chris Morris

Chris Morris

Member

Chris worked for 33 years in the Industrial Marketplace. The last position he held was Vice President of Sales for a large International manufacturing company. 

About Chris Morris
James Sacchetta

James Sacchetta

Member

Born in Philadelphia James spent his entire life in the Philadelphia area and the surrounding suburbs.

About James Sacchetta
Jennifer Heller

Jennifer Heller

Member

Jennifer Heller is a graduate of Rider University with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration.

About Jennifer Heller
Lynn Seay

Lynn Seay

Member

Lynn Seay graduated from Henderson High School, attended Delaware County Community College, and served four (4) years in the U.S. Air Force.

About Lynn Seay
Kevin Hartnett

Kevin Hartnett

Member

Kevin attended Gettysburg College and graduated with a B.A. in Economics and a Minor in Business.

About Kevin Hartnett
Jeff Gardiner

Jeff Gardiner

Member

Alongside my professional work, I’m actively involved in volunteering in and around Phoenixville.

About Jeff Gardiner
Nora Alvarez

Nora Alvarez

Member

Nora Alvarez holds a Master of Science – Information Science degree from Penn State and a Bachelor of Arts – Organizational Dynamics degree from Immaculata University.

About Nora Alvarez
Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson

Member

Jeff has worked for 16 years in the Human Capital Management industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University with a Minor in International Business.

About Jeff Thompson
Theresa Thornton

Theresa Thornton

Emeritus

Theresa Thornton is a Phoenixville native and business owner. She and her family have been active in the community since 1955.

About Theresa Thornton
Glenn Moses

Glenn Moses

Emeritus

Glenn started his relationship with Orion back in 1991 when Orion helped him get his first job as part of a program to help people with disabilities secure employment.

About Glenn Moses
Larry Way

Larry Way

Emeritus

Larry worked as an accountant for three years, and after achieving his CPA designation, began a 35-year career with a diversified manufacturing company in the areas of finance and general management.

About Larry Way
Orion Communities in Phoenixville, PA

Orion’s 990 & 2022 audit reports are now on Guidestar, the largest source of information about non-profit organizations!

Location & Hours

237 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Get Directions

Monday-Friday:
9 am- 4 pm

Tuesday 
6 pm – 8 pm

Contact Us

Phone:
610-415-1140

Email:
info@OrionHope.org

Fax:
610-415-1142

Connect With Us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Venmo Search for: Orion-Communities

Traducir

Ver nuestro sitio web en español

Keith Burress

Keith Burress

President

Keith stumbled into the most challenging and rewarding opportunity for growth by joining Orion’s board in 2014. He found a passionate organization with deep community roots that matched the community awareness that he was taught as a child. Philadelphia born and bred (thoroughly celebrated the Eagles Super Bowl victory) he has worked for over 20 years at Family Service of Chester County as a Medical Case Manager providing services to those infected/affected by HIV in Chester County.

Keith graduated from Hahnemann University/Drexel University with a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified mediator. He is a past board member of The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium and the African American Health and Wellness Fair and currently a member of The Community Coalition, H.U.B. of Hope, and the Council on Affordable Housing. For fun and relaxation his love of music and sports are only surpassed by the joy of his family.

Ellen Scott

Ellen Scott

Vice President

Ellen is special counsel in the Berwyn office of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders, LLP. She has retired from her prior practice in the firm’s Health Sciences Department, in which she represented manufacturers and marketers of prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and medical devices in defense of complex mass torts, product liability, and consumer fraud litigation. She now works solely on pro bono matters, including the representation of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and homeless advocacy work. Ellen is also a Fellow of the Pepper Center for Public Service. She has a BA in political science, a master’s in secondary education and a law degree. 

Kevin Coleman

Kevin Coleman

Treasurer

Mr. Coleman is Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer at AMETEK, Inc., a publicly traded, global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices headquartered in Berwyn, PA. He has extensive financial, treasury, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic development experience. Prior to taking on his current role in 2011, Mr. Coleman was Director, Corporate Development at AMETEK from 2006. Prior to AMETEK, he was Director, Corporate Strategy and Development at Unisys Corp. and Vice President, Investment at Osage Industries, a private equity firm. He received an MBA in Finance from Villanova University and a B.S. in Accounting from Villanova University.

Mr. Coleman is a native of Scranton, PA and currently resides in Phoenixville with his two teenage boys.

Justin Ferrar

Justin Farrar

Secretary

While new to non-profits, the desire to be part of his community and help in any way he can is what prompted Justin to join the Orion team. As his day job, Justin manages projects of all sizes at a healthcare organization. His free time is spent enjoying outdoor activities, often with his Shorthaired Pointer in tow. Justin and his wife love to travel and try new foods and tend to embellish on the grander things in life. In giving back, Justin offers some of his time and talents to provide for others. Sometimes just a smile can make the difference in someone else’s day.

Ken George

Ken George

Past President

Ken has been Orion’s go to guy for many years and it is due to his generous nature and incredible variety of life experiences. It culminated during his final working years as the lay executive in charge of immigration services, refugee resettlement, and domestic disaster relief for American Baptist Churches USA. But that just scratches the surface.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Ken has worked in public service that led him to be the Director of City Development for Schenectady, NY. He is also a theater enthusiast and enjoys both attending live performances as well as being on stage… a personal favorite was playing Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

Orion has benefited greatly from Ken’s leadership, broad experiences and sense of humor in serving our mission for those in need.

Janet Gervais

Janet Gervais

Board Member

Janet Gervais has worked as a research scientist for local pharmaceutical and Bio Tech companies and has planned social events for corporations. These events varied from Departmental Picnics, Employee and family appreciation days, Bring your Kids to Work Day, organizing volunteers to help at Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Laurel House (food, gift cards), Toys for Tots and more.

Janet also serves on the Board of Wings for Success, VP Wings for Success (2019-present) a non-profit organization that provides apparel, advice and advocacy to deserving women in the community. Janet attended University of Technology, Jamaica (Diploma in Medical Technology) as well as Cabrini College where she earned a BS in Biology and MS in Organizational Leadership. 

Janet now serves on the Cabrini University Alumni Board (2020- present) working to bring equality and improve the school’s involvement in the student community and create more alumni engagement.

Chris Morris

Chris Morris

Board Member

Chris worked for 33 years in the Industrial Marketplace. The last position he held was Vice President of Sales for a large International manufacturing company. Chris currently volunteers in Orion’s STARS program and participates in the technology team. He holds a BSME from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Portland. Chris and his family have lived in the Phoenixville area since 1996.

Chris enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His hobbies include playing pickleball and taking yoga classes at the Phoenixville YMCA. Chris and his family also enjoy hiking in our national parks, skiing, and spending time in the Pacific Northwest.

Chris is looking forward to helping Orion Communities reach their strategic goals by deploying appropriate technology as they continue servicing their increasing caseload.

James Sacchetta

James Sacchetta

Board Member

Born in Philadelphia James spent his entire life in the Philadelphia area and the surrounding suburbs. He graduated from Villanova University in 1982 with a degree in accounting and obtained his CPA license.

His entire business career has been in the realm of tax and finance, with an emphasis on small businesses and individuals. James has worked in the corporate world, mostly in the role of Chief Financial Officer and cofounded several businesses and used his accounting background to help not only run the company’s financial departments but also has been involved in the daily operations.

Over the years he has volunteered for several organizations, sat on many boards and Chaired a Board. In addition to Orion, he currently sits on two other nonprofits boards which serve the Chester County Community.

James considers his family as his biggest accomplishment and focus in his life. He and his wife have been married for 37 years, have five adult children, and eleven grandchildren.

Jennifer Heller

Jennifer Heller

Board Member

Jennifer Heller is a graduate of Rider University with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration. She has worked in the plastic manufacturing space for 18 years leading teams in new product development, marketing and sales. Currently, Jennifer is the Vice President of Product Marketing at WNA, a Novolex Brand. 

Jennifer has a heart for serving her community through Victory Church, local charities and now with Orion. She enjoys bringing people together, event planning and fundraising. Jennifer is also an avid golfer at Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve where she serves on the Ladies Golf Association Committee.

Lynn Seay

Lynn Seay

Board Member

Lynn Seay is a native Chester Countian who graduated from Henderson High School in West Chester, attended Delaware County Community College, and served four (4) years in the U.S. Air Force as an X-ray technician.

As a professional with 50 years of working experience, she has experience in the following areas: banking, hospital cardiac catheterization lab, Paralegal, and as the Administrative and Development Coordinator for the last ten years at a non-profit serving elders in a large retirement community.
As a person who wants to contribute to her community, Lynn has been a longtime volunteer at the Chester County Domestic Violence Center, and at Orion Communities.

Lynn resides in Phoenixville and has two grown children living locally and five grandchildren.

Kevin Hartnett

Kevin Hartnett

Board Member

Kevin attended Gettysburg College and graduated with a B.A. in Economics and a Minor in Business. He was also a competitive member of the collegiate swim team. Currently, he is a Wealth Advisor at Sensenig Capital Advisors, a “fee-only” RIA firm who proudly serves local individuals, families, businesses, and institutions.  Prior to beginning his current role in 2020, he was a Regional Director at SEI Investments. Over the past several years, he volunteered for Compass pro bono, an organization that grants pro bono consulting services to nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia community. Outside of working and volunteering, he participates in triathlons, CrossFit, Jiu Jitsu, and other active pursuits. Kevin is a Villanova native, and currently resides in Audubon with his fiancé Alex.

Jeff Gardiner

Jeff Gardiner

Board Member

After earning a BS in Computer Science from Loyola University New Orleans in 1983, I landed a temporary job in Malvern to earn some money while searching for a “real” career. Four decades later, I’m still working in the same “temporary” job at what is now Oracle corporation.

Alongside my professional work, I’m actively involved in volunteering in and around Phoenixville. The majority of my time is split between the Orion Tech Committee and coaching teenage girls’ fastpitch softball (which we practice and play year-round). Additionally, I’m part of a group of good friends who assist small, local nonprofits with computer-related issues.

Originally from Long Beach Island, NJ, I now reside with my family in the western “suburbs” of Phoenixville.

Nora Alvarez

Nora Alvarez

Board Member

Nora Alvarez is a Senior Project Manager at Horizon Associates, LLC. Her responsibilities include managing software implementations, support for new and existing initiatives, and special projects for a diverse group of clients in various industries. She interfaces with internal/external resources as needed (otherwise known as cat herding), to ensure that timelines and objectives are met.

She holds a Master of Science – Information Science degree from Penn State and a Bachelor of Arts – Organizational Dynamics degree from Immaculata University. She was born in Cuba, is bilingual, and has lived in Chester County since 1996. In her spare time, she enjoys reading (almost any genre), traveling, and hiking.

She is honored and excited to be part of the Orion Communities Board and looks forward to contributing in any way possible to the organization and those it serves.

Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson

Board Member

Jeff has worked for 16 years in the Human Capital Management industry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University with a Minor in International Business. Jeff and his wife are West Chester, PA natives and have lived in the Phoenixville area since 2008. They now have two daughters, who they love to cart around to soccer and horseback riding. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, hiking, and biking and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Go birds!

Jeff is looking forward to helping Orion Communities grow its mission by supporting the organization’s most valuable asset – its people.

Theresa Thornton

Theresa Thornton

Emeritus

Theresa Thornton is a Phoenixville native and business owner. She and her family have been active in the community since 1955. Her business, Miss Kitty’s Care, encourages good mental and spiritual health of family caregivers and other caregivers.  

Theresa is co-founder and President of Black Light Projects. Additionally, she partners and volunteers with several other local community initiatives. 

Theresa has a BA in Political Science from Yale University. She serves on the boards of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, and is a Board Emeritus member of Phoenixville Area Positive Alternatives.  

Glenn Moses

Glenn Moses

Emeritus

Glenn started his relationship with Orion back in 1991 when Orion helped him get his first job as part of a program to help people with disabilities secure employment. Glenn explains things were different back then, he didn’t start school until he was 11 years old because the schools didn’t know how to support a student in a wheelchair.

Many things have changed since then. Glenn has a powered ’all terrain’ wheelchair that allows him to go participate in virtually any activity including two of his favorites – camping and attending outdoor concerts.  One of his favorite trips was to scenic Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Glenn has been on Orion’s Board for over 10 years and can be found volunteering at the front desk on Thursdays and Fridays.

Larry Way

Larry Way

Emeritus

Board member Larry Way worked as an accountant for three years for a large auditing firm, and after achieving his CPA designation, Larry began a 35-year career with a diversified manufacturing company in the areas of finance and general management.  For the last 13 years he has been a member of the Board of Directors of a regional bank and chairs its Audit Committee.

Larry graduated from Rutgers University and Mount St. Mary’s College. He teaches ESL to members of the Phoenixville Spanish-speaking community and is a regular platelet donor.

Larry enjoys spending time with his family, and his hobbies include exercise, particularly swimming and hand cycling, as well as travel and reading.