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2023 Board of Trustees 

Leadership

About Willie

Willie Stroever, Esq., is co-chair of the intellectual property group at the law firm of Cole Schotz. Willie guides his clients in protecting the brands, inventions, and other things they create, and in maximizing the value of those innovations for their businesses.

Willie first became involved with Family Promise of Morris County through donation drives and on-site projects, but was quickly drawn to the organization's mission, and the staff and volunteer's passion for that mission. Willie joined the Board in 2016 and currently serves as the Board of Trustees President.

William Stroever, Esq.

President

Board Member Since: 2016

Member, Cole Schotz P.C.

About Sharon

Sharon Yoo is a social justice attorney who has advocated for the rights of individuals and families affected by disabilities for 10+ years. She currently is an attorney at Legal Services of Northwest Jersey where she provides legal representation to seniors on end-of-life planning and to individuals affected by mental health and disabilities at civil commitment and administrative hearings. In 2016, Sharon launched HEAL, one of the first medical legal partnerships in New Jersey combining both medical and legal care for patients. She also managed Urban Justice Center's Parents with Psychiatric Disabilities Project, advocating for the rights of parents with disabilities to remain with their children. As the former County of Morris Human Services director, she was first introduced to Family Promise through their Navigating Hope partnership. Sharon saw the difference FP made in the lives of individuals and families; this impactful work led her to joining the Board in 2020.

Sharon J.L. Yoo, Esq.

Secretary

Board Member Since: 2020

Legal Services of Northwest Jersey, Inc.

About Frank

Frank Novak has had a long and successful career in Information Technologies, holding various positions over time, including with AIG and currently as a Sr. Data Architect at Munich Re – MRSI. As an IT professional, he managed many technical transformations to a successful completion. Frank is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway where he coordinated many community outreach projects while chairing or serving on the Outreach Committee for the congregation. Frank’s involvement with Family Promise started when a new hosting congregation to FP needed a support congregation and his church came on to play that role. Over the years and seeing the work and success of Family Promise, he looked to get more involve beyond his current service. Seeing the care and the holistic approach FP gives to their guests led to Frank becoming a board member and serving on the Congregational Outreach Committee. He currently serves as board Vice President.

Frank Novak

Vice President

Board Member Since: 2017

Sr. Data Architect, Munich RE - MRSI

About Chris

Chris McManus is a financial professional with expertise in life insurance, college planning, and retirement income strategies. He is also the proud founder of Monthly Connectors, an initiative to foster local business growth and community development by connecting business leaders.

Having grown up in the Morristown area, Chris is passionate about his community and helping folks however he can. He joined Family Promise of Morris County’s Board of Trustees in October of 2022 and looks forward to furthering their mission within the community.

Chris currently lives with his wife and two dogs in Morristown, where they plan on adopting and raising a child in the near future.

Chris McManus

Treasurer

Board Member Since: 2022

Financial Service Professional, OneLegacy Financial Group

Trustees

About Don

Born and raised in New Jersey, Don grew up along the ridge of Long Hill in Gillette. He is pleased to again call New Jersey home. Don brings over 35 years of senior leadership, fundraising, consulting, and coaching experience to a diversity of non-profit organizations. Don has served over 60 non-profits, for which he has played a key role in securing over half a billion dollars in funding. He currently serves as the VP with The Angeletti Group of Morristown, as well as the Managing Partner of Collaborative Partners LLC. Don has served on many boards, and currently volunteers with multiple advisory boards, including several in Patterson, NJ; Young Life Garden State Region; and the Operating Council of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Don is a graduate of Wheaton College (IL), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div), and the Boston University Questron School of Management (MBA). He lives in Morristown with his wife Liz.

Donald Stahl

Board of Trustees

Board Member Since: 2022

Collaborative Partners LLC/Angeletti Group of Morristown

About Jose

Jose Ortiz was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. He received a BA in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickenson University. Jose began his career in sales and marketing before transitioning into the restaurant industry as a multi-unit restaurant manager, and later, as a Business Consultant. In 2012, Jose opened his first restaurant in Jersey City, Blue Moon Mexican Grill. In 2015, as Jose’s role as a father grew, he transitioned into a new industry with Jersey Central Power & Light’s Meter Reading Department, and in 2020, was awarded the position of External Affairs Consultant. In 2021, Jose began his role as the Smart Meter Program’s Change Agent, where he would lead a state-wide implementation of the program. He is co-chair of JCP&L’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Involvement Lead for First Energy’s Economic Business Resource Group (EBRG) Mosaic. Jose is a 2019 graduate from Leadership Morris.

Jose Ortiz

Board of Trustees

Board Member Since: 2023

FirstEnergy Corp.

About Melissa

Melissa Geiger has been in the financial industry since 2006. She began her career with Commerce Bank and was part of its merger with what is now known as TD Bank. After successful and rapid career growth, she moved to M&T Bank, where she has held several leadership positions, joining the Business Banking team as a Vice President/Relationship Manager in March of 2019.
Melissa serves on multiple boards in the Morris County area. She is a current member of the Executives’ Association of New Jersey, where she has served on the Board for the past 4 years. She is also a graduate of The Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Leadership Morris Program. She currently serves on the Leadership Morris Alumni Committee, is an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce, and will be the Lead Chair in 2023. Melissa is well-known in her community for her involvement in both non-profit and community events, and for her passion about what M&T can do.

Melissa Geiger

Board of Trustees

Board Member Since: 2023

Vice President, Business & Professional Banking

About Vernon

Vernon is currently a vice president of financial planning and analysis in the banking industry. A graduate of Purdue University and Cornell University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and a Master of Business Administration respectively.

Vernon has more than 25 years of experience in operations and finance. He lives with his wife and best friend, Crystal, and their three children. He is passionate about financial inclusion and enjoys working with the amazing people who serve those experiencing homelessness in Morris County.

Vernon Bell

Board of Trustees

Board Member Since: 2022

Vice President, FP&A

About Shannon

Shannon is currently the AVP of Learning & Development for Arch Insurance. She has over 20 years of experience leading learning function, developing rewards and recognition programs, and championing inclusion and belonging initiatives. Shannon served on several committees for Global Women in Technology (GWIT), received the 2017 GWIT Person of the Year Award, and was selected for the 2020 Women’s Executive Leadership Initiative. Previously, she founded a company which led learning engagements for state agencies and large enterprises. Shannon marries her passion for people, diversity, and engagement to drive results and promote a nurturing environment for employees. She has a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; a master’s in Business Education from NYU Steinhardt School of Education; and a certificate in High Performance Leadership from Cornell University. She is married to Emerson and has three children, Bryce, Danielle, and Bayliss, who fill her heart with joy every day.

Shannon Simon

Board of Trustees

Board Member Since: 2023

Arch Insurance

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