The Alliance for Health Equity

Board of Directors & Staff

Staff

What fuels your passion to work at The Alliance for Health Equity?

Kevin Ressler

Kevin Ressler

President and CEO

“Coatesville borders Lancaster County where I have lived nearly my whole life. The similarities around structural and historic inequities are unsurprising and all too common across our nation. My background in conflict transformation, previous work in nonviolent communication, and most recently the opportunity at United Way of Lancaster County to think about convening spaces while honoring differing voices prepares me to join in the work The Alliance for Health Equity has already begun. I am deeply honored to have been selected to lead Alliance for Health Equity and look forward to learning from the community and working with the community to build together for a future we can all be proud to have contributed to birthing.”

Nicholas Torres

Nicholas Torres

Chief operations officer

“I joined The Alliance for Health Equity because I am passionate about unleashing the unrealized potential of Greater Coatesville. I believe community transformation is possible through foundation, government, corporation, and community partnerships. I also believe that justice and equity are the key values for ensuring equitable access, and community voice, defined as co-designing solutions, is at the core for real and sustainable change.”

Kimberly Daye Hardy

Kimberly Daye Hardy

Community Engagement Officer

“Driven and passionate about my call to serve communities, families, and youth as a public health leader and educator, I am committed to promote overall wellness, inspire growth, empower change, and make lasting impact as a partner in health. My work with the Foundation allows access to continue to grow as a change maker and build upon the great legacy of resilience and excellence in Greater Coatesville.”

Alyssa A. Kotzmann

Alyssa A. Kotzmann

Development and Communications Manager

“I am driven by Coatesville’s resilience and am passionate about advancing equity, inclusivity, and the accessibility to healthcare and wellness in our community. The Alliance is a proactive organization, addressing the ongoing and emergent needs of local residents. The board and staff directly listens and learns from community members and local organizations to best initiate change, invest in Greater Coatesville, and deliver results.”
Moira Gassenmeyer

Moira Gassenmeyer

Equity Integrated Health Center Coordinator

“As a social worker, I both personally and professionally believe whole heartedly in the Alliance for Health Equity’s mission of advancing a more equitable, resilient, and healthy Greater Coatesville community. I am fueled by the opportunity to help foster authentic engagement and collaboration across fields to best serve community members.”

Jean Marie Caroll

Jean Marie Caroll

Donor Liaison

I joined The Alliance for Health Equity to become part of a team whose mission is focused on a commitment to advancing the health, economy, gender, and racial equity of the Greater Coatesville area. Over the course of a 40-year career in healthcare I have witnessed the impact of how equitable allocation of resources can make a difference in people’s individual lives as well as their communities. I am completely committed to equitable access of health information, services and care as it pertains to achieving wellness.
Lissette Vilarchao

Lissette Vilarchao

Cross-Sector partnership manager

” I am driven by a robust and inspiring greater Coatesville area and its members. In partnership with the proactive approach of the Alliance for Health Equity, the community’s potential to create sustainable change is not only inspiring but also creates an opportunity to advance a culture of care and equity like no other.”

Board Officers

How did your personal passion shape your decision to join the Board?

Valerie K. Martin | Chair

Valerie K. Martin | Chair

Connolly Foundation Glenmoore Partner LLC

“I worked for a Foundation whose Founder often challenged his colleagues to think about what traits, philosophies and rules of thumb if practiced by more would make the world a better place. I believe that gratitude and respect are so important in everything that we do as well as working together as one community to affect change. I have lived in Chester County all my life and know the strong and passionate community that exists in Coatesville. I have so much respect and appreciation for its residents and was thrilled to join The Alliance for Health Equity Board to work with its dynamic leadership to support the great citizens of Coatesville and the surrounding communities to grow in a healthy and productive environment.”

Richard C. Clark | Treasurer and Finance Committee Co-Chair

Richard C. Clark | Treasurer and Finance Committee Co-Chair

Pillar Wealth Advisors LLC

“My personal mission is to help lead the emergence of a “new” Alliance for Health Equity that, as our 2019 Strategic Plan outlines, is laser-focused on eradicating the societal barriers to good health in Coatesville. I also want to try to raise my voice (along with the rest of the Board) against the racial inequities and injustices that perpetuate those societal barriers to good health in the Greater Coatesville community.”

Todd Pride | Finance Committee Co-Chair

Todd Pride | Finance Committee Co-Chair

President of Legacy Land & Waters Partners

“Many individuals and families rely on The Alliance for Health Equity not just for financial resources but to be a voice in the community and the region for the residents of the City of Coatesville and the areas we serve. I feel it is an honor, privilege, and responsibility to contrinbute to The AHE Board, staff and volunteers in serving the residents of Coatesville and the area and even more so being a resident of Chester County. We are all part of the same team and a team is only as strong as the weakest link.”

Randall C. Schauer | Governance Committee Chair

Randall C. Schauer | Governance Committee Chair

Esq., Fox Rothschild LLP

“I joined The Alliance for Health Equity Board to work with others to create a self-sustaining culture of health, wellness and safety in the Coatesville area. This aligns with my personal mission to help create opportunities for those who have limited access .”

P. Kristen Bennett | Grantmaking Committee Chair

P. Kristen Bennett | Grantmaking Committee Chair

Gawthrop Greenwood PC

“As an attorney, I find it really fulfilling to ensure that clients feel cared for and understood as I assist them with potentially confusing areas of wills, trusts and estate planning. I enjoy bringing that same sense of compassion to The Alliance for Health Equity as we work to advance the organization’s strategic plan, while remaining focused on its mission to ensure a more equitable, resilient and healthy greater Coatesville community.”

Board Members

How did your personal passion shape your decision to join the Board?

Gwendolyn M. Dickinson

Gwendolyn M. Dickinson

Retired Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

“I joined The Alliance for Health Equity to work with an organization committed to making a difference in the Greater Coatesville Community. As a retired health professional, my personal mission is to continue to support and educate my community as it pertains to the necessity of a holistic approach to physical as well as emotional well-being. My commitment is steadfast to the community and to The Alliance for Health Equity as we endeavor to provide assistance and resources necessary to make a difference.”

Dave England

Dave England

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

“I’ve worked in and around Coatesville for many years and wanted to help support the people who live in Coatesville make it a better place to work and live.”

Helen J. Esbenshade

Helen J. Esbenshade

Lamb McErlane

“I was invited to join by two former Board Members with whom I have long standing friendship and professional relationships, and who, along with Vanessa Briggs, relatively new to the organization at the time, expressed the excitement of the new direction The Alliance for Health Equity was heading in and I was eager to bring what I could to the table for the benefit of the community I grew up in. My personal mission is to achieve success in my work on behalf of clients, while also being a good sister and friend in my personal relationships. At this point in my life, however, I also feel bound to give of myself and of all that I have received to benefit a greater good to the extent I am able.”

Gregory V. Hines

Gregory V. Hines

Magisterial District Judge

“As a lifelong resident of the City of Coatesville, I count it a privilege to be apart of  an organization that has love, compassion, and care, for the city as well as it’s residents.” 

Josh Maxwell

Josh Maxwell

Commissioner

“In joining The Alliance for Health Equity board of directors I am able to continue my passion of helping as many people as possible, including in the Coatesville community. I am dedicated to promoting efforts to address the need for equitable access to healthcare in Chester County. As Commissioner I am committed to supporting endeavors that ensure every resident has access to resources for their physical and mental health, and I see my role on the Board of The Alliance as an extension of that.”
Deborah Bookman

Deborah Bookman

Chester County Prothonotary

“To whom much is given, much is required. My struggles have led me to a greater awareness and a call to serve others. The journey of my personal transformation shaped who I am and set the course for my purpose in life which is to serve others. I am honored to join the Alliance for Health Equity Board of Directors. Over the past 6 years, I watched the Alliance evolve into an organization dedicated to equity, diversity, and community. As a Coatesville resident I understand first-hand the struggles many residents face daily. As a Board Member, I am dedicated to moving the mission forward to provide equitable resources needed for the physical and mental health of our amazing community.”

Dr. Stacie Metz

Dr. Stacie Metz

West Chester Univsersity

Jeanne Franklin

Chester County health department

Charrisse Allen

city council member

Ricky Campbell

real estate investor