The Alliance for Health Equity
Board of Directors & Staff
Staff
What fuels your passion to work at The Alliance for Health Equity?

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
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
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
Development and Communications Manager

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
Donor Liaison

Lissette Vilarchao
Cross-Sector partnership manager
Board Officers
How did your personal passion shape your decision to join the Board?

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Commissioner

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
West Chester Univsersity
Jeanne Franklin
Chester County health department
Charrisse Allen
city council member
Ricky Campbell
real estate investor