Hope Enterprises Announces New Board Chair and Officers

July 07, 2017

Group photo of the new board and chair officers

At its June 29 meeting, the board of directors of Hope Enterprises Inc. elected a new chairman and slate of officers to two-year terms, effective July 1. The board also welcomed two new members and recognized outgoing members for their service to the organization.

Jerry L. Wertz, a member of the Hope board since 2011, was elected chair. Wertz, who is president and chief executive officer of Data Papers Inc. in Muncy, most recently served as vice chair. A resident of Watsontown, Wertz also serves on the board of the Lycoming Economic Development Foundation and the Susquehanna Health Foundation. Wertz succeeds outgoing Hope chair Lauren C. Bryson, who will serve a one-year term as past chair.

"I am honored to continue to serve Hope in this expanded capacity as it provides critical programs and services that benefit individuals with intellectual disABILITIES and their families as well as others in our broader community," said Wertz. "I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated members of Hope's board and president Rob Labatch to advance Hope's mission in our region."

Labatch, who has been with Hope since 2014 and was named president in December 2016, thanked Bryson for her accomplishments as board chair.

"We are grateful to Lauren for her passion for and dedication to Hope and the individuals we serve and for having led us through this season of change," said Labatch. "We look forward to her continued presence on the board."

In addition to Bryson and Labatch, other board officers include: James K. Shillenn, vice chairman; Michael P. Barclay, treasurer; and George Johnson, secretary.

New to the 22-member volunteer board are Williamsport resident Ken Healy, executive vice president of PMF Industries; and Robert I. Herzenberg of South Williamsport, who recently retired from Axiom Automotive. Both will serve on the board's industrial advisory committee.

"We're excited to welcome Ken and Bob to the Hope board," said Wertz. "Each brings a wealth of experience from our region's business community that will be invaluable to us moving forward."

Outgoing board members, whose terms expired June 30, include Kathryn Brown-Wehr of Montoursville and Barb Natell, formerly of Williamsport.

Hope's board provides policy and strategic direction to advance Hope's mission, which is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disABILITIES by providing them with caring supports and responsive programs and services.

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Hope Enterprises Announces New Board Chair and Officers

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