Image: Left – Jeffrey Heiser, Owner of Stanley Steemer franchise in Gilbertsville; Right – John D. Kucher, Manager – Business Services at PPL Electric Utilities. Both were elected to the Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania board this spring.

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania Welcomes New Board Members

• Seasoned business leaders help raise awareness of and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families
• New Board Member was ESEP pediatric outpatient services consumer

(July 2024 – Allentown, Pennsylvania) – Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania (ESEP), providing services to 3,000 children and adults in a seven-county region that encompasses Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Schuylkill Counties, is pleased to welcome Jeffrey Heisey, Stanley Steemer, and John D. Kucher, MBA, PPL Electric Utilities, to the organization’s Board of Directors. Both are serving a three-year term.

“We are pleased to welcome Jeff and John to our board,” says Mindy McCormick, President & CEO of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “After electing new officers last fall, we are fortunate to continue to build our bench of local business leaders who can help bring awareness to our innovative programs and best practices. They are committed to our mission and delivering on its promise.”

As the Vice President of Operations at Brylin Inc, Jeffrey Heisey is the Owner of franchise Stanley Steemer in Gilbertsville. Raised in Berks County, Jeff graduated from Daniel Boone High School as an accomplished athlete prior to earning his degree in Business Administration from Slippery Rock University, where he held various leadership roles. An avid golfer, fisherman and photographer, Jeff is no stranger to the services and programs provided by Easterseals.

“I started my time with Easterseals in 1978 as a three-year old client who was walking on his toes and had a right arm that wasn’t easy for me to use,” says Jeff. “My childhood memories are littered with experiences that would not have been afforded to me without the assistance of Easterseals. It is only fitting that I try everything in my power to make sure that the children and families dealing with disabilities can continue to have the resources available to them in the future.”

After beginning his career at a wastewater treatment solutions provider, John D. Kucher has spent nearly 20 years building his leadership skills, first at Mack Trucks and now at PPL Electric Utilities as Manager – Business Services. Prior to earning degrees from Lehigh University and Moravian University, he was a member of the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

“I was approached to join the board last year,” says John. “At that time, I did some research on the organization and was impressed with the programs and initiatives to help those with disabilities in the communities where I live and work. I look forward to leveraging both my personal and professional experiences serving other organizations to help Easterseals Eastern PA in my capacity as a board member.”

Other members of the ESEP Board include: Chair – Michael Zalot, MBA, Ph.D.,Cedar Crest College; Vice Chair – Soo Yeon Sun, PT, Ph.D., Alvernia University; Jane Amato, Vice President, Commercial Lending, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, Co.; Marvin Balliet, Managing Director, Latin America Productivity, Citibank; William Blumer, Shareholder, Barley Snyder; Peter Cleff, Retired, PPL; Lynn Gerlach, Director, Marketing & Communications, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network; and Ashley Stofflet, East Penn Manufacturing.

About Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania serves children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, and other social, sensory, and developmental disorders and their families through various programs designed to increase independence, maximize opportunities, minimize barriers, and enhance the quality of life. Throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and northeastern Pennsylvania, Easterseals fosters environments where everyone is included and empowered regardless of ability. To learn more, visit easterseals.com/esep.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andrea Coyne