Joe Savage will serve as Board Chair; new board members announced.

Allentown, PA, October 1, 2024 – Joe Savage, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Victaulic, will serve as Chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Board of Directors. In the role of Board Chair, Savage will volunteer his leadership and expertise to help United Way grow and strengthen its service to the community.

“Giving back to the community is something I’m personally passionate about, and I’ve always admired United Way’s ability to address our community’s most pressing challenges. I’m deeply committed to ensuring our community continues to have the support and resources it needs to thrive. I look forward to working alongside such a dedicated team to continue making a meaningful difference,” said Savage.

The data shows that 144,000 families in the Greater Lehigh Valley are still struggling to make ends meet. Your United Way is committed to stabilizing the community with three bold goals that ensure that more students succeed in school, more older adults have access to essential resources to stay healthy and every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley has a solid foundation of food, housing and mental health services.

“Your United Way is focused on the significant work ahead. We face our community’s big problems with BOLD solutions to ensure that everyone has the resources and opportunities to thrive. We’re fortunate to have Joe’s leadership as we continue to drive positive outcomes across the region,” remarked Marci Lesko, United Way Chief Executive Officer.

Savage joined Victaulic, a long-time corporate partner and member of United Way’s Cornerstone Society, in August 2006. United Way’s Cornerstone Society consists of 22 generous and deeply committed partners that help our community with annual contributions of $100,000 or more. Before joining Victaulic, Savage spent 13 years at United Technologies’ Carrier Corporation based in Syracuse, N.Y., where he held numerous executive positions including Vice President of Finance for its North American Commercial business unit. Savage is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the State of New York.

Savage has consistently demonstrated his commitment to United Way through his service as Vice Chair of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s board since 2022 and also held a board seat with United Way of Central New York. His local community activities have included Chair of the Saucon Valley Foundation for Education Innovation and President of the Saucon Valley Lacrosse Club. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y. and was also a trustee of the Toys for Tots Foundation in Central New York.

Savage is joined by Vice Chair Matt Green, an accomplished technology executive who has served in a variety of leadership roles including Chief Information and Digital Officer for PPL Corporation. A dedicated supporter and member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society and Legacy Circle, Green joined the board in 2020 and has chaired the strategic technology committee, playing an important role in modernizing the organization’s technology systems. He was recently appointed chair of the organization’s impact council, which provides oversight to approximately $12 million in community investments across Lehigh, Carbon and Northampton counties.

“As a longtime supporter, I’m truly honored to help guide our local United Way into its next chapter of growth and continue to set a national standard for excellence,” said Green.

Savage and Green’s terms are effective July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026.

United Way also welcomes Vicki Doulé of Capital Blue Cross, Dwayne Jones of Preventive Measures, Inc., Tracy Piazza of Easton Area School District and Jack Silva, Ed.D. of Bethlehem Area School District to the Board of Directors.

Vicki Doulé is the Lehigh Valley Executive and Vice President, Distribution Channels at Capital Blue Cross, where she drives the company’s growth and commitment in the region. She also oversees Capital’s distribution channel strategy, focusing on producer partnerships and sales and service at Capital’s retail centers, including locations in Allentown and Center Valley. Doulé leads a dedicated team that embodies Capital’s mission to improve the health and well-being of its members and the communities in which they live.

Dwayne Jones is the CEO of Preventive Measures, Inc., a leading outpatient mental health and homecare organization with wellness centers in Allentown, East Stroudsburg and Philadelphia, Pa., as well as Washington, D.C., and Conyers, Ga. He also serves as the Chairman of The Preventive Measures Foundation.

Tracy Piazza is a lifelong resident of Easton and is an advocate for public education and social equity. Piazza is an administrator who has worked in the Easton Area School District (EASD) for 36 years and currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools for EASD. She previously served as a teacher, principal, director and assistant superintendent.

Jack Silva, Ed.D. is the current Superintendent of Schools for the Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, Pa. Silva is dedicated to serving and supporting the academic and social growth of students, families and educators of the Bethlehem Area School District with the purpose of building a stronger community.

All member appointments are effective July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.

Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Chief Engagement Officer
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley