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BETHLEHEM, PA – The Via of the Lehigh Valley Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Lisa Walkiewicz as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective December 15, 2019. Mary Joy Kaiser, the current President, is resigning after nine years of service. Walkiewicz currently serves as Via’s Executive Director.
Kaiser joined Via as President/CEO in 2010. Under her leadership, the Via team has grown annual revenues and expanded its geographic footprint from primarily serving Lehigh and Northampton to now include Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Bucks and Berks counties. Important new services have been added including autism services, employment services for high school students, expanded clinical services and inclusive early education. This increase in geographic scope and services has resulted in services to more than 1,200 annually.
Board Chair Jerry Somers expressed the gratitude of the entire Via family for Kaiser’s contributions, stating, “Via has grown tremendously under Mary Joy’s leadership, dedication and creativity. We are grateful for all she has done to help people reach their full potential and for the team she has put in place to lead Via into the future.”
Somers noted that Via is fortunate to have an accomplished professional in Lisa Walkiewicz ready and able to assume the CEO position. Walkiewicz has been with Via for 13 years and has been an integral part of Via’s growth over the past decade. She has served as Vice President of Communications, Chief Operating Officer and, since 2018, Executive Director.
Somers said, “Lisa is well respected by the board, staff, participants, funders, donors and stakeholders. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail and focus on growth and accountability make her a strong leader to take Via into the future.”
Walkiewicz earned a bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University. She also holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from La Salle University and attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Business for Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations.
Via’s mission is to help people reach their full potential through a rewarding career, meaningful relationships and an enriching community life. Serving our community since 1952, Via provides services for 1,200 children and adults with disabilities in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Bucks and Berks counties. Via helps adults find and sustain employment within multiple industries and service sectors. Early Intervention therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapy to children to advance competencies and reach developmental milestones. Programs for young adults focus on networking with peers and gaining vocational skills in preparation for life after graduation. Our staff help individuals of all ages gain life skills, develop friendships, and learn how to take advantage of all the community has to offer. In addition to providing a variety of high-quality programs, Via also advocates for inclusion and equal access to community activities. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michele Grasso, MPA
Vice President of Development & Communications
Via of the Lehigh Valley
http://www.ViaNet.org/
