Meet Our Board and Staff
B.E.S.T. is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.
(*) indicates Neighborhood Resident
Meet Our Board:
Father Steve Simon* - Chairperson
Pastor, Russian Orthodox Old Rite Church of the Nativity
Professor, Mercyhurst University
Del Birch* - Vice-Chairperson
East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch
John Bonnett - Secretary
Stephen Murdock - Treasurer
Katie Bool Shafer – Assistant Secretary
UPMC Health Plan
Corey Cook
Erie Downtown Development Corporation
Jacqueline George*
Alan Hilling
Hilling Pfeffer Insurance
Bill Hoderny*
B.J. Lechner
Decision Associates
Nicholas Leofsky
Garrett Shames
Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, Glowacki Management Company
Jeff Williams
Frontier Lumber
Meet Our Staff:
Marcia K. Farrell, Ph.D.
Executive Director
P: 814-456-7062 ex.2
Marcia began working at B.E.S.T. in 2022. She returned to Erie in 2017, after a career as a tenured English professor. For B.E.S.T., Marcia oversees grant applications and reports, assists with rental communications, and record keeping.
John Crane
Director of Operations
Born and raised in Erie, and attended Collegiate Academy, John returned in 2014 and brings a strong background in business development, construction, operational strategy, property inspection, and marketing. He has previously held leadership roles such as:
- Executive Director / Co-Founder of a Legal Business Incubator
- General Manager of a Construction Wholesale Supply Company
- Owner of a Multi-State Property Inspection Firm
His career has also included helping small businesses improve their operations, customer experience, and strategic marketing. This combination of executive leadership, business consulting, and hands-on industry experience gives John a unique perspective to help strengthen our neighborhoods.
John’s education is just as diverse, spanning psychology, law, and market research. He has even co-authored 2 business books and published in the Michigan State Bar Journal, showing his commitment to sharing knowledge that creates real-world impact.
Megan Richter
Accountant