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

Corey Cook
Erie Downtown Development Corporation

Bonnie Fitzpatrick – Treasurer
Erie Insurance Group, SSV Treasury Management Work

B.J. Lechner
Decision Associates

Joe Krol*
Art Instructor

Joe Koehle*
East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch

Jacqueline George*
Board Member

Garrett Shames
Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, Glowacki Management Company

Michael Lorei
Corporate Real Estate, Erie Insurance Group

Alan Hilling
Hilling Pfeffer Insurance

John Bonnett - Secretary
Director Crisis Prevention and Management Work: Erie Insurance Group

Bill Hoderny*
Resident

Brian Iavarone
UPMC Hamot

Katie Bool Shafer
UPMC Health Plan

Meet Our Staff:
Jeremy Bloeser
Executive Director
P: 814-456-7062
E: jbloeser@besterie.org
Jeremy joined B.E.S.T. in 2011 and brings a variety of experiences in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he led a federal program to build capacity in nonprofit and faith based organizations. His many skills include leadership, budgeting, program design and coalition building. He is excited to build new skills and knowledge in fundraising, real estate and construction. His education includes a master’s degree in organizational leadership, and pursued a doctorate degree in organizational learning and leadership. Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife, Carrie, and their three children.

Marcia K. Farrell, Ph.D.
P: 814-456-7062 ex.2
E: mfarrell@besterie.org
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.

Megan Richter
Accountant

Starla Cochenour
Neighborhood Community Outreach Coordinator
P: 814-456-7062 ex.4
E: scochenour@bayfrontneighbors.org
In 2021, Starla and her partner became proud Erie residents and have enjoyed being a part of our active, inclusive community. She joined the team in 2023 as the Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator for both BEST and Our West Bayfront. She looks forward to helping further enrich our neighborhood.