
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
Jennifer Geertson - Secretary
PNC Bank
Bonnie Fitzpatrick – Treasurer
Erie Insurance Group, SSV Treasury Management Work
Monsignor Henry Kriegel*
St. Patrick Parish
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
Kathy McCormick
Property Owner
John Bonnett
Director Crisis Prevention and Management Work: Erie Insurance Group
Bill Hoderny*
Resident
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.
Tim Shannon
Operations Director
P: 814-456-7062 ex.3
E: tshannon@besterie.org
Tim joined B.E.S.T. in 2018, previously working in property management in Erie for the last 10 years. On the team, Tim is instrumental in B.E.S.T.’s property and rental management operations, leading our tenant outreach efforts and overseeing home redevelopment projects. Originally from Batavia, NY, Tim, and his wife happily call the East Bayfront home.
Megan Richter
Accountant
Haleigh Coar
AmeriCorps VISTA - Fresh Foods Initiative
P: 814-456-7062 ex.2
E: hcoar∂besterie.org