Hosted at the West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland, PA, Meet The Funders will provide a unique insider’s look on what matters to funders, giving guidelines, and effective strategies for building relationships with giving foundations.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors, Members 1st Federal Credit Union and Productive Fundraising with Chad Barger!
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EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, September 17, 2026
9:00am Panel
10:30am Breakfast and Networking until 11:30am
West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge Street
New Cumberland, PA 17070
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PANELISTS
Jessica Richie
UPMC Pinnacle Foundation
Jessica serves as the President and Chief Development Officer for the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, a role she has held since 2015. The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation supports the needs of patients, staff and community members served by UPMC in Central Pennsylvania.
She previously served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Harrisburg Academy, in addition to 10 years in various resource development positions at Lebanon Valley College.
She is a member of the board of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Harrisburg Area YMCA, Harristown Development Corporation and Vista Autism Services. She is a member of the Susquehanna Valley Council of Charitable Gift Planners, Pinnacle Health Auxiliary, Harrisburg Symphony Society, United Way of the Capital Region’s Tocqueville Society and Women’s Leadership Network, and a 2014 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area's Community Leadership Series.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration, both from Lebanon Valley College.
Sara Firestone
Members 1st Charitable Foundation
Sara Firestone is the Vice President of Community and Public Relations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union. Sara and her team are responsible for the credit union’s communications and public relations efforts, along with community involvement throughout the 12-county service area of Members 1st. Through sponsorships, events and relationships with local non-profit organizations, Members 1st has become a leader in community involvement.
Sara also serves as the Executive Director of the Members 1st Charitable Foundation.
Prior to joining Members 1st in 2012, Sara was privileged to serve as the Director of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Sara serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA and Children’s Miracle Network Hershey and is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area.
Of all these roles, Sara’s greatest role is mother to her children Addison and Andrew.
Alicia Bozic
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland
Alicia Bozic serves as a Senior Public Affairs Specialist for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland, leading community engagement and philanthropic initiatives across the company’s Pennsylvania and Maryland service territories. Over the course of her 13½-year career with Columbia Gas, she has worked in Regulatory Compliance, Damage Prevention, and Public Affairs & Government Relations, giving her a broad perspective on the company's commitment to serving communities.
In her current role, Alicia works closely with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and local stakeholders to identify opportunities that strengthen communities and improve quality of life. She oversees the NiSource Charitable Foundation charitable giving program, community partnerships, employee volunteer initiatives, and investments that support local needs. Her passion for community impact extends beyond her professional role through her service on the Board of Directors for York Habitat for Humanity, where she also chairs the Women Build Committee.
Drawing on her extensive experience in damage prevention and public safety, Alicia also serves as the natural gas industry representative on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's Damage Prevention Committee, where she collaborates with industry and regulatory stakeholders to advance safe excavation practices across the Commonwealth.
Alicia's philanthropic interests focus on safety and basic needs, particularly initiatives that promote safe and affordable housing, address food insecurity, and create opportunities for families to achieve long-term stability. Throughout her career and community service, she has been driven by a commitment to safety and well-being, and she is passionate about building partnerships that help individuals, families, and communities thrive.
MODERATOR
Dr. Ivy R. Buchan
Invoke Nonprofit Consulting
Dr. Ivy R. Buchan is the Principal of Invoke Nonprofit Consulting, a woman-owned firm that helps nonprofits strengthen strategy, fundraising, leadership, and community impact. Dr. Buchan has more than two decades of experience, is the co-founder of an AI grant research and writing platform, Easy Grant Writer, earned her PhD in Administration and Leadership Studies in the Nonprofit Sector, is a nationally and state-licensed consultant, AFP Certified Facilitator, community board leader, and co- founder of two nonprofits. She specializes in collaborative systems, engagement strategies, board governance, and strategic planning.
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