Community Builders honored at achievement ceremony

WAYNESBURG — Graduates of the 12th Community Builders of Greene County leadership program were honored at a ceremony at The Foundation Room of the Community Foundation of Greene County.
Sixteen individuals received the Community Builders Nonprofit Leadership certification for completing the course on management and leadership of nonprofit organizations. Each 2015 graduate received a framed certificate, a pin, a chocolate hammer and a copy of How Effective Nonprofits Work.
Recipients
The sixteen individuals who earned the Nonprofit Leadership certification were:
Ashley Beaman, Greater Waynesburg Christian Outreach; Jessica Cole, Corner Cupboard Food Bank; Maribeth Coote; Kayla Coss, Bridget Dennison, Community Action Southwest Senior Services; Cathy Jennings, Greene County Human Services, CST; Alexandra Johnson, Greene County Historical Society; Rocky King, Monongahela Township Maletic House Committee; Melody Longstreth, Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce; Debbie Metheny; Lisa Milan, Greene County Human Services; Trudi Monahan, Monongahela Township Maletic House Committee; William Monahan, Monongahela Township supervisor; Robert Reash; Marshall Simmons, Greene County Historical Society; and Adrienne Tharp, Waynesburg University, Bonner Scholar Program Coordinator.
Builder of the Year
The Community Builder of the Year Award was presented to William Monahan. The award, which is based on nominations by class members, recognizes the participant who displays the characteristics of a community builder throughout the program.
What they do
Community Builders provides training for persons interested in volunteering their time and talents to support Greene County nonprofit organizations.
The nonprofit leadership program explores leadership, nonprofit governance and boards of directors, financial management, communication and team work, strategic planning, public relations, grant writing, fundraising and volunteer engagement. This series is geared to helping citizens become better volunteers with non-profit organizations in the community, whether it be through activities such as serving on non-profit boards, volunteering on fundraising committees, or providing volunteer services.
Instructors
Instructors for the program are local and regional experts in each of the topics. Introduction to Leadership was led by Dr. Nancy Davis, energy industry liaison, Greene County Education Center WCCC. Strategic Planning was led by Bruce Decker, founder and principal partner of Collective Impact. Marketing Your Success was led by Lynn and Joe Manning, principal partners, Alpha Omega Communications. Introduction to Board Governance was led by Darlene Bigler, president and CEO of Community Action Southwest. Financial Management for Boards was led by Thomas G. Milinovich, CPA, CFP, Milinovich & Company. Effective Communication was led by Jon Laughner, Penn State Cooperative Extension. Engaging Volunteers was led by Nancy Riggle, Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, Greene County coordinator. Developing Nonprofit Resources was led by Bettie Stammerjohn, executive director of the Community Foundation of Greene County.
Steering committee
Local leaders serving on the Community Builders steering committee in 2015 were Karen Bennett, director, Greene County Department of Human Services; Darlene Bigler; Dr. Nancy Davis; Haley Finley, Community Builder graduate and Community Builder of the Year 2012-13; Kime Grimes, vice president, PNC Bank; Connie Hart, Community Builder of the Year 2013-14; Thelma Szarell, superintendent, West Greene School District; and Barbara Wise, executive director, Greene County United Way and Community Builder of the Year 2004.
Next series
The 13th series of Community Builders of Greene County will begin Aug. 29, 2016. The program will meet every other Monday through Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information on Community Builders of Greene County call 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.