Meet The Team
Board Members & Staff
The Nonprofit Partnership is proud to be guided by a dedicated and dynamic board of directors whose leadership, vision, and strategic expertise help shape the organization’s direction. Committed to best practices in nonprofit governance, our board provides thoughtful oversight and guidance that ensures we remain focused, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of the nonprofit sector.
Working alongside our board is a passionate and skilled staff team that brings our mission to life each day. Through collaboration, innovation, and deep commitment to the sector, our staff supports nonprofits in building capacity, strengthening impact, and achieving their goals—together advancing a stronger, more connected community.
Our Board of Directors
Del Birch
Board President
Retired (United Way of Erie County)
Michael P. Thomas
Vice President
Partner, MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton
Patrick Wachter, CIC
Treasurer
Vice President, Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency
Michelle Patalon, MBA, CPCU
Secretary
Senior Project Manager, Erie Insurance Group
Breanna Adams
Founder & Director, Erie Free Store | Grants Specialist, Snap-tite Hose
Gerald Blanks
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Erie Economic Development Corporation (GEEDC)
Kurt B. Crays, MDiv, CFRM
Chief Executive Officer, Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA)
Cassie Dundon, MS, LPC
Executive Director, Achievement Center of LECOM Behavioral Health
Jenny Weigold Geertson
Director of Community Outreach,
Erie Insurance Group
Patrick Herr, MSW
Vice President of Community Impact,
Erie Community Foundation
Erika Ramalho
Northwest Regional Director, Department of Community & Economic Development, Governor's Action Team
Jonathan Rilling
Chief Operating Officer, Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA)
Dr. Matthew Stinson
Vice President for Advancement, Allegheny College
Brandon Wiley, MS, LPC
Founder, OpenedEyes
Dr. Mengzhong Zhang
Associate Professor & Masters Public Administration Program Director, Gannon University
Dr. Mengzhong Zhang
Associate Professor & Masters Public Administration Program Director, Gannon University
Our Staff
At The Nonprofit Partnership, our passionate and talented team works tirelessly to bring our mission to life.
Each staff member brings unique skills, creativity, and a deep dedication to supporting nonprofits in their pursuit of excellence.
Adam C. Bratton is a nonprofit executive with nearly 30 years of leadership experience strengthening professional practice, building fundraising programs, and advancing mission effectiveness across diverse organizations. As Executive Director of The Nonprofit Partnership, he has expanded sector-wide capacity-building resources, delivering education, consulting, and support services to thousands of nonprofit professionals.
He is the creator of the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Tool, helping organizations benchmark their capabilities and make data-informed decisions for growth. Through leadership and fundraising training programs grounded in ethical practice and practical skill development, Adam’s work centers on equipping nonprofit leaders to drive meaningful, lasting community impact.
Emmy is a dynamic and accomplished leader with a background in community engagement, public health, and nonprofit governance. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections, she is eager to build upon the relationships she made in Erie through her previous role in community engagement with the All of Us Research Program. She currently serves as the VP of Education for the Association of Fundraising Professionals NWPA Chapter. Emmy’s dedication to our community earned her recognition as one of Erie’s 40 Under 40.
With expertise in governance, policy change, efficiency, and strategy, Emmy will continue to help us make a difference in the nonprofit sector.
Kensley is an up-and-coming nonprofit leader with expertise in communications, design, photography, and event planning. She graduated from Point Park University with a degree in Multimedia and Nonprofit Management. Kensley is passionate about supporting women’s and children’s organizations, having previously worked at Pittsburgh Scholar House and Girls Inc Pittsburgh. She supports the Partnership's daily operations, executing marketing and planning functions, and serves as the member point of contact.
Born and raised in Erie, she is dedicated to strengthening her community through her work.
August 13, 2025
The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives
by Regan Ganoe, Operations & Events Assistant - The Nonprofit Partnership
Gen Z is reshaping the nonprofit sector with fresh ideas, social justice passion, and a drive to lead meaningful change.
Read More ⇢
May 12, 2025
The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers
by Adam Bratton, Executive Director - The Nonprofit Partnership
Organizational assessments often get a bad rap—but when done right, they cut through the noise, refocus your team on the mission, and turn reflection into real, strategic growth.
Read More ⇢
March 3, 2025
Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan
by Jeff Bagel, CFRE - eAdvancement Consulting
A strong annual fundraising plan (AFP) helps nonprofits work smarter and stay mission-focused. Join Jeff Bagel on May 14 to refine your AFP and boost your impact!
Read More ⇢
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests