Mt. Airy USA, a non-profit community development corporation serving the Mt. Airy neighborhood, has appointed three new members to three-year terms on its Board of Directors: Attorney Anuj Gupta, non-profit consultant Sylvie Renee Gallier Howard, and community leader Clifton C. Jones.

Gallier Howard brings more than a decade of diverse non-profit leadership. Currently an independent consultant for various nonprofits and foundations, she has worked for the City of Philadelphia to develop a framework for its Small Business Loan Guarantee Fund and founded her own international tourism business that provides cultural exchange opportunities in Ecuador. Gallier Howard earned her B.A. in International Relations at Barnard College at Columbia University and her M.A. in Sociology at Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales. She is also a board member with the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Gupta has specialized in project management, real estate and politics and works in the Office of the Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia as the Deputy Director for Performance Management. He is responsible for starting and managing PhillyStat, Mayor Michael Nutter’s management tool for developing accountability, transparency and monitoring performance with outcome measurements for city agencies. Gupta earned his B.S. in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University and his J.D. at The University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is also a board member with the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvania.

After 10 years as a U.S. Marine and more than a decade in corporate banking and involvement with non-profits, Jones became Director of Operations for New Covenant Church and Campus in Mt. Airy last June. Jones manages and conducts all phases of church and non-profit administration, including marketing, grant positioning, entity incorporation, personnel training, workshops, facilities management and government relations. Jones earned his B.S. in Business Administration at Drexel University and his M.S. in Non-Profit Management at Eastern University.

Ken Miller of Lafayette Hill, PA came to Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in 1996 with an open mind, open heart, and desire to learn a new skill. He became an ASB Braille Transcriber and couldn’t be happier! Ken, a chemist and quality assurance analyst at Smith Kline & French (now GlaxoSmithKline), retired in 1991 and went on to work with a smaller firm until 1996 when he retired for good. With all the free time on his hands, Ken’s wife suggested he get involved and try something new. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Ken came across ASB’s ad in a newspaper for volunteers to learn Braille Transcribing. Curious, he signed up and began taking classes that fall. By summer of 1997, he passed his certification and became a full fledged ASB Volunteer Braille Transcriber.  “Volunteering, for me, has been something I always knew I would do when I retired,” said Ken. “It’s the time we give back to those who need it most.” Braille transcribers create literature in braille from their printed counterparts. Computer programs such as Edgar and Micro Braille allow you to translate written words into braille. Transcribers work on pieces including textbooks from first grade to college, novels, foreign language pieces, menus, and other personal items.  Ken’s enthusiasm for Braille Transcribing is delightful,” said Patricia C. Johnson, ASB President & CEO.

“The work he does helps children and adults who are blind experience the same joys as their sighted peers and puts them on an equal playing field in school and everyday life. ASB is truly appreciative of Ken’s dedication and commitment.” Today, Ken is one of 20 dedicated ASB Braille Transcribers and enjoys brailling medical, health, and geography related materials. He’s currently working on an assignment in French.  “I found ASB and became fascinated by what they do within the agency... it’s quite remarkable,” said Ken.  “I’ve never met a more dedicated group of volunteers as I have with my fellow transcribers. I’m excited to volunteer for an organization that does incredible work for a remarkable population.” In Ken’s spare time, he enjoys watching the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and is a big sports fan of his alma-mater, Penn State. He and his wife just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Ken is a father of two and grandfather of three, soon to be four – his daughter-in-law is expecting.

For her remarkable passion and willingness to serve others, Michelle Mactavish has been named the “Roxborough YMCA Volunteer of the Year.” YMCA CEO and President John Flynn recognized Mactavish at the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity’s Annual Meeting on June 11. Pictured here (from left) are Larry Smith, Chair of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity Board of  Managers, Michelle Mactavish, and John Flynn, President and CEO of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity. Mactavish is a tireless and tenacious supporter of the special events held at the Roxborough YMCA. Mactavish also served as Chair of the Roxborough YMCA’s 2009 Strong Kids Campaign. A longtime member of the YMCA, Mactavish lives in Germantown with her husband and three sons.