Photo Credit: JP8 Visual Media
Photo Credit: JP8 Visual Media
Our Board of Trustees
The members of our board of trustees are community leaders who have made a significant contribution to our foundation.
Each and every one of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Jennifer is a dedicated mother of three, with two having graduated from the Oley Valley School District and one currently enrolled. Jennifer, together with her husband, Jason, and their three children, moved to the Oley Valley School District in 2012, where they quickly fell in love with the small town and the school district.
Before joining the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation, Jennifer has worked as the Director of the Oley Valley Community Library, where she still volunteers, as the Publisher of a local online community newsletter, and as a Payroll Administrator for a concrete construction company.
Beyond her professional roles, Jennifer finds joy in traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, and bowling with the Ladies Bowling Team at the Oley Fire Company.
Tom Kauffman
OVCEF President
Trustee since 2005
Tax Director for East Penn Manufacturing Co.
Tom, a dedicated OVCEF member for 19 years, embraced community involvement as his children approached school age and never looked back. A Schuylkill Valley High School and Kutztown University graduate, he and his wife, an Oley alum, made Oley Valley their home in 1999. Raising two daughters who graduated from Oley Valley, Tom extends his commitment to community beyond the Foundation. He generously volunteers for other non-profits, contributing to Hawk Mountain Council, BSA; Kutztown University, and the Berks History Center.
Stephanie Waits
OVCEF Vice President
Trustee since 2022
Oley Valley Class of 1997
AVP, Executive Assistant and Corporate Secretary for Tompkins Community Bank
Stephanie is deeply committed to giving back to her roots. Graduating from and now having her children attend the same school, she actively supports the organization that shaped her academic journey. Embracing the mission, Stephanie finds fulfillment in providing tools and opportunities for children and the community to thrive. With a 2021 OVHS graduate and a middle schooler, her familial connection to the district runs deep. Stephanie's love for turtles, rooted in a middle school turtle club started by her and her friends, showcases her enduring passion. In their leisure, she and her family enjoy camping adventures in their travel trailer, creating cherished memories together.
Ashley Blessing
OVCEF Treasurer
Trustee since 2023
Senior Manager for Herbein + Co.
Ashley joined OVCEF, driven by a desire to give back to her community and actively engage in her children's school district. Married with two children in the district, both actively participating in OVYL sports, she is deeply connected to the local community. Apart from her Foundation involvement, Ashley serves on the board of Discovery Federal Credit Union and is a committee member at Rock Hollow Woods. During her free time, she finds joy in family moments, reading, cooking, and exploring nature through hiking.
Lisa Schaeffer
OVCEF Secretary
Trustee since 2019
Oley Valley Class of 1988
VP, Marketing & Business Development for Levan Machine & Truck Equipment
Lisa joined OVCEF driven by a keen awareness of the Foundation's impactful work in the school district and community. With two sons residing in the Oley Valley District and plans to raise future generations here, Lisa's commitment to OVCEF is deeply rooted. She extends her community engagement as a member of the Oley Fire Company, Woman's Club of Oley Valley, and a Supervisor for Oley Township. Balancing her civic duties, she and her husband, Ed, also an Oley alum, cherish travel and exploring new restaurants, while her creative side shines through in selling handcrafted home decor items at local craft shows.
Kevin Bieber
Trustee since 2000
Oley Valley Class of 1987
Relationship Manager / Commercial Lender for Fleetwood Bank
Kevin is a lifelong resident and proud alum of Oley Valley High School, and has dedicated over three decades to the banking field. Beyond finance, Kevin serves as President of the Oley Valley Fair Association since 2003, a Trustee of the Oley Fire Company since 1989, and Treasurer of the Oley Township Municipal Authority. His commitment extends to education as a member of the Oley Valley High School FFA Agricultural Advisory Board. Kevin's contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the OVCEF Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004, PA Friend of the Fair Award in 2010, and PA Fair Person of the Year Award in 2013.
Mike Billera-Smith
Trustee since 2019
V.P. — Financial Advisor for Fulton Financial Advisors
Mike is passionate about supporting students, faculty and community members, which is why he sought to get involved with the Foundation. Alongside his wife, an OVHS alum, they reside in the Oley Valley School District raising their two sons, and both are actively involved in the community, particularly with the Oley Valley Youth League. Mike serves as Treasurer and chair the Development Committee for Prospectus Berco, in addition to his advisor role with the Tri-Valley YMCA. Beyond his community commitments, Mike and his family enjoy camping, beach outings, and he finds solace in golf when not in the office.
Mike Bucklin
Trustee since 2021
Wealth Advisor for Truist Wealth
Mike became involved with OVCEF to make a difference within the Oley Valley. Armed with a BSBA in Marketing from Kutztown University, he witnessed the impact of funds raised by the Foundation and was inspired to contribute. Moving to Oley Valley in 2019, Mike and his wife now raise their two daughters in the district. Beyond work and family, he indulges in golf, hiking, and avidly follows baseball and football, embodying a commitment to both local engagement and personal interests.
Tracy Donoff
Trustee since 2017
Tuition & Financial Aid Coordinator for Berks Catholic High School
Tracy, an Owen J. Roberts High School alum, passionately champions enhanced educational opportunities for Oley Valley School District. As a parent to three Oley Valley graduates, her commitment extends beyond nostalgia, driving her to actively engage with students and the community, embodying OVCEF's mission to positively impact the district's educational landscape for students, staff, alumni and the community.
Valerie Downing
Trustee since 2022
Oley Valley Class of 1990
Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving for Lafayette College
Valerie returns to her roots to give back and mentor Oley Valley High School students. As a first-generation college graduate from Elizabethtown College with a degree in marketing and finance, she embarked on a banking career. Juggling a full-time profession and motherhood, Valerie, an honored 2022 Distinguished Alumni Awardee from OVCEF, earned her MBA from Cedar Crest College. Outside her thriving career, she finds joy in family time, accompanied by her two golden retrievers, golfing, and traveling.
Kelsey Feeg
Trustee since 2020
Oley Valley Class of 2011
Ag Lending Manager with Horizon Farm Credit
Kelsey, a proud OVSD alum, finds great privilege in reinforcing programs aligned with the Foundation's impactful goals. Holding a BS in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and an MBA from Wilkes University, Kelsey is dedicated to ensuring the success of these efforts for her community. Alongside her husband, she cherishes camping trips and family time with their two young daughters.
Lauren Gluckman
Trustee since 2023
Head of Revenue Operations with PCMI
Lauren believes in taking an active roll in the community based on passion and values. A graduate of Virginia Tech and West Chester University, she brings a wealth of education to her community involvement. With two children in the district, Lauren, along with her husband, coaches their kids' sports teams. Beyond that, she finds joy in lifting and working out, cooking, family time, and party planning.
Chris Hartman
Trustee since 2018
Partner at Hartman, Valeriano, Magovern & Lutz, P.C.
Chris, a graduate of the University of Virginia, obtained his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Together with his wife and children, Chris resides in the Oley Valley. In addition to serving as a trustee for OVCEF, Chris serves as solicitor to numerous Townships, Authorities and Zoning Hearing Boards throughout Berks County.
Joe Hartz
Trustee since 2010
President of UGI Energy Services
Joe, a graduate of Penn State University, is a parent of three Oley Valley graduates. His commitment to the school and community is unwavering. Beyond his Foundation involvement, he volunteers with the Boy Scouts, Berks United Way, and various nonprofits, embodying a spirit of service that leaves a lasting impact on both the school and broader community.
Ryan Krall
Trustee since 2022
Oley Valley Class of 2014
Manager for Herbein + Company, Inc.
Ryan, an OVHS graduate, feels fortunate for the support he received from OVCEF during his school days. Now involved with the Foundation, he's committed to ensuring that future students enjoy the same benefits. A West Chester University alum, Ryan enjoys golfing and along with his wife, Thalia, and their two dogs, Ember and Elia, finds joy in hiking. His dedication to giving back reflects a belief in the importance of community support for education.
Brian Pawling
Trustee since 2023
Business Administator for Radnor Township School District
Brian joined the Foundation driven by a commitment to serve his community and school district. With a background in school finance, he brings valuable expertise to impact students positively. His connection to Oley deepens as his son navigates high school and his wife teaches Spanish there. Currently, he serves as VP of PASBO, set to lead as President in 2026. He cherishes family travel and playful moments with the family's two golden doodles.
Nathan Pletscher
Trustee since 2021
Oley Valley Class of 2004
Director of Business Development with Forino Co., LP
Nate found resonance with the Foundation's values, offering actionable ways to enhance the educational landscape and uplift lives within the Oley Valley. A 2008 graduate of Alvernia University, Nate, along with his wife, is devoted to bringing up their three children within the Oley Valley School District. He enjoys coaches youth sports, imparting not just skills but also fostering sportsmanship, healthy competition, and collaboration embodying his commitment to both education and community engagement.
Tom Price
Trustee since 2014
Retired CPA
Tom found inspiration to give back after his two children graduated from Oley. Armed wtih a BS in Accounting from Bloomsburg University, he channels his financial acumen as a valuable member of our Foundation. Beyond his commitment to education, Tom is an active member of the Finance Committee at Friedens Lutheran Church. In his leisure, he indulges in golf, walks, books, and the thrill of watching football.
Steven Rodriguez
Trustee since 2024
Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner for Penn State Health, St. Joseph
Steven is a passionate advocate for educationa nd youth development in the Oley Valley community. He brings a wealth of knowledge in the medical field, which he shares through teaching CPR and life support courses. Steven is a dedicated father to Anthony and Benjamin, a loving husband to Kristin, and a committed volunteer, coaching youth baseball and assisting with STEM after-school programs at Oley Valley Elementary. When he's not working or volunteering, Steven enjoys outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking and boating, along with a deep love for baseball.
Dr. Melissa L. Woodard
Trustee since 2018
Superintendent for Wyomissing School District
Driven by a passion for enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement, Missy joined OVCEF to actively contribute to educational initiatives and community development within the Oley Valley School District where she and her family live. She brings an extensive knowledge of education to the Foundation with degrees and certifications from West Chester, Kutztown, Alvernia, and Immaculata Universities. In her freetime, you can find Missy and her husband attending her children's sporting events, both students of the Oley Valley School District, reading, and exercising.
To learn more about how you can get involved with the Foundation,
Oley Valley Community Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.