Staff Updates – January 2022
FOND FAREWELL
- Greg Bott, Regional Development Director - GLVPR
It is with mixed emotions we share that Greg Bott will be leaving SOPA to take a new position in higher education. We are excited for him because he has long wanted to work in higher Ed. But, we are also very sad to lose Greg as a colleague. He has done an excellent job as the very first Director of Development in a regional office. In addition to development work, Greg established and fostered meaningful relationships with our volunteers and athletes in our local teams. He has been a truly valued member of the larger Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region team. He has also been fun, diligent and hardworking and will be missed! Greg’s last day will be January 25 and he has graciously agreed to help out on a part time basis to get us through our Polar Plunge on February 19.
- Carrie Hucker Jaumann, Director of State LETR Events and Engagement
It is with gratitude, congratulations and sadness we announce that Carrie Hucker Jaumann has left SOPA for a new opportunity.
During her time with SOPA (11 years), Carrie has led the Pittsburgh Plunge through its infancy to its current position as SOPA’s premier Plunge, raising nearly $625,000 during the Plunge’s 10th Anniversary Year (2020). During the initial COVID shut-down, Carrie played a key leadership role in establishing the fundraising events task force and ensuring the success of 2021’s Polar POP. Carrie is a caring and compassionate leader who delivers on her promises, supporting our LETR partners and program with true integrity. Our LETR program here in Pennsylvania is poised for growth with SOPA’s new Strategic Plan, thanks especially to Carrie’s relationships, efforts and dedication.
Carrie will be supporting the transition of our LETR program, including the Pittsburgh Plunge, on a part-time basis for the next few months. During this time, you can continue to reach her on her SOPA email.
We wish each of these staff members the best in their future endeavors!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
- Jessie Merckle, Allegheny County Sports Director
Jessie has experience in the Sports Director role from her time at the YMCA in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Along with her professional experience, as a graduate of Wake Forest University, Jessie competed on the track and field team winning the individual ACC Championship three times and team award four times.
Jessie has a passion for creating a better experience for our athletes and volunteers through organized processes and relationships. We are extremely excited to have Jessie on the SOPA team as we continue to work towards doing MORE and BETTER for our athletes.
- Marcia Carnes, Development Database Manager
We are very pleased to announce that Marcia Carnes joined the SOPA team as the Development Database Manager.
Marcia comes to us from her most recent position at Chester County History Center, and she has extensive experience managing donor databases, including with Raiser’s Edge (our state donor database software.)
- Marie Costello, Development Director – The Wilds Region
We are very excited to announce that Marie Costello has joined our newly formed region 2 – The Wilds Region – as the Development Director. Marie has 25 years of experience in management along with 15 years in marketing and fundraising development expertise with the American Cancer Society. She also brings 6 years of experience in media and promotional work. Along with her professional experience, Marie has been a seasoned volunteer with SOPA as a volunteer coordinator and a track coach in McKean County. She has even attended State Games with her athletes.
Marie is a people focused leader that is dedicated and passionate about driving success and awareness to purpose driven causes. She developed and directed the first community employment program in McKean County and is proud that it is still viable today. She is excited to develop and drive sustainable and successful fundraising initiatives The Wilds Region.
Please welcome our new staff to the team!
OPEN POSITIONS
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the SOPA team, please pass the word along about our open positions under employment opportunities. Some positions may not yet be listed. Please check back frequently.