Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation Announces Program Officer Changes
(Left to right) Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation Program Officers Howard Brown, Ashley Pultorak and Craig Colistra.
Pottstown, PA – April 11, 2016 The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation welcomed two new program officers to its staff within the last two months — Craig Colistra and Howard Brown.
Craig Colistra, program officer for recreation and health, joined the Foundation staff in February 2016. He received his doctorate in parks, recreation and tourism management from Clemson University, his Master of Science degree in recreation and leisure facilities and services administration from East Carolina University and his Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and natural resource economics from West Virginia University. He is responsible for managing the grants process for recreation and park grantees, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources capital grants program and circuit rider programs. Craig will be instrumental in reviewing new requests for projects related to the Borough and township parks as well as collaboratives such as Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee (PARRC) and The Colebrookdale Railroad.
“Craig brings a wealth of recreation knowledge to the Foundation and will be an asset to our grantees and the broader community,” Foundation President Dave Kraybill said. “His expertise in the field will help to strengthen our commitment to parks and recreation initiatives throughout the region.”
Howard Brown, program officer for schools, active learning and community development, joined the Foundation staff in April 2016. A Pottstown native, Howard received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Villanova University and is currently working towards his master’s degree in international business from the University of London External Programmes. He comes to the Foundation from Social Solutions Global Inc., a company which specializes in nonprofit consulting and software for impact measurement. At the Foundation, he is responsible for managing the grants process for education and family engagement grantees with a focus on active learning and community development.
“Howard is a vital addition to the Foundation, and we are excited to have him on board,” Kraybill said. “He has a heart for the people of Pottstown and their needs and aspirations.”
Ashley Pultorak has transitioned into a new role at the Foundation and is now program officer for capacity building, collaborations and new projects. She is responsible for managing the grants process related to capacity building, networks and partnerships, obesity and health care access.
“Ashley has been with us for just about five years and has been instrumental in our grants process,” Kraybill said. “She has a passion for all things health and wellness and it shows in the great work that she does for our grantees and in the initiatives she has spearheaded such as our On Your Park, Get Set, Go!® contest.”
Ashley is a graduate of Duke University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History with a double minor in Spanish & Visual Arts. She is currently enrolled in LaSalle University’s School of Business, working towards a Master of Science in nonprofit leadership.
“We are fortunate to have Howard and Craig join Ashley on our grants team,” Kraybill said. “All three bring unique skill sets that not only benefit their individual grantees, but the Foundation as a whole as we continue to work together to change behaviors and help the community embrace healthier lifestyles.”
The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation’s (PAHWF) mission is to enhance the health and wellness of area residents, providing education, funding and programs that motivate people to adopt healthy lifestyles. Visit www.pottstownfoundation.org for more information about the Foundation. Discover Pottstown area’s online community, Mission Healthy Living, an initiative of PAHWF, to learn and share great information on how to lead a healthier life. You can also follow Mission Healthy Living on Facebook and Twitter and follow The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation on LinkedIn and Pinterest.
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