EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J. (May 31, 2018) – The John R. Elliott Foundation has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees, including senior leaders from the fields of higher education, banking, healthcare and government. The new members join a 22-member board responsible for the governance and operational oversight of the HERO Campaign. The organization is dedicated to preventing drunk driving by promoting the use of designated drivers in memory of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township.

Joining the board are Dr. Christopher Catching, Vice President of Student Affairs at Stockton University; Vincent D’Alessandro, Southern Region President at Ocean First Bank; Hak Kim, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at AtlantiCare, a member of Geisinger; Dr. Pedro Santana, Dean of Students at Stockton University; and Pleasantville Mayor Jesse L. Tweedle Sr.

“We are proud to add these outstanding business and community leaders to our board,” said Bill Elliott, Board Chairman and CEO of the HERO Campaign, which is headquartered at Stockton. “They bring valuable experience and insight that will help set the future direction for our foundation and its life-saving mission.”

Over the past 18 years, the HERO Campaign has grown from a local organization into a regional movement in partnership with schools and colleges, law enforcement, bar and tavern owners and professional sports teams and stadiums.

(Dr. Christopher Catching)

Catching earned his doctorate in education at Rutgers University and came to Stockton University from Southern Connecticut State University, where he served as Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs. He brings extensive experience in strategic planning, social justice and the building and engagement of effective citizens from a diverse student population.

(Vincent D’Alessandro)

D’Alessandro graduated with a degree in business from Rutgers University and earned his MBA from the Stonier School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to 27 years of experience in banking, he has extensive experience on the boards of a dozen civic, college and healthcare organizations. D’Alessandro also was a Division I collegiate golfer at Rutgers.

(Hak Kim)

As Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AtlantiCare, a member of Geisinger, Kim is responsible for the finances of the $1 billion integrated healthcare system. His areas of expertise include strategy, financial planning, payer contracting, valuations, debt finance, capital planning & allocation and joint ventures. He is a graduate of Stockton University and holds an MBA from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

(Dr. Pedro Santana)

Santana earned his doctorate in business administration at Wilmington University. As Stockton University’s Dean of Students, he oversees a budget of more than $40 million, and is also responsible for various units of student affairs, including housing and residential life. His experience includes leadership, vision, direction and supervision to a comprehensive student life program.

(Mayor Jesse L. Tweedle Sr.)

Tweedle has served as Mayor of Pleasantville since 2008.  He previously served as Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force with Cryptographic and Top-Secret clearances involved in classified covert operations and was honorably discharged in 1971. He has more than 25 years of managerial experience and has authored two books on Methods and Procedure that are currently used as training aids for Verizon, Inc. Tweedle currently serves as Regional Vice President (South) of the Urban Mayors Association; Executive Board Member of the African American Heritage Museum; AtlantiCare Patient & Family Advisory Council; and sits on the Executive Board and the Educational Foundation of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. He has a degree in Business Administration from Atlantic Community College and also attended Howard University.