Board of Trustees

David M. Tullio, President and CEO of Custom Engineering Company and Lamjen, Inc., located in Erie, PA, and Venango Machine Company, Wattsburg, PA., joined The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2017. He served as Board Vice Chair from 2021-2023.

Mr. Tullio earned his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, and received his MBA from the Behrend College of Penn State University. For nearly 30 years, Mr. Tullio has worked in various management positions within the manufacturing industry, and assumed his current position at Custom Engineering in 1997.

Mr. Tullio has spent much of his career actively involved in economic and workforce development in the Erie region. He is a past chairman and board member of the Manufacturer and Business Association, a former member of Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry board, Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership board and the Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center board. He currently serves on Penn State Behrend’s Council of Fellows.

Thomas A. Tupitza, Esq., has served since 2007 as President of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., an Erie-based law firm with offices in Pittsburgh and Jamestown, New York. He joined The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees in 2020.

A graduate of Harvard Law School and Westminster College, Mr. Tupitza advises clients in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors on finance, real estate, and governance matters. A past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers, he is active as bond counsel in tax-exempt financing transactions and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New York. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute, a member of the Northwest Pennsylvania Business Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and a licensed consultant for the Standards of Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

Mr. Tupitza is a current board member of Infinite Erie, the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie, and Westminster College, where he is a past board chair. He has also chaired the boards of UPMC Hamot, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, the Erie City Mission, Northwestern Legal Services, VisitErie, and the Erie County Historical Society, and has served on the boards of the Hamot Health Foundation, United Way of Erie County, The Nonprofit Partnership, UPMC, the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, the Warner Theatre Preservation Trust, and the Foundation for Erie’s Public Schools.

James R. Walczak, Esq., Partner of MacDonald Illig Jones and Britton, LLP, joined The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2018.

Atty. Walczak, who concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate governance, business transactions and finance, and creditors' rights, earned a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University and a Master of Laws (Taxation) from Georgetown University Law Center. He also obtained a Master of Arts from University of Denver and his Juris Doctorate from University of Denver College of Law.

Atty. Walczak acts in the capacity of general counsel for a number of business, non-profit and governmental organizations, providing legal advice on corporate, transactional and tax matters. Atty. Walczak is listed in the Bond Buyer Municipal Market Place Guide (commonly known as the municipal bond attorney's Red Book), and regularly provides tax advice and board counsel tax opinions with respect to tax-exempt financing transactions.

Atty. Walczak has been involved in a number of community initiatives, both in a legal and non-legal capacity. He was instrumental in the development of Jerry Uht Baseball Park in downtown Erie and on the Erie Bayfront, the U.S. Brig Niagara Maritime Museum, the Bayfront Convention Center, the Erie Bicentennial Tower and the Blasco Public Library. He is a former chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority and served as Chairman of the Governor's Commission on the U.S. Brig Niagara. He has also served a wide variety of other community organizations in a number of capacities.

Marcus S. Atkinson,Principal at M. Atkinson & Associates Consulting and Founder/CEO of Publix Voice Media LLC, joined The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees in 2019 and serves as the Foundation's Board of Trustees DEI Committee Chair.

A native of Erie and a graduate of Strong Vincent, Mr. Atkinson spent over a decade in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a degree in Business from Clayton State University. He immersed himself in political and community organizations there, learning to bridge disparaging gaps in communities between local government, school districts, and businesses. As a result, he brings his experience and expertise to his current roles in supporting companies and organizations within and outside the community. Most recently, he founded the East Side Renaissance initiative with Bishop Dwane Brock and Matthew Harris, a movement committed to helping revitalize the soul of Erie’s east side through commercial and residential renovation and programming.

Mr. Atkinson has taken on significant leadership roles in service to Erie. He serves as board chair for MLK Jr. Memorial Center and is the founding president of the mentoring organization 100 Black Men of Erie, PA, one of over 100 national chapters of 100 Black Men of America. Their focus is providing educational / family support, positive mentors, and role models for inner-city youth, particularly young black boys. They are also partnered locally with Nurturing Hearts, a nonprofit committed to inner-city girls for an aligned purpose.

In service to his community, Mr. Atkinson is current member of Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows, a past member of The UPMC Hamot Board of Corporators, and former board member for Crime Victim Center (CVC).

Lauren Bauer, CIMA®, CPFA® was recently promoted to First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, Senior Retirement Benefits Consultant at Pfeffer/Stockard/Cacchione/Bauer Group, through Merrill Lynch. She provides strategic guidance when she works with individuals and companies who need assistance with planning and investing to reach retirement and financial goals.

Bauer shares her expertise as a volunteer across numerous boards including The Erie Community Foundation Professional Advisor Council, United Way Young Leaders' Society, and UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor. In 2023, she served as the Steering Committee Chair for The Erie Women’s Fund. In 2024, she led the Erie Women’s Fund as Chair and spearheaded the Above & Beyond Campaign, creating a million-dollar endowment for the Erie Women’s Fund when an anonymous donor created a dollar-for-dollar match challenge.

A graduate of the University of Dayton, she earned her CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Bauer’s achievements are reflected in her recognition on several prestigious lists, including the 2024 Forbes “Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State” list, the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list for both 2024 and 2023, the 2024 “Top Women of Excellence” list published by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), Women Making History honor 2025 from Mercy Center for Women, and Forbes 2025 "Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State" list.

With 21 years of experience, Kathleen Brugger, CPA, is the Controller at the family-owned Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP, where she manages the operational expenses, organizational data, and financial matters of the business.

A distinguished graduate of Penn State University, Brugger earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting with the highest honors, followed by the completion of her CPA certification. She began her career in 1993 as a Staff Accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick in Pittsburgh before returning to Erie to join Brown, Schwab, Bergquist & Company. In 1996, she transitioned to Lord Corporation as an Internal Auditor, advancing to Senior Financial Analyst—a position she held until 2003, when she joined the family business.

In addition to her new role with The Erie Community Foundation, Brugger has been a Trustee at Marquette Savings Bank since 2020, where she also chairs the IT Committee. Brugger has extensive volunteer experience with several nonprofits, including leading technology education programs for seniors, with her most recent community involvement extends to the Erie Humane Society, where she became a Board Member in 2023 and assumed the role of Treasurer in 2025.

With a goal of creating life-sustaining jobs in the community, Brugger has worked closely with The Erie Community Foundation and the Ben Frankling Technology Partners to provide funding for innovative companies in Erie, Pennsylvania through the Hartman Innovation Fund.

Annē L. DiPillo, a North East native, currently serves as COO for Red Letter Hospitality.

She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurship.

As COO of Red Letter Hospitality, she is responsible for overall marketing and operations of The Cork 1794 and The Skunk & Goat Tavern. She coordinates public relations initiatives nurturing relationships with local businesses, and community engagement.

Mrs. DiPillo is board member for the Emerging Erie Fund, member of the Hamot Health Foundation Board of Corporators, a Perry Square Alliance Board Member, a 2019 graduate of Jefferson Civic Leadership Academy, 40 Under 40 Award recipient, and a constant cheerleader to the Erie Community. She has worked extremely hard on rooting herself in the Erie community to do her part in energizing and growing the city.

William M. Hilbert Jr., President /CEO of Reddog Industries, Inc., a local manufacturer specializing in precision machining, design and manufacture of high pressure plastic injection molds & aluminum and zinc die cast dies, joined The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2017.

Mr. Hilbert started his career in manufacturing in 1981, after graduating from the University of Dayton. In service to his community, he currently serves on several Board of Directors, including Camp Notre Dame, Inc., University of Dayton Advisory Council for the School of Arts and Sciences, Sisters of St. Joseph Missions & Ministries Foundation and the Erie Regional Manufacturer’s Partnership.

Charles G. Knight III, CPA, CVA, founding partner and former Managing Principal of Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C., joined The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2018. He serves as Chair of the Foundation's Board of Shaping Tomorrow Committee.

From 2008 to 2023, Mr. Knight served as the Firm’s managing partner. Mr. Knight, as a principal of the Firm continues to provide client service with a concentration in financial reporting and general business consulting.

A graduate of McDowell High School, Mr. Knight earned his B.S. degree in Accounting from Gannon University. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1984 and a Certified Valuation Analyst in 1999. In addition to working several years in private industry as a controller, Mr. Knight has more than 35 years of experience in public practice.

Professionally, Mr. Knight is a member of the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

Mr. Knight is a past Director of the Board of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and a past trustee of Mercyhurst University, where he served as the chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance. He was also a member of the University’s Executive Committee and its Committee on Trusteeship.

In service to our community, Mr. Knight was a founding board member of the new chapter of Smiles for a Lifetime, and is past treasurer and member of the United Way of Erie County Board of Directors. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Marquette Savings Bank, and also served on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for the Kahkwa Club.

Sarah Hagen McWilliams, community volunteer and philanthropist, joined The Erie Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2018.

Ms. McWilliams graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Wittenberg University in 1988. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and worked for several years in a clinical capacity with adult survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ohio.

Over the years, Ms. McWilliams has served on many boards including, Preservation Bath, Alleghany Mountain String Project, Bath County Arts Association, Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath & Alleghany, Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic, Safehome Womens’ Shelter, Bath County Historical Society, and T.O.T.S. Preschool.

Currently Ms. McWilliams serves on the boards of Wittenberg University, Bath Community Hospital, Garth Newel Music Center, Erie CORE Advisory Board and Bath County Behavioral Health Coalition.

Timothy G. NeCastro has served as president and CEO of Erie Insurance (ERIE) since 2016.

Tim joined the ERIE in 1996, starting a career that has spanned finance, services and sales. He managed ERIE’s Internal Auditing Department and was then promoted to senior vice president of the Controller Division in 1997. In 2008, he moved into operations as senior vice president of the Product and Policy Services Division. He then expanded his experience to field sales operations in 2010, when he was promoted to senior vice president and regional officer. His territorial oversight included Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2014, Tim led ERIE’s entry into its 12th state, Kentucky.

Prior to joining ERIE, Tim worked for The Plastek Group in Erie, Pennsylvania, as director of finance. He previously worked for 10 years progressing through senior manager at Ernst & Young, one of the then "Big Five" public accounting firms, in its Cleveland and Erie offices.

An Erie native, he is a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Gannon University. He serves on the board of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and is treasurer and council member for The Pennsylvania Society. He is also founding board president of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, which is transforming the downtown core of Erie, Pennsylvania, through real estate development and sparking investment and revitalization across the region.

NeCastro and his wife, Lisa, are heavily involved in volunteering and supporting the Erie community. The couple recently co-chaired the expERIEnce Children’s Museum “Full STEAM Ahead” capital campaign, which helped fund the $18 million expansion and renovation of the museum. In addition, the NeCastros are now serving as co-chairs for United Way of Erie County’s “Uniting for Education: Going the Distance” endowment campaign to support public education by sustaining the Community School Model in Erie County for future generations. In 2023, the NeCastros were also named Outstanding Philanthropists by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2024, they received the prestigious Tocqueville Award from United Way of Erie County. This is United Way's highest honor for philanthropic leadership, recognizing individuals who are committed to improving the lives of people in their community.

Robin Scheppner, an Erie native, is the President and Managing Owner of American Tinning & Galvanizing (ATG). Since Robin took the helm at ATG, the company has nearly doubled its workforce, invested millions of dollars in infrastructure and equipment, earned prestigious aerospace certification and consistently enjoyed double digit growth.

Ms. Scheppner holds many degrees and credentials including a BFA from Denison University, teaching credentials from Cleveland State University and University of Utah, an associate degree in Building Construction from Salt Lake Community College. Prior to her position at ATG she taught art at an inner-city junior high school in the Cleveland Public School System then eventually taught in Naples, Florida. Ms. Scheppner became licensed in insurance and mutual fund sales and opened the first office of Ameriprise Financial Services in Naples. She also has high-rise construction management experience working as designer and project manager for a high-end cabinet company.

In service to her community, Ms. Scheppner has been involved in various service and benevolent organizations throughout her varied work experiences. Since returning to Erie, she reaffirmed her membership at Wayside Presbyterian Church where she serves as a Deacon. She joined the Erie Women’s Fund of The Erie Community Foundation and recently served as their Chair for three years. She became a panel advisor to five Athena Powerlink recipients over six years. She is an original member and is still serving on the Mayor's Business Council for Joe Schember. She is a member of Rotary and an active United Way Board member. Currently, she chairs the United Way’s Resource Development Committee and serves on the Executive Board of Women United for Community Schools.

Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D., a native to Panama City, Panama, is the Dean of the College of Engineering and Business and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Gannon University. She has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications centering on high-strain deformation of materials and engineering education. Recently, she has focused on systemic strategies for the retention and advancement of STEM faculty and students, and academic interventions to improve student success. She is currently the Program Director of a $1.5 million dollars Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Power Investment and has secured over $2.5 million dollars in grants during her tenure at Gannon University. During the past three years, Dr. Vernaza has led the academic development, space design, and R&D and operations contracts in the Institute of Health and Cyber Knowledge (I-Hack).

She attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems. After graduating, she was employed as a Ship Manager in Braswell Shipyards in Panama. Dr Vernaza was awarded a Project Latin America 2000 Graduate Fellowship by the Kellogg Institute, the Coca-Cola Company, and the University of Notre Dame to perform graduate studies. She earned a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Mechanical from the University of Notre Dame.

Dr. Vernaza is active in the community, is an Erie Ambassador, serves on the Board of Directors for the Erie Technology Incubator, the ExpERIEnce Children Museum and PSNERGY, LLC. She regularly volunteers on the Society of Women Engineers, serves as a mentor for young women in partnership with the Northwest Pennsylvania Girls Scout Council, and serves as reviewer for the American Society of Engineering Education Conference. She also serves in the ASCEND Advisory Board, and NSF funded program.