Doug Doerfler
|
Doug Doerfler is a strategic civic leader and talent development executive with more than two decades of experience strengthening organizations through people, partnerships, and community engagement. He served eight years on the Kennett Square Borough Council—including two terms as President—and has held leadership roles on the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Chester County Workforce Development Board, and the Kennett Borough Planning Commission. Professionally, Doug brings 24 years of HR and organizational development expertise, specializing in leadership development, talent management, culture building, and cross‑sector collaboration. He is committed to advancing equitable access to learning, creativity, and opportunity, and brings to AHHAH a blend of governance experience, strategic planning skills, and a deep passion for strengthening community systems that help children and families thrive.
Doug and his wife Anne have lived in Kennett Square since 2008. They enjoy travelling, gardening, and enjoying food and wine. He has two adult married children and two grandsons. Becoming a Pap-Pap has quickly become his favorite role ever. |
Richard Dowgun
|
Before retiring Richard was the Chief Information Officer for St Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ. Before that he was the Director of Information systems at Temple University Episcopal Hospital Division. Richard holds both a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School with a concentration in Health Care Administration.
|
Christina Gamez
|
Christina Gamez is a registered nurse of over 20 years and a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, proudly representing Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital since 2019. She brings a broad range of clinical experience across both hospital and community settings. A Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and Holistic Nurse Coach, Christina integrates evidence-based and complementary approaches to support whole-person well-being. Christina is excited to support meaningful work in the community through Step Up Step Out (SUSO), a teen program of Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH), supporting local youth during some of the most impressionable chapters of their lives. Christina believes deeply in creating safe, supportive spaces where people can show up exactly as they are, build resilience, manage stress, strengthen community connection, and discover their own ability to positively impact themselves and the community. The ripple effect of this work is truly immeasurable.
|
Harriet Meyer
|
Harriet Meyer works in the financial industry with 2/13 Strategic Partners in Wayne, PA, helping people navigate financial literacy and reams of paperwork so they can protect and grow their financial security.
Born and raised in Asheville, NC, and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communications/Journalism and filmmaking, Harriet spent the first decade of her career working in television and radio – the bulk of that time with PBS and NPR as a Corporate Fundraiser. Just as she was reaching the top of the career ladder with PBS, she became a mom to Bailey and life took a detour. With what seemed like lightning speed, Rachel and Ryan joined the family. She stepped down from PBS to be a full-time stay home mom. The family moved to Phoenixville, PA. Harriet committed to grassroots community involvement through several schools (Home & School boards); YMCA volunteer Lego instructor; Church; kids’ community theatre and dog & cat rescues and more. Eventually, however, the need to return to the corporate world became apparent and she began her next chapter working for Vanguard and juggling the next 11 years between full-time work, family and friends. With a passion for justice, human connections, and life-long learning she is honored to be part of the AHHAH mission and shares in the passion that we ALL can make a positive difference by reaching out and “holding hands” that will one day lead the next generation. |
Preston Polk
|
“No Talent Lies Latent – We are all created and endowed with unique gifts which need to be discovered, understood and developed” is one of Preston’s core beliefs. That belief drives Preston and his passion to help others to find their talents and be successful.
As a seasoned strategic leader with 20+ years of senior and C-level leadership expertise in identifying underperforming businesses and capturing growth opportunities. Preston’s experience includes building and running business units for Fortune Top 50 companies, launching several SaaS internet ventures, and it crosses multiple sectors including strategy consulting, financial services, health care, retail, and technology. Preston’s specialty is the ability to deliver high performing sales teams, organizational change and the pragmatic operational execution necessary to transform businesses and help them and their teams realize their full potential. Underpinning Preston’s achievements is a relentless focus on being a servant leader and he now leads organizations in embracing an Other-Centered philosophy not just as organizational change but as the key to a sustainable path to long-term success. Preston holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He currently lives in Delaware and is active in several non-profits focused on improving and advancing communities of color in the Delaware region. Preston is married with four grown children. He enjoys traveling, museums, historical tours, and coaching youth sports. |
Gabriel Freeman
|
Gabriel Freeman is a senior in the Honors College at West Chester University, where he studies Economics and Finance while also pursuing coursework in accounting, real estate, and civic leadership. Born and raised in Ottsville, PA, he brings a background spanning real estate, nonprofit finance, and community-focused leadership. He currently serves as the board representative of the AHHAH's Youth Justice Advisory Board, where he contributes to initiatives focused on youth advocacy, restorative practices, and community engagement.
|
Community Advisory Board
Kathy D. Hrenko, MCAT, ATR-BC is a master’s level, board certified art therapist with 30 years of experience in the field of art therapy. She has worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including in-patient psychiatry, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, therapeutic camps, nursing homes, youth detention, art studios, and wellness centers. Kathy has published several articles on her art therapy work and has presented on various mental health and art therapy topics both locally and nationally. In addition to her work as an art therapist, Kathy has served in non-profit leadership as the Executive Director for the Kennett After-School Association-a free after-school program serving middle school students, and she previously served as the Operations Director of Project C.U.R.E. - the largest distributor, worldwide of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries. She also served as a part of the AHHAH Advisory Board for over 5 years.