Our Leadership
Guiding Our Mission With Compassion and Purpose
Our leadership team is committed to guiding the West Side Catholic Center with compassion, integrity, and a deep dedication to serving our community. Together, they steward our mission, support our staff, and ensure that every program reflects our values of dignity, respect, and hope.
OUR Staff LeAdership
Our dedicated leadership team brings compassion, experience, and a deep commitment to serving our community with dignity and care.
Michael V. Bernot, Executive Director
Gretchen Anderson, Director of Human Resources
Judy Kern, Director of Programs
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Nina Rodgers, CFO
Diane Tomer, Director of Advancement
Our Board Of Directors
The WSCC Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals from the community who represent a population of citizens dedicated to assisting the WSCC in its mission to provide food, clothing, shelter and a path to self-sufficiency.
Joe Manning, President
The Riverside Company
Katy Gibbons, President-Elect
Homemaker
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Dan O’Brien, Secretary
Benesch
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Steve Byrne, Treasurer
Retired – PNC
​George Ata
University Hospitals
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Timothy Atkinson
First National Bank
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Cynthia Ball
Volunteer
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Liz Basich
Babel Street
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Jack Bedell
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
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​Natisha Bowling
YMCA of Greater Cleveland
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Terry Brizz
Retired – Galaxy Balloons Inc.
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​​Patty Cleary
Retired – RN
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Ben Cooke
Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP
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Rebecca Gallant
Volunteer
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Vince Hvzida
​Retired Admiral Products
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Karl Kleinert
Leapfrog Services Inc.
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Chris Koehler
Frantz Ward LLP
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Calder Mellino
Mellino Law Firm
​​Aaron Mutiillo
STEPS Educational Group
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Gary O’Hara
Retired – Law Enforcement
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Dan O’Leary, Jr.
The Garland Company Inc
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Violet Pennington
Volunteers of America
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Wendy Dillon Pietrangelo
Attorney
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Tom Quail
Consultant
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Marc Walrod
Clearsulting
Our founders
The Center was shaped by the vision and dedication of its founding leaders. Their commitment to dignity, compassion, and service continues to guide WSCC’s mission today.
Rev. Robert Begin*
Sr. Kay Eaton
Brigid Griffin, CSJ*
Sr. Donna Hawk, CSJ*
Aggie Hoskin,
Rev. Paul Hritz*
Sr. Mary Hurley, HM
Sr. Kathleen Kilbane, CSJ
Barbara Miller
Donna Kelly Rego*
Sr. Loretta Schulte, CSJ.
*Deceased
Our Advisory CoUNCil
The Advisory Council provides guidance and expertise to the West Side Catholic Center without the formal duties of the Board of Directors. Members are knowledgeable, community-engaged leaders who support our mission while balancing limited availability.
Moira Clark
Anita Cook
Tom Cook
Fr. Tom Fanta
Fr. Ray Guiao
Rich Jerdonek
Aaron Marinelli
KC McKenna
Joe Morford
Kathryn Purcell
Fr. Dan Schlegel
Nancy Sullivan
Pat Sullivan
Emerging Leaders Supporting Our Mission
The Associate Board of the West Side Catholic Center is made up of Cleveland’s emerging civic and business leaders who are committed to supporting WSCC’s mission and expanding its impact in the community. Their work centers on raising awareness, organizing philanthropic initiatives, and providing volunteer service. As ambassadors of WSCC, members contribute through fundraising, outreach, public relations, and recruiting new supporters.
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The Associate Board meets monthly to share progress, plan new initiatives, and connect with fellow members. Committees gather throughout the year to execute specific goals and events.
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To learn more about membership, contact the Advancement Department at 216.631.4741 ext. 102 or info@wsccenter.org.
Member Benefits​
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Meaningful involvement with a leading social service organization
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A growing network of young professionals
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Opportunities to use your talents and plan creative events
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Engagement with WSCC Board members
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A rewarding chance to strengthen WSCC programs
Member Roles & Responsibilities
- Support and promote WSCC’s mission and programs
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Share your time, talent, and treasure
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Introduce peers to WSCC and expand awareness
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Contribute ideas and direction for the Associate Board
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Participate in events, activities, and initiatives
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Have fun while making a difference!
Our Community Partnerships
Strong community partnerships are essential to delivering comprehensive support to those we serve. WSCC collaborates with food and emergency service providers, faith-based organizations, healthcare partners, and corporate supporters to ensure individuals and families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to move forward.
WSCC is also proud to serve as an active ID Crisis Collaborative (IDCC) site, helping individuals obtain critical identification documents such as birth and marriage certificates, residency records, Social Security verification, State IDs, and driver’s license renewals. Access to proper identification is often a vital first step toward securing housing, healthcare, education, employment, voter registration, and other essential services.
STAY CONNECTED
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