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2025 Board of Trustees
Leadership
About Frank
Frank Novak has had a long and successful career in Information Technologies, holding various positions over time, including with AIG and currently as a Sr. Data Architect at Munich Re – MRSI. As an IT professional, he managed many technical transformations to a successful completion. Frank is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway where he coordinated many community outreach projects while chairing or serving on the Outreach Committee for the congregation. Frank’s involvement with Family Promise started when a new hosting congregation to Family Promise needed a support congregation and his church came on to play that role. Over the years and seeing the work and success of Family Promise, he looked to get more involve beyond his current service. Seeing the care and the holistic approach Family Promise gives to their guests led to Frank becoming a board member and serving on the Congregational Outreach Committee. He currently serves as the Board of Trustees President.
Frank Novak
President
Board Member Since: 2017
Sr. Data Architect, Munich RE - MRSI
About Matt
Matthew Parker is an attorney in Schenck Price's Litigation Department. In addition to handling complex commercial disputes, Matthew regularly counsels non-profit organizations on corporate governance disputes, labor and employment issues, and premises liability matters. Matthew has deep and lasting ties to Morris County, having grown up in Roxbury Township. He is passionate about giving back to the community and has been active in non-profit work for most of his life.
Matthew Parker
Secretary
Board Member Since: 2024
Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP
About Willie
Willie Stroever, Esq., is co-chair of the intellectual property group at the law firm of Cole Schotz. Willie guides his clients in protecting the brands, inventions, and other things they create, and in maximizing the value of those innovations for their businesses.
Willie first became involved with Family Promise of Morris County through donation drives and on-site projects, but was quickly drawn to the organization's mission, and the staff and volunteer's passion for that mission. Willie joined the Board in 2016 and currently serves as the Board of Trustees Vice President.
William Stroever, Esq.
Vice President
Board Member Since: 2016
Member, Cole Schotz P.C.
About Helena
Helena is a Partner at Sax LLP with over 25 years of experience in individual and business taxes. She leads the Private Foundation department, offering clients extensive expertise in personal and business tax strategies, charitable giving, legacy planning, and transaction support. Helena currently serves as the president of the Sax Charitable Foundation and has been a facilitator at a not-for-profit organization for 13 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, and pickleball.
Helena Lynch
Treasurer
Board Member Since: 2024
SAX LLP
Trustees
About Chris
Chris McManus is a financial professional with expertise in life insurance, college planning, and retirement income strategies. He is also the proud founder of Monthly Connectors, an initiative to foster local business growth and community development by connecting business leaders.
Having grown up in the Morristown area, Chris is passionate about his community and helping folks however he can. He joined Family Promise of Morris County’s Board of Trustees in October of 2022 and looks forward to furthering their mission within the community.
Chris currently lives with his wife and two dogs in Morristown, where they plan on adopting and raising a child in the near future.
Chris McManus
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2022
Financial Service Professional, OneLegacy Financial Group
About Donna
Donna Boyce is an SME in disaster recovery, resilience planning, economic revitalization, and affordable housing. She has developed policies and managed programs for underserved communities.
Her recent work includes public contracting, COVID-19 CARES Act and ARP programs, ARP implementation, and Chevron Doctrine changes.
She served with the ABA, NIST, and on boards including Community Advocates. Donna was named a Social Justice Distinguished Scholar by SUNY-Farmingdale.
She holds a BA from SUNY-Albany and a JD from Georgetown Law.
Donna Boyce
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2025
Subject Matter Expert, DB Advisory Services
About Shannon
Shannon is currently the AVP of Learning & Development for Arch Insurance. She has over 20 years of experience leading learning function, developing rewards and recognition programs, and championing inclusion and belonging initiatives. Shannon served on several committees for Global Women in Technology (GWIT), received the 2017 GWIT Person of the Year Award, and was selected for the 2020 Women’s Executive Leadership Initiative. Previously, she founded a company which led learning engagements for state agencies and large enterprises. Shannon marries her passion for people, diversity, and engagement to drive results and promote a nurturing environment for employees. She has a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; a master’s in Business Education from NYU Steinhardt School of Education; and a certificate in High Performance Leadership from Cornell University. She is married to Emerson and has three children, Bryce, Danielle, and Bayliss, who fill her heart with joy every day.
Shannon Simon
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2023
Arch Insurance
About Deb
Deb is a certified Executive Coach who has worked with leaders at all levels in multiple corporations including NBC, Avaya, and Prudential. She has over 30 years of HR Business Partner experience leading Executive Leadership Development, Talent Management, Succession Management, Organizational Development and Staffing.
Deb has a passion for helping people gain the insights they need to learn and grow.
She is a life long resident of Morris County and is committed to giving back to the community.
Deb Tausendfreund
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2025
Executive Coach
About Karen
Karen Hawkins is a dedicated Legal Assistant at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C. for almost 42 years who provides essential administrative support to the firm’s legal and lobbying teams. Outside the office, she is a passionate community leader with decades of service in local PTOs, youth sports, and charitable initiatives. She has spearheaded numerous fundraising events and has built strong partnerships with local businesses to support causes from Special Olympics to domestic violence awareness. Her unwavering commitment to giving back has earned her recognition, including Volunteer of the Year honors.
Karen Hawkins
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2025
Legal Assistant, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C.
About Vernon
Vernon is currently a vice president of financial planning and analysis in the banking industry. A graduate of Purdue University and Cornell University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and a Master of Business Administration respectively.
Vernon has more than 25 years of experience in operations and finance. He lives with his wife and best friend, Crystal, and their three children. He is passionate about financial inclusion and enjoys working with the amazing people who serve those experiencing homelessness in Morris County.
Vernon Bell
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2022
Vice President, FP&A
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