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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, baby girl, and two dogs in Morristown.
Chris McManus
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2022
The McManus Group
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
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 Sharon
Sharon is a social justice attorney who has advocated for the rights of individuals and families affected by disabilities for over 10 years. She is currently an attorney at Legal Services of Northwest Jersey.
In 2016, Sharon launched HEAL, one of the first medical legal partnerships in New Jersey combining both medical and legal care for patients. She also managed Urban Justice Center's Parents with Psychiatric Disabilities Project, advocating for the rights of parents with disabilities to remain with their children.
As the former County of Morris Human Services Director, she was first introduced to Family Promise through their Navigating Hope partnership. Sharon saw the difference Family Promise made in the lives of individuals and families.
Sharon Yoo, Esq.
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2020
Chief Operating Officer, Legal Services of Northwest Jersey
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