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2025 Board of Trustees
Leadership
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 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 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 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
Treasurer
Board Member Since: 2022
Financial Service Professional, OneLegacy Financial Group
Trustees
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
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2024
Partner, SAX LLP
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 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 Sharon
Sharon Yoo is a social justice attorney who has advocated for the rights of individuals and families affected by disabilities for 10+ years. She currently is an attorney at Legal Services of Northwest Jersey where she provides legal representation to seniors on end-of-life planning and to individuals affected by mental health and disabilities at civil commitment and administrative hearings. 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 FP made in the lives of individuals and families; this impactful work led her to joining the Board in 2020.
Sharon J.L. Yoo, Esq.
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2020
Legal Services of Northwest Jersey, Inc.
About Jose
Jose Ortiz was born in San Salvador, El Salvador. He received a BA in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickenson University. Jose began his career in sales and marketing before transitioning into the restaurant industry as a multi-unit restaurant manager, and later, as a Business Consultant. In 2012, Jose opened his first restaurant in Jersey City, Blue Moon Mexican Grill. In 2015, as Jose’s role as a father grew, he transitioned into a new industry with Jersey Central Power & Light’s Meter Reading Department, and in 2020, was awarded the position of External Affairs Consultant. In 2021, Jose began his role as the Smart Meter Program’s Change Agent, where he would lead a state-wide implementation of the program. He is co-chair of JCP&L’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Community Involvement Lead for First Energy’s Economic Business Resource Group (EBRG) Mosaic. Jose is a 2019 graduate from Leadership Morris.
Jose Ortiz
Board of Trustees
Board Member Since: 2023
FirstEnergy Corp.
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