Leadership & Governance

Board of Directors

Meet the dedicated leaders who guide SW PA Teen Outreach's mission to empower young people throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Chair

Dr. James M. Longo

Chair

Dr. Jim Longo is a lifelong teacher. He served for two decades as Chair of the Award-Winning Teacher Education Program at Washington and Jefferson College, where he is now a Professor Emeritus. He began his career as a public school teacher, was an educational consultant in private practice, and worked as the Associate Director of the American Youth Foundation's experiential education programs in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Canada. Jim has done graduate work in Counseling, and earned his doctorate in Teaching, Curriculum, and Learning Environments at Harvard University. Dr. Longo is the author of several books, including Hitler and the Habsburgs: The Vendetta Against the Austrian Royals.

Vice Chair

Dr. Jeff Zollars

Vice Chair

Jeffrey Zollars, LOE, Ed.D. currently serves as Board President of Washington Community Theatre, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive opportunities for individuals throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania to participate in community theater. Dr. Zollars began his career as a Spanish educator after studying in Ecuador, Spain, and Costa Rica. Motivated by a passion for supporting young people beyond the classroom, he sought a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling before pursuing advanced studies in educational administration, curriculum, and policy. He completed his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility and Doctor of Education at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Education, where his doctoral research examined the application of Flow Theory in STEAM classrooms. His research explored how experiential learning and psychological engagement can foster deeper learning, creativity, and personal growth. Dr. Zollars concluded his career in public education as a district-level Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, serving two school districts over several years. In addition to his leadership with Washington Community Theatre, Dr. Zollars is honored to serve on the Board of the Academy of Adolescent Health, where he is committed to supporting the organization's mission and advancing the well-being of young people.

Secretary

Nancy Aloi

Secretary

For more than 40 years, Nancy Aloi dedicated her career to helping young people succeed, supporting educators, and strengthening schools. She began as a special education teacher, working with preschool, middle, and high school students in Washington County schools before moving into educational leadership with the Bethel Park School District. During her career, she served as a middle school principal, Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent, always guided by a commitment to student success and educational excellence. After retiring from public education, Nancy continued her passion for service and youth development as an educational consultant and college instructor, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring the next generation of educators and school leaders. Nancy believes strongly that supporting adolescents in their social, emotional and physical wellness, empowers young people to reach their fullest potential. She is excited to share her experience in support of SW PA Teen Outreach, whose mission exemplifies those same tenets.

Treasurer

Rich Podgurski

Treasurer

Richard J. Podgurski is a respected professional with extensive experience in information computer systems and financial operations. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to excellence. His expertise includes business improvement projects and data-driven process enhancements, where he has successfully led initiatives that have strengthened organizations and delivered measurable results. Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer at the Academy for Adolescent Health since 2010, Richard is responsible for overseeing financial management, budgeting, and grant data entry and reporting. Prior to this position, he was Vice President of Information Technology for the worldwide consumer business of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he gained broad experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on financial systems, operational support, and cross-functional business processes.

Member at Large

Dr. Linda Edwards

Member at Large

Dr. Linda M. Edwards is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience across acute care, rehabilitation, geriatric, community health, and academic nursing. She has held progressive roles in nursing leadership, nursing administration, and nursing education, including Chair, Director, and Associate Dean. Dr. Edwards currently serves as the Founding Chair of Nursing and Professor at Washington & Jefferson College. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, and is a 2023 Cohort III graduate of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity Leadership Institute.

Join Our Mission

SW PA Teen Outreach has been serving teens since 1988. If you share our commitment to empowering young people, we'd love to connect.

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