Board of Directors

The Progress Fund’s Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated service to the community. The Board sets strategic direction and policies, oversees management and budgeting, reviews Loan Committee actions, and approves the annual audit.

Chair

R. John Dawes is Executive Director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and was a former consultant to the Heinz Endowments Environmental Program.

Vice-Chair

Jared M. Gorentz, AAI, AU has a background in Finance and Insurance, and is currently a Territory Sales Manager for Donegal Insurance Group, where he serves as a consultant to independent insurance agency management while engaging/educating agency personnel on products and services. Prior to Donegal, Jared served as an Underwriting Specialist with CNA and has also served on various non-profit boards in the Laurel Highlands.

President & CEO and Co-founder

David A. Kahley is the Chief Executive Officer of The Progress Fund and its co-founder.

Treasurer & CFO and Co-founder

Karen Post is the Chief Financial Officer of The Progress Fund and its co-founder.

Loan Committee Representative

David D. Miller is Senior Vice President at Enterprise Bank. Mr. Miller spent twelve years working as Assistant District Director with the Small Business Administration.

Secretary

James P. Butler is President of Professional Mortgage Connection LLC. Jim possesses years of experience in community development, housing, private sector fund development, mortgage financing, general contracting and managing and securing government contracts.

Member-at-Large

Eric Martin is a second-generation outfitter, owner of Wilderness Voyageurs, based in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania.  He is very active in the tourism industry and conservation field both on the state and national level.

Member-at-Large

Patricia Brennen is a retired economic development finance director, who worked for 40 years in public administration.  She volunteers much of her time to community and literacy projects, as well as grant writing for various community improvement projects.

Member-at-Large

Sonya Tilghman is Executive Director of the Hazelwood Initiative. She also serves as Board Member and Real Estate Committee Member for City of Bridges Community Land Trust. She has extensive experience in non-profit governance.