The Carbon County Community Foundation proudly welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors.
(L-R Dennis DeMara, Robyn Plesniarski, & Melissa Zegley).
The Carbon County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its volunteer Board of Directors: Dennis DeMara, Robyn Plesniarski, and Melissa Zegley. These individuals bring a wealth of professional experience, community ties, and a shared commitment to strengthening Carbon County.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dennis, Robyn, and Melissa to our board. Each of them brings something distinct and deeply valuable to our Foundation—decades of environmental stewardship, deep community connections in healthcare and civic life, and a profound dedication to wellness and human resilience,” said Sharon Alexander, President of the Community Foundation. “Together, they reflect the breadth of expertise and heart that makes Carbon County’s philanthropic community so strong. We are excited to grow alongside them as we continue our mission of improving the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever.”
Meet Our New Board Members:
- Dennis DeMara, Conservation Outreach Coordinator, Wildlands Conservancy
Dennis brings more than 40 years of experience in conservation, recreation, and natural resource leadership in Carbon County and northeastern Pennsylvania. As former Director of Parks and Recreation for Carbon County, he advanced landmark projects including Mauch Chunk Lake Park, the Switchback Gravity Railroad Trail—one of the nation’s earliest rail-to-trails—and the development of the D&L Corridor. His work supported award-winning conservation partnerships and helped protect more than 30,000 acres of open space. He currently serves as Conservation Outreach Coordinator for Wildlands Conservancy, continuing his lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and regional collaboration.
- Robyn Plesniarski, Physician Liaison, Lehigh Valley Health Network Jefferson
Robyn joins the Foundation board with deep roots in the Carbon County community—both personally and professionally. In her role as a Physician Liaison with LVHN Jefferson’s business and development team, she brings experience in relationship-building and community outreach. She is a Carbon Chamber Ambassador, a Rotarian, and a founding member of the Friends of CCTI charitable fund. An enthusiastic volunteer, Robyn regularly donates her time to local events including the Veterans Day Dinner and the Dimmick Library. A mom of twin boys graduating this year, Robyn is excited to bring her network and energy to the Community Foundation with the goal of deepening awareness of the organization’s impact across Carbon County.
- Melissa Zegley, Founder, Zen with Zegley LLC | Patient Experience Specialist
Melissa is a 500-Hour Yoga Teacher, Grandmaster of Meditation, Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner, and Reiki Master based in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2016, she co-founded Zen with Zegley LLC, a heart-centered wellness practice offering yoga, meditation, Reiki, Ayurveda, and workshops both in-person and online. Alongside her teaching, Melissa brings nearly 25 years of experience as a Patient Experience Specialist in healthcare, supporting individuals through vulnerable moments with compassion and steadiness. She is an active member of the 20/20 Circle, volunteers with Sync Recovery, and has offered community yoga and meditation programming through the Palmerton Library. Helping people find wellness isn’t just her profession—it’s her purpose.
About Board Service:
The Carbon County Community Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of residents, business owners, and community leaders from across Carbon County. Board members bring a broad range of professional expertise, lived experience, and diverse perspectives that guide the Foundation’s work and strengthen its impact.
We are committed to inclusive leadership and seek board members who are knowledgeable about the educational, cultural, civic, public, and charitable needs of our community. Board members serve three-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms, with the board composed of up to 15 members and new directors elected on a rolling basis.
Individuals interested in board service are encouraged to contact us to learn more. Committee participation or volunteer involvement is often recommended as a first step.
2026 Board of Directors:
Officers
Chair: Steve Kresge, Retired
Vice-Chair: Tammy Trimbur, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Treasurer: Joe Mastriani, CPA, Buckno Lisicky & Company, CPAs
Secretary: Barbara Green, Retired
Directors:
Bill Allison, Retired
Joseph Bennett, Bennett Family Properties
Dennis DeMara, Wildlands Conservancy
Marianne Eisenhauer, The Neffs National Bank
Richard Forgay II, Business Leadership Mastery, LLC
Marlyn Kissner, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Richard Nothstein, Retired
Robyn Plesniarski, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Melissa Zegley, Zen with Zegley