We are proud to announce the addition of four new board members: Veronica McKee, CMP, Chief Marketing Officer of The Haverford Trust Company, Juan Lopez, CPA, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of Independence Health Group, Michael Vennera, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Corporate Development, and Information Officer of Independence Health Group, and Patrick Gillespie, Jr., President of Shannon Outdoor Advertising, Inc.

“We are thrilled to have Veronica, Juan, Mike, and Pat join our Board of Directors. Their extensive experience and diverse perspectives, combined with their passion for making a difference in the lives of families facing a child’s illness or injury, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our impact.” – Sylvia DiBona, Board Chair of Fred’s Footsteps

Veronica McKee brings years of experience in marketing and branding across a wide variety of firms. Currently the Chief Marketing Officer for The Haverford Trust Company, Veronica has also led marketing for snack food, consulting, and commercial real estate companies.  She has guided teams through business challenges like brand integrations during an acquisition, attribution of results across traditional and digital channels, and creating new revenue streams. Veronica has also served as president of the non-profit Career Wardrobe, and was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Women of Distinction list in 2014.

“From my very first introduction, I felt connected to and inspired by the work of Fred’s Footsteps to help fulfill the non-medical needs of families facing a child’s illness or injury. I am proud to add my support to the organization and to uphold the guiding principles of family, compassion, connections, integrity, and legacy.”

Juan Lopez an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in finance, accounting, and audit in the healthcare, financial services, and banking industries, also joins Fred’s Footsteps’ Board of Directors. Juan is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at Independence Health Group, the parent company of Independence Blue Cross, LLC. He is responsible for all financial functions for Independence Blue Cross and other Independence Health Group subsidiaries. Juan has also been recognized for his leadership and service to the community by organizations such as Al Día’s Hispanic Heritage Month Pillar of Leadership Award.

 “A number of years ago, I had the chance to attend my first Fred’s Footsteps event.  I recall the energy in the room for the work being done by this organization.  Since that first event and every story since then about a family that Fred’s has helped, it’s been a privilege to know and support this noble cause.  I can’t remember a story that didn’t touch my soul and, dare I say it, bring me to tears.  It takes a village and Fred’s has become that helpful neighbor with an outstretched hand who says, ‘we’ve got you … because you’ve got more important things to worry about’.  That support translates into LOVE!  Love of family, friends, community!  Many of us, like myself, have been blessed in our lives.  Giving back brings tremendous joy and purpose to what I do each day.” 

Michael R. Vennera is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy, Corporate Development, and Information Officer at Independence Health Group. He has been with the company for nearly 25 years, holding various leadership roles in areas such as informatics, information systems, operations, and innovation. He has also been instrumental in expanding the company’s organizational focus on innovation, driving the company’s culture and capabilities program, and spearheading its role as a founding partner of the B. PHL Innovation Festival.

“I have been a supporter of Fred’s Footsteps for over a decade. It is a great organization with a great mission, and I am honored to be joining the Board.”

Pat Gillespie is the President of Shannon Outdoor Advertising, Inc.  Founded in 1996, Pat and Shannon Outdoor represents a variety of businesses on both a local and national level, creating, placing, and executing Out-of-Home ad campaigns. An entrepreneur, Pat has been involved in many endeavors, from his involvement in the development of billboards and real estate, to being a partner in A2C, IT Consulting.

Pat resides in Newtown Square, PA with his wife Shannon and their two children, Patrick, III and Hannah.

“Along with my family, I’ve been a supporter of Fred’s Footsteps since the beginning and am truly honored to work with Christine and the entire team at Fred’s. The work they do and the support they provide for families in need is nothing short of amazing. I am also incredibly humbled; those who knew my father know what this organization meant to him. He loved doing whatever he could to carry on the legacy of his best friend, Fred [DiBona, Jr.]. I look forward to continuing that.”