Buhl Regional Health Foundation announces new Executive Director
September 14, 2020 – The Buhl Regional Health Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce Jennifer Barborak as its new executive director after an extensive search.
Ms. Barborak has a deep background in both grant writing and nonprofit management through her experience in the establishment and maintenance of multiple nonprofit organizations in Mercer County, PA. Ms. Barborak has exceptional knowledge of the social service issues faced by Western PA residents and of community partnership development. Before joining BRHF, she was the Grant Writer and acted as the interim director at the UPMC Community Health Foundation, Farrell, PA, served as the Water Operations Manager and Volunteer Co-Coordinator for Waterfire Sharon, and worked for over 10 years as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Sharon Regional and UPMC Horizon in Greenville. Ms. Barborak is heavily involved in the local community including her work in founding the following organizations: Shenango River Watchers, City of Sharon Beautification Commission, Friends of MERP, and Sharon High Robotics Team. Ms. Barborak served one term as a member of Sharon City Council and volunteered for Sharon Revitalization Committee, Mercer County Regional Planning Commission, Meszaros Family Charitable Foundation, and Buhl Farm Park.
“With Jennifer, the exciting and endless possibilities for the future of the Foundation begin.” said Angela Palumbo, chair of the Board. “I look forward to what lies ahead and welcome her to this new challenge.”
Ms. Barborak joins the staff, supported by a twenty-member Board of Directors. The Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF) was established in 2016 as the result of the sale of the former Sharon Regional Health System. The Buhl Regional Health Foundation is committed to improving the health and well-being of the neighbors we serve. We believe that through partnerships, education, and grant making, we can creatively impact the quality of life in our communities.
“I am excited to collaborate with the BRHF Board of Directors to strategically focus our grant making in a way that will increase partnerships among agencies that work to improve the health and wellbeing of our community” said Ms. Barborak.
Ms. Barborak, who began her new position on August 31, 2020, replaces Mickey Gula, who will retire as executive director of the Buhl Regional Health Foundation on September 30, 2020.
Ms. Barborak is a graduate of the Sharon Regional School of Nursing, holds a bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University in Geography, Geology & Environmental Studies and earned a master’s degree in Grant Writing and Management, Non-Profit Program Evaluation from Concorida University in Chicago, IL.
