We are excited to welcome Russel Adkins and Raymond Learn to the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania Board of Directors. We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to their service on the Board.
Russell Adkins
From his work as a family attorney and mediator to a long list of local and parish volunteer positions he’s held over the years, Russell Adkins is someone with a passion for service. As a new member of the Catholic Foundation Board of Directors, he will be able to add regional impact to his list. “I strive to support Catholic institutions and causes as much as possible, all in support of the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ. I also derive great fulfillment and purpose from these endeavors,” he shares.
Russell is an active member of his parish of Saint Bartholomew in Sharpsville. “I try to be at the call of my pastor and parish whenever and however needed, which tends to take many forms: serving as a lector and faith formation leader, organizing fundraisers, providing informal legal advice, or networking and brainstorming through the various issues facing the parish in the modern age as a member of Parish Council,” he explains.
Becoming a board member of the Catholic Foundation is a natural next step in his journey of service. “I hope to be a voice for and conduit to parishes and the Catholic community in Mercer County,” he says. “I am moved and motivated by the opportunity to assist in providing long-term, generational support for Catholic organizations and causes throughout northwest Pennsylvania.”
Russell and his wife Shannon live in Sharpsville with their four boys in a home once owned by Russell’s great-grandfather.
Raymond Learn
As a former District Attorney and current Deputy Chief Counsel for Northwest Bank, Raymond Learn understands the importance of active involvement in reaching common goals. He is enthusiastic to use his time and talent in any way he can in order to promote and fulfill the mission of the Catholic Foundation. The opportunity to serve on the Catholic Foundation Board will allow Ray to share his excitement for the future of the Catholic Church in Western Pennsylvania and preserve its heritage of service to local communities. He hopes his time on the board will see an increase in endowed funds to support local ministries and preserve local parishes.
Ray is an active member of his parish, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Smethport, serving as the president of the Saint Elizabeth Cemetery, a member of the parish finance council, lector, and occasional handyman. He lives in Smethport with his wife Carolee and his two children.
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