POTTSTOWN PA – Three new members have been appointed to the board of directors, and a new full-time staff member has been hired, at the Foundation for Pottstown Education, 230 Beech St.
Welcomed to the board by President Leticia Santiago, for three-year terms that began July 1, are Sally (Sara) Bechtel, Marcus Dixon, and Kelli Wolfel. Their appointments were announced Friday (Sept. 4, 2026) by foundation Executive Director Joe Rusiewicz.
New on the Foundation Board
Bechtel is a 1972 graduate of Pottstown High School. She holds a bachelor of science degree in secondary education, with a concentration in mathematics, from West Chester State College. She previously served as director of Christian education at Grace Lutheran Church in Pottstown.
Following studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary and 18 years of ministry in Pennsylvania and Maryland, she returned to teaching. Now retired, Bechtel will serve on the board Special Events Committee, and chair its Alumni Engagement Committee.
Dixon relocated to Exton three years ago. He serves as plant financial controller for Dana Inc. in Pottstown. He is graduate of the University of Toledo, with a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting.
Dixon deepened his local civic engagement through the Leadership TriCounty Class of 2025. He subsequently joined the foundation Finance Committee, leveraging his financial background to support its mission. During his board term, Dixon will continue his work with the Finance Committee.
Wolfel is a lifelong Pottstown resident. She is a graduate of St. Pius X High School, Millersville University, and Pennsylvania State University. She retired after a 35-year teaching career in the Pottstown School District; 33 of those at E.B. Barth Elementary.
During her tenure Wolfel contributed to multiple strategic planning committees, the Neighborhood Schools Committee, and curriculum development teams. She also has been extensively involved in leadership roles for several community organizations. Wolfel will serve on the Marketing Committee.
New on Its Staff
Emily Overdorf, a 2023 Pottstown High School alumna, has been hired as the foundation’s development and donor stewardship manager.
Overdorf previously worked on National Comprehensive Center initiatives for the U.S. Department of Education. Earlier, she served as social media and communications specialist for the Pottstown School District.
In her new position, Overdorf will manage the foundation’s donor database, lead supporter communications, oversee marketing efforts, and assist with special events. Initially, she will work with the Marketing Committee on its 2025–2026 annual support campaign, and promote the Oct. 3 fifth annual “A Night at the Races” at the Carousel at Pottstown.
Photos provided by the Foundation for Pottstown Education
Our local news reporting includes articles about public, private, home-school, non-profit, and organizational education institutions and issues within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more education articles here.
Clients Win as YWCA, Orion Partner to Grow Resources