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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT - MATT MCHALE
Matt McHale is a nationally recognized entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in, new business development, digital strategies, web-based technologies, and software as a service (SaaS). He is CEO and Co-Founder of ArcaSys, LLC., a leading solution and consulting company. His unique blend of technology and business skills have proven success in achieving goals by driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, increasing sales and analyzing/improving marketing and digital strategies. Mr. McHale was previously CRO and Co-Founder of Global DMS - a leading solution provider for mortgage back office operations, including appraisal management and paperless documentation. He was directly responsible for the company’s strategic direction and growth from startup to an annual revenue of more than $8 million. Also, he developed many of the company’s new products and services. Before Global DMS, Mr. McHale founded and managed Websurfers, Inc. - a quality assurance and web development firm whose clients included GMAC, ARAMARK, WingspanBank/Bank ONE, CD NOW and FTD.
Mr. McHale maintains an active presence in the technology industry as a whole. He is a frequent presenter and speaker at industry conferences, such as Dreamforce and The Mortgage Banker Assoc. In addition to his work, he is a partner/investor in a number of companies including Branded Productions, MS Cubed LLC. and Global DMS. Mr. McHale has served as Chairman of the Board and President of Designing 4 Hope since its inception in June of 2011.
Founder/Executive Director - LORI MCHALE
After a successful career in graphic design for 15 years, Lori decided to follow her dream to become an interior decorator. Upon receiving her certifications in Re-Design, Home Staging and Color Consulting, she began her own company which specialized in managing the whole process of helping seniors downsize into retirement communities and staging their homes for sale. In 2011, her focus then changed to designing children's bedrooms and giving back and, with her team of creative professionals, launched Designing 4 Hope.
Lori is also a co-director of 100+ Women Who Care Chester County, an organization that reaches out and helps our community by finding at least 100 or more women to each contribute $100 four times a year to local qualified 501(c)3 charities and organizations that are located in and service Chester County.
STEVE RIPKA
"Design has always been a passion of mine which led to pursuing a degree in architecture design. After working in an architectural firm for a few years, I realized that reporting to an office was not what I had envisioned for my future. I then turned to commercial construction. Throughout my construction career, I have completed numerous projects including bookstores, restaurants, and retail spaces. I also became involved with insurance claims for residential properties which allowed me to start my own business. Ace Remodeling was established in January 2010.
The switch from commercial to residential allowed me to build relationships and work one-on-one with homeowners. I enjoy working closely with my clients to help their dreams become reality, from drawings on paper to the finished product. While helping Lori with her kitchen design, she approached me with her idea: Designing 4 Hope. It took only a moment for me to see the potential in such a cause. I feel honored to be able to partner with this organization in changing the lives of families."
Steve has been one of the founding core team members and board members. He is involved in each project from the start which begins with an on-site visit to evaluate each space and its possibilities. His design knowledge and ability makes each project become a reality. Steve takes the lead on project day, makes sure every space and detail is safe for the families and coordinates the team of volunteers.
AMY DLUHY
Amy has taken on many roles which have taken us to the next level in room design, fundraising and networking. Her outgoing friendly personality has helped us build deeper relationships with the families we work with and our volunteers. Her extensive 25 year background in fundraising and event planning has helped us greatly to spread the word about Designing 4 Hope through both day-to-day operations and public presentations, make key connections with new vendors/volunteers/supporters, and has elevated our fundraising events. She is involved in all aspects of the room designs-planning/shopping/implementing, business functions and communications.
Amy is currently the Coordinator at Van Cleve Pavilion in Malvern, organizing their appointments and special events. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Horsepower For Life, a Therapeutic Riding Program for those Families Effected with Cancer, and The Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust, enjoying preserving historic properties and landmarks. Amy also is an active member of Team CMMD, a local group of cancer fighters, who are runners and walkers making a difference in the community.
AMANDA SPRIGGS
"I first became aware of Designing 4 Hope when my son, Dylan, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Designing 4 Hope created an awesome Jurassic Park room make over for him, giving him a room full of the dinosaurs he loved so much. Since seeing the joy and excitement on my son’s face during his ‘big reveal,’ I have worked to pay it forward on projects for other kids to help bring that same excitement and wonder to them. I’ve been able to see the process both as a recipient and as a volunteer, and it is truly some of the most rewarding work I have ever done.
I was always my father’s girl and grew up watching and helping him around the house doing projects. I am also a crafty person and am known for thinking outside the box to make plans come together. I also work with other pediatric cancer groups, such as Aidan’s Avengers, and it is my hope to gain more attention and funding for pediatric cancer and more awareness so more kids can survive this terrible disease."
AMY WALKER
Amy lives in Glenmoore with her husband Steven and their three children Alli, Hannah and Dylan. She has been the owner of The Eagle Gallery, a custom picture frame store and art gallery in Chester Springs for 20 years. Amy is an artist who works on oils and acrylics, specializing in pet portraits. She also works in clay and is a member of the Chester Springs Studio. In addition to volunteering for Designing 4 Hope, Amy also volunteers at The Camp Hill Special School.
REBECCA WALSH
"D4H came into our lives and never left.” Rebecca has such a desire to give back to the community who generously embraced her family through Kieran’s battle. She is a nurse practitioner at a local hospital where she has worked since 2002 and recently started substitute nursing in the Phoenixville Area School District. She hopes to use her experience in the medical field and her family’s cancer tribulation to assist other families cope and heal through the incredible spaces that D4H creates. Rebecca lives in Phoenixville with her husband Kevin, their 4 children, and 2 dogs.
TIM KONCZAKOWSKI
"In taking a construction job right out of high school, I quickly found my passion. With a heavy influence in business entrepreneurship from my father, it then soon became an emboldened passion of mine to create and develop a successful business of my own. As my path started to unwind in construction, I started realizing that the jobs that made me the proudest of, weren’t necessarily the biggest jobs or the highest priced but the ones where the space that I created would last for years and years and that the families and friends of those spaces would create life long memories in them. When I can work with my hands, tools and direction to be able to create spaces that people grow in and love, that is what I have grown to love the most about what I do.
As my business expanded, I was introduced to Steve Ripka in 2010. As both of our businesses crossed paths multiple times, Steve came to me to see if I would be interested in helping a new non-profit out on a job coming up. After hearing what the cause was for, I was delighted to help. After that first bedroom in 2012, I became an active volunteer with as much as I could do. In 10+ years of being fortunate to build and sustain a successful new home and remodeling company in TDK Builders, LLC, I am now in a better position to give back. I have been blessed with the opportunity to become involved in Designing 4 Hope and the whole cause from the beginning to the end. I look forward to being able to bring everything I have and am to be able to create that space that will hopefully bring healing and love for years and years for every child we touch." Tim currently lives in Limerick with his fiance, Anica.
AMANDA HARTY
"I am a passionate artist that wanted to use my skills and creativity to give back to others. I have been volunteering my time for 14 years to multiple nonprofits. I joined the local high school Relay for Life chapter and never looked back. Since then I have worked with the American Diabetes Association, Relay for Life: American Cancer Society, Stop Hunger Now, United Way of Chester County, CMMD, LCH (La Comunidad Hispana) and F4 (Fiorenza's Food 4 Friends). I graduated from Leadership Chester County in May 2018 with a goal to find a non-profit that I could share my experience and enthusiasm with, in hopes of a perfect fit. Then, along came Designing 4 Hope. After meeting Amy, I immediately jumped in and have loved every minute since discovering this great organization!
I am a Senior Web Designer for a global software company during the day and by night, an art instructor at Painting with a Twist. I enjoy my free time painting, running, and spending time with my new husband. I am excited to see where this new chapter takes me and to watch my relationship bloom with Designing 4 Hope!"
She is newly married to her husband Nick and they live in Downingtown.
