Newtown Yardley, PA Non-Profit Organizations Press Releases

New Hope Celebrates Welcomes Five New Board Members and Extends President’s Term Through July 2026

New Hope Celebrates Welcomes Five New Board Members and Extends President’s Term Through July 2026

New members bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and community commitment as NHC continues its mission of celebration and connection.

New Hope, PA: New Hope Celebrates (NHC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in New Hope, Lambertville, and the surrounding area is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors. The NHC Board has also voted to extend Melissa Patterson’s term as President by one year, continuing her leadership through July 2026.

“Leadership continuity is essential for sustaining momentum and deepening impact. Melissa’s extended term ensures that New Hope Celebrates remains anchored in vision, values, and community connection, especially as we welcome new voices to the Board. Her steady guidance allows us to grow with purpose and pride,” said Sharon Fronabarger, NHC Special Advisor.

This year’s Board selection process included interviews and careful consideration of an impressive number of applicants. “We were fortunate to meet so many talented, passionate people eager to contribute to our mission,” said Melissa Patterson, NHC President. “The decision process was not easy — a testament to the strength and dedication of our community.”

Joining the Board are Jason Chun, Quinten Darling, Ann Major, Michael Raymond, and Lisa Schiller, each bringing a unique blend of professional expertise and deep community connection. Their term will run for two (2) years.

NHC also extends its gratitude to departing board members John Bell, Eva Guasconi, and Eric Stephenson for their years of service and contributions to the organization and community. Their commitment has helped shape NHC’s events, outreach, and continued presence as a source of pride and connection in the New Hope–Lambertville area.

BOARD MEMBER BIOGRAPHIES

Jason Chun
Born and raised in New York City, Jason moved to Lambertville for love and quickly immersed himself in the local community. Professionally, he serves as Assistant Vice President of Talent & Client Success at Pyramid Consulting Group, connecting talent across luxury fashion, retail, and creative industries. A natural connector and proud former participant in NHC’s High Heel Drag Race, Jason brings his enthusiasm, inclusivity, and commitment to community to the Board.

Quinten Darling
A Fairleigh Dickinson University graduate with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Quinten currently serves as Development Associate for Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville. Crowned Miss New Hope Celebrates 2024, Quinten embodies the spirit of visibility, service, and celebration that defines NHC. After years of performing and being deeply involved in the local scene, he made the leap to become an official New Hope resident — a place he lovingly describes through the words of Diana Ross: “When I think of home… I think of a place where there’s love overflowing.”

Ann Major
A Bucks County resident for 20 years, 13 of which were spent in New Hope, Ann has been part of the New Hope community for over a decade. She currently works as an optician at Primary Eyecare in Hillsborough, NJ.  A familiar face in town, Ann is known for her resourcefulness, energy, and strong community ties. Her creativity and hands-on spirit make her a valuable addition to the Board.

Michael Raymond
A New Hope resident since 1990, Michael is a pharmacist whose career spans hospital and retail pharmacy as well as pharmaceutical sales. Deeply engaged in local life and an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, he looks forward to contributing his experience and steady leadership to advance NHC’s mission.

Lisa Schiller
Since relocating to New Hope-Solebury in 2015, Lisa has been an active NHC volunteer and ally. With over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she brings a people-first approach to everything she does, from her professional work in sales to her engagement with local chambers of commerce. Lisa is passionate about building inclusion, visibility, and pride across the community.

“I think what’s most exciting and promising about the new additions to the board is that they aren’t new to the organization. These are faces that have been at our events helping out for years and they decided to step up and become more involved. That’s dedication and commitment to this organization and community that is inspiring. Those of us who have been around for a while are pleased to see the next phase of NHC moving in such a promising direction,” said Ryan Segura, NHC VP of Events.

These new members join current Executive Board Members Melissa Patterson, Ryan Segura, Paul Kokesh, Rich Lucarini, and Kelly Beck-Kay as well as Board Members Shelby Bacorn, Roger Green, Jaye McNeill, and Fred White, and Special Advisor Sharon Fronabarger. The NHC Board of Directors as a whole are confident in the new team members and excited about the future of the organization.

If you’d like to partner with NHC or become a Champion of Pride to help fuel NHC’s mission of inclusion and visibility, visit newhopecelebrates.com.

About New Hope Celebrates -

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on highlighting the history and cultural nuances of New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ while stimulating the retail, hospitality, and professional community. NHC is comprised of a Board of Directors that drives activities and events that serve the diverse LGBTQ+ populace through the creation and promotion of marketing opportunities, educational activities, and cultural events. One such event is the annual, week-long Pride celebration held in May. Since 2003, NHC has organized events that recognize the strong LGBTQ+ presence in the New Hope area and celebrated the history and culture of the scenic river towns. Funding generated through New Hope Celebrates events is channeled back into the community to support collaborative business and cultural initiatives that make New Hope a great place for residents and visitors alike.

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