Meet Our Board & Advisory Council Members

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD LEADERS

 

The officers of UWMOC's Board of Directors go above and beyond to dedicate their time and expertise to advance our mission and ensure our operations are running smoothly.

 

Get to know our biggest advocates and why they choose to LIVE UNITED every day!

 

Bob Rosone, Board Chairman

bob rosone, board chairman

 

Bob Rosone is Managing Director for Deloitte LLP. He first joined the board in 2013 and has served as Board Chairman since 2018. A graduate of The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with an MBA from Fordham University in New York, NY, Bob currently resides in Little Silver.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

I was introduced to the organization when I joined Deloitte 24 years ago. The firm is a strong supporter of United Way, and It started with contributing to the workplace giving campaign. Eventually, I was serving on the board of another local non-profit and got to know the CEO of United Way of Monmouth County.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

I believe if we have the chance to help those who may be less fortunate, we should. I hope that my leadership is making a positive impact as we refine our strategy and work to support those in our community through a variety of important programs.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

These areas are all so important, and inter-related. That’s why I think they are perfect focus areas for United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. While it’s tough to pick one, I think an educated population is fundamental to a strong society. Education illustrates possibilities, creates opportunities, and leads to more productive and fulfilling lives.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

To me, “living united” begins with being aware of the challenges people face in our communities today. Then, it’s about coming together to address these challenges. Everyone has something to contribute, whether it be volunteering their time, providing financial support, or sharing insights and perspective. United Way plays an important role as a convener, bringing both individuals and other organizations together to make an impact.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

We’re lucky to have so many options in Monmouth and Ocean county. A great day for me is being outdoors, (golfing, boating or going to the beach) followed by a great meal with my wife and friends at a local restaurant.

Eric Lubin, Vice Chair

Eric Lubin

 

Eric H. Lubin, Esq. is Partner and Chair of the Commercial and General Litigation Departments with Lomurro, Munson, Comer, Brown and Schottland, LLC. He first joined the board in 2018 and has served as Vice Chair since 2020. A graduate of University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA with a JD from Delaware Law School in Wilmington, DE, Eric currently resides in Brielle.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

My involvement was recommended by former Chairman of the Board, Jeremy Grunin.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

I wanted to use my skills, network and drive as a volunteer to further the great work performed by United Way.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

Education. I have small children that I read to every night, and have witnessed first-hand the impact that reading and learning has on a child’s development and curiosity.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

Not just existing in a community, but wanting to improve it.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

Go to Manasquan Beach!

Don Cowan, Treasurer

don cowan

 

Don Cowan, CPA, PFS, PSA, CFP is Shareholder and Managing Director of Cg Tax, Audit and Advisory. He first joined the board in 1982 and has served as Treasurer since 2016. A graduate of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, Don currently resides in Holmdel.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

In 1982, I was asked by a current member to join the United Way Board of Directors. After doing some due diligence and learning about the significant impact United Way has on individuals in the community, I felt it was a great way to give back.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

In any organization I join, I make it a point to strive to become one of the leaders in that organization. Through my passion for the cause and philanthropic background, I knew that I could make a positive impact as a member of the UWMOC board. Philanthropy is and has always been important to me, and I instill that into Cg Tax, Audit & Advisory by encouraging our team members to get involved in the community and give back whenever possible.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

I’m most passionate about education and health. I believe that through education we can improve lives and create more opportunity. I also believe that all children need a healthy start in life.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

Living United means working together and uniting as a group of individuals to recognize the needs of the community, and come up with the solutions and resources to help solve those issues. We all want to make Monmouth and Ocean counties a better place to live and work.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

Due to our proximity to the Jersey Shore, I have always been a beach person, and like being outdoors during the spring, summer and fall. This includes dining, sporting events and enjoying local festivities.

Nancy Eriksen, Secretary

nancy eriksen

 

Nancy Eriksen is happily retired from Exelon Corporation, owner of the Oyster Creek Generating Station. She first joined the board in 2003, and during her tenure has served two terms as Board Chair and has been Secretary since 2021. A graduate of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, Nancy currently resides in Point Pleasant.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

I remember talking to one of my co-workers at Exelon who was the United Way Campaign Co-Chair in the late 1990’s. The campaign was raising around $30,000 and I thought we could do better. I took on the campaign for the following year and we raised around $90,000, and the campaign continued to grow until we were raising $250,000 - $300,000 for many years leading up to the shutdown of Oyster Creek Generating Station in 2018.  

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

The Resource Development Director for United Way at the time thought I should serve on the Board of Directors to share what my Co-Chairs and I were doing with our Oyster Creek Generating Station campaign with the other corporate board members. 

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

Without good health, nothing else matters.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

Living United means filling in the financial and educational gaps and solving health issues to help our families in Ocean and Monmouth counties who are struggling.   

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

Speed walk the Spring Lake or Point Pleasant boardwalks, boat, fish, swim, kayak, relax at our beautiful beaches, attend local festivals and fairs, and dine out.

Tom Hayes, Community Impact Committee Chair

tom hayes

 
Tom Hayes is Director of Customer & Community Relations at New Jersey Natural Gas. He first joined the Board of Directors in 2000, and has held various leadership roles during his tenure including his current role as Chair of our Community Impact Committee for the past year. A graduate of Catholic University of America in Washington DC, Tom currently resides in Brick.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

When I first joined the Board of Directors 22 years ago. I was actually a board member for both the Ocean and Monmouth County United Ways before they merged into UWMOC.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

New Jersey Natural Gas helped create the local United Way(s) and I wanted to be a part of the continued history of the company supporting this amazing community-minded organization. I started when Jim Burke was the Executive Director and have worked with at least three Executive Directors and an Interim since then.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

Education is most critical to me because a good education can lead to a good career, which can provide the finances and health benefits to help folks be happy, healthy and financially independent. This will help individuals and families succeed well into the future.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

Living United means working, sharing, helping, and being together as one “United” humanity as we try to make our world a better place so our communities can thrive for future generations.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

I love the various waterways and enjoy the beaches, kayaking, lush greenery and all the activities that make the Jersey Shore a magical place to live, work, play and assist.

Henry Hong, Governance Committee Chair

henry hong

Henry Hong is Regional Vice President of Enterprise Holdings. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for nine years, and has held various leadership roles during his tenure including his current role as Chair of our Governance Committee for the past year. A graduate of University at Albany in Albany, NY, Henry currently resides in Howell.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

When I first started with Enterprise, I got involved with United Way through our employee contribution campaign.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

I had a conversation with a prior CEO at an event where we discussing building and revitalizing United Way's work that piqued my interest in joining the Board and making a difference in our community.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

I'm most passionate about education because it’s the foundation for children to have a strong future.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

To me, Living United means giving, advocating and volunteering to help those less fortunate in our own communities.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

I love to play golf at courses throughout our region.

 

Jan Kirsten, Marketing Committee Chair

 

jan kirsten

 
Jan Kirsten is Executive Director of College Relations for Ocean County College. She has been a member of the Board of Directors for eight years, and has held various leadership roles during her tenure including her current role as Chair of our Marketing Committee since 2020. A graduate of Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ with an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, Jan currently resides in Howell.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

I first became involved with the Ocean County United Way as a volunteer for the Allocation Committee for funding. I volunteered for many other activities and then was asked to participate on the Board of Directors.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

After volunteering my time on the Allocation Committee, I saw the impact of the funding we provided and wanted to do more and be part of the decision making process to help those who were in need.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

I'm most passionate about education – as an Administrator at Ocean County College and an adjunct, there is such a feeling of accomplishment watching a student grow and learn.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

To Live United is a very personal responsibility each of us has to improve the lives of others.  I love the United Way theory: underneath everything we are, underneath everything we do, we are all people connected, interdependent, united. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

Everyone who knows me knows I like to spend time at the beach – sitting and reading a book, enjoying the water with friends and family or jumping over to the dog beach with my pup Buoy.

Luke Bollerman, Golf Committee Chair

 

luke bollerman

 
Luke Bollerman, Vice President of Bollerman Companies, has been a member of the Board of Directors for two years and currently serves as Chair of our Golf Committee. A graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA, Luke currently resides in Little Silver.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

I was fortunate enough to become engaged with other stakeholders and in the United Way and learn about the mission and impact. From that point, I was guided by the leadership team in a way that allowed me to contribute to the organization. My first role was as a committee member for the Annual Tee Off. The event is essential in convening the local businesses and organizations that advance the United Way’s outreach.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors and assume a leadership position on the board?

I enjoyed my work with United Way from the start and wanted to look for ways to become more involved. I have been very fortunate in my own life with schooling, access to medical care, and the opportunity to start several businesses. Improving education, health, and financial stability is essential to building strong communities. I wanted to stand with this committed group of leaders and help our local community  - especially after seeing the damage wrought by Covid-19.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

What is financial stability without health? How can you achieve education without financial resources? It’s the combination of all three that lead to stronger communities. That’s why the Board of the United Way has identified those three areas of need. I’m passionate about seeing our neighborhoods and communities thrive.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

It’s more than a meeting or an event. Its about fulfilling the mission each day. Live United at every opportunity.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

Surfing and Offshore Fishing.

MEET OUR BOARD & ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

The members of UWMOC's Board of Directors and Advisory Council dedicate their time and expertise to advance our mission and ensure our operations are running smoothly.

 

Get to know our biggest advocates and why they choose to LIVE UNITED every day!

Laura Frank, Hackensack Meridian Health

 

laura frank

 
Laura Frank, Vice President of Community Outreach & Engagement for Hackensack Meridian Health, has been a member of the Board of Directors for six years. A graduate of Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, Laura currently resides in Interlaken.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

A former senior leader at HMH was a board member and recommended me for his replacement. I met with the Executive Director and some other board members to learn more about the organization and commitment.

What made you want to join the Board of Directors?

After learning about the United Way’s mission, the significant impact of their work and the dedication of the leadership, staff and volunteers, I knew joining the board would be something special.

UWMOC’s three impact areas are education, financial stability and health. Which area are you most passionate about and why?

It’s really hard to pick just one. All three are vitally important to a thriving community, but I do think education is the foundation to making it all work together.

What does it mean to you to “Live United”?

To me, Living United means working together for a common goal. At United Way, that goal is a community where everyone achieves their greatest potential. Everyone has something to contribute, be it their time, talent or financial resources to make that goal possible.

What have you enjoyed most about being a board member?

It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that is making a positive impact on families across Monmouth and Ocean counties. I have witnessed first hand how our programs make a difference in someone’s life, like providing a warm winter coat to a child in need, to mention just one.

What is your favorite thing to do around Monmouth and Ocean counties?

There’s almost too many to list, but I do enjoy taking my dog to the beach, paddle boarding, and golf just to name a few.