Board Profiles
Executive Committee
John Durso, Chairman, St. Edmond’s Federal Savings Bank
John Durso brings to the table his undeniable enthusiasm, business skills and excellent communication abilities. With ten years of experience in retail banking and securities, John is Vice President/Marketing Manager of St. Edmond's Federal Savings Bank in Ardmore. John serves on the Ardmore Initiative Marketing Committee. In addition he works with the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, the Ardmore Business Association, First Friday Main Line, Ardmore Rotary Club, New Horizons Senior Center, Alex's Lemonade Stand, the Center for the Advancement of Cancer Education, and the Wynnewood Business Association.
Michael A. Coughlan, Vice Chairman, State Farm Insurance
Mike Coughlan, Vice-Chair, is the owner of State Farm Insurance in Ardmore. Coughlan has served The Ardmore Initiative since 2004 as Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee. He also serves on the township's Ad Hoc Committee for the Ardmore Transit Center and Business District Revitalization Project. He lives with his wife and three sons in Broomall.
Brett Swain, Treasurer, Swain Techs
Brett Swain, Treasurer, is President and Founder of Swain Techs/Swain Online, is an accomplished executive and community leader with more than 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing employees, collaborating with project teams and establishing his own successful consulting firm. He is an astute analyst, especially in dealing with information technology issues, and a creative, "outside-the-box" thinker. Brett is a solutions-oriented professional who excels at managing projects and building team collaboration.
John Durso brings to the table his undeniable enthusiasm, business skills and excellent communication abilities. With ten years of experience in retail banking and securities, John is Vice President/Marketing Manager of St. Edmond's Federal Savings Bank in Ardmore. John serves on the Ardmore Initiative Marketing Committee. In addition he works with the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, the Ardmore Business Association, First Friday Main Line, Ardmore Rotary Club, New Horizons Senior Center, Alex's Lemonade Stand, the Center for the Advancement of Cancer Education, and the Wynnewood Business Association.
Mike Coughlan, Vice-Chair, is the owner of State Farm Insurance in Ardmore. Coughlan has served The Ardmore Initiative since 2004 as Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee. He also serves on the township's Ad Hoc Committee for the Ardmore Transit Center and Business District Revitalization Project. He lives with his wife and three sons in Broomall.
Brett Swain, Treasurer, is President and Founder of Swain Techs/Swain Online, is an accomplished executive and community leader with more than 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing employees, collaborating with project teams and establishing his own successful consulting firm. He is an astute analyst, especially in dealing with information technology issues, and a creative, "outside-the-box" thinker. Brett is a solutions-oriented professional who excels at managing projects and building team collaboration.
Nancy Scarlato, Secretary, The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc.
Nancy Scarlato is a resident of Ardmore and a past president of the Junior League of Philadelphia, which owns and operates the thrift shop at 27 West Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. Nancy is Co-Chair of the Events and Marketing Committee.
Nancy Scarlato is a resident of Ardmore and a past president of the Junior League of Philadelphia, which owns and operates the thrift shop at 27 West Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. Nancy is Co-Chair of the Events and Marketing Committee.
Board Members
Mack Emanuel, Wells Fargo Insurance Services (Retired)
Mack Emanuel served as the Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Insurance Services , and was previously the owner of an insurance agency from 1963 to 2003. Mack is an alum of Lafayette College and is a current resident of Lower Merion.
Anna Durbin, Esq., Solicitor
Anna Durbin is a lawyer who has lived in Ardmore for almost 29 years,and whose offices are at 50 Rittenhouse Place, in Ardmore. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, employment, contracts, and work on non-profit boards. She and her husband, Peter Goldberger, also a lawyer, have three daughters who have attended Lower Merion Public Schools. Anna graduated from Stanford University and met her husband while they were students at Yale Law School.
Mack Emanuel served as the Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Insurance Services , and was previously the owner of an insurance agency from 1963 to 2003. Mack is an alum of Lafayette College and is a current resident of Lower Merion.
Anna Durbin is a lawyer who has lived in Ardmore for almost 29 years,and whose offices are at 50 Rittenhouse Place, in Ardmore. Her practice focuses on criminal defense, employment, contracts, and work on non-profit boards. She and her husband, Peter Goldberger, also a lawyer, have three daughters who have attended Lower Merion Public Schools. Anna graduated from Stanford University and met her husband while they were students at Yale Law School.
Fenton J. FitzPatrick, Beneficial Savings Bank (retired)
John Iannacone, Giannini Jewelers
John Iannacone owns and manages Giannini Jewelers, a business which has been in his family for over 64 years. A retired school guidance counselor, Iannacone is now using his time to give back to the community. Both a property and business owner, Iannacone understands the challenges facing both these groups.
John Iannacone owns and manages Giannini Jewelers, a business which has been in his family for over 64 years. A retired school guidance counselor, Iannacone is now using his time to give back to the community. Both a property and business owner, Iannacone understands the challenges facing both these groups.
Peter Monaghan, Strategic Realty Investments
Peter Monaghan has worked for over 25 years in the commercial real estate market and founded Strategic Realty Investments in 2001. He is currently the Chief Investment Officer for the company. A resident of Lower Merion since childhood, Monaghan is a leading developer in the area and brings a forward thinking perspective along with a sensitivity and respect to the communities redevelopment and revitalization projects.
Brad Paul, Ardmore Toyota
Community involvement and customer service is a vital aspect in Brad’s personal and business life. In 2006, Brad premiered Ardmore Toyota, one of the largest Toyota-Scion dealerships in the Philadelphia area for new cars, used cars, service, parts, finance and rentals.
Joe Bush, Infiniti of Ardmore
Jim Hall, Ardmore Eye Care
Dr. Hall is in private general practice at 11 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA. In his community, Dr. Hall is active in the Rotary Club of Ardmore, where he has chaired several committees and is a member of the District Rotary World Community Service Committee. He is also a member of the Ardmore Business Association and the Main Line Chamber of Commerce.
Christine Vilardo, Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative
Peter Monaghan has worked for over 25 years in the commercial real estate market and founded Strategic Realty Investments in 2001. He is currently the Chief Investment Officer for the company. A resident of Lower Merion since childhood, Monaghan is a leading developer in the area and brings a forward thinking perspective along with a sensitivity and respect to the communities redevelopment and revitalization projects.
Rocco D'Agostino, Beneficial Bank
Rocco has been working in Banking and Finance for over 10 years and is currently the Branch Sales Manager for Beneficial Bank's Ardmore Location. He is an Ardmore resident and has 2 daughters. One being a recent graduate of Lower Merion High School (2009) and another currently attending LMHS. In addition to his helping out with AI events on several occasions in the past year his other volunteer work includes working with the First Friday Main Line committee as well as being a recent addition to the The Main Line Art Center's Finance committee. His past employers include PNC Bank, Commerce Bank and Cendant Mortgage.
Alex Archawski, AGA Consulting
Alex Archawski is Principal/Owner of AGA Consulting. An entrepreneur and a seasoned sales & marketing pro, Archawski’s focus is helping his customers; develop marketing strategies, implement marketing campaigns/programs, create strategic business partners, participate in business development plans, generate leads and increase revenue from their existing customers. Prior to founding AGA Consulting, Archawski has had extensive corporate and entrepreneurial experiences. His experience spans a wide variety of industries such as E-Learning, Healthcare, Facilities/Property Management, Industrial Controls and IT. He has played a major role in promoting the growth and success of every company for which he’s worked. Archawski strongly believes in ‘serving others’, as he did as a Search and Rescue Swimmer in the US Navy. He serves on the Development Committee for Riverbend, volunteers with Greater Philadelphia Cares, Rebuilding Philadelphia, and donates his time with many veteran nonprofit organizations (in marketing and development). Archawski currently resides in Ardmore with his wife and son.
Mark Bachus, Suburban Square
Mark Bachus joined Kravco Simon as Marketing Manger for King of Prussia in May of 2005. Prior to King of Prussia, Bachus served as Director of Marketing for Current, Inc. developing marketing programs for the agency’s shopping center clients. Bachus has 20 years experience in the shopping center management industry serving as marketing director for shopping centers such as Rivercenter (San Antonio Riverwalk), Palm Beach Mall (West Palm Beach, FL) and Pecanland Mall (Monroe, LA). Bachus holds the title of Senior Certified Marketing Director, awarded by the International Council of Shopping Centers and currently serves on ICSC’s CMD committee. He also served as chair for the Retail Tourism Committee for the Texas Travel Industry Association and Program chair for ICSC’s Texas Conference. From 2003 to 2005, Mark was elected as Vice President to the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood Association where he worked with the City of Atlanta on a master plan for the historic district. In 2000, Bachus worked with The Dealey Group and The State of Texas to establish “Shop Across Texas” a program designed to promote retail shopping to domestic and international visitor markets. Mark started his career with the American Productivity Center in Houston, TX as a meeting planner and was promoted to Director of Development. As Director of Development, Bachus was In charge of marketing, public relations, membership, and corporate sponsorship.
Maryam Phillips, Lower Merion Library System
Maryam Phillips served as the Director of Libraries for the Lower Merion Library System from 1997-1998 as well as the Assistant Director of Libraries from 1990-1997. She served as the Branch Manager to the Ardmore Library from 1982-1990. Maryam received her B.A. from Arcadia University and her M.I.S. from Drexel University. Maryam has also been a member on the Board of Commissioners for Lower Merion Township from 2002-2009.
Advisory Board
Jamie Lokoff, MilkBoy Recording Studio
Jamie Lokoff is the co-owner of MilkBoy Recording & MilkBoy Coffee. He moved his recording studio to Ardmore in December of 2001. Almost 5 years later, he opened MilkBoy Coffee, Ardmore's only Live Arts venue and independent coffee house.
Gregory Matusky, Gregory FCA Communications
Greg Matusky, president and founder of Gregory FCA, an Ardmore-based public and investor relations firm that employs more than 40 professional in downtown Ardmore.
Nancy Gold, King's Collar Shirtmakers
Nancy Gold is President of King's Collar Shirtmakers, and as a nationally recognized Custom Shirt designer, is distinguished as the Nation's First Woman to enter this field. Nancy received an Alumnae Association Award of Honor by the Philadelphia High School for Girls, served as President Emeritus of Center City Proprietor's Association, a Founding Officer of The Center City District, an INC. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, and has been honored as one of Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business. Nancy is, and has been actively involved in Ardmore, since she arrived here from Center City in 2000. She served as President Emeritus of The Ardmore Business Association, Board Member of Ardmore 2000, Chair of Development for First Friday Main Line, and is an active member of The Merion Fire Company. Nancy has five children and four grandchildren, and is an Ardmore resident.
Rob Burnham, Burnham Financial Services
Rob formerly served ont he Ardmore Initiative's Board of Directors for three years but needed to step down when he moved his office to Wayne. His efforts helped make events such as the Taste of Ardmore and Ardmore Blossoms successful. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Rotary Club of Ardmore and the Kistler-Tiffany Foundation - which helps community non-profit organizations.
As a Financial Advisor and President of his own Financial Services firm, Rob helps families and small business owners reach financial security through investments and insurance. His website is www.BurnhamFS.com
Kevin Murphy, Main Line Executive Management
Kevin Murphy, a resident of Merion Station, is an Owner of Main Line Executive Management in Ardmore. MLEM has been handling commercial and residential properties along the Main Line for decades. Kevin has been active serving on the Boards of many community organizations including the Main Line YMCA, Merion Fire Co. of Ardmore, Ardmore Business Association, Lower Merion Township Historic Architectural Review Board, Narberth Fire Co., Merion Civic Association, Ardmore Rotary, YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity and the Ardmore Business District Authority. Kevin grew up in Narberth and attended St. Joe's Prep and graduated from Rutgers University. Along with his wife and two children, Kevin enjoys weekends and the shore, golfing and "family time".
Brad Paul, Ardmore Toyota
Community involvement and customer service is a vital aspect in Brad’s personal and business life. In 2006, Brad premiered Ardmore Toyota, one of the largest Toyota-Scion dealerships in the Philadelphia area for new cars, used cars, service, parts, finance and rentals.
Joe Bush, Infiniti of Ardmore
Steve Gaylor, Mapes
Pat Keenan, Wells Fargo
Jim Hall, Ardmore Eye Care
Dr. Hall is in private general practice at 11 W. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA. In his community, Dr. Hall is active in the Rotary Club of Ardmore, where he has chaired several committees and is a member of the District Rotary World Community Service Committee. He is also a member of the Ardmore Business Association and the Main Line Chamber of Commerce.
Charles F. Ward, Bryn Mawr Trust
Charles Ward was one of the founders of the Ardmore Initiative and its chair for over fourteen years, from its inception until 2007.
Chairman Emeritus
Meyer (Mike) Silver, Esq., Silver & Silver
Mike Silver, Chair, previously served as Vice Chair of The Ardmore Initiative and of the Streetscape Committee from 1985 to 2007. Silver is the Managing Partner of the law firm, Silver & Silver, which he founded with his wife in 1981. In 2000, Silver & Silver was selected Best Small Business by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. Main Line Today named Mike Silver its 2004 Person of the Year.
Silver brings a long history of leadership experience in working with a number of non-profit agencies. He was elected President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives in 1990, and testified before the House of Representatives seeking ways to make the disability system more equitable. In addition, Silver founded and chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Disability Law Committee from 1995 to 2004; served as Chairman of the Arthritis Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2006; and currently is the Advocacy Chair for Eastern Pennsylvania. He also recently completed a one-year term as President of the Rotary Club of Ardmore. Silver and his wife Cindy reside in Bryn Mawr with their three sons.
Additional Staff
Gary Weisband, Ardmore Initiative Accountant
Gary Weisband, Accountant is a self employed CPA with an office in Ardmore, PA. His business focuses on small businesses and individuals and performs bookkeeping, payroll and income tax services. His firm provides personalized service for all of his clients. He resides in Wynnewood, PA with his wife of 20 years, Wendy, and they have two sons in Lower Merion High School.
Ardmore Initiative Staff Members
Linda Suter, Assistant to the Executive Director
Linda Suter started as assistant to the Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative in October 2006. She resides in Delaware County with her husband, Michael, and their 4 children.
Christine Vilardo was appointed as Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative in April, 2007. Christine is a former dancer, choreographer, and scuba Instructor. In addition to her years of service to Ardmore as an Officer & Board member of both The Ardmore Initiative and The Ardmore Business Association, Christine brings years of experience both in non-profit arts management as well as in retail store management.
