Press release from Holiday Express
Since 1993, Holiday Express has relied on more than 1,500 volunteers and only four full-time paid employees to deliver music, food, gifts, and financial support to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the Holiday season and throughout the year. To help make it all possible, the non-profit organization has announced the hiring of Lorrie Klaric as the new Executive Director.
Klaric, who starts immediately, will be replacing Donald Pignataro who announced his retirement in the fall and has served successfully as the organization’s Executive Director since 2006. Pignataro will remain as the Executive Director until the end of the year to allow for a smooth transition of leadership.
Prior to coming to Holiday Express, Klaric served as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Mercer County, a non-profit group whose mission is to promote the independence of disadvantaged women by providing supportive job development tools. She has more then 20 years of work experience in profit and non-profit business environments where she has held key leadership roles. Klaric holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Master of Arts degree in liberal studies, both from Villanova University. She also holds a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Non Profit Executive Leadership Institute from Bryn Mawr College. Born and raised in New Jersey, Klaric currently resides in Newtown, PA.
“Lorrie brings a tremendous background in the non-profit sector, and will lead the way to attract the resources necessary to expand our services, and develop logistical support,” stated Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone, adding that the organization has decided to greatly expand the number of events it does each year, and feels that Lorrie will be a valued asset.
Klaric’s daily responsibilities will include oversight of operational functions, financial accountability, community cultivation, strategic planning and board development. She will work out of the Tinton Falls headquarters.
“I am excited about the opportunity to continue the great work of Holiday Express in its 22nd season and to grow our programs in the future,” said Klaric. “I look forward to building partnerships in the community so that we are able to provide the gift of human kindness to even more of our vulnerable population.”