Tamela Luce (she/her) | President and CEO

Working in philanthropy allows me to positively impact our community in so many areas. Since I came to PCHF in 2019, we’ve helped our nonprofits survive COVID and assisted homeowners in the Mont Clare and Port Providence neighborhoods of Upper Providence Township to rebuild their homes’ infrastructure after Hurricane Ida. We’ve provided funding to several nonprofits to purchase and renovate new spaces so they can better serve the community and have more professional workspace. While those big projects are gratifying, I also get joy out of the everyday conversations we have with our nonprofits on how we can partner with them to strengthen their organizations and forward their vision.

 

Favorite quote, “I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai

Jeanette Hall (she/her) | Director of Finance and Operations

After many years in corporate finance/accounting, I realized that I wanted to do something that can make a difference in this world. My first non-profit position was at a domestic violence agency. There, I learned of all the intersections contributing to our societal problems. That experience, along with involvement in grant writing and non-profit budgeting, makes my position at PCHF a good fit for me. Additionally, opportunities for community involvement are a wonderful perk. It feels good to get up in the morning knowing the work you do can contribute to positive change.

In my personal life, I raised 3 beautiful young women. My children have become caring and empathetic members of our society. That is my greatest source of pride.

 

Favorite Quote: “The opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference”. – Eli Wiesel

Sam Anthony (she/her) | Program Officer

Growing up in Chester County was a wonderful experience, but I didn’t truly appreciate the strong, resourceful, and joyous community that exists here until moving to Phoenixville in March 2024 . After graduating from Temple University in 2020, I lived in Philadelphia and worked with PA nonprofits to build capacity and support grassroots, mission-based work. It was then that I began to cultivate a passion for supporting the missions of the incredible organizations working to benefit PA communities, and there’s few better places in PA than Phoenixville to do so.

I’m thrilled to join this team during a time of exciting organizational growth, and I look forward to continuing to work together with community leaders, passionate activists, and talented Pennsylvanians to make Phoenixville a stronger community for everyone. In the meantime, you can find my partner Luke and I palling around town, spending time with our cats, and enjoying life in Chester County.

Favorite quote: “You are not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings – learn to use them, and fly.” -Rumi

Kathy Merritt (she/her) | Operations Manager

I have spent my career in corporate customer service and finance roles, where I developed a strong foundation in communication, organization, and client advocacy. At the heart of my professional journey is a genuine passion for helping others and ensuring people feel supported, heard, and cared for during every interaction. 

I am honored to join the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and to support its mission of improving health and well-being within the community. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to serve individuals and families during vulnerable moments and to contribute to meaningful, community centered care. 

Outside of work, I am a wife and a proud mother to two amazing children, as well as two wonderful stepchildren. Music is another meaningful part of my life. I am the female lead singer of a local band, an experience that has allowed me to share my talent with the community and give back by helping raise funds for children with medical needs and families navigating challenging times.