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MEET OUR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS BOARD

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The Emerging Professionals Board (EPB) is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals interested in volunteering their knowledge and skills to support The Woodlands. The EPB offers professionals between the age of 22 and 40 years old exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth, leadership, networking, and service.

Benefits include:

  • Gaining valuable leadership and board experience
  • Networking with other EPB members, the Board of Directors, and community partners and professionals
  • Applying skills to benefit a nonprofit organization and receive proper acknowledgement important service
  • Participating in professional development opportunities
  • Engaging in meaningful work while gaining volunteer hours and experience
  • Serving chosen committees and contributing to the overall success of the EPB

For information on how to apply to join the EPB, please contact Laura Thomas, Assistant Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations, by email at Lthomas@woodlandsfoundation.org or by phone at 724-935-6533 ext. 221.

MEMBERS

Samantha Bridger

Samantha is the Founder and President of Yellow Bridge Communications and Events, a full-service marketing, communications and business development consultancy servicing clients in a wide array of industries, including CPG, Retail and Service. Samantha received her BA in Journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, and resides in Cranberry with her husband and two small children.

Kylie Gallagher

Kylie is a Vice President at Yellow Bridge Communications and Events, a full-service marketing, communications and business development consultancy servicing clients in a wide array of industries, including CPG, Retail and Service. She attended Kent State University and received a BA in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Marketing, and resides in Mars with her two little girls.

Annie Kaucic

Annie Kaucic is the owner and founder of AEK Marketing Solutions, LLC. She supports nonprofits, corporate foundations and corporate social responsibility programs with all their marketing and communications needs. Annie graduated from Duquesne University in 2015 with degrees in Public Relations and Psychology. She then obtained an MS in Customer Insights from the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business in 2018.

Nick Mitchell

Nick is a financial advisor at Baird Wealth Management. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2017 with a BA in Finance. He enjoys spending time golfing, shooting skeet, and spending time with family and friends. If his passion for helping people achieve their financial goals ever fades, his dream is to open a pizza shop and serve the best pie in Pittsburgh!

Samantha Smyers

Samantha is a special education teacher within the North Allegheny School District. Armed with a Master’s in teaching from Waynesburg University and Special Education certification from Slippery Rock University, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Beyond the classroom, Samantha is also a passionate co-owner of the North Hills Golf Academy, where her focus lies in providing specialized golf lessons tailored for juniors and ladies.

Sydney Smyers

Sydney is the owner of Know Your Worth Pgh, a bookkeeping and financial consulting firm. She is also a co-owner and golf instructor of North Hills Golf Academy where she teaches womens golf lessons and also the adapted golf program at The Woodlands. She and her husband, Alex, have a coworking space in Gibsonia – The Maverick, where those who work from home or need meeting rooms can come and utilize their space. Sydney played DI softball at Niagara University where she received her MBA in accounting. 

Ryan Tillotson

Ryan is a Client Assistant at R.W. Baird and has worked there since 2020. He graduated Rollins College with a degree in Business Management and has been volunteering at The Woodlands since 2016.