meet Our Board
our board works to ensure that pcr can fulfill its mission for years to come
With a team of individuals passionate about expanding access to rowing and seeing young people succeed, the PCR board takes a hands-on approach to helping our organization grow.
Chair & Treasurer
Tony Schneider
Milton S. Schneider (“Tony”) co-founded PCR in 2009 and is the current Chair of the board. He has seen firsthand how the sport of rowing can change lives and believes that participation in PCR’s high dosage and highly supportive rowing programs will help students in all aspects of their lives, including achieving academic success and pursuing post-secondary education or professional training. Tony maintains that all Philadelphia public school children should have the same opportunity to benefit from the sport of rowing as their peers from local private schools and suburban districts.
In addition to serving as the Chair of the Board for Philadelphia City Rowing, Tony holds numerous other leadership positions. He is currently on the board of the directors of the Anti-Defamation League and serves as Chair of Mural Arts Philadelphia. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
Tony is an avid rower out of Vesper Boat Club where he also serves as a member of its Board of Directors. Tony has competed in local, national, and international competitions.
Secretary
Robert Baldry
Robert is Assistant Vice President, Regulatory Affairs for Genpact Pharmalink, a global consultancy on regulatory process and technology projects for biopharmaceutical organizations. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Wolverhampton (United Kingdom), as well as a BA in Business Administration and Management from Hogeschool INHOLLAND (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Robert is not only an active rower and distance runner and committee member at Undine Barge Club. Having grown up, lived in and rowed in many cities around the world, Robert recognizes the unique gifts and challenges Philadelphia offers. He is inspired to further the mission of Philadelphia City Rowing to make rowing more accessible to Philadelphia’s high school children.
Hanley Bodek
Hanley learned to row at the University of Pennsylvania, where he successfully competed on the team for three years. His connection to the sport has never faded, and today, he rows regularly just a few docks away from PCR at University Barge Club.
For nearly three decades, Hanley taught real estate development at the University of Pennsylvania. His professional work focused on revitalizing communities, leading to the renovation of more than fifty abandoned residential and commercial properties.
Hanley spearheaded the fundraising and redevelopment of Smith Memorial Playhouse in Fairmount Park and served as President of the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust. He also shared his knowledge of maritime history as a docent at the Independence Seaport Museum.
As a PCR board member and supporter, Hanley hopes to help give Philadelphia public school students the chance to experience an activity that taught him discipline, teamwork, and resilience — while experiencing the beauty of Fairmount Park, along with his experience as an entrepreneur, to help PCR student-athletes grow both on and off the water.
Christy Brady
Christy Brady serves as the elected City Controller of Philadelphia, where she leads the office responsible for auditing government operations and promoting accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public funds. With more than 30 years of experience in the Philadelphia Controller’s Office, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has dedicated her career to public service.
Before being elected City Controller in 2023, Christy made history as the first woman appointed Deputy Controller for Audit. She currently serves on several City boards and commissions, including the Board of Pensions.
A lifelong Philadelphian, Christy lives in the Fox Chase neighborhood with her husband and three children. As the parent of a rower who competed at both the high school and collegiate levels from boathouses along the Schuylkill River, she has developed a deep appreciation for the sport of rowing and its ability to build discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership in young people. Her family’s involvement in the rowing community has given her firsthand insight into the positive impact that access to the sport can have on students and their families throughout the Philadelphia region. She is honored to serve on the Board of Philadelphia City Rowing and support its mission of expanding access to rowing while empowering Philadelphia youth through education, mentorship, and athletic opportunity.
Christy holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Thomas Jefferson University, where she played softball and soccer.
Marcelo Godinho
Marcelo Godinho is an investor and senior principal at Sapien Software and former EY Partner with extensive experience in people strategy, technology, and organizational transformation. He previously served as a US Partner in People Advisory Services and as Managing Partner for Latin America South, leading cross-functional teams and driving significant regional growth. Marcelo serves on the boards of the Philadelphia Society of People & Strategy (PSPS) and Philadelphia City Rowing and is recognized as a speaker on leadership, innovation, and the future of work. He holds a law degree and executive education from MIT and Harvard.
John P. Hogan, Sr.
John is the retired President of The Mariner Insurance Group, Inc., located in Philadelphia. He served as Secretary of the Schuylkill Navy from 2002 until he was elected Commodore in January 2010. He is a member of Bachelors Barge Club from where he rows almost daily. He competes regularly in Masters regattas. As a lifetime resident of Philadelphia, John is keenly aware of the lack of accessibility for Philadelphia Public High School students to row on their river. He considers the success of Philadelphia City Rowing as a lasting legacy of his term as Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy.
James Lynch
Dr. James Patrick (Jimmy) Lynch has worked in the field of scholastic athletics for more than 15 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator at schools in Boston and Philadelphia. In 2016, he was named the Executive Director of Athletics for The School District of Philadelphia and President of the Philadelphia Public League. Previously he served as the Director of Athletics at Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia (2013-2016) and at Cathedral High School in Boston, MA (2009-2012). Dr. Lynch also serves as a member of the PA State Athletic Directors Association Executive Council and formerly represented Section 2 of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Board of Directors.
Dr. Lynch earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Saint Joseph’s University, a master’s degree in Sport Management from Neumann University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Athletic Administration from Drexel University. His dissertation titled Play By K – Building a Successful Model for Scholastic Athletics in Urban Schools aimed to address the systemic challenges of access to scholastic athletic programs in urban school districts across the country.
Geof McKernan
Geof is the founder and former CEO of NSM Insurance Group, which he built into a global specialty insurance platform. He currently serves as CEO of Ignyte Insurance, a company focused on acquiring and growing niche insurance brands. Throughout his career, Geof has been recognized for his strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and ability to scale organizations while maintaining a strong people-centered culture.
In addition to his business leadership, Geof has been deeply involved in philanthropic efforts across the Philadelphia region. He has supported organizations including Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center, and the Caron Foundation, with a focus on youth development, education, and public service. His commitment to investing in young people and strengthening communities aligns closely with Philadelphia City Rowing’s mission.
A former collegiate rower at Rutgers University, Geof is also a proud former rowing parent and a current member of University Barge Club. He believes strongly in the power of rowing to build resilience, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Geof looks forward to supporting PCR’s continued growth and expanding access to the sport for Philadelphia public school students.
Catherine Reddick
Catherine is a Principal at Mercator Advisors, LLC, where she provides financial advisory and strategic consulting for transportation infrastructure projects and capital programs. While pursuing her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Penn, she rowed on the Schuylkill and volunteered in Philadelphia public schools. She previously served on the Fairmount Park Conservancy Board of Directors and the Schuylkill River District Community Access Advisory Board.
Dan Ross
Dan Ross is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Day & Zimmermann (D&Z), a century-old, family-owned company with approximately $3 billion in annual revenue. D&Z specializes in construction and engineering, operations and maintenance, staffing, security, and defense services for leading corporations and governments around the world. In his role, Dan oversees all human resources functions across the enterprise, including talent management, talent acquisition, compensation, inclusion and diversity, labor strategy, and organizational development. He is also a member of the D&Z Leadership Council, which is responsible for the company’s overall strategy and policy direction. Dan earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University. He is also a graduate of the Wharton General Management Program.
A lifelong rower, Dan began rowing at Monsignor Bonner High School before continuing at Saint Joseph’s University, where he served as a two-time captain, won a Dad Vail gold medal, and represented the university at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. Today, he remains connected to the rowing community through his family, including supporting his daughter’s rowing journey. Dan is passionate about expanding access to the sport because of the profound impact it has had on his own life. He believes rowing teaches discipline, resilience, accountability, teamwork, and leadership—life skills that extend far beyond the water and help young people unlock opportunities, build confidence, and achieve success in whatever path they choose.
Frank Rowe
Frank is an executive coach, consultant, and educator with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations strengthen leadership, improve performance, and achieve lasting strategic results. Throughout his career, Frank has supported organizations including GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Merck, UnitedHealthcare, MindBody Inc., and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His work focuses on executive coaching, team development, strategic planning, sales effectiveness, and employee engagement.
In addition to his consulting practice, Frank teaches graduate-level courses in leadership, strategic planning, team dynamics, and organizational performance at Drexel University, Temple University, and Thomas Jefferson University. He also advises family-owned businesses through the Delaware Valley Family Business Center and serves on the board of a nonprofit supporting immigrants and refugees in the Philadelphia region.
A lifelong athlete and competitive rower for more than 35 years, Frank brings discipline, focus, and a team-first mindset to his professional and community work. He was a collegiate rower at UC Santa Barbara, competed for the U.S. National Team, and is a current member of Undine Barge Club. He holds an MBA from Drexel University, an MPH from Temple University, and a BA from UC Santa Barbara.
Leona Thomas
Leona is a longtime resident and active member of the Philadelphia community with a strong history of community building and activism. Prior to joining Philadelphia City Rowing, Leona served for ~8 years on the board of William Way, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ Community Center, as well as over 10 years as the Chair/Co-Chair of their Strategic Planning Committee. Leona has been actively involved in nonprofits and volunteer organizations for many years including building WITI (Women In Technology International), Portland’s Professional Development Program, and is one of the founding members of SIM Women’s Executive Leadership Council.
Leona also brings 20+ years in business transformation and executive leadership to Philadelphia City Rowing. She is the founder of Enabling Investments, LLC, providing strategic management consulting and executive coaching. Previously she served as a Global Business Transformation Sr. Delivery Director at Slalom, CTO for Benefits Data Trust, COO for Wylie, Inc, has provided strategic planning and advisory services for multiple non-profits, and spent over 10 years with CSC Consulting.
Leona is an avid athlete who benefited from being involved in community and organized sports her entire life. She is looking forward to supporting Philadelphia City Rowing’s efforts in creating these same types of opportunities for today’s students of the Philadelphia Public School system.
Luna UgrenoviC
Luna Ugrenovic came to rowing in the US as an international student-athlete at Barry University, where she was part of a two-time NCAA Division II national championship team that went undefeated for two consecutive seasons. That experience — competing at a high level while navigating a new country and culture — gave her a firsthand appreciation of how sport can build resilience, belonging, and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the water.
Today, Luna works at the intersection of mental health and human performance as a licensed associate professional counselor and certified mental performance consultant. At Greenepsych Clinical & Sport Psychology, she works as a therapist and certified mental performance consultant. She delivers individual sessions, workshops, and consultations to athletes, coaches, parents, and other professionals, and specializes in helping performers manage anxiety, overcome mental blocks, navigate identity and life transitions, and build mental skills that support lasting well-being. At Growth Minded Counseling and Consulting, she focuses on trauma work using EMDR and provides individual therapy, with particular attention to clients from minoritized communities.
Luna holds a Ph.D. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from West Virginia University. Her published research on mental health referral conversations in collegiate sport reflects her commitment to making mental health support more accessible and effective for young people — a mission that aligns closely with PCR’s vision of equitable opportunity and whole-person development.
A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Luna is fluent in both English and Serbian and brings a cross-cultural lens that deepens her ability to connect with young people from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about PCR’s work to unlock the potential of Philadelphia’s youth and is honored to contribute her expertise in support of that mission.
Emanuel A. Wilkerson
Emanuel Wilkerson brings more than a decade of experience in public service and youth empowerment to the Philadelphia City Rowing Board. He currently serves as a Chief of Staff in Philadelphia City Council.
His commitment to public service began early. At just 18 years old, Emanuel was elected to his local school board, becoming the youngest elected official in Pennsylvania at the time. A high school student-athlete in football and track and field, he later earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Temple University.
Emanuel has served at all three levels of government, working for Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, and now Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Anthony Phillips.
Throughout his career, he has remained committed to advancing education, expanding opportunities for young people, and strengthening communities.
He is excited to serve on the PCR Board, building on the organization’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all Philadelphia youth while helping ensure every child, including Black and Brown youth, has the opportunity to realize their full potential and know that no dream is beyond their reach.