New Chairperson Nominated for Hearts & Hands

    Hearts and Hands is happy to present our new Board Chair, David J. Vitka. David has been on our Board of Directors since 2019 and has an impressive background with his educational and professional experience. David’s education includes a Master of Architecture degree from Washington University, Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Bridgeport, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from The Catholic University of America. David serves Catholic Health in the areas of strategic master facility planning, project design and construction and corporate real estate portfolio facilities management as their Vice President for Facility Planning, Design & Construction since 2002.  He maintains oversight for over 290 properties and 5.1 million square feet of space across the western New York region.  

    David was introduced to Hearts and Hands when his neighbor was receiving services from the agency. Prior to joining the Hearts and Hands Board, David had this to say: “Just wanted to say thank you for all you did for Aurelie. She really appreciated all your help, and she loved her visits from Hearts & Hands. She enjoyed the social part the most because it allowed her contact with the “outside” world.” We are so grateful to have David J. Vitka as our new Board Chair, and we are excited to see how Hearts & Hands: Faith in Action, Inc. grows under his leadership. 

    Hearts and Hands is also grateful for our outgoing Board Chair Pat Watson. Some of our accomplishments under Pat Watson include chairing the search committee for a new Executive Director in 2018, expanding into the city of Buffalo in 2020, and guiding the agency through its most recent capacity building plan. Pat Watson will remain on the board as an immediate past chair and will also spearhead our 20th anniversary celebration. Our Executive Director, Aaron Carlson said “Pat has been a champion for our care receivers, volunteers, and staff. Her mentorship and leadership style created a space for this agency to grow into its next chapter. I look forward to working with David as we continue to move forward creating meaningful connections among neighbors.”  

    Darlene Maclay and Judy Cuzzacrea Wagner were reelected to an additional three-year term on the board.