A Palmerton woman has been promoted to the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, the state leader in child abuse prevention.

Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President for United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley, is assuming the role of PFSA’s Board vice chair. Lesko and five new members were appointed to the PFSA governing board for the 2021-2022 term.

Lesko is a Palmerton resident and has spent more than 20 years in human services, serving in a variety of roles where she gained experiences in public health, victim services, bullying prevention and intervention, juvenile offender mediation, and education reform.

In her role at United Way, she is a well-respected and known community leader, collaborator, and strategist who uses her skills in capacity building, innovation, marketing and communications to elevate and support the needs of Lehigh Valley residents.

“I am proud and thrilled to serve as the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance’s Board Vice Chair and be a part of an organization that has been a leader in protecting the welfare of children for 40 years,” Lesko said. “Protecting children is an issue that’s near and dear to my heart, and I know the measurable impacts that educational programs and trainings provide for professionals and our communities.”

In addition to Lesko assuming the role of vice chair, Tara Dechert, Brenda Lawrence, George Payne, Shahid Raza and Kasey Sheffer have joined PFSA’s board as its newest members.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated experts and leaders in their fields serve on our Board of Directors to help support and further our mission,” said Angela Liddle, president and CEO of PFSA. “All children deserve to be safe, protected, valued and cared for. Our board of distinguished local leaders will help advance our mission, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s children can grow up in an environment that is free of abuse.”