Julie Scheck has been named director of development and communications for Via of the Lehigh Valley. She has more than 30 years of experience in development, communications, marketing and community relations.

Michele Grasso, Via’s vice president of Development & Communications, is retiring at the end of December.

Scheck began her career working in the advertising and public relations departments at Hess’s Department Stores. She held sales and marketing positions for 13 years at The Morning Call.

In 2008, she started working in development serving as senior director of The American Heart Association’s Lehigh Valley division, where she was responsible for bringing the first Go Red for Women luncheon to

the region. Most recently, she served more than eight years as Director of Advancement for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown.

Scheck holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media studies from Lock Haven University and was a freelance writer for various media outlets in Northampton, Lehigh, and Bucks counties.

Serving the community since 1952, Via provides services to 1,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the Greater Lehigh Valley.