BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kiplee Bell Morris,
MD, MS, PA-C
Founder & CEO
Dr. Kiplee Bell's narrative is one of resilience, artistry, and unwavering compassion, beautifully encapsulated in her latest literary creation, "The Work of My Mother's Hands: A Caregiver's Journey." This heartfelt homage intertwines her mother's legacy as a Registered Nurse with Dr. Bell's personal reflections and caregiving insights, offering readers a profound guide through the intricate pathways of healthcare.
With over two decades of dedicated service in the medical field, Dr. Bell's trajectory from a hospital volunteer to the pinnacle of MD status stands as a testament to her unyielding commitment to excellence. As one of the less than two percent of women of color in medicine to achieve dual board certifications as a Physician Assistant and MD, her journey reflects a steadfast dedication to breaking barriers and championing equitable healthcare access.
Dr. Bell's expertise transcends clinical practice, as evidenced by her master’s degree in Gerontology, a cornerstone in her advocacy for the elderly and vulnerable populations. Further insights into her compassionate approach can be explored at www.impactfulcaregiving.com.
Educationally fortified with a BA in Sociology, a Master’s of Gerontology, a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Physician Assistant, and a Medical Doctorate, Dr. Bell's academic foundation serves as the bedrock of her profound clinical acumen.
She illuminates the medical landscape as a beacon of knowledge, consulting on emerging medical developments, delivering captivating lectures worldwide, and steadfastly serving her patients with grace and expertise.
Beyond her medical prowess, Dr. Bell's artistic spirit radiates through her performances on esteemed stages nationwide. Her diverse repertoire spans musical theater, commercials, film, and the enchanting world of audiobook narration, inviting audiences into captivating narratives. Explore her artistic endeavors further at www.kipleebell.com.
Deeply rooted in philanthropy, Dr. Bell's vision extends to the Kevin John McAleese Memorial Scholarship Foundation, a testament to her unwavering commitment to education and honoring the legacy of Colonel McAleese. Discover the foundation's impactful mission at www.kevinjohnmcaleesefoundation.org.
Dr. Bell's philosophy intertwines the realms of art and science, recognizing the transformative power of human connection. She envisions the stage as a sacred space for enlightenment, education, advocacy, and healing—an ethos reflected in her latest venture as CEO and founder of www.impactfulcare.com, dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare delivery.
Driven by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of human connection, Dr. Kiplee Bell's life's work epitomizes a profound commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare and beyond.
Irv Levy
Consultant to the Board
Philadelphia native Irv Levy has worked in executive search specializing in the banking industry for over 30 years and formed his own firm, EC-ES, in 1998. He met Kevin McAleese in 1990 while working at the same recruiting firm. They co-wrote the Miss Philadelphia song, recorded and produced it at the world-renowned Sigma Sound Studio in 1996. While Kevin served in Bosnia in 1999, Irv stepped in as acting Executive Director of the Miss Philadelphia pageant during Kiplee’s reign. Kevin insisted that Irv’s daughter, Bethany (like Irv, a graduate of Central High School) try out for the Pageant. She won on her second try, in 2002. Irv was honored to have Kevin serve as best man at his wedding in 2001. He and Lex live in Limerick and, when not working, enjoy spending time with their two cats, children and grandchildren, not necessarily in that order.
Rebecca A. Walker, BSN RN IBCLC
Chief Operating Officer
Most commonly known as Beckie to her closest friends and family, Beckie is a Hershey, Pennsylvania native that considers herself a Philadelphia transplant. She attended Drexel University where she graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, minored in Addictions Counseling, and concentrated in Human Lactation & Breastfeeding. She became a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant soon after graduating and has worked at multiple health care systems across the Philadelphia region including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Lankenau Medical Center. In 2017, Beckie founded her Limited Liability Company, BestFeeding Lactation & Feeding Consultation where she provides lactation and breastfeeding support to parents and infants in need.
Beckie has experience serving on multiple organizational boards during her time at Drexel including the National Student Nurses Association, Drexel University’s Student Nurses Association, Drexel’s Campus Activities Board, Drexel Community Scholars Leadership Program, Scholars for Academic Success, and Sigma Sigma Sigma Alpha Delta Chapter. Additionally, Beckie has served on multiple committees through her time as a nurse and IBCLC and currently serves as Vice President for the Kevin John McAleese Memorial Scholarship Foundation and a member of the Drexel Lactation Advisory Committee.
In 2018, she and her partner, Ethan welcomed their baby girl, Everly into the world. Becoming a mom has not only been such an incredible experience in and of itself, but it inspired Beckie to further her education by attending Georgetown University where she is studying to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife. As a partner to an active-duty military member, Beckie & her family have relocated to the DC/Virginia area for their next station assignment where she works at Virginia Hospital Center as a Clinical Nurse III on their Mother-Baby Unit.
Ron Unger, CPA
Treasurer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Graduate of Central High School, University of PA ( BA/MS education) and Temple University (MBA). I have been in public accounting for over 30 years. I am currently a partner in Krassenstein & Unger LLC CPA's - a small firm in Jenkintown, PA. We specialize in small business accounting and taxes as well as individual tax returns. I am also an adjunct instructor in the Accounting Department of the Fox School of Business of Temple University and have been doing so for the past six years. Prior to that, I taught at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. My wife, son and I live in Abington, PA with two cats and an occasional visiting grand-dog.
Raymond H. Melcher, Jr.
Advisor to the Board
Raymond H. Melcher, Jr. has 40+ years of business experience with both private and publicly-owned for-profit companies and with many non-profit organizations.
Ray is a licensed Investment Banker and has served since 2006 as President, CEO and Owner of Marathon Business Group, LLC, dba Marathon Capital Advisors and Marathon Franchise Advisors, advisory firms specializing in mergers, acquisitions, succession planning, strategic planning and divestitures.. Marathon is an award winning affiliate of VR Mergers and Acquisitions, a world-wide network of M & A Advisors and business brokers. In addition to merger and acquisition advisory services, Melcher also serves as President of Marathon Financing Advisors, a firm that provides financing assistance to business owners .Ray also serves as President of Marathon Executive Placement which recruits professionals for sales, financial services and management positions. Mr. Melcher regularly serves as interim, part-time CEO or COO for companies in transition.
Melcher is an Adjunct Faculty member at Alvernia University in the College of Business teaching various graduate and undergraduate business courses.
He earned his MBA from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and Bachelor of Arts degrees from both Kutztown University and Alvernia College. He also completed numerous other advanced financial services educational programs including a three year banking school at the University of Virginia in conjunction with the Consumer Bankers Association.
Ray has been active in many civic, community, charitable, business and professional organizations with a focus on economic development, education, and youth. He has served on the Board of Directors of more than 40 non-profit organizations serving many as President or Chairman of the Board.
The recipient of numerous professional and community awards, he was honored as the Business Leader of the Year (large business category) in 2000 by the Berks County Chamber of Commerce, won the Eastern Pennsylvania Executive Spotlight Award in 2001, received the Community Leadership By Example Award from the Senior Citizens Council in 2002, in 2003 was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Alvernia College and in 2005 was awarded the Citation for Service to Kutztown University.
Melcher is married to the former Terri Lampe. He has two adult sons, Patrick and Timothy and four grandchildren Courtney, Kendall, Jake and Max. and a step daughter and son in law Lauren and Tyler Miller. Ray and Terri reside in Robeson Township.
Laura Whartenby
Fundraising Development
Laura brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate heart to her role as Fundraising Coordinator for the Kevin John McAleese Foundation. A proud mother of five and grandmother to seven, she combines her family-first values with a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Laura is a graduate of Council Rock High School in Newtown, PA, and Sanford-Brown University, where she earned membership in the National Honor Society and received the prestigious Professionalism Award. With over 30 years in the healthcare field, including a decade saving lives in the ER at Virtua Voorhees, Laura has always found purpose in supporting others. She also dedicated time to teaching future healthcare professionals at Merritt Institute in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
Currently, Laura channels her passion into fundraising efforts for the foundation, working tirelessly to ensure families impacted by Glioblastoma receive the support they need. She is also a Certified Life Coach and co-owner of a Grief Recovery & Compassion Support Service, reflecting her dedication to bringing hope and healing to others.
In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering as a Visitation Minister at her church, and pursuing a personal dream of earning her pilot’s license. Her unwavering kindness, resilience, and vision continue to inspire those around her and drive the mission of the foundation forward.
Sheronda N. Mike, JD, MPH
Legal Advisor
Ms. Mike graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. After college, Ms. Mike attended Drexel University School of Public Health where she successfully earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health, with a specific focus in public policy. After being awarded a Public Policy fellowship in Washington D.C., she returned to New Jersey where she helped to develop, implement, and direct a statewide public health program for youth. This program achieved great success and went on to serve as a framework and policy model for other states around the country. Ms. Mike continued to further her education by earning a Juris Doctorate degree from Rutgers University-Newark. Ms. Mike spent ten years practicing criminal law; nine of those ten years were spent as an Assistant Prosecutor in the state of New Jersey. Presently, Ms. Mike represents children in family court matters while simultaneously, serving as adjunct faculty at Rowan University teaching various courses in criminal justice.
Holly Harrar
Multimedia Producer
Holly Harrar is a multimedia producer for the Kevin John McAleese Foundation. She has curated video vignettes portraying Kevin's life, highlighting the various ways in which he has had a profound impact on others. She's a television news reporter for WFMZ-TV 69 News in Allentown, PA serving the third largest business district in the state. In 2016, she was crowned Miss Philadelphia and embarked on a year of service, placing fourth runner-up to Miss Pennsylvania that year. Holly is a born and raised Montgomery County native.
Holly has several years experience working in television news. She's worked exclusively in the South Central and Southeastern parts of the commonwealth and has even dabbled in reporting on the sidelines of Division 2 PSAC football on SportsFever Television Network, ESPN3 and PCN. She feels fortunate to witness history and share important information with her community, a responsibility she does not take lightly in these trying times. She's interviewed White House officials, been on the frontlines of protests and provides viewers with the knowledge to navigate their lives during the COVID19 pandemic.
Holly is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Journalism and a minor in Disability Studies. During her time gaining skills with the student-run campus news station, SUTV, Holly was awarded a Mid-Atlantic College Production Emmy and interned at WHTM-TV abc27 in Harrisburg.
Holly gained an affinity for broadcast communication and multimedia production through her time competing in pageants. She was Miss Lehigh Area in 2014, earning her first local title through the Miss America Organization. She went on to serve the City of Brotherly Love as Miss Philadelphia 2016. Holly has been a staunch advocate for our disabilities community through this work.
When she's not out reporting on the latest news or editing video, Holly is with her family, her two dogs Rudy and Harlee, getting outdoors or testing her chef skills in the kitchen.