Katie Griffith

Katie has lived in Salem County her entire life. Raised in Penns Grove, she graduated from Penns Grove High School in 1999. After graduating from college, she worked in small business for over 24 years, owned a flower shop for a short time and later pursued a career in visual merchandising at Parker Jewelers. She moved to Salem with her husband in 2005, and they quickly became active in Salem First Baptist Church’s food ministry, the Mickey Bowman Food Pantry and Stand Up for Salem.

After writing several letters of recommendation for students involved in her community service efforts, Katie learned of the Foundation’s work. Katie believes strongly in the organization’s mission and continues to devote herself to instilling confidence in Salem’s youth.

Sharon Kellum

Sharon is a retired educator who taught special education at Mannington Elementary School for 40 years. A proud Salem Ram, she is a graduate of Salem High School, Cumberland County College and Glassboro State College (known today as Rowan University).

Sharon’s family has deep roots in Salem, and she has called the city “home” since birth. In fact, she is even a descendant of one of the founders of Mt. Zion Baptist Church! Sharon remains active in the Salem community, currently serving her second term representing the West Ward on City Council. As a member of Council, she serves on its Administration, Economic Development, Environmental and Clean Communities Committees. She is also the City’s Municipal Alliance Coordinator and is a member of the Salem Free Public Library Board of Trustees.

Sharon views her work as an Ambassador as a worthy investment in the education of Salem’s children, one that will guide students toward future success and inspire them all to continue her legacy of community service.

Ron Magill

Ron was born and raised in Salem, and he has spent most of his life living in the community. His family’s roots in Salem County stretch back eight generations to the time of the American Revolution, during which one of his ancestors served in the Salem Militia. After graduating from Salem High School, Ron earned an Associate of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from Cumberland County College and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Glassboro State College (known today as Rowan University). Ron has spent most of his career working in the nuclear power industry in both New Jersey and New Hampshire.

Ron remains active in historic preservation efforts in the Salem community, having served on the board of the Salem County Historical Society, as founder and long-time president of the Salem Old House Foundation, and as a New Jersey advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He also serves on the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salem and the Board of the Salem Cemetery Association. He also spends time delivering for Meals on Wheels.

Having known about the Foundation from its inception, Ron feels privileged to serve as an Ambassador and to help spread the word about the Foundation’s mission. Ron is encouraged by the work being done to strengthen the lives of Salem’s youth, instilling pride and self-confidence in them. He hopes his work will continue to help students reach new heights, as well as enrich their lives and the greater community.

Fr. Chuck Messer

Chuck is a Florida native who has served as an Episcopal priest for the last 19 years. He earned an undergraduate degree in religious studies from Trevecca University, a Master of Divinity from the Nazarene Theological Seminary and an additional degree in Anglican Studies from The School of Theology at The University of the South. A member of the Salem Ministerium, Chuck currently serves the congregation of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Introduced to the Foundation by Ron Magill, Chuck joined the Foundation’s community because he believes in its mission to make higher education more attainable for each of Salem’s students.

Lynne Saunders

Lynne was born and raised in Salem, and she continues to live in the city today. A graduate of both Salem High School and Montclair State University, she is currently a childcare director at St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach Daycare. She also remains involved in the Rotary Club of Salem County, Stand Up for Salem, and the Salem County Health and Wellness Foundation.

Lynne first learned of the Foundation through her late cousin, John Streetz, an early and ardent supporter of the Foundation’s work. In her role, she wishes nothing more than to help Salem’s youth further their education and become invested community leaders.

Alice Waddington

Alice attended school in Woodstown and is a graduate of George School and the University of Pennsylvania. A longtime resident of Salem County, she has been involved in a number of organizations over many years.

As someone who knew Forman Acton personally, Alice was invited to become an Ambassador, and she gladly accepted because of her strong belief in the Foundation’s work transforming the lives of Salem’s children. Alice remains in awe of the great impact the Foundation’s programs continue to have on the youth of the City.