Meet the Board

JOE RINK - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mr. Rink has been a member of The End Violence Board since 2003. He is responsible for the overall delivery and expansion of The End Violence Project. An educator for more than 35 years, Mr. Rink teaches high school mathematics in a suburban Orlando, Florida school district. He has dedicated his life to making a difference in all people's lives. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master's of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Educational Leadership. He is also an Introduction Leaders Program Leader with Landmark Worldwide.

STUART PAPAVASSILIOU - NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

Mr. Papavassiliou has held key editorial positions for nationally recognized financial publications serving the commercial finance sectors both in print and on the web. Mr. Papavassiliou also has served on the governing body of a leadership training program. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University. A native of Houston, he has lived in Philadelphia since 1983.

JANET L. NOVACK - VICE CHAIR & ATTORNEY

Ms. Novack is an attorney and mediator who has a passion for empowering people. She has extensive training in communication and leadership skills and is committed to transforming the criminal justice system. She has been on The End Violence Board and leading programs at Graterford Prison since 2006. Ms. Novack received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

JAMES ROBERTS - DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Mr. Roberts, a consultant in global marketing for the pharmaceutical industry, holds two degrees in international finance: Bachelor of Business Administration, Florida International University and a Master’s of Science in Finance, Temple University. He is married with two stepchildren and one grandchild. As an ordained interfaith minister and a dual citizen of the U.S. and the UK he is interested in the synergies available when different cultural perspectives are expressed and valued. James is committed to a world of inclusion, acceptance and compassion.

LOIS SESSKIN - DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Sesskin is a Senior Vice President at an international marketing research organization located in King of Prussia, PA. She has participated in transformational leadership training programs over the past 20 years. She is committed to a world of peace, love and joy. Ms. Sesskin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. A native of New York, she has lived in Philadelphia since 1990.

WENDY LIPPARD - PROGRAM OUTREACH

Ms. Lippard delivers seminars for a nationally recognized presenter of personal development programs. She has led several End Violence Project programs in both Florida and Georgia. She has been instrumental in the expansion of The End Violence Program.

TERI GOGGIN-ROBERTS, RN - SECRETARY

Ms. Goggin-Roberts blends her nursing education with her passion for writing and works as a freelance medical appeals writer. In addition, Ms. Goggin-Roberts’ “slice of life” stories have appeared in Philadelphia Magazine, Beliefnet.com, multiple editions of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and many other outlets. Ms. Goggin-Roberts is one of three generations of Reiki Master Practitioners in her family. This peaceful, healing art helped shape Teri’s belief that a world without violence is possible. Ms. Goggin-Roberts has served on The End Violence Project Board, and led the program at Chester Correctional facility for two years.

JEFFREY BOND - DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Mr. Bond was formerly incarcerated and today serves as a community leader. As a demonstration of his leadership, he was invited to speak at the state correctional institution where he was once confined. Currently, he is the lead facilitator for The End Violence Project’s Freedom by Design Program in a Community Center. Mr. Bond conducts a community youth tennis program and has received two grants from the United States Tennis Association to promote the game of tennis in urban neighborhoods. Mr. Bond is dedicated, passionate, and determined to make a difference in the lives of youth and men and women returning from incarceration.

SUZANNE M. GRUGAN - BOARD MEMBER

Ms. Grugan was a senior executive for an insurance and financial services company before joining Insigniam, an International Consulting Company, where she is a Partner and Consultant. Her work with organizational restructuring, process reengineering, productivity improvements, cost containment, leadership development, executive coaching and high-performance teams has earned her ongoing recognition in the field of Business Transformation.

MARIO JOHNSON - BOARD MEMBER

Mr. Johnson is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper. He leads programs as well as trains new program leaders at Chester Correctional Facility. Mr. Johnson is committed to making a difference with leaders by training them to take responsibility for their freedom and maintaining it.