© 2022 - Mary Jacobs Foundation
Board of Trustees
Cary Dawson
BOARD PRESIDENT
Cary Esperanza Dawson has served as the President of the Foundation since 2018. She currently serves on the board of directors for National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton and Women in Development of Mercer County. Cary also sits on the executive board as Treasurer for the Montgomery Football Boosters Club. Cary has worked in the nonprofit sector for twenty years and currently manages corporate partnerships and volunteer engagement for The United Way of Northern NJ.
I am devoted to this organization because I believe that supporting education, creativity and sustainability can inspire future generations and make our community stronger.
Michelle Jacob
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Michelle Jacob serves as the Vice President of the Foundation. She also serves on Montgomery’s Environmental Commission and on the Alumni Council for Elizabethtown College, and she volunteers as a Bureau Member for Montessori Model United Nations. Michelle spent more than two decades in the classroom teaching elementary and middle school students.
The Foundation is important to her because she is passionate about the power of education and community to inspire people to make the world a better place.
Smitha Parakkal
BOARD TREASURER
Smitha Parakkal serves as the Treasurer of the Foundation. Prior to this appointment, she has served as treasurer of several other local non-profit organizations, such as the Montgomery Middle School PTO, the Friends of Mary Jacobs Library, and the Cherry Hill Nursery School. Her expertise comes from over 10 years experience in the mortgage banking industry and is complimented by her technical skills in web development, software programs, and social media.
I would love my role with the Foundation to help build stronger connections with our schools.
Crissy Blanos
BOARD SECRETARY
Crissy Blanos currently serves as the secretary of the Foundation and has served proudly for the last four years. Prior to that, she served three years as the President of the Friends of Mary Jacobs Library, where she supported fundraising events to provide services and programs for the community. Outside of the Foundation, Crissy is an Instructional Technology Specialist at Rutgers University, School of Social Work, where she develops courses for social workers and child care providers for the State of NJ.
The Foundation is important to her because it brings dedicated members together to make a difference by supporting the local community.
Rasheeda Pretto
BOARD MEMBER
Former Rocky Hill Councilwoman, Rasheeda Pretto joined the board in July of 2022. Family, community and the arts are at the heart of what motivates Rasheeda. She believes that a strong community is essential to raising our next generation for well-being, happiness and success.
Rasheeda believes that fostering arts, opportunities for education and literacy within Rocky Hill is essential to the community becoming stronger and remaining independent.
Phil Kartsonis
BOARD MEMBER
Phil Kartsonis has been a Trustee for the last 3 years. Prior to being a trustee he served the local government of Rocky Hill as a Council member and Mayor and has a Bechelors of Science in Industrial Engineering and an MBA in Operations Management. He currently holds the postion of Executive Director, Facilities and Operational Excellence at a local pharmaceutical company.
Phil is committed to the next phase of the Mary Jacobs Libray as well as continuing to support the local community.
