VFES Board Of Trustees

  • The VFES Board of Trustees (“Board”) is accountable for governance of the organization. Members oversee and shape VFES policies and hold fiduciary responsibility for the long-term well-being of the organization. The Board’s fiduciary duties ensure the effective management of the financial, physical and other assets of VFES, balancing the needs of current and future generations of students.

    The Board is also responsible for the establishment and perpetuation of strong leadership and planning for the organization. VFES’s Executive Director is directly accountable to the Board, which sets and monitors annual objectives for her/him. They also work in collaboration with the VFES Leadership Team to establish long-term strategies for VFES and its programs.

    The VFES Board draws Trustees from a wide range of education, technology, business, and non-profit areas for the skills required to fulfill its governance duties. Each Trustee participates in regular board meetings and serves on or leads one or more committees.

    Committees Under the Board of Trustees:

    • Executive Committee
    • Trustee Committee
    • Finance Committee
    • Strategic Planning Steering Committee

    VFES Trustees embrace the VFES mission, contribute ongoing time and effort in support of the Board’s work, and directly support the development and fundraising efforts of VFES.

     

    VFES Board of Trustees
    Members are presented in alphabetical order.

     

    Mr. William E. Hennessey, Chair
    Mr. Hennessey was born in Phoenixville and is a life-long Chester County, PA resident. Mr. Hennessey, a CPA, graduated from Villanova University with a BS in Accounting. Mr. Hennessey is a corporate consultant focusing on technical accounting areas. He has over 30 years in financial management of public and private equity-backed corporations. Prior to his consulting career, Mr. Hennessey served as VP and Corporate Controller for Keystone Foods, Graham Packaging Company and John Maneely Company. He began his career as an auditor with Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC).

    Mr. Hennessey’s daughter, Maura, is a graduate of The Vanguard School and the Vanguard Transition Center.

     

     

     

    Ms. Victoria Moschella, Vice Chair
    Victoria Moschella currently serves as Associate General Counsel for the Aerospace, Defense and Marine business of TE Connectivity Corporation. TE Connectivity’s purpose is to create a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected world by advancing the future of transportation, making factories and homes smarter, enabling global communications networks, and revolutionizing medical technology through the connector and sensor products that it designs and manufactures in conjunction with its customers. TE has over 80,000 employees worldwide and has been the recipient of numerous awards. Forbes ranked TE as number 4 on its list of top companies changing the world, and TE has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 10 years in a row.

    As the head of Legal for the Aerospace, Defense and Marine business, Victoria serves as a member of the Leadership Team where she is responsible for the management of all legal issues and activities that relate to the business, some of which include contract management, compliance and risk management. Prior to assuming the role as legal lead for the Aerospace, Defense and Marine Business, Victoria served as Associate General Counsel for TE’s Medical Business Unit, Assistant General Counsel for both the TE Channel Business Unit and the Corporate Marketing and Communications functions. From 2016-2019, Victoria also served as Chief Litigation Counsel for TE.

    Victoria has spent her entire lengthy legal career as in-house counsel. Prior to joining TE, Victoria served as Senior Counsel, Strategic Sourcing and Real Estate at Tyco International.  Her previous experience was at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, where she held several legal positions, including Counsel for BMS’ Medical Device business, ConvaTec. 

    Victoria has a J.D. from Temple University School of Law and an M.B.A., and a Masters in International Management from the University of Maryland.  Victoria is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Georgia.

    Victoria has had a relationship with VFES since 2017, when she helped the organization receive grant funding from TE, and by hosting students at TE as part of VFES’ VIP Program. Victoria currently serves as Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Trustee Committee.

    Mr. Jack Birnbaum
    Mr. Birnbaum recently retired from Comcast where he was engineering and product executive leading efforts in video products and customer experience technology.  He had a 30-year career in the Cable TV industry driving innovation and building successful engineering teams.

    A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia region, he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.  He followed on with an MS Electrical Engineering from Villanova University and an MBA from the Fox School of Business of Temple University.  He holds several patents and enjoys creative problem-solving.  Mr. Birnbaum serves on the Advisory Board of The College of New Jersey Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

    Mr. Birnbaum resides in Bucks County, PA with his wife, Dorothea.  They have two children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.  His son Brandon is a graduate of The Vanguard School.  In addition to spending time with family, he enjoys traveling, beaches, and music.

     

    Dr. Constance Bompadre
    Dr. Constance Bompadre has spent her entire career in education. Connie was a teacher, coach, principal, Director of Education and eventually an Assistant Superintendent. During her time in the Marple Newtown School District, Dr. Bompadre oversaw curriculum, pupil services, professional development, district safety and building level administration. Having completed 35 years in this field, Connie retired in June 2021. She credits West Chester University (WCU) with instilling in her a passion for teaching. In the fall of 2023, Connie was thrilled to join the CESW Advisory Board for the College of Education and Social Work for West Chester University. It is an honor to support Dean on matters that impact the students and their future endeavors.

    Dr. Bompadre believes in giving back to the profession. She has taught at the graduate level, preparing teachers to become administrators. She was a member of Women in Leadership and Service (WILS) through the WCU foundation. WILS provides grants to female students to further their education. Through WILS, Dr. Bompadre participated in college events to promote education as a career. Dr. Bompadre served on the board of Read2Dream from 2014-2019. The organization provided and promoted books to young people and promotes reading through hosting literacy events in and around West Chester, Pennsylvania. While living in the borough of West Chester, Connie spent 15 years as a trustee of the West Chester Public Library.
    Dr. Bompadre was born and raised in Chester County and now resides in Thornton, Pennsylvania. She enjoys reading, golfing, spending time with family and relaxing on the beach.

     

    Thad BracegirdleMr. Thad Bracegirdle
    Thad Bracegirdle is an Attorney and Director at Bayard, P.A., a law firm in Wilmington, Delaware.  His practice focuses on representing and advising Delaware corporations, their directors, and stockholders on issues relating to fiduciary duties, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.  He litigates disputes involving corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies, and counsels clients on various transactions involving these business entities.

    Thad earned B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court, the Delaware State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.  He serves as Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 77 in Malvern, a specialized troop founded to serve scouts with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental challenges.

    Thad was born and raised in Bucks County and has resided in Media with his wife, Heather, for more than 25 years.  His son, Ben, is a graduate of The Vanguard School and the Vanguard Transition Center (VTC).

     

    Mr. C. Aaron Briggs
    Aaron is the Senior Manager of New Business at PECO. In his role, he oversees the build out of infrastructure to power new homes and businesses throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. He enjoys mentoring and developing leaders as well as contributing to the economic development in the region. Aaron has been with PECO for over 5 years and has held additional roles in Operations. Prior to joining PECO, he worked in Nuclear power plants where he held positions in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Quality Assurance and Engineering. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Cedarville University and an MBA from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!).

    Aaron grew up in New Jersey and returned there after college. He currently lives in Limerick, PA with his wife and daughter. He thoroughly enjoys reading books and newspapers, running, spending time with family and serving at his church. 

     

     

     

    Mr. Matthew Hildenbrand
    Mr. Hildenbrand spent 29 years in the technology sector as an executive at multiple software, consulting, and managed service organizations - most notably Vertex, Frontline Education, and TEKsystems.  Well-experienced in technology strategy, innovation, and operations, his efforts assisted four organizations in business and digital transformations - leading to successful acquisitions and Nasdaq IPOs.  He currently serves on multiple for-profit and non-profit boards, provides advisory services, and mentors other leaders as an executive coach. 

    Having been supported by many on his journey, Mr. Hildenbrand is passionate about helping others. In particular, by advising organizations that support youth and young adults through special education and enrichment programs, including music and the arts. Mr. Hildenbrand earned his BA in Mass Media and Communications from Widener University and pursued graduate studies at Temple University. Born in Abington and a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, he currently resides in Montgomery County with his wife, Deborah. When not traveling with Deborah, he spends his free time as an avid runner and guitar player.

     

     

    Mr. Patrick Noonan
    Patrick is the Senior Manager of Financial Operations for PECO Energy Co. In his role, he is responsible for strategic and financial leadership for the operations of the business and is responsible for the oversight of the financial systems. Patrick has been with PECO for over 10 years in various roles providing strategic initiatives, system implementation and financial management. Prior to joining PECO, he worked for a regional accounting firm serving in the audit department. He earned his BS in Accounting from Villanova University and holds his CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a fellow of the LEADERSHIP Philadelphia program.

    Patrick was born and raised in Delaware County and currently resides in Phoenixville with his wife, Karen, their two sons and daughter. He enjoys running, golfing and spending time with his family. 

     

     

     

    Mr. Devang Patel
    Devang Patel is an IT Executive and currently serves as AVP, US Retirement Technology at Manulife / John Hancock. In his role, he is responsible for strategy, delivery and support of the technology portfolio that serves over 3 million customers with $200B+ in assets.

    Prior to Manulife, Devang spent 18 years at Vanguard in senior leadership roles in HR Technology, Divisional Planning & PMO, Digital Transformation, Global Production Support and Investments Technology, to name a few. He earned his BE in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, MBA from Saint Joseph's University and completed the Executive Development Program at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

    Devang was born and raised in New Jersey and has been a resident of Chester and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania for the last 20 years. He currently resides in Collegeville with his wife, Falguni, their two sons (Dylan & Gavin) and daughter (Gia). In his spare time, Devang enjoys working out, playing/watching sports, coaching his kids’ sports teams and spending time with friends and family.

     

    Ms. Allison Sims
    Ms. Sims is a seasoned professional with expertise in business operations, administration, and team leadership. Her background includes portfolio, program, and project management, as well as procurement and operations management across various corporate settings.  Throughout her career, Ms. Sims has successfully led strategic initiatives and fostered effective business relationships.  At Comcast Corporation, Allison held key leadership roles, including Director, Program Delivery, Sr. Manager, Mobile Device Go-To-Market (GTM), and Manager, Procurement Operations.  

     She holds a Master of Education in Sports and Recreation Administration from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Lehigh University.  She has a proactive approach to leadership and actively participates in leadership development programs, including most recently LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Core Program. 

     Ms. Sims was born in western PA and now calls eastern PA her home.  She resides in Wayne, PA with her partner, Christina.  In her free time, she enjoys travelling, watching sports, and spending time with family/friends.

     

    Ms. Kristen Waterfield
    Kristen Waterfield is Founder and CEO of The Malvern School. Along with co-founder, Joe Scandone, Waterfield opened the first Malvern School in 1998 with a philosophy to deliver a high-quality educational program for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 8 years.

    With a strong emphasis on early childhood education, The Malvern School’s degreed teachers focus on the physical, emotional and cognitive growth of the child. Waterfield’s approach to the curriculum is unique in the sense of providing educators at her schools with the creative freedom to customize lesson plans based on the teachers' experiences and teaching philosophies. All curricula at The Malvern School are designed to meet or exceed the standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s largest early childhood accrediting organization.

    Waterfield started her career as a preschool and second grade teacher, and quickly advanced her career at another childcare provider as a center Director, Franchise Consultant and Director of Corporate Operations. She has dedicated her career to providing children with superior quality, and excellent education and care from only experienced and passionate teachers. As a Malvern School parent, Waterfield had the opportunity to experience the loving and nurturing environment that she created for other families.

    Kristen holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Child Development from Wilkes University. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at Valley Forge Educational Services and is actively involved in Unite for HER. She resides in West Chester, PA with her three children.

    Mrs. Christle Seal

    Mrs. Christle Seal was raised in Malvern, Pennsylvania and has spent her life in the Delaware Valley. She earned her BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University.

    Mrs. Seal is a National Accounts Manager for Becker's School Supplies. She is responsible for sales and account management for several national key accounts; ensuring overall consistency with brand specific materials and furnishings, as well as providing high-level customer service to corporate and franchise locations. 

    Prior to joining Becker's School Supplies, she held various educational and leadership roles with The Malvern School organization. Over her 25 plus years' with The Malvern Schools, she led program development, internal and national accreditation quality assurance, and supported the overall business management and fiscal success of the organization.