PRESIDENT
bo@torchleadershipacademy.org
609-300-6397 - Phone/WhatsApp
(they/he)

Bryan is a co-founder and the President of Torch Leadership Academy, where they help keep our program afloat. They manage communications with incoming participants and their guardians, maintain program relationships, and help coordinate outreach efforts while creating relationships with the schools that send their students to our program.

Bryan is a 2007 graduate of Cherokee High School. They studied Accounting with a Minor in Management Information Systems at the University of Delaware, Class of 2011. Bryan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. As a resident of Haddon Township, Bryan acknowledges the Lenape people as the rightful owners of the land. They are a strong advocate for anti-racism and anti-discrimination policies and practices that center the experiences of historically marginalized individuals and communities. As the Sustainability Learning Consultant Director at PwC, Bryan brings valuable expertise in environmental social governance, sustainability, and technology risk and assurance to their role.

They also serve as the Treasurer of the Haddon Township Equity Initiative, striving to build a community that values and respects all people, regardless of their background or identity. They believe that true progress and positive change require an unwavering commitment to equity and justice for all people. Through their work with TORCH and the Haddon Township Equity Initiative, Bryan is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable community for everyone. This is why they have focused on servant leadership development since 2007. Outside all this work, Bryan can be found hiking, grounding with nature, and listening to their favorite music.

VICE PRESIDENT

Sarah is the current Vice President of Torch Leadership Academy, taking on a leading role in supporting selected students, their families, and their schools as they prepare for the program. She’s the one you’ll first see at the registration table when you arrive at TORCH for our summer program with a smile on her face and a large coffee in hand!

She is a proud 2009 alumna of Monsignor Donovan High School (now Donovan Catholic). She studied Business Administration at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Class of 2013, and received an MBA from New York University, Class of 2021. Sarah is a Director in IT at Pfizer; she loves her role and the opportunity to think innovatively with her team every day. Sarah also enthusiastically serves on Pfizer’s partnership team with Girls Who Code, a non-profit seeking to close the gender gap in technology.

She loves to learn about our world through travel, and she lives in North Jersey with her husband, daughter, hound dog, and numerous chickens and ducks! When she’s not at the yoga studio, you’ll find her cozied up with a great mystery novel. Sarah attended a leadership program much like TORCH as a rising high-school junior back in 2007 and owes many life experiences, opportunities, and lifelong friendships to the program.

PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR
(he/him)

Josh is a co-founder and the Programming Director of Torch Leadership Academy. In this role, he is responsible for all things regarding the Torch Leadership Academy curriculum, including scheduling, delivery, and assessment.  In particular, he strives to maintain a culture of feedback and continual improvement, where everyone's input is encouraged and valued.

Josh is a 2001 graduate of Toms River High School North and went on to earn a Cum Laude degree in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University, Class of 2005.  He then pursued advanced studies at Emory University, earning both a PhD in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis and an MD, in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Currently, Josh is a Senior Asset Leader and Solution Associate Partner at McKinsey & Co.  He is a leader in their Medical Affairs Practice and is passionate about improving sub-optimal care for patients.

When he's not at TORCH, you can find Josh in the suburbs of Philadelphia, spending quality time with his two sons.  Their family enjoys board games, trivia, sports, and music.  As an active member of his community, Josh serves as a volunteer coach and PTO member.  With over 20 years of experience volunteering with youth leadership organizations, he’s passionate about the hands-on learning at TORCH, which he believes is truly world-class.  

TREASURER
(she/her)

Meg is a co-founder and the Treasurer of Torch Leadership Academy, where she is responsible for curating yearly financial reports for TORCH’s four-day program and personal development training events. She also leads the fundraising efforts for new and recurring sponsorships and grant outreach efforts.

Meg is a 2014 graduate of Wall High School. She studied Economics and Hispanic Studies at Boston College, Class of 2018. Meg is the Vice President of Payment Strategies at J.P. Morgan Chase.

Outside of work, Meg enjoys traveling to new countries, exploring the best restaurants in New York City, playing soccer, and going skiing. She has been volunteering with youth leadership organizations since 2013.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
(he/him)

Joe is a co-founder and operations director for the Torch Youth Leadership Academy, where he is responsible for overseeing the day to day activities, budgeting and finance, and operational efficiency. 

Joe is a 1999 graduate of BCIT Medford Tech. He studied Human Resource Management at the University of Arizona and received his SHRM-CP in 2022. Joe joined the US Army out of H.S. and served for 8 years (1999-2007). He is currently the Sr Regional Field HRBP for Whataburger. 

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and spending time outdoors. He loves to cruise around the Caribbean and explore new countries with his friends and family. He has been volunteering with youth leadership organizations since 1998.

PEOPLE DIRECTOR
(they/them)

Danes is a co-founder and the People Director of Torch Leadership Academy. They guide the 40+ volunteers through a transformative four-day leadership program focused on ethical leadership and empathetic communication. They manage various recruitment, training, assessment, and program delivery aspects while fostering a safe and inclusive community environment where participants and staff can authentically grow and connect.

Danes is a 2017 graduate of New Egypt High School. They studied Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Political Science with a focus on Race and Policy at American University, Class of 2021. They were published in Clocks and Clouds 2021-22, “Internal & External Factors on LGB Identity Disclosure to Healthcare Providers.” As Development Manager at Leadership Brainery, Danes drives fundraising initiatives with donors, corporations, and foundations to advance education equity for underserved communities. These roles naturally align with their work at TORCH, as both organizations share a commitment to developing the next generation of ethical, empathetic leaders through empowerment and leadership training.

When not working, Danes dives into whatever craft or project has caught their eye, whether it be a podcast episode, a new painting, or a tarot spread. They love building community and hosting themed gatherings like an ‘art show-at-home’ or storytelling night with friends! Danes has been volunteering towards the cause of youth leadership and empowerment since 2017 and feels that uplifting young people and providing them with positive mentors and support is the pathway to creating a more responsible and ethical world.

SECRETARY
(she/her)

Caroline is a co-founder and the Secretary of Torch Leadership Academy. As secretary, she is responsible for managing calendars, scheduling meetings, taking meeting minutes, communicating with Stockton University, and assisting all board members with their other responsibilities.

Caroline is a 2017 graduate of Raritan High School. She studied Elementary Education with a minor in Disabilities and Childhood at Stockton University, Class of 2021. She is a Kindergarten Teacher, is SEI Trained, holds a Special Education CE and teaches English Language Learners (ELL).

Outside the classroom, Caroline enjoys traveling, hiking, painting, and spending time with her loved ones. Caroline has been building community since volunteering with youth leadership since 2016.