CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties is excited to introduce the newly elected Executive Committee members who will help guide CASA in 2025, highlighting 15 years of best-interest advocacy for youth in foster care. The Executive Committee now includes Board President Barbara Kavanaugh, Vice President Steve Russell, Secretary Russ Gladfelter, and Treasurer Elizabeth Brennan.
Barbara Kavanaugh, President
Ms. Kavanaugh is the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Clark Associates. She joined the company in 2015 and has worn dozens of hats in her current position. Currently, she spearheads company communications, events, and manages the day-to-day operations of the corporate headquarters in Lancaster.
In addition to serving on the board of CASA, Ms. Kavanaugh also serves on the board of Milagro House and chairs their development committee. She is passionate about organizations that help support women and children. She has also served on the board of Allegro Orchestra Lancaster and the Gifts That Give Hope Fair. Early in her career, she worked in the development office at Schreiber Pediatric.
Ms. Kavanaugh attended Davidson College in North Carolina with a dual major in English and Art and a minor in Gender Studies. She resides in Lancaster with her husband and two children. She loves reading and has a monthly book club with girlfriends, enjoys cooking for family, and has a bucket list of places to see around the world.
Steve Russell, Vice President
Mr. Russell is a Co-Manager of the Emerald Finance & Banking Innovation Fund and a Senior Research Analyst for Emerald Advisers. In addition, he is a Portfolio Manager for the Emerald Financial Services Private Equity Fund I, LP.
Mr. Russell served on the board of The Enterprise Center in Philadelphia and was a founding board member of The Enterprise Center Capital Corp. He serves on the Board of Arbitrators for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He has served on the board of more than 30 public and private early and later-stage venture capital-funded companies. His nonprofit interests include economic development in urban and low-income neighborhoods as well as educational institutions.
Mr. Russell received both his JD and MBA degrees from Temple University and a BA degree in Banking and Finance from Morehouse College. He is licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey and has passed the NASD Series 63 exam. He is a veteran of both the US Coast Guard and US Navy.
Russ Gladfelter, Secretary
Mr. Gladfelter has worked in corporate tax for eight years, six of which have been in the client service industry (public accounting). He currently serves as a tax manager at RKL and is CPA licensed. His strengths are centered around development and intentionality with teams as well as client relationship building. He is also involved in coaching and training.
Mr. Gladfelter works as a tax manager with a primary focus on corporate and business tax planning and compliance. He is responsible for managing the relationships with clients from a day-to-day and big picture perspective, as well as managing and leading the teams that work on the compliance work.
Mr. Gladfelter completed undergraduate studies at Grove City College in accounting and earned his CPA license. He joined the CASA board because of his passion to support vulnerable children. He and his wife are certified foster parents and led a sector of Keystone Family Alliance in the past. They reside in Lancaster. He enjoys art, cooking, traveling, golf, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth Brennan, Treasurer
Ms. Brennan was hired in 2020 as UDS Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer. She is responsible for all efforts related to the finance function of the organization including financial reporting, risk management and cash flow analysis. Prior to joining the United Disabilities Services Foundation, she had 13 years of experience in public accounting, and she was the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for Luthercare.
Ms. Brennan is also no stranger to CASA, having served as Board Treasurer from 2010 to 2016. “Ever since its beginnings, I’ve valued CASA’s importance to our community and its role in helping our most vulnerable youth.” She also holds the position of Treasurer for Linden Hall School for Girls and is a Finance Committee Member for Lancaster County Community Foundation.
Ms. Brennan is a graduate of Millersville University with a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and earned her CPA. Her passion is addressing the needs of children, whether through safety and security or education. Her two young girls piqued her interest in ensuring children were happy and healthy. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sports and reading.
