Meet our Team

Anthony R. Savannah joined the Foundation staff in 2014 as Director of Community Engagement, with 20 years of development, business and brand marketing, corporate and community fundraising experience. His expertise is developing business support through event fundraisers, putting the customer in front of the donor while charitable funds are being raised. 

Mr. Savannah enjoys building solid relationships through networking and follow-up, wearing the Foundation's mission on his sleeve. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing, from Geneva College where he played football on scholarship and earned pre-season All-American status.

A life-long resident of our area, Mr. Savannah has coached youth football and most recently served as Executive Director of Marketing and Corporate Development for St. Barnabas Health System.

Amanda French joined the Foundation team in 2018 as the Special Events Intern during her senior year of college at La Roche University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management. In 2019, Amanda joined the Foundation Staff as Events Coordinator and in 2024 got promoted to be the Development Coordinator. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Amanda is passionate about contributing to the community and working hard to serve the Foundation’s mission.

Nicole Kaib-McCandless joined the foundation team in 2020 as the Administrative coordinator. She has worked for UPMC since 2011, most recently at UPMC Passavant on the HR team since 2016.  Nicole is responsible for the day to day administrative operations of the office. Nicole is a 2007 graduate of La Roche University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Nicole is very passionate about engaging with the staff at UPMC Passavant, supporting the community and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission. Nicole Lives in Deer Lakes with her husband and two sons and enjoys spending time with their large extended family.

Ken Johnson joined Bridge to Hope as their new facilitator in 2022. 

Ken has 17 years of experience as a substance abuse counselor, therapist, and case worker, including 14 years working for Greenbriar Treatment Center. He earned his undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Kentucky and completed his master’s degree in social work at Slippery Rock University.