Meet our Team

Anthony R. Savannah is a distinguished business and nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience in strategic development, marketing, and fundraising across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as President and CEO of Passavant Hospital Foundation, a role he has held for the past seven years while also contributing to the leadership team at UPMC Passavant.

During his eleven-year tenure with the Foundation, Mr. Savannah has held several key leadership positions, including Acting President and Director of Community Engagement. His work has been instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission and strengthening its impact within the community.

Prior to joining Passavant, Mr. Savannah served for 14 years as Executive Director of Marketing and Corporate Development at St. Barnabas Health System, where he led numerous successful initiatives in brand strategy and philanthropic growth.

He earned his two-year Master Graduate Level certification in Nonprofit Leadership from Harvard University and a Certificate in Planned Giving from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Geneva College.

A lifelong resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, Mr. Savannah, has been recognized for his leadership and service, including being named the 2023 Prestigious Business Leader of the Year by the PNRC Annual Awards. Under his guidance, Passavant Hospital Foundation was honored as a 2024 Community Champion Nonprofit Honoree.

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.