Metro YMCA of the Oranges Welcomes New Board Members

LIVINGSTON, NJ -The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges welcomed five new members to its Board of Directors this summer, to help set policy and strategic direction as the organization works to carry out its mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

"We’re thrilled to welcome these accomplished professionals to our Board of Directors. Their diverse expertise and steadfast commitment to the YMCA’s mission will be instrumental as we pursue our Strategic Priorities and address the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges.

John Conforti is the second-generation owner and president of Air Group, LLC in Whippany, specializing in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services for residential and commercial clients. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and a Business minor, and holds both New Jersey Master Plumbing and Master HVAC licenses. He is looking forward to giving back to the community he’s been a part of for more than 50 years.

Chris Erb brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the real estate industry to Russo Development, where he leads the Development group, overseeing all ground-up and redevelopment activities, including acquisition, entitlements, and project execution. He is an alumnus of Colgate University, and a former student outdoor education instructor of the university’s nationally recognized Outdoor Education Program. He and his wife and two children reside in Chatham.

Shannon Fischer is a Senior Tax Manager at Fulton, Menfi, Frega, Straubinger & Berlamino, LLC. based in Ramsey. She has over 20 years of accounting and tax experience in public accounting as a trusted advisor to individuals and small to mid-sized businesses. She lives in Montclair and enjoys traveling with her husband and dog Ellie.  

Jonathan Kristofich is a Vice President at NAI James E. Hanson where he specializes in owner representation in the sale, lease or redevelopment of commercial real estate. At NAI Hanson, Kristofich has advised owners in numerous complex transactions totaling over $200 million dollars of net aggregate value and leads a monthly breakout group for fellow associates new to the industry. He and his wife have four sons and reside in the Northern Valley, where they are active members of their local parish. 

Jennifer Yager serves as the Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Valley Bank, a national bank with assets totaling $63 billion and over 200 branches and commercial banking offices in the U.S. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of anti-money laundering and financial crimes. She lives in Cranford with her husband and three children.

Additional Board Appointments 

In addition to the new members, the Board appointed key leadership positions: 

• Peter Tanella as Chairman of the Board
• Dan Borgna as Vice Chairman
• Jose Briones as Treasurer
• Reyna Burger as Secretary
• Daren Phil as Immediate Past Chairman
• Ron Schwarz as Emeritus