The primary responsibility of the Board of Directors is to establish the direction of Family Connections in accord with its written purpose.  The Board is responsible for creating a mission statement and reviewing it in accordance with the long-term planning process so the activities of the agency are congruent with the mission, and so that the mission statement remains a pertinent document.  The Board must be knowledgeable about the functioning of the agency and regularly examine the agency services to insure they are in agreement with
the purpose and that the established goals
and objectives are being achieved.

P. Zachary Stewart, Esq., is a licensed attorney who operates his own private law office in Weirton, West Virginia, focusing on overtime and wage violations, personal injury and criminal defense. He currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Family Connections. In the early years of his legal practice, Mr. Stewart frequently represented parents whose children had been removed from their homes, which has given him an understanding of how the legal system interrelates with the work of Brooke Place, Family Connections' residential facility for teenage girls. This has resulted in Mr. Stewart gaining a greater appreciation of the function of organizations like Family Connections that both care for children that are in placement and address the mental health issues that may affect an individual's ability to parent their children.

Gary Pitcock retired after nearly 45 years with the Kroger Company, and he is as busy as ever. He brings his outstanding work ethic, business acumen, and outstanding community service history to our board. Mr. Pitcock is the current District Governor of District 29 L Lions. He is also the past president of the Weirton Lions Club, a member of the Osiris Temple Shrine Clowns, and a member of the Northern Panhandle Shrine Club. Gary is married to Bernice Pitcock and has one married daughter, Jamie Halligan.

Katherine Shelek-Furbee, MSA, ACSW, LCSW is a graduate of West Virginia University. Shelek-Furbee was employed by Family Service of the Upper Ohio Valley (1975-1984), where she served in an administrative capacity. She has served on the faculty of Bethany College since July 1984. Presently she holds the positions of Professor, Program Director, and Chair of Social Work and Associate Dean of Faculty. Since June 2001 she has been the group facilitator for the women's anger management group at the Wheeling YWCA. She also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Family Connections.

Bernice is a registered nurse, currently working for WMC Physician Practices assisting multiple physician practices with quality measures and reimbursement issues. In the past has worked at both local hospitals in nursing supervisory roles. Also has experience in long term care and home health.

She is active in the Weirton Lions Clubs holding various offices (including President) over the years. She also serves on the District 29L Lions cabinet and was District Governor in 2009-10. She was previous state president of WV Business and Professional Women, serving on the Board of the National BPW that same year. As a member of Weirton BPW, Bernice served in several different officer positions, including president.

She has served on the Boards of Friends of WVNCC and the ALIVE Women's Shelter in Steubenville, OH.

She is an active member of the Sacred Heart of Mary Parish in Weirton, where she serves as a Lector and Extraordinary Minister.

Bernice is married to Gary Pitcock and has one married daughter, Jaime Halligan.

Sally Greathouse is known to many people in the community through her business Century 21 Greathouse Realty. Mrs. Greathouse brings a wealth of a managerial experience to the board. Her activities in the community are consistent with her positive outlook. Sally connects with others to make a difference. She is active in the following: Board Member of the Lions Club, Weirton Board of Realtors, and State Director for the WV Association of Realtors. Mrs. Greathouse brings her skills to a number of Family Connections committees including the Fund Development Auxiliary and the Succession Planning Committee.

George is currently an Assistant Principal at Brooke High School. He has over 25 years of experience in education. He enjoys working with young adults helping them to reach their fullest potential.

His educational background includes a MS in Exercise Physiology and an MA in Educational Leadership both from West Virginia University. George also has a BS degree in Physical Education from Eastern Kentucky University and hold a National Certificate in Athletic Training.

Eric Fithyan is the owner of Chambers and James Funeral, Pet and Cremation Services LLC located in both Follansbee, WV with the historical James Funeral Home and in Wellsburg, WV with the Chambers Funeral Home. Eric is very community minded as he sits on numerous boards and organizations with leadership roles. In addition to the roles in community organization, Eric's funeral homes actively involve the community in projects to include, Operation Valentine, American Flag Retirement Ceremony, Patriot Walk, Operation Sweaters for Veterans, Operation Wrap, and rolling ambassador for Wreath Across America.

Darlene Ballas spent 25 years as secretary for All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV where her administrative skills and technology knowledge brought the church office into the 20th century. Darlene was and is active in the church's efforts of the Annual Greek Festival, yearly reverse raffle, and many other fund raising efforts, including the church's million dollar renovation project and most recently the addition of an elevator annex. Darlene is currently the president of the chapter of All Saints Ladies Philoptochos Society, the second largest women's philanthropic organization in the United States. Her involvement in her beloved church is what brought her to the board of Family Connections. Darlene's organizational skills and enthusiasm for helping will aide her in her position on the board and the Fund Development Committee.

Cindy Kocher