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.

Bernice Pitcock, RN is currently Family Connections' board president. As a health care professional who recently retired from nursing, Mrs. Pitcock brings both administrative skills and direct care experience to the board. She has been active for many years in various community organizations including the Lions Club and the Weirton Professional Business Women's Association. In addition to her role as president, Mrs. Pitcock brings her leadership to several committees including executive, facilities and safety, fund development, and the fund development auxiliary.

Sally Greathouse is known to many people in the community through her business Century 21 Greathouse Realty. As a small business owner with offices in Chester and Weirton, Mrs. Greathouse brings a wealth of a managerial experience to the board. Her activities in the community are consistent with her positive outlook. She connects with others to make a difference. Mrs. Greathouse brings her skills to a number of Family Connections committees including finance, investment, fund development, and the fund development auxiliary.

P. Zachary Stewart, Esq. is a Weirton attorney whose law office is a general law practice committed to always keeping clients' best interest the primary focus. His mission dovetails nicely with the mission of Family Connections. Mr. Stewart is licensed to practice in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. District Court, Southern District of WV. In addition to his expertise with the law, Mr. Stewart brings administrative skills to the table. He serves on several board committees including finance and personnel and practice.

Katherine Shelek-Furbee, MSW, LCSW is the Chair and Program Director of Social Work at Bethany College. As a seasoned professor and practitioner of social work, Mrs. Shelek-Furbee makes a valuable contribution through her commitment to the mission and understanding of the direct service work of the agency. It is through her efforts that Family Connections is a Partner in Education with Bethany College. Mrs. Shelek-Furbee serves on the executive committee as treasurer for the board. She is also a member of the investment and facilities and safety committees.

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 currently the president of the board of directors of the Weirton Transit Corporation. He also serves on the board of the Weirton Lions Club. He is a member of the Northern Panhandle Shrine Club and Weirton Masonic Lodge. His responsibilities as a member of the Family Connections board include serving on the Finance Committee and the Fund Development Auxiliary.

Peg Cartus, MA is the former director of the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families' Licensing Division and Institutional Investigation Unit.  She sits on Family Connections' executive committee and is also a member of the personnel, policy, and practice committee. Ms. Cartus is currently employed by the WV Department of Health and Human Resources as the Coordinator of the RESILIENCE Alliance Project. She is a 2007 recipient of the West Virginia Child Care Association's Children's Service Award.

Melissa Kell brings her financial acumen to our board. As an employee of Hancock County Savings Bank, FSB, most recently as their operations manager, Mrs. Kell has a broad range of experience in accounting, customer relations, supervision, and audits, all of which makes her an engaged and knowledgeable board member. Mrs. Kell also completed the Leadership Weirton program sponsored by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce which helped her gain an understanding of the opportunities and needs of the community.

Dr. Carol Korzi is a chiropractic physician and small business owner of the Korzi Chiropractic Center. Her experience in the medical field is particularly helpful as Family Connections negotiates the ins and outs of insurance, medical records, and providing care that meets both state and federal regulations. Dr. Korzi has an understanding of disabilities and impairments and practices treatment of traumatic injuries through conservative measures. Her holistic approach is in keeping with the mission and values of Family Connections.