Brenda Kasprzewski named LRAC executive director

After a months-long search, the Lewes Rehoboth Association of Congregations board of directors named Brenda Kasperzewski its first executive director. 

The Rev. Dr. Bo Gordy-Stith, LRAC board president,  said Kasprzewski’s hire comes after more than three years of work the board undertook to restructure LRAC to meet the needs of a growing nonprofit organization in a growing community with expanding needs. 

"Brenda Kasprzewski brings to LRAC the spirit and experience both to oversee our day-to-day operations and guide us to a more faithful and effective future eradicating hunger and homelessness," says Gordy-Stith. "The interview team was particularly struck by her collaborative style, passion for learning, and faith rooted in relationships, serving her neighbors, and refreshing her spirit in nature."

LRAC is a nonprofit organization that pools the faith-inspired efforts of 11 area congregations to help people facing hunger or homelessness.

Kasperzewski joins LRAC after careers in government and the nonprofit sector, having worked for the city of Reading, Pa., and for an organization that provided down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. 

Now a resident, Kasperzewski has vacationed in the Cape Region since she was a child, and her parents retired to the area 25 years ago. When a restructuring at her former employer’s business left her unemployed for the first time, she took the time to find the right fit for her skills, knowledge and experience.

“This opportunity came up, and I felt very comfortable during the interview,” she said. “I was impressed by the board. It felt like going into a marriage.”

After beginning the job Oct. 1, Kasperzewski has been working on developing a strategic plan for LRAC while simultaneously building relationships and gaining insight into the member congregations.

She received her master’s degree in community leadership and human resource management from Alvernia University and her bachelor’s degree in applied psychology/organizational behavior from Albright College.

Outside work, Kasprzewski enjoys reading, kickboxing and spending time with her family.

"Pastor Bo's statement that LRAC helps people help people resonates with me,” she said. “I am honored and excited to bring that to others, educating them on who and what LRAC’s mission is and making LRAC a household name.”

Kasperzewski’s office is located in the same LRAC building as the Community Resource Center and Cape Henlopen Food Basket on Oyster House Road in Rehoboth Beach. LRAC is always looking for volunteers and donations, she said. For more information, go to llrac.online.