BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board is a diverse group of people, overseeing the Neighbor by Neighbor organization. Neighbor by Neighbor is a 501c3.
The Rev. Paula Durren, Co-Chair
The Rev. Paula Durren has a passion for doing what she can to help transform lives. She has been a part of Neighbor by Neighbor since its inception in July 2017 while she was the Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert, Michigan. Prior to becoming ordained as a Priest, she was a counselor for over 20 years. Paula, her husband, Mike and their Great Dane Gracie Mae live in New Buffalo.
Janet Henderson, Co-Chair
Janet is a retired partner of a Chicago law firm where she practiced in the corporate restructuring area for 26 years. She and her spouse have had a home in SW Michigan since 2004 and currently split their time between Michigan and Chicago, although in recent years they have found themselves spending much of their time in Harbor Country. As a result, they have had the opportunity to become more actively involved in the community and to explore volunteer opportunities here. After serving on not for profit boards in Chicago, Janet was drawn to Neighbor by Neighbor and its mission to address the largely unseen poverty in Harbor Country.
David Ball, Vice Chair
Dave was born and raised and Indiana and is a graduate of Indiana University. He attributes his passion for volunteerism to his parents who were amazing role models and donated countless hours to a range of organizations in Central Indiana. Dave and his partner moved to Harbor Country in 2012, and Dave splits his time between MI and Chicago, where he is an Account Director at Kaleidoscope, a graphic design and branding firm.
Peggy Lefebvre, Treasurer
Peggy moved to Harbor Country in 2014, semi-retired from 30 years as Controller for a mid-size construction company in Pittsburgh, PA. Peggy was already the treasurer for Church of the Mediator when in 2018 the church sponsored the startup of Neighbor by Neighbor as an outreach ministry. Peggy was involved with the early finances and now serves as the organization’s treasurer.
Rev. Jay S Fast, Secretary
Jay serves as senior pastor of Harbert Community Church, which was the organizational sponsor of Neighbor by Neighbor starting in the fall of 2018. Jay is enthusiastic about building partnerships of neighborly support in our community and advancing the common good.
Marcie Dust
Marcie has always tried to help people in her community and being on the Neighbor by Neighbor Advisory Board allows her to do this in a bigger way. Marcie brings to the Advisory Board her experiences and knowledge of resources available to senior citizens. Marcie has a special focus on helping low income people become more self-reliant and independent and gain a sense of pride.
Bob Stine
Bob spent most his career working in sales and management roles within the fine paper distribution business in the Chicago area. The last 12 years he served at Elim Christian Services as Manager of Community Engagement where he found vocational activities for over 200 adults with special needs. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Lynn, moved to Sawyer and currently serves as an Elder at Harbert Community Church.
Bruce Murphy
Bruce Murphy has been a part time resident of Harbor Country for the past 30 years and recently retired from a career in food ingredient sales and marketing. Over the past 30 years, Bruce has been able to experience the enthusiasm and generosity of fellow Harbor Country residents in helping enhance and preserve this special place by the lake. Bruce shared, “I was lucky enough to be introduced to the NBYN Organization in 2022 and was very excited about their approach to helping neighbors in need.” He is a stellar addition to the hard-working and talented board as the organization evolves and grows and continues to serve all of our neighbors in this wonderful community.
Judy Gadiel
Judy has worked in the nonprofit space for 30 years, including 12+ as a consultant focusing on board and leadership development, fundraising and organizational development. She has worked with dozens of organizations, learning how they operate, witnessing challenges and growth, and experiencing the transformative power that comes with access to knowledge, skills and resources. Judy is excited to bring these experiences to Neighbor by Neighbor, to understand the needs of the community and to work to support individuals and families live healthy and meaningful lives, in alignment with their personal goals. Judy lives in New Buffalo with her family, having moved from Chicago in 2020. She enjoys drinking tea, seeing live music and walking in the woods.