Advance North East Foundation | Board of Directors

Ryan Szwejbka
Ryan SzwejbkaPresident, Treasurer & Co-Founder
Ryan graduated from Wake Forest University with his Master’s in Accountancy. He worked for Ernst & Young LLP for just over two years prior to helping found another company. In 2015 he became CFO and Co-Founder of Reunion Marketing in Raleigh, NC. His hope for Advance North East Foundation is to provide opportunities for everyone in North East, PA and to continually be a positive influence in the community.
Matt Triana
Matt TrianaVice-President & Co-Founder
Matt graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Marketing. He began his career in the marketing department for Leith Cars in Raleigh, NC and has since left to help create a digital marketing firm, Reunion Marketing, for which he is currently Marketing Manager and Co-Founder.
Aaron Meehl
Aaron MeehlCo-Founder
Aaron graduated from Penn State Behrend with a degree in Biology where he was also awarded Behrend’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2012. He then obtained his degree in Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh and is currently a Critical Care Nurse at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA.
Michael Rouse
Michael RouseCo-Founder
Mike graduated from Gannon University with a degree in Sports Marketing and has had experience in event planning for the Erie Seawolves. He promotes Advance North East through his work with various fundraising events including the AdvanceNE Annual Golf Tournament and Wine and Design.
Pat LaFuria
Pat LaFuriaCo-Founder
Pat graduated from Penn State University where he was the head coach of the Women’s Club Basketball Team and a member of the Lady Lions Basketball Practice Squad. He currently works as an Admissions Counselor at Edinboro University.
Cory Rossman
Cory RossmanCo-Founder
Cory graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology. He currently works as a Business Systems Analyst at Engility Corporation.
Bryan Kirsch
Bryan KirschCo-Founder
Bryan graduated from Mercyhurst University (North East) with a degree as an Occupation Therapy Assistant and has since received his certification. He continues to help others as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Raleigh, NC.
Max Maas
Max MaasBoard of Director
Max graduated from Dayton University with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in Accounting. He currently works as an Associate at BKD CPAs and Advisors, LLP in Erie, PA. Max plays an integral part in Advance North East’s fundraising efforts and event planning.