Hello, I'm Murray Schmechel, Executive Director of LinkagePA

I now live in the DC Metro area. My professional life began in Developmental Disabilities as a rehabilitation counselor and sheltered workshop manager.  A MA in Public Administration led to my becoming Business Manager for Nebraska's Developmentally Disabled Institution.  A MA in Divinity led to serving communities across Nebraska through the United Methodist Church.  I have two children and four grandchildren.  I'm also a gardener, cook, A-to-Z handyman, who loves books.

   As your "link" to PADA my responsibility is to monitor the programs we create on the donors' behalf.   This means overseeing the budget, reviewing regular progress reports from our team members, and making visits (at my expense) to the villages we serve.  My background and visits help ensure your donations are being used to maximum advantage on behalf of the people we serve.

   Our Treasurer, Sherry Marshall, is the past owner of an association management business.  In that capacity she managed all of the administrative needs of small organizations, including budgeting and financial management, marketing and membership, and strategic planning. She has also served on the Board of Directors of three nonprofit organizations.  

   Our Secretary, Kate Petranech, is a long-time marketing consultant and DC resident. She has served scores of clients in the last 50 years including The National Geographic Society, US News and World  Report, IBM, the Smithsonian, and many nonprofit charitable organizations.