Emily Gochenaur, President and Founder
Emily created Central PA Operation Warm Hearts during her time at Messiah College. She is always busy and holds a fulltime job while also fulfilling all her duties for Operation Warm Hearts. She is a dog mom to Dingo and loves to knit. You can find her at most events, at the office sorting, or coming up with the next challenge.
John, Vice President
While maintaining his role as Vice President, John is also a full time real estate agent – a career he loves and has served in for years.
During John’s first year with the organization, he was able to secure $25,000 in grant funding as well as initiate and cultivate relationships with other organizations. Prior to Central PA Operation Warms Hearts 7th Annual Silent Auction, John was able to secure donations from the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Phillies to name a few. He recently proposed to Emily, and they are now engaged!
Kelly, Secretary
Kelly is an integral part of our team as the Secretary. Along with helping oversee the website, she also compiles our annual reports and takes notes during our many many meetings.
Melinda Gochenaur, Administrative Support/Interim Treasurer
Melinda works full time as administrative assistant to the principal at the Kindergarten Academy. She is Granny to Kimber, Emily’s dog! Her duties with OWH vary depending on what’s needed. Some of her duties include: tracking all donations received in the donation box, respond to emails and
phone calls, anniversary event planning, represent OWH at community events, and anything
else that lands on her plate when Emily says “can we have a pre-meeting”!
Becky Lauffer, Donation Coordinator
Becky is an accountant at McKonly & Asbury in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania where she provides accounting support for small businesses. In her free time she enjoys reading, listening to music, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Emma Parrish, Distribution Coordinator
By night, Emma spends her time with Operation Warm Hearts, sending emails agencies and distributors to coordinate pickup times. By day she works as a Clerk for the US Postal Service. She loves to knit, sew, bake, and do puzzles.
Jess Bordner, Social Media & Web Coordinator
Jessica is behind the scenes keeping followers up to date on OPWH activities and its mission. When she’s not posting to socials she might be falling asleep in the sun while knitting, taking her motorcycle for a spin, or jumping on a plane to another country. Most days, however, are now filled with snuggling her dog an obnoxious amount.
Abby Lefin, Website Administrator
Abby works hard on the Operation Warm Hearts website to keep everything up to date. When she’s not on her computer at home, she works as a news producer for a television station in DC. Abby loves to hike and be outdoors with her dog Figaro.
Central PA Operation Warm Hearts 