Board of Directors (2020)

Jessica Stepanski

President

Jessica Stepanski recently joined the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Country chapter of Family Promise.  An active contributor to various charitable organizations in Monmouth County over the past ten years, Jessica looks forward to serving the organization and families who benefit from its services.  

Prior to joining the Board, Jessica performed fundraising and event planning for the Monmouth County Day Care organization and several other eleemosynary foundations.  Combining her experience in pharmaceutical sales with her Master’s Degree in Social work from Columbia University, Jessica applies practical corporate experience with extensive case work to help charitable organizations expand the impact they can have in their communities.  

A busy mother of four, Jessica is eager to contribute her extensive experience and expertise to such a worthy organization and cause.

Wendy Carafano

 Secretary

Wendy is a licensed pharmacist currently working as a Director of Regulatory Affairs in the Pharmaceutical industry. Wendy received her Bachelors’ of Pharmacy degree From Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY and her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. She has life-long interests in improving human health and quality of life.  Wendy hopes to help improve the lives of members of her community by using her communication, organization, and analytical skills to work with Family Promise of Monmouth County to accomplish their mission. Wendy and her family live in Monmouth County and are happy to be involved with Family Promise of Monmouth County.

Lydale Akins

(Independent, Voting)

Mike Meriton

Vice President

Mike has been an active member of the Board of Family Promise and supports our fund raising, community engagement, and advises on our business operations. Mike’s advocacy for homeless families includes key support for our FPMC 501 Building campaign and other fundraising activities.  Mike and his wife Marie also have established a local Rainbows chapter in Monmouth County.  Rainbows is an international non-profit providing support groups for children that have experienced loss due to separation, divorce or death of a family member.  

Mike’s 25+ year business career in technology has included serving as an executive at Oracle and D&B as well as the CEO of GoldenSource. In 2005, Mike also co-founded the Enterprise Data Management (EDM) Council, a non-profit trade association for the global advancing data management where he currently leads industry engagement.  Mike and his wife, Marie, reside in Monmouth Beach NJ. Their family is blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren.

Elaine Young

(Independent, Voting)

Elaine has been volunteering with Family Promise of Monmouth County since the agency opened its doors in July of 2001.  She started out as a volunteer coordinator for a host congregation (St. Luke’s UMC, Long Branch).  She also worked as a case manager for Family Promise from 2004 to 2006.  In 2009 her church could no longer support the ministry and had to step down as a host congregation.  Not long afterward, Elaine was invited to join the Board of Trustees.  She served as President of the Board in 2011 through 2020.  

Elaine has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, both from Georgian Court University.  She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has a private practice in Colts Neck.  In her spare time, she writes, sings and preaches an occasional sermon at her church.

Lynne Cilento

(Independent, Voting)

Mark Zill

Treasurer

Mark joined the Board of Family Promise in June 2019, after several years of volunteer work.   Mark also serves as the current Chair of the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County, a partnership of local organizations dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse.  He is also a standing member of the Environmental Commission in Highlands.
Mark enjoyed a 30+ year career in technology and operations, serving as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer for several pubic and private entities.  He currently provides Executive Advisory services to several start-up technology companies.  
Mark is also a proud and decorated Navy veteran.  He and his wife Christine reside in the Highlands.

Steve Introcaso

 (Independent, Voting)

Steve Introcaso was born and raised in Monmouth Beach and has lived in Lincroft since 1998.  He is a 20+ year member of Lincroft Presbyterian Church.  Steve has served as an Elder twice, and helped to bring LPC in as a Host Congregation for Family Promise of Monmouth County.  “My personal mission is to help eliminate the wealth and income divide in America so all citizens have equal access to the American Dream.  I hope to use my affinity for professional networking and business experience in that pursuit.”  Steve and his wife, Lynn, have 3 daughters:  Brianna, 26, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy in San Diego.  Krista, 23, is a Pediatric Nurse at Inova Children’s Hospital in Falls Church, VA.  And Cara, also 23 (yes, twins!) works in HR for Mott MacDonald, a UK-based Civil Engineering firm, in their Iselin office.  Steve earned a BA in Political Science from Dickinson College.  He enjoys golfing, gardening, cooking, reading, the Yankees and Giants, and music.