Meet the People Behind the Downingtown Resilience Fund
The Downingtown Resilience Fund is led by local business and community leaders who share a commitment to helping Downingtown and Caln residents before, during, and after times of need. Together, our board brings experience across disaster recovery, finance, community development, communications, local planning, and business to help guide the Fund’s mission and future.
Barry Cassidy
Founder | Downingtown Resilience Fund
Barry founded the Downingtown Resilience Fund after seeing firsthand the impact that flooding and Hurricane Ida had on local residents. With decades of experience in community development, grant funding, and public-sector work, as well as deep ties to Downingtown dating back to the 1990s, Barry continues to uphold the Fund’s mission: providing immediate relief while supporting proactive efforts toward long-term resilience.
Robert Szajdek
AVP, Business Relationship Manager | TruMark Financial Credit Union Board Member & Chair, Finance Subcommittee
Robert brings financial and business expertise to the Downingtown Resilience Fund, helping guide budgeting, financial strategy, and the responsible use of resources. As Chair of the Finance Subcommittee, he works alongside fellow board members to help keep the Fund financially sustainable and prepared to assist local residents when it’s needed most.
Morgan Monaghan
CEO & Digital Strategist | Simplified Marketing Board Member
Morgan is the CEO and Digital Strategist at Simplified Marketing, where she leads digital campaigns across SEO, paid advertising, social media, email, and PR. As a Downingtown-based business owner, she believes in giving back to the local community. She and her team support the Downingtown Resilience Fund through its website, social media, and other communications that keep local residents informed and connected to the Fund’s mission.
James J. Terry
James J. Terry Funeral Home | Board Member
Through James J. Terry Funeral Home, James has longstanding ties to Downingtown and a history of serving local families throughout Chester County. He brings that same care and commitment to the Downingtown Resilience Fund, working alongside fellow board members to make shared decisions that support the Fund’s mission and strengthen its role in the local community.
Melissa Dicranian
Owner | Wellspointe Farm | Board Member
Melissa brings her experience in local planning and historic preservation to the Downingtown Resilience Fund. With a longstanding commitment to community engagement and preserving local heritage, she works alongside fellow board members to offer perspective and help make shared decisions that keep the Fund’s work aligned with local needs.
Rusty Amarante, CR
Executive Vice President & Director of Operations | BELFOR Property Restoration President | BELFOR Franchise Group |Board Member
With more than 40 years of experience in property restoration and disaster recovery, Rusty brings valuable industry knowledge to the Downingtown Resilience Fund. His experience responding to water damage and other disasters provides a hands-on perspective as he works alongside fellow board members to support informed decisions, preparedness, and long-term resilience in the Downingtown community.