Albright College Expands Board of Trustees with Diverse and Experienced Members
Albright College has recently expanded its board of trustees by appointing nine new members. The decision was officially confirmed during the board’s meeting on June 6, with each new appointee set to serve a three-year term. This development is part of the college’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance and ensure continued growth and innovation.
The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the board. According to the college, this group includes both individuals new to Albright governance and returning trustees who are deeply committed to the institution’s future. Their combined expertise and dedication reflect a shared mission of fostering student success, academic excellence, and long-term sustainability.
This appointment marks a significant step in Albright’s strategic transformation. With fresh ideas and strong support from these new members, the college aims to position itself for a thriving and innovative future.
New Appointees and Their Backgrounds
Kristen Bachman
Kristen Bachman is an executive at Bachman’s Roofing, Building & Remodeling LLC in Wernersville. She leads the company’s community initiatives and supports local charities. As a co-owner of Bachman’s Management, she oversees six businesses, including BGone Waste, Keath HVAC, and Bachman’s Construction.
John T. Baily
John T. Baily retired as president of Swiss Re Capital Partners in 2002. He spent 34 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he led the national insurance industry practice. A 1965 graduate of Albright, Baily earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1979 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Albright in 2015. He has served on the board since 2002 and was named emeritus trustee chairman in 2014.
Robert M. Ford
Robert M. Ford is a retired partner with Ernst & Young in Philadelphia. He worked at the firm since earning his Albright degree in 1981. Ford served on the Albright board from 2014 to 2023 and played on the basketball and golf teams. He was inducted into the Mid-Atlantic Conference Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 and is a member of Albright’s Men’s Basketball All-Century Team.
Simon K. Foster
Simon K. Foster is the Healthcare Industry Marketing Manager for LyondellBasell in Houston. He previously worked for 15 years in global marketing for BASF. While at Albright, he completed an internship in Singapore before earning his bachelor’s degree in 2010 and an MBA from the University of Texas in 2016. Foster was honored with the 30 Under 30 Award by Pi Kappa Phi and served on the Albright Young Alumni executive committee from 2012 to 2016.
Jack R. Gombach
Jack R. Gombach is managing director and COO for the City of Reading, a role he began in 2024. He previously worked as a government affairs and grassroots advocacy consultant for McNees, Wallace & Nurick. Gombach has served on the boards of several organizations, including Reading Area Community College and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center.
Charles E. “Chuck” Holland
Charles E. “Chuck” Holland is an executive consultant for CEH, following his retirement in 2017 as vice president of corporate development for Therapeutics Inc. He held senior roles at Elan Pharmaceuticals, G.D. Searle Company, and Glaxo Dermatology. Holland earned his Ph.D. in physiology and endocrinology from Rutgers University and his B.S. in biology from Albright in 1966.
Dawn M. James
Dawn M. James is an adviser with Sequel Solutions, an AI-driven career consulting firm. She spent over 30 years in key risk management leadership positions at Vanguard. James has served on the Brandywine Health Foundation board and was chair from 2015 to 2017. She earned her B.S. in business from Albright and her MBA from St. Joseph’s University.
Christ G. “Chris” Kraras
Christ G. “Chris” Kraras is president and CEO of several companies, including White Star Travel and Timberline Investment Group. He serves on the Reading Education Foundation and has been involved with various organizations such as Fulton Bank and Berks Encore. Kraras earned his B.A. in history from Albright and his master’s in education from Kutztown University. He was an Albright trustee from 1997 to 2017.
Karen A. Rightmire
Karen A. Rightmire, class of 1969, is the chief strategy officer and former president of the Wyomissing Foundation. She has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Highlands at Wyomissing and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Rightmire was elected trustee emerita in 2015 and received an honorary degree from Albright in 2017.
