MKSD Community Leaders and Volunteers

You know us as team members at MKSD Architects – but did you know that we also serve as volunteers and leaders within our communities?  Learn more about some of our staff’s involvement within their own communities!

Jess Klocek

I currently serve as the Secretary of the Salisbury Township Planning Commission.  I’m also a dance mom!

Silvia Hoffman

NCC Foundation Board -I have been on the board for 16 years, taking the spot of my first boss and mentor, Mr. Bill Watson. I love being on this board because of the NCC mission in support of access to education for all. Coming from a family where neither of my parents graduated from High School, I know education is the biggest catalyst for change in peoples’ lives, that’s why I support the NCC Foundation

LVEDC Board-Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation is in a way what I like to call the ‘Cheerleader for the LV.’ Their mission is to market the economic assets of the LV and create opportunities for companies and people ad in turn make our LV more prosperous and a better place to live.

LVIP Board and Building Committee-LVIP was founded over 60 years ago and is committed to creating shovel ready sites for manufacturing, technology, industrial and warehousing projects. Over 24,000 people are employed in buildings created through LVIP. I am involved with this organization so I can contribute my architectural experience to creating world class business centers for the LV and help support the creation of jobs.

I participated in PALM for the first time this year with AIA and would continue to do that.

Ryan Kennedy

I volunteer at The Sanctuary at Haafsville and The Salvation Army Bethlehem Corps.  At The Sanctuary at Haafsville my wife Becky and I volunteer in the Mutt Hut.  Our shift typically involves walking and feeding the dogs, as well as cleaning their runs.  Most of the dogs are extremely stressed, so we try to make their temporary stay as comfortable as possible.  I also am on the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army in Bethlehem.  I help out in all aspects of running the Bethlehem Corps, and I specifically assist in renovations and upkeep of the building and quarters. 

Todd Chambers

I’m the chair of the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board and on the AQ Board of Trustees.  I’m also on the BASD Foundation Board of Trustees, and I help coach Parker’s little league team.

Susan Shipman

Since 2016, I have served as the Treasurer for the William Allen Arts Academy Alliance. This board is a group of volunteers from the community who are advocates for art education and fundraise to be able to help the arts programs at William Allen High School which consists of Visual Art, Music, Theater and Dance programs. In a school district that is the largest in the Lehigh Valley, yet the most underfunded because the way the state funds schools hasn’t kept up with changes in demographics and enrollment, the art programs tend to be grossly underfunded. Our Alliance has raised money to provide funds to purchase Apple computers so that William Allen High School could offer a graphics class, we have raised money to purchase equipment for the theater department, the orchestra and the marching band, as well as provide money to help with the Dance Academy Showcase and the Chorale trip.

Art Education is important not only to cultivate creativity, but it promotes problem solving and critical thinking. It is encouraging that there has been a movement lately for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum, adding the Arts to the more traditional STEM programs.

Check out our website here:  https://aln.allentownsd.org/fine_arts/arts_academy

My newest favorite activity outside of work is my granddaughter! I get to spend Fridays with her while her parents work and it’s been great. Can’t wait to do art projects with her 😊.

Megan Henry

As an Emerging Professional, I serve on multiple levels of the American Institute of Architects  – it is important to be at the table to make sure our voices are heard, our needs are met and progress is continuously made towards our future.

After college I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.  After I relocated, I connected with our local affiliate as a volunteer. I serve on the Family Selection Committee and as of this year became a member of Habitat Lehigh Valley’s Board of Directors.