staff - The Union Project

Union Project Staff
p. 412-363-4550 f. 412-363-1217 infounionproject.org

	Maria Pranzo Executive Director, mariaunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x34 Maria came to Pittsburgh from Brooklyn, NY in Fall 2006. She initially connected with the Union Project while eating a tasty sandwich in the Urban Fusion Cafe. Maria has over ten years experience in non-profit fundraising and management, and previous to that was a marketing and advertising professional. She is thrilled and honored to be heading up the Union Project as it enters a new and exciting phase in its growth. Maria lives within walking distance of the Union Project, in nearby Stanton Heights.
	Justin Rothshank Associate Director & Ceramics Manager, justinunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 22 Justin is a founder of the Union Project and has served as staff since Union Project's inception in 2001. He has extensive experience in construction management, volunteer supervision, and building restoration. Justin has a B.A. in Art from Goshen College and he is a ceramic artist. His artwork has been shown in galleries and museums both locally and nationally and featured in publications by Lark Books, Ceramics Monthly, Clay Times, and others. In 2007 Justin was recognized by Ceramics Monthly as an Emerging Artist and was awarded and Alcoa Foundation Leadership Grant for Arts Managers. Justin is also the recipient of the 2005 Decade of Servant Leadership Alumni Award of Goshen College. In 2005, Justin was selected as one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 under 40. Check out Justin's artwork at rothshank.com.
	Hilary Brown Outreach & Events Manager, hilaryunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 26 A native of Pittsburgh, Hilary returned to Pittsburgh four years ago to pursue community organizing after living in Boston and attending Gordon College. She has been studying at the University of Pittsburgh for the past three years and in May of 2007 she earned her Master's degree in Community Organization and Social Administration from the School of Social Work. At Union Project, Hilary coordinates the Peabody High School internship program, plans neighborhood events, and networks with local organizations and churches. Hilary is excited to be a new homeowner and is accepting applications from those seeking a chance to work for free.
	Carol Spencer-Royall Business Manager, carolunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 29 Carol aka Mrs. Dash - a native Pittsburgher - is bookkeeper extraordinaire for the Union Project. She will typically be found tucked away in the corner, talking to herself, trying to make sense of it all. Carol's claim to fame is an extensive knowledge of obscure facts useful only during JEOPARDY or... well, maybe only JEOPARDY.

	Katrina Struloeff Marketing Manager & Development Associate, katrinaunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 37 After growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Katrina decided to go east to Pittsburgh for graduate school. While working on her Arts Management degree from CMU's Public Policy school, Katrina has come to call pgh her second home. When she can get time away, she enjoys remodeling her house, getting her hands dirty, printmaking, traveling, creating new dishes in the kitchen, and discovering new corners of the city.
	Matt Henning Space Rental Coordinator, matthewunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 21 Matt is almost a native of Pittsburgh: He was born in N.C. but has been living in the area for the last 22 1/2 of his 23 years. Among his many interests, he is currently most involved in coaching soccer and cycling. A guitar player, he is also a huge music lover. He applied to Union Project as a way to connect with more of the city and is very excited to be a part of it.
	Saeeda Brown Ceramics Technician, siunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 27 Si is from Swissvale and has lived there all of her life. She spends her time writing, sleeping, working, shopping, and talking on the phone. She applied to the Union Project for the chance to be a part of a group that helps uplift communities. You should know that Si is a Sagittarius!
	Morgan Stewart Youth Barista Program Coordinator, morganunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 35 Morgan originated from Michigan and is a recent acquirement of Pittsburgh's. She loves to create, play music, read books and ride her red bike. She is currently infatuated with the Union Project.
	Tim Poellnitz Custodian, timunionproject.org, 412-363-4550 x 28 Tim has been working at the Union Project since fall 2005 as the head of the custodial department. He enjoys working with his co-workers and also enjoys living in Pittsburgh. “Who says you can’t enjoy your work and have fun, too?” Tim wants everyone to come and check out the Union Project.
	Samuel Ward IT Specialist, samuelunionproject.org Samuel is originally from East St. Louis, IL. He came to Pittsburgh to attend University of Pittsburgh, where he met his lovely wife of four years. His hobbies include cooking and computers, and he will be helping Union Project with their IT infrastructure. Samuel also owns his own computer/IT company and with his wife owns a dessert catering company.