Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors consists of a President, Vice President, a Treasurer, which make up the executive committee and additional voting members which include a representative from the Unit’s volunteer program. The Board of Directors is responsible for all management of the non-profit organization.
The current list of the Board of Directors follows.
Marissa Zondag -President.
A longtime Bethlehem resident and graduate of Moravian University, Marissa has been involved in the Bethlehem community throughout her college and professional career. Marissa joined the then brand new board in 2013 after graduating Moravian, having been involved with the Unit as Captain of Moravian's equestrian team. Marissa helped the Equestrian Team to purchase Grey for the Unit in 2015 and runs the Adopt a Horse Program and chairs the Nominating and Development Committees.
Marissa has worked in development for non-profits since 2014 and currently serves Moravian University as the Director of Development and is the Advisor and Assistant Coach of the University's Equestrian Team. In addition to her work with the FBMP, she sits on the board for the Moravian Academy Alumni Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In her spare time Marissa loves to horseback ride, paddleboard and hike with her dog, Kovu.
Marissa is proud to serve the organization that is such an integral piece to community policing here in Bethlehem!
James Bartholomew - Vice President & Corporate Secretary.
Jim Bartholomew is a lifelong resident of Bethlehem, PA. He and his wife of 50 years, Gina have three sons and two grandchildren.
Jim is a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School and Upper Iowa University. He is recently retired from his position as Sr. Executive Vice President for Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley.
Jim and his family have always been strong supporters of our military and police. This along with Gina’s love of horses made volunteering on the board of The Friends of the Bethlehem Mounted Police seem like the perfect fit for him.
Tom Nuttle - Treasurer.
Tom is a resident of Bethlehem with his wife, Nettie, and their three Wheaton Terriers. They enjoy a large family including two children, Eric Hartman/Kristina, Shea Andriko/George and three grandchildren.
Tom was raised in Baltimore and graduated from the University of Delaware. He works in Patient Services for a biotech company specializing in rare diseases. He has been actively involved in giving back to organizations that support those who serve and protect the community.
Tom joined the board of directors in 2022, bringing his experience and dedication to the Bethlehem Mounted Police with hopes to continually serve and make an impact.
Kori Lannon - Recording Secretary.
Kori joined our board in 2019, following in the footsteps of her father Herman Rij, one of the founding members of the organization. She was raised in Bethlehem only a couple of miles from our barn, attended Liberty High School, and graduated from Brown University with a double major in Business Economics and Mathematics. Kori lived and worked in banking in Chicago for 13 years before moving back to the Lehigh Valley with her husband and children. She believes in the power of the mounted unit to build trust and relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, and admires the strong bond and dedication between our officers and our horses.
Kori is in the investment advisory business with Quadrant Capital. She enjoys her three pets, reading, running, the beach, and following college sports.
Herman Rij.
Herm is a Founding Partner in Quadrant Private Wealth in May 2014 after 43 1/2 yrs. at Merrill Lynch. He was recognized by Barron’s Magazine as a Top Financial Advisor from 2009 thru 2014. He earned a CIMA designation with IMCA ( Investment Management Consultants Association). Herm graduated from Albright College in 1966 with a BS in Economics and post graduate at Lehigh University in 1969 where he earned an MBA. He has been married to Claire Risbon Rij since 1967. Herm has two daughters,Kori Lannon and Becky Rij Flynn, along with five granddaughters, Kerry, Elizabeth, Lora, Teegan, and Riley. His hobbies include reading, golf and hanging out with his two dogs, Swedie and Phinney.
Carol Saeger.
A lifelong native of Bethlehem., Carol graduated from Liberty High School and Northampton Community College. She worked at LVHN before staying home to raise her two children. Upon return to the work force, Carol joined Just Born Quality Confections where she ultimately became involved with grant administration.
In this capacity, Carol was instrumental in facilitating Just Born’s inaugural adoption of Pharaoh in the Adopt-a-Horse Program. In addition, Carol also furthered Just Born’s support to assist in funding what has grown to be Quadrant Private Wealth Stable Facility. Acting as liaison between Just Born and the FBMP has been a highlight in Carol’s career.
Having retired from Just Born, Carol now enjoys time with her family and continues to serve on several Lehigh Valley boards. She especially enjoys devoting more time and talent to the FBMP and making sure Pharaoh gets his special treat…Marshmallow PEEPS®, which he LOVES!
Sarne Brewster.
Sarne Brewster, a passionate advocate for the Bethlehem community, joined the Bethlehem Mounted Police Unit as a board member in 2024. With a deep commitment to public safety and community engagement, Sarne brings valuable experience from her role as an Account Manager at TWG Security, where she collaborates with local businesses, schools, and corporations to enhance security solutions and create safer environments. In addition to her professional achievements, her expertise in real estate, combined with her dedication to fostering positive community relationships, makes her a valuable asset to the Bethlehem Mounted Police Unit. Sarne is excited to contribute her skills and passion to support the unit's mission of enhancing public safety and strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the Bethlehem community.
Jon Buskirk.
Growing up in northern New Jersey provided Jon with the exposure and opportunity to learn how to ride and care for horses. After graduating from Moravian College, Jon went on to have an accomplished law enforcement career with a passion for community engagement and leadership. Currently serving as a Police Officer at Lehigh University, Jon brings two decades of experience, including his tenure as a Patrol Lieutenant and Community Services Sergeant with the City of Bethlehem Police Department. He continues to serve his community with integrity and dedication.
A founding member of the Bethlehem Mounted Patrol Unit, Jon partnered with retired mount Pharaoh for nine impactful years. Together, they patrolled the city, participated in community events, and fostered connections between the police and the public.
A passionate volunteer, he coaches youth sports, supports local organizations, and fosters cats with his family. Jon is also licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania. Jon spends his free time with his wife, three sons, dog, cats, and his former Mounted Unit partner, Pharaoh.
Sue Leeson.
Sue joined the Board in 2022 when she was presented with an excellent opportunity for her to apply her business experience and her passions for the outdoors, animals, and the history and culture of the City of Bethlehem. She considers it an honor to participate in the cooperation between the Friends of Bethlehem Mounted Police and the Mounted Patrol Unit for the benefit of public safety and goodwill for the citizens of Bethlehem.
Donna Mugavero.
After graduating from Marywood College in 1981 and working in Allentown, Donna accepted a position at the Bethlehem Globe-Times. She moved from Roseto, her beloved hometown, to Bethlehem and fell in love with the city.
An award-winning graphic designer, she began her business, Sheer Brick Studio, in 1993. After buying property in the Historic Downtown district, Donna was elected head of the council for her HOA. Community policing and safety were of great importance to her. Thanks to her studio’s proximity to the Fraternal Order of Police meeting hall, she met the founding members of the Bethlehem Mounted Patrol when, in 2009, they sought her studio’s assistance with marketing. She believed in the mission of the fledgling unit as a positive law enforcement presence in the City. And that is how they became her primary pro bono focus.
Donna helped create an awareness of the mission of the Mounted Patrol, built their social sites, and answered questions in online forums. She began to document the early years of the Patrol, provided print collateral, and created their voice online. Along with the Patrol founders, she helped build their identity in the public eye and embed them as a vital presence in the City. She is proud to have been the original volunteer and humbled by the invitation to join the Board in 2024.
Donna has been involved in the Bethlehem community since she moved here. A founding member of the local NPR station WDIY 88.1 FM, Donna volunteers as a radio programmer there. She is also a member of the American Advertising Federation of the Greater Lehigh Valley and an avid supporter of the Lehigh University Art Galleries.
Jessica Kessler - Volunteer Liaison.
Jessica is a long-time resident of Palmer Township where she lives with her husband James, their two dogs, and her 3 children. She is an avid horse lover who enjoys spending her free time with her horse Maverick and at the Mounted Unit. Jess is proud to be the volunteer liaison coordinator and the merchandise coordinator and loves to help in any way she can.
Emeritis.
Tom Tenges
President Emeritus
Greg Solderitch
Director Emeritus
Emil Giordano
Director Emeritus
Diane Mack
President Emeritus