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The Marvelous Marauder program was created in 2023 to honor the legacy of Millersville becoming a university 40 years prior. The awards celebrate those who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, professional achievement and an unwavering commitment to staying engaged with Millersville University long after their graduation.
This year’s 12 winners, who were recognized at a Sept. 2 event, are:
Sierra McNeil ’15 is a dedicated social worker whose leadership has transformed behavioral health advocacy across Pennsylvania. As director of workforce development at LaSalle University, she has been at the forefront of addressing the behavioral health workforce crisis, ensuring professionals receive the support and resources they need to serve effectively. McNeil also serves as president of NASW-PA, representing the voices of social workers statewide and elevating the profession. She has contributed to statewide initiatives, including the update of the 1993 PA Crisis Regulations and the 988 Advocacy Coalition, shaping critical policies for communities in need. Beyond her professional work, McNeil mentors and inspires the next generation of social workers, modeling advocacy, compassion, and resilience.
Erin Baker (Johnson) ’02, senior vice president and head of stakeholder engagement for PNC’s Responsible Business Strategies, has built a distinguished career advancing corporate responsibility, creating strategies that strengthen diversity and inclusion and supporting early-career professionals through development programs. Her leadership has helped shape PNC’s corporate culture, fostering inclusivity and a stronger employee experience. Baker has been widely honored, including Millersville’s Young Alumni Achievement Award, recognition as a Pittsburgh Business Times Fast Tracker, and as one of Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40. She has also dedicated her time to volunteer and nonprofit work, from Big Brothers Big Sisters to the Junior League of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Brandon Danz ’03 currently serves as vice president of population health at WellSpan Health, where he develops and manages value-based care models and population health strategies that serve over 200,000 patients across south central Pennsylvania. He also serves on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors and is a member of Millersville’s Council of Trustees. Prior to joining WellSpan, he was senior advisor to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, helping lead one of the largest human service agencies in the nation, with 17,000 employees and a $32 billion budget. His innovative work has focused on improving care for vulnerable populations, developing new models for highly utilizing Medicaid patients and advancing equitable health outcomes. Danz’s scholarship includes more than 20 published works and conference presentations on healthcare policy, population health and leadership in complex systems. Beyond his professional achievements, he has remained deeply engaged in his community, having served as board chair of the Lancaster County Library System and on the board of the Lancaster County Convention Center.
Sunflower “Sunny” Greene, Class of 2019, made history at Millersville as one of the most decorated athletes in the University’s track and field program. She became a two-time national champion, an eight-time All-American, and a 12-time PSAC champion, breaking multiple school and conference records along the way. Greene was recently inducted into the Millersville Athletic Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of our finest athletes. Today, she works as a financial analyst at High Real Estate Group while continuing to serve Millersville as a volunteer coach for track and field. She also contributes as a board member for the Cy Fritz Foundation, ensuring opportunities for future athletes. Her combination of professional excellence, athletic achievement and dedication to mentoring others makes her an extraordinary representative of Millersville University.
Jason Heisey ’07 has made a profound impact as an art therapist and mental health advocate. Based in Montana, Heisey provides school-based mental health services and restarted cancer support art therapy groups, offering comfort and healing to those navigating difficult journeys. He has also served as president of the Montana Art Therapy Association, elevating the profession and advocating for therapists statewide. Heisey is a board-certified art therapist, a licensed clinical professional counselor and a leader in raising awareness for the power of art in mental health. Over the years, he has helped organize gallery shows that share client stories and promote understanding of art therapy’s transformative potential.
Doug Johnson ’74 has devoted his career and his life to service through law, leadership and community. He began as a public defender, representing those in need of a voice, and went on to build a respected career in private practice. He later served three terms as a township supervisor, providing steady leadership to his community, and also contributed as assistant treasurer for the North Penn Water Authority and the Lower Salford Fire Company. Even in retirement, Johnson remains deeply engaged, serving as finance chair of the Indian Valley Public Library and leading within his church. His lifelong commitment to public service has strengthened the communities he has touched and stands as a model of servant leadership.
Dr. Donald Kilhefner ’60 has lived a life dedicated to knowledge, justice and liberation. After beginning his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia, Kilhefner became a historian, psychologist and one of the nation’s most influential LGBTQ+ activists. He co-founded the Los Angeles LGBT Center, now the largest of its kind in the world, and helped establish the Radical Faeries, an international movement for spiritual and cultural renewal. As a clinical psychologist, he has pioneered programs to support intergenerational dialogue and community healing. Kilhefner has been featured in countless interviews, books and documentaries, shaping public understanding of history and identity.
Dr. Gregory Koons ’98 is a distinguished educational leader who currently serves as executive director of Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21. Over 25 years, Koons has worked to create inclusive practices, foster community partnerships and mentor the next generation of superintendents across Pennsylvania. He also co-hosts the leadership podcast “Lead On with Greg & Mark,” which has become a resource for educators across the state. His commitment to innovation is reflected in his upcoming presidency of the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, where he will help shape education statewide. Beyond his professional achievements, Koons is known for his warmth, creativity and belief that every student is a masterpiece, Belice says.
Mike Panarella ’72 has spent more than five decades as a tireless advocate for Millersville University and his community. He has been the driving force behind keeping Millersville football alumni and Mu Alpha Kappa brothers connected, organizing countless gatherings, reunions and game-day events that strengthen the Marauder bond across generations. He has also worked quietly behind the scenes to nominate fellow alumni for awards and recognitions, ensuring that the accomplishments of others are celebrated. Beyond Millersville, Panarella has shown extraordinary leadership in his community by spearheading the creation of the First Responders Monument at Freedom Park in Medford Township, New Jersey, a unique tribute to police, firefighters, EMTs and emergency volunteers. He also played a central role in the development of several war memorials at Freedom Park, rallying local leaders and organizations to honor those who have served. A lifelong educator, he devoted over 40 years to teaching, mentoring students and instilling values of service and responsibility.
Dr. Amber Sessoms ’06 is a nationally certified school psychologist, educator and leadership consultant whose work empowers individuals and organizations to thrive. Sessoms is also the founder of Natural Inclination LLC, a values-based practice that challenges dehumanizing systems and cultivates cultures where people feel seen, heard and whole. Known as an “Authenticity Architect” and “Connection Curator,” she helps people reconnect with their values through her 3D Power Tools Framework, encouraging leadership rooted in courage, clarity and care. Amber made history as the first person of color to receive the Pennsylvania School Psychologist of the Year Award in 2020, and she later served as president of the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania. Today, she continues to give back to her alma mater as chair of the Programs Committee on Millersville’s Council of Trustees.
Jeremy Young ’12 has built an impressive career in community and economic development, currently serving as vice president of community and economic development at Lancaster City Alliance. In this role, Young oversees initiatives to attract investment, strengthen small businesses and implement Lancaster’s economic development strategy. He also manages the City’s CRIZ Authority, which directs millions of dollars each year toward revitalization. His leadership extends beyond his job, as he serves on the Redevelopment Authority and Land Bank Authority of Lancaster, and has advised revitalization projects in other Pennsylvania cities.
Andrew Zvorsky ’23 has already distinguished himself as a leader in the field of manufacturing engineering. He began his career at Dana Incorporated, where he implemented new technologies across global operations, before moving into research and development with CarTech. Zvorsky now serves as a senior manufacturing engineer with the Volvo Group, where his expertise in advanced manufacturing processes has directly contributed to the success of the company’s Cab-Over Product. He has also demonstrated leadership throughout his career, beginning as a supervisor with Mack Trucks and now driving continuous improvement projects and supporting new product implementation at Volvo. His rapid rise in the industry reflects both technical excellence and a natural ability to lead teams through innovation.
