THIS IS OUR MISSION
The Challenge Program, Inc.'s mission is to motivate high school students to develop the habits required to succeed in school and in their careers by building business/education partnerships.
WE HAVE A VISION
Every student has the opportunity for financial security through rewarding careers.
Our Founder's Story
Meet the TCP Team

Barbara A. Grandinetti - President
Barbara Grandinetti spear-heads The Challenge Program, Inc.’s outreach, fundraising and talent recruitment. Grandinetti opens doors to opportunities and develops lasting relationships with businesses, educators, foundations and individual donors with a passionate mindset to spread the word about the program. She taps into her employees’ special talents to grow and expand the program.
Grandinetti was integral in creating The Challenge Program, Inc.’s now-signature fundraising event – The Crystal Owl Gala held each spring. She helps businesses supporting high schools apply for Educational Improvement Tax Credits in Pennsylvania. Through her efforts, The Challenge Program, Inc. obtained their Non-Profit Organization 50l(c)(3) status of the Internal Revenue Code with contributions to the program being deductible under Section 170 of the Code.
Grandinetti was Vice President of Real Estate with Crown American Real Estate Trust. In 1999, she was recognized by Shopping Center Business Magazine as one of the top women executives in the shopping mall industry.
In 2003, Crown American was purchased by PREIT, a real estate investment trust in Philadelphia, PA. PREIT, acquired 26 retail assets from the Johnstown based company. Grandinetti was asked by PREIT to head up the transition team. She accepted and was named Vice President of Special Projects. As the transition began to wind down in the spring of 2004, Grandinetti made her next great career move, joining Dan Perkins in creating The Challenge Program, Inc.
Grandinetti’s business acumen from her time as Vice President at Crown American and PREIT is why she has been able to lead The Challenge Program, Inc. from a small, local program to one that consistently serves over 100 high schools in three states. Grandinetti is passionate about giving back to communities, through The Challenge Program, Inc. She is often heard saying to students, “You can’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands.” Equal to her sense of community and business acumen, is her determination to see students firmly rooted in good habits required for success.
A Johnstown, PA native, Grandinetti attended Mount Aloysius College and Cambria Rowe Business School.
Barbara A. Grandinetti
President

Karen Robatin - Chief Financial Officer
Karen Robatin has earned the respect of every employee of The Challenge Program, Inc. for her ability to look ahead financially while learning the lessons of the past. This talent has kept The Challenge Program, Inc. financially sound regardless of the economic climate. Her talents have helped the Program move forward breaking ground in new territories as well as with new ideas.
As Chief Financial Officer, Robatin’s role expands beyond accounting. She is a member of SHRM and manages benefits administration, background checks and human resources policies for The Challenge Program, Inc.
Robatin oversees all TCP event planning and registrations and has a leadership role in the spring signature fundraising event, Crystal Owl Gala, assuring the success of the event’s auction and outcome.
Prior to The Challenge Program, Inc., Robatin gained experience with Beckwith Machinery Company and became the Controller after 12 years of service.
Karen Robatin is a Johnstown, PA native where she currently resides. She has a master’s degree from Robert Morris University in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in accounting.
Karen Robatin
Chief Financial Officer

Mary Dreliszak - Director of Business Development
Mary Dreliszak returns with a decade of previous experience building school and business relationships for The Challenge Program to guide the Program Development team. A fan of the underdog and the achiever in all of us, she brings to her role a passion for student success. Her years of experience leading non-profit healthcare and education development will be used to continue the growth of The Challenge Program, Inc.
A Fayette County resident, Mary Dreliszak earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Carlow University. She and her husband raised their children in the home where she grew up learning that with drive and determination, anything is possible.
Mary Dreliszak
Director of Program Development

Myra Bernhart - Workforce Development Manager, Career and Technology Education
Myra Bernhart coordinates workforce development initiatives between business and education for The Challenge Program, Inc. The responsibilities of workforce management include implementing a client-centered service approach to workforce development among high school students. Bernhart is responsible for ensuring meaningful connections between the schools and businesses as well as new business support for the organization.
Bernhart will focus in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania, and Zanesville County in Ohio.
Bernhart has a long career history with job training and development having designed and implemented a variety of workforce related projects and programs including youth summer placement.
Bernhart attended California University of PA and earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.
Myra Bernhart
Senior Manager of Program Development

Melanie Muha - Digital Marketing Manager
As Digital Marketing Manager, Melanie Muha is the point person for the organization’s marketing needs, managing and delegating project workflow, and marketing design and content.
Muha joined The Challenge Program, Inc. in 2017 as an Intern. Her talents for writing, video design, and social media led to a permanent position as Marketing Assistant.
Muha’s social media development successes include increased Facebook followers, as well as establishing direct engagement with students through successful SnapChat and Instagram marketing campaigns. Muha’s talent with video development has broadened our digital footprint, further capturing the attention of our social media audience. She coordinates TCP professional video creation with an independent videographer.
Muha created the TCP blog, “An Inside Look” with her unique writing style and encourages business representatives, educators, and students to contribute content.
Melanie Muha is a Johnstown native where she lives with her family. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a degree in communications with a minor in writing.
Melanie Muha
Marketing Manager

Sidney Anderson - Program Development Manager
Sidney joined the challenge program in 2022 as Program Development Manager. She will be working with Fayette, Westmoreland, Washington, and Greene Counties in an effort to grow the program and reach more students in her territory.
Sidney studied Psychology and Women’s & Gender Studies at West Virginia University. Sidney is a Fayette County native, where she continues to reside today.
Sidney Anderson
Program Development Manager

Michael Parks - Program Development Manager
Michael Parks joined The Challenge Program, Inc. in 2022. He will be coordinating and growing the program in Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, and Bedford Counties while informing students of the career opportunities awaiting them after high school.
He has over 15 years of experience in radio operations including sales and programming. In addition, he has spent his last 20 years coaching sports. Michael found that young people need to be able to make mistakes, but recognizes it is how we learn. He wants to be that person for all the students he represents at the Challenge Program.
Michael was born in Roaring Spring Pa and graduated from Northern Bedford High School. He has lived in a few major cities including San Francisco, San Diego, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh but have finally settled in Johnstown, Pa.
Michael Parks
Program Development Manager

Hannah Danko - Program Development Manager
Hannah joined The Challenge Program team in 2022 as a Program Development Manager. She will be working with Clearfield, Jefferson, Blair, Armstrong, Luzerne, Lakawanna and Susquehanna counties in Pennsylvania.
With a background in Mental Health and Addictions counseling, Hannah brings with her a passion for helping others rise above and achieve their goals.
Hannah studied Criminal Justice at Lock Haven University. She is a Centre County native, where she resides with her husband, two young children and three rescue dogs.
Hannah Danko
Program Development Manager

Mary Ann Krakar - Program Development Manager
Mary Ann Krakar joined the Challenge Program team in 2023 as a Program Development Manager. She will be working with Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties. She is thrilled to be able to help students succeed as they start out in life. She understands “kids don’t know what they don’t know” due to her experience with her own young adults.
She has years of sales, business, training and teaching experience and has worked in Orland, FL, NYC and Pittsburgh, PA and is looking forward to expanding the program in her territories while building enduring relationships.
She is a graduate from Robert Morris University with a Master’s Degree in Business Education and a Pennsylvania teaching certification. She lives in Beaver County with her young adults, novio and crazy canines.
She was in NYC for both bombings (1993 and 9/11) and understands that life is short and to make the most of it!
Mary Ann Krakar
Program Development Manager

Trent Bauer - Program Development Manager
Coming Soon!
Trent Bauer
Program Development Manager

Melina Tomiczek - Human Resource/Accounting Assistant
As a Human Resource/Accounting Assistant, Melina Tomiczek is accountable for managing staffing related activities, coordinating recruitment and interviews, posting job opportunities, managing employee evaluations, and helping with payroll and benefits administration.
She joined the Challenge Program in 2022 after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in human resource management/general management with a safety science minor. She was also a member of (SHRM) Society of Human Resource Management.
Melina Tomiczek is a Carrolltown native and is still living in Carrolltown, PA with her family.
Melina Tomiczek
Human Resources
and Accounting Assistant

Mary Vivona - Program Operations Coordinator
As the Program Operations Coordinator Mary Vivona is the central hub of all activities between the staff, business sponsors, schools and all other organization constituents. She strives to make sure businesses, schools and program staff have what they need to assure programs run smoothly and that The Challenge Program is a continuing and growing success.
Vivona joined the program in 2022 bringing years of non-profit and grant management experience to the organization. Most recently she was the Director of Grant Programs for Habitat for Humanity NYS where she managed grants that delivered close to 2 million dollars a year to Habitat for Humanity programs in the state and provided homes for more than 40 low-income families per year. She particularly enjoyed managing the AmeriCorps programs where she was inspired by the many young adults who were willing to give a year of their lives to community service through Habitat for Humanity.
Vivona is an upstate NY native who recently moved to Johnstown from North Dakota. She has a daughter that lives in Ligonier. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology with a degree in Human Environment Relations.
Mary Vivona
Program Operations Coordinator

Bryce Maldet - Digital Marketing Assistant
As Digital Marketing Assistant, Bryce Maldet helps to evolve and assist in the organization’s marketing and develops strategies across the media landscape, with a focus on social media.
Bryce joined The Challenge Program Inc. in 2022, with a creative spirit that matched his passion for working in media. From the start, it was a perfect match to help grow the organization’s marketing department.
When Bryce was hired he was the youngest individual on the team, only being 20, which provides him a unique perspective on how to reach students. Right from the start he brought ideas for some large projects, and he has a drive to continue to bring more new and fresh ideas to the organization.
Bryce is a Johnstown native, and currently resides there with his family. He studied at Penn Highlands Community College working within multiple business in many forms of media.
Bryce Maldet
Digital Marketing Assistant
TCP Board of Directors
Daniel T. Perkins
Founder, The Challenge Program, Inc.
Mr. Perkins served as a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned as a Communications Officer, where he was responsible for long range, multi-channel and satellite communications. He was responsible for the management of equipment and staff to provide voice and digital communications support for the east-coast operational requirements. During his tenure, he also served as the Director of the Performance Counseling Center. In this position, he provided substance abuse counseling and training to Marines and their dependents.
As the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of MTS Technologies, Inc. (MTS), founded in 1991 by Mr. Perkins, he served as the senior executive responsible for all aspects of Firm’s business. In this capacity, he oversaw day-to-day operations and administrative management. He directed all marketing and business strategy development efforts.
In the two years prior to founding MTS, Mr. Perkins was employed by Dual & Associates as the Vice President of Administration and member of the Board of Directors. In this position, he managed all administrative functions for the Firm and in the absence of the President assumed responsibility for overall company management.
Mr. Perkins was Manager of Staffing with Booz•Allen & Hamilton, Inc. for thirteen years. He was responsible for the strategy development and coordination of efforts to hire staff to satisfy employment openings in the technology arena. He also recruited senior professionals who had responsibility for building new business thrusts.
Mr. Perkins is a 1974 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and has a Masters Degree from Pepperdine University.
Barbara A. Grandinetti
President, The Challenge Program, Inc.
As President of The Challenge Program, Inc., Barbara Grandinetti has spear-headed and expanded the Program’s outreach and recruited talented development and support personnel. Grandinetti opens doors to fundraising opportunities and develops lasting relationships with business partners, foundations and individual donors all with a single mindedness to spread the word about the program. She has a unique ability to discover and tap into people’s special talents needed to grow and expand the program. She is passionate about the program, just ask her!
Grandinetti was integral in creating The Challenge Program, Inc.’s now signature fundraising event – The Crystal Owl Gala held each spring. She helped businesses supporting high schools apply for Educational Improvement Tax Credits in Pennsylvania and the Neighborhood Investment Program in West Virginia. Through her efforts, The Challenge Program obtained their Non-Profit Organization 50l(c)(3) status of the Internal Revenue Code with contributions to the program being deductible under Section 170 of the Code.
Anthony L. Bucci, Co-Chairman
Chairman, 9Rooftops
Tony Bucci is Chairman of 9 Rooftops (formerly MARC USA), one of the nation’s largest privately-owned marketing communications agencies with more than 250 associates in nine offices across the US including MARCA Hispanic in Miami. 9 Rooftops is a member of Eastport Holdings LLC, and Tony serves on the Board of Eastport. He is also chairman of PennAlt Organics, a Pennsylvania medical marijuana grower and provider. He previously served on the board of publicly traded Allin Corporation.
Beginning his career at MARC USA as an assistant account executive, Tony moved steadily up the ranks and was named Chairman in 1997. Under his leadership, the agency grew from a Pittsburgh-based regional agency to its national position today. Throughout his career, he has guided marketing strategy for top USA brands.
Always a pioneer and change agent, Tony developed the industry’s first client-centric, cross-disciplinary teams and authored the American Association of Advertising Agencies(4As) Management Guide on agency structure. He also served on the 4As National Board.
Widely recognized for his leadership and philanthropic efforts, Tony has won many honors for his contributions to his profession and the community. In 2006, he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Hall of Fame. Other awards include the Junior Achievement Golden Achievement Award, the Pittsburgh Opera Maecenas Award and the Vectors Man of the Year Award in Communications.
Tony currently serves as the National Board Chair of Girls Inc., a national organization serving underprivileged young girls. He is Board Chair of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Challenge Program. Previously he chaired the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and was a member of the national board of KaBoom.
He is also past Chairman of the Boards of United Way of SWPA, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and past Vice-Chairman of the Board of Duquesne University, his alma mater, and past President of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO). Other past board service includes Junior Achievement of SWPA, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Pittsburgh Hearing Speech and Deaf Services, and Three Rivers Center for Independent Living.
Dennis Zatlin
President, Allied Resources Group
Dennis Zatlin is a native of the Greater Pittsburgh area and the President of the Allied Resources Group, the Philadelphia-based parent company of four multi-disciplined firms throughout the US. The group came to be after making a series of acquisitions starting in 2003, established on the belief that businesses are people-based. His entrepreneurial spirit afforded him the ability to grow and scale those businesses based on the strong relationships he had formed throughout his career.
Dennis understands that investing in his employees, from the very beginning stages of their careers, is an investment in the company’s future growth. His philosophy is to create an environment that harbors creativity, strong work ethics, and drives success, rewarding those committed to that culture. Without a strong supporting staff, the health of the business would suffer.
Prior to going into business himself, Dennis spent 18 years as the Vice President of Operations for an engineering consulting firm. During those years, he forged lifelong relationships with both clientele and professionals that he and his businesses now serve.
Though his professional growth and success moved him across the state, the Robert Morris University Alum remains true to his Pittsburgh roots, gives back to the communities, and is a frequent visitor of the city. He currently resides in the Greater Philadelphia area and continues to give back to the local community. He is an active Board Member of the Great Valley Community Organization and has been involved with several charities including Bringing Hope Home.
Johnathan Garlow
CEO & President, Ford Office Technologies
Johnathan is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he majored in Architectural Engineering. The young executive had planned a career as an engineer and was employed in Pittsburgh when his father, John M. Garlow, founder and CEO of Ford Office Technologies, asked him to join the family business as President.
Johnathan believes in community growth and providing employment opportunities for other young professionals. He believes young people in our area need to know of the potential of staying local, not just for employment opportunities but for the quality of life. This is a great fit for The Challenge Program, Inc. which strives to keep young talent in their communities.
Johnathan M. Garlow received the Herman Buck Award on December 3, 2015 at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Awarded annually by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, the Herman Buck Award is presented to a young man or woman under the age of 45 who has given his or her time and energy to community service. This person exemplifies unselfish commitment to the community, as did the late Herman M. Buck.
Johnathan also serves on the board of other community service organizations such as the Westmoreland Fayette Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and Fay-Penn Economic Development Council.
Jennifer Howe
Board Member of PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy Group
Jennifer H. Howe recently retired from her role as Corporate Human Resources and EEO Officer for P. J. Dick Inc., Trumbull Corporation, and Lindy Paving, Inc. and their affiliated companies. These construction firms are headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA and are owned by the Jane Burton and Cliff Rowe families. Jennifer is a third-generation family member and has worked for the family businesses since 1998. She will remain a Board Member for their businesses during her retirement years. PJ Dick, Trumbull Corporation, and Lindy Paving, Inc. are proud Challenge Program (TCP) sponsors of A. W. Beattie Career Center, Beaver County CTC, and Forbes Road CTC., which is how Jennifer became so familiar with the goals and impact of TCP and why she has a keen interest in promoting the TCP program.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State in Health Care Management and a master’s degree from St. Francis University in Human Resources Administration. Prior to 1998, Jennifer worked in the fields of Worker’s Compensation claims management and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) management with Gateway Health Plan (a Highmark company) in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH. Jennifer is looking forward to drawing on her past work experiences to help her be an effective Board Member for The Challenge Program, Inc., which focuses so heavily on preparing our next generation of workers with their career goals, excellent workplace skills, and the initiative to succeed.
Jennifer has been a long-time resident of the south hills area of Pittsburgh and plans to stay in the area during retirement. Her family and grown children are all close by and Jennifer looks forward to being able to spend more quality time with family and to devote more time to charitable causes going forward.
Michele Lindemann
Executive Assistant, Incline Equity Partners
Michele is an “In-Service-to-Others” professional and is currently Executive Assistant to Jack Glover, Managing Partner of Incline Equity Partner and she serves as an Incline Equity Partners Foundation board member.
Michele previously spent time with US Airways, American Eagle Outfitters, and Huntington Bank in various capacities.
Michele enjoys facilitating connections personally and professionally and, with her extrovert personality, is in constant pursuit of developing her network and bringing people together to enrich lives.
Michele is a native Beaver Countian and currently resides in Beaver with her husband of fifteen years, George, and her 17-year-old daughter Sam. Michele and her family love the outdoors and travel as often as they can!
Deborah Cover
Human Resources Director, GapVax, Inc.
Deborah is the Human Resources Director at GapVax, Inc., where the world’s most advanced industrial vacuum equipment is built. Deborah has an earnest commitment to organizational development at the family-owned business. Her insurmountable level of respect for her parents and the team of employees, who have catalyzed the GapVax brand, has sparked a passion to develop an improved culture. The pandemic and fallout have created greater recruiting and retention challenges. The positive twist is that it has solidified the necessity to strengthen relationships between our educational leaders, business owners, and students to expose our future leaders to career opportunities in their communities. As a single parent to 18-year-old Olivia, she has a personal desire to get it right regarding motivating, guiding, and supporting future leaders. Deborah’s passion aligns with The Challenge Program, Inc.’s mission of motivating high school students to develop good habits in high schools while increasing awareness of job opportunities that exist in their communities.
TCP Advisory Councils
The TCP Business and Educational Advisory Councils (BEAC) bring two important entities to the table as they share a common goal - the best preparation for students to eventually enter the workforce. Members exchange thoughts and ideas with one another and The Challenge Program, Inc., and also keep us up-to-date on curriculum and employment trends. These informative dialogues influence The Challenge Program, Inc.'s message to remain current and relevant to the development of students' success in and out of the classroom.
Businesses
Bank of America
Huntington Bank
Jendoco Construction Company
9Rooftops
QNS Recruiting/Grane Healthcare
Shell Corporation
Wade Trim
Schools
Pittsburgh Westinghouse High School
Riverview High School
Beaver Falls High School
New Brighton High School
West Mifflin High School
Ambridge High School
McKeesport High School
Pittsburgh CAPA High School
Springdale High School
Businesses
#1 Cochran, Inc
JV Manufacturing
Lutheran SeniorLife
Mascaro Construction
PJ Dick-Trumbull-Lindy Paving
QNS Recruiting/GRANE Healthcare
Washington Financial Bank
Schools
A.W. Beattie Career Center
Beaver County Career and Technology Center
Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School
Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center
Forbes Road Career and Technology Center
Parkway West Career and Technology Center
McKeesport Area Technology Center
Steel Center for Career and Technical Education
Western Area Career and Technology Center
Businesses
Cambria Care Center/Grane Healthcare
C-B-W Schools Federal Credit Union
Corle Building Systems
G.A.P. Federal Credit Union
Martin-Baker American
McAneny Brothers Inc
Riggs Industries
Somerset Trust Company
S&T Bank
Schools
Chestnut Ridge High School
Forest Hills High School
Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center
Greater Johnstown High School
Richland High School
Westmont Hilltop High School
Windber High School
Businesses
cfsbank
Ford Business Machines
Lutheran SeniorLife
Progeny Systems
QNS Recruiting/Grane Healthcare
Schools
Belle Vernon High School
Canon-McMillan High School
Charleroi High School
Jeannette High School
Ringgold High School
Washington High School
Schools
Cambria Heights High School
Canon-McMillan High School
Charleroi High School
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute
Indiana High School
Marion Center High School
Ringgold High School
Shade-Central High School
South Side High School
Uniontown High School