New Board Chair Elected at Annual Meeting

Malvern, PA.    

The Malvern Retreat House Board of Directors elected the first women in its 107 year history on Wednesday, April 3 as Chair of the Board of Directors.  Jacqueline Jester Delaney, a resident of Malvern, PA, was elected to this prestigious position.

As a lay-owned and operated retreat house, situated on 125 acres of wooded countryside in Chester County, Malvern Retreat House is the largest and oldest Catholic retreat center in the United States.  Annually, over 20,000 men, women and families from 50 states and global countries attend spiritual retreats on the grounds.

Delaney represents an historic moment in the long legacy of leadership for the retreat house. According to Mark J. Poletunow, President, “Jacki Delaney brings not only a deep commitment to our mission and thorough knowledge of Malvern Retreat House, but also a breadth of professional experience with non-profit and faith-based Boards. She is well prepared and ready to hit the ground running. I look forward to working with her, our new Executive Committee, as well as our new Board members who bring abundant and fresh energy that will carry us into the foreseeable future.”

Upon graduating from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Church Ministry Institute in 2006, Delaney began volunteering her time and talents.   She served as ministry coordinator at St. John Vianney parish; a board member of Mercy Spiritual Ministries; secretary of the Board of the Philadelphia Chapter of Legatus, a member of the Development Committee of Neumann University, chair of the Neumann University Scholarship Gala; and chair of the Archbishop’s Benefit for Children.  Both she and her husband, James, are members of the Philadelphia Chapter of Legatus, Aquinas Society of the Faith in the Future Foundation, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher.  As a resident of Malvern, PA., Jacki and her husband Jim are the proud parents of three children and five grandchildren.

“I would like to thank my fellow Board members and two previous Board Chairs, Joe Nardi and Steve MacNamee.  Without their support and encouragement I would not have this opportunity to serve Malvern Retreat House,” shared Delaney.  “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the first woman chair of the Board of Directors.  I am proud to be part of a team of professionals focused on ensuring our mission, vision, values and Catholic faith are integrated in all that we do,” Delaney continued.

According to Steve MacNamee, outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, “In tough times, a non-profit needs strong leadership and direction to steer the ship.    Jackie Delaney is such a person, with a great deal of experience and know-how . I know Jackie well,  and as incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, I know she is the RIGHT PERSON at the RIGHT TIME .

Great Success Jackie… Prosit.