Skip to main content
HomeOur Team

Our Team: Staff and Board of Directors

Chevy Chase At Home is led by a talented executive staff and Board of Directors.

We welcome community members to serve on the Board of Directors and Committees. Board Members help guide CC@H’s strategic direction, provide fiduciary oversight, support fundraising efforts, and serve as a champion of our mission. Committee Members assist with programs, communications, fundraising, finance, membership or volunteer outreach. Both are terrific ways to get to know other members and have a say in how we develop.

If you are interested in serving, please contact Jennifer Riesch, Executive Director, to learn more.


Jennifer Riesch, Executive Director

 

Jennifer Riesch has served as Executive Director since 2022, bringing more than three decades of experience in human services and nonprofit leadership. A licensed clinical social worker, Jen has dedicated her career to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through thoughtful, mission-driven work. Since joining Chevy Chase At Home, Jen has provided steady leadership during a period of meaningful growth—expanding programs, strengthening operations, and enhancing community engagement, ensuring that Chevy Chase At Home continues to thrive as a trusted neighborhood nonprofit that remains responsive to the needs of older adults in the community.

Before her work with Chevy Chase At Home, Jen spent much of her career working with children and families, primarily in domestic and international adoption, where she served in both direct service and administrative leadership roles. Her work required balancing compassion with sound management and collaborating closely with staff, volunteers, boards, and community partners—experience that continues to inform her leadership today. Jen earned her Master in Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. She lives in Chevy Chase, MD, with her family and values the opportunity to both live and work in the community she serves.

Jennifer.Riesch.400x400

Peter Blaes, Member and Volunteer Programs Manager

 

Peter Blaes has been CC@H’s Member and Volunteer Programs Manager since September 2025. In this capacity, he handles program and event coordination, volunteer management, member services, database management, and communications. Peter brings fifteen years of dedicated public service, including as an International Cooperation Specialist at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he was the primary liaison between leadership in Washington, D.C., and at Missions in Southern Africa, such as South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Madagascar, and other countries. His leadership roles span from policy analysis, congressional advocacy, outreach and communications, and program management.

Before serving at USAID for twelve years, Peter held positions at the White House and multiple national, state, and local campaigns. Peter, who grew up in Montgomery County and moved into the Town of Chevy Chase in the Spring of 2024, enjoys bringing his experience home to his own community. Peter completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland and is currently working on a Master’s Degree at the Public Policy School. Peter, whether he’s running around outside or playing with Lego’s inside, loves to spend as much time as possible with his wife and two young sons.

Peter Blaes 400x400

 

Questions? Email or call to set up an appointment to speak with a staff member directly.

 

Phone number: 301-657-3115

Email: info@chevychaseathome.org

 

2025 Board of Directors

Officers

Peggy Mercorella, Chair
Ronie Nieva, Vice-Chair
Deborah Scheck, Secretary
Lynne Pratt, Treasurer
Jennifer Riesch, Executive Director, non-voting

 

Directors

Karen Bokat
Susan Kahn
Bob Leibenluft
Mary O'Donoghue
Susan Post
Catherine Schirmeier
John Ydstie


2025 Committee Leadership

Quarterly Newsletter Committee

 

Editor: Jennifer Riesch, Executive Director

Members – Editors and Writers

Karen Spangler
Jan Augustine
Roberta Larson
Jean Sperling
Fran Pitlick
Jean Bernard
Ronie Nieva

Functions

Produce quarterly newsletter.


Annual Appeal/Fund Development Committee

 

Chair: Bob Leibenluft

Members

Peggy Mercorella

Functions

  • Create and develop systems, programs, and financial support to meet the changing financial needs of the organization.
  • Explore opportunities for financial support including corporate donors, public, and private grants.
  • Identify and cultivate potential major donors.

Speakers Series Committee

 

Chair: Deborah Scheck

Members

Susan Hamburger
Bob Leibenluft
Susan Post
John Ydstie

Functions

To identify and secure interesting and notable guest speakers for events hosted by Chevy Chase At Home.


Interest Groups Committee

 

Chair: Susan Post

Members

Rita Seifert
Bob Post

Functions

To develop and coordinate interest groups offered by CC@H.


Nominations Committee

 

Chair: Lynne Pratt

Members

John Ydstie
Victoria Van Roden

Functions

Recruit potential directors and officer nominees from a pool of potential leaders, reflecting diverse skills and from all neighborhoods in CC@H’s service area.


Membership Committee

 

Co-Chairs

Karen Bokat
Jean Sperling

Members

Susan Hamburger
Ronie Nieva
Susan Post

Functions

  • Recruit and welcome new members.
  • Identify member services and benefits.
  • Recommend methods and opportunities for recruitment and retention of members.

Social Committee

 

Co-Chairs

Natalie Welle
Betty O'Connor

Members

Sheila Cohen
Ross Heller
Ann Joseph
Linda Kaplan
Susan Post

Functions

  • Bring together neighbors.
  • Plan educational and cultural programs.
  • Provide members with a place to connect with other Chevy Chase residents, which is a key to well-being as we age.

Volunteer Services Committee

 

Chair: Liz Nicholas

Members

Nancy Benner
Cory Rogers
Tina Maynigo

Functions

  • Develop volunteer orientation materials.
  • Recruit and provide orientation to new volunteers.
  • Identify ongoing volunteer training needs
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery.
  • Coordinate volunteer appreciation activities.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

 

Contact Us