Our Board of Directors

Friends Life Care is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors — the majority of whom must be members of the Religious Society of Friends “Quakers”*.

The Friends Life Care Partners board is appointed at an annual meeting. Additionally, the board of directors may occasionally appoint one or more emeritus directors.  Below, please find more information about the board members serving Friends Life Care Partners and its subsidiaries:

James Bodine has an impressive 35+ years of experience with a focus on investment banking and financial advisory services for acquisition, development, expansion, recapitalization, and affiliation of not-for-profit senior living, healthcare, and human services providers. Currently, Jim is Executive Vice President at HJ Sims – a healthcare investment firm that provides securities underwriting and strategic advisory services. He finds the dynamic, complex financing structures and credit profiles among senior living providers to be of particular interest. Previously, he held positions at Wheat First Butcher Singer, Janney Montgomery Scott, and BB&T Capital Markets.  Jim earned a B.S. in economics and an M.B.A. in finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. FLC.

Joan Countryman* was Head of Lincoln School in Providence, RI for 12 years, retiring in 2005. After retirement, she was a consultant and Founding Head of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. In addition, she led the Atlanta Girls ’School in Georgia. Previously, she served as Assistant Head for Academic Planning and Director of Studies at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia where she taught mathematics from 1970 to 1993. She grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and was the first African-American graduate of Germantown Friends School. Joan received her B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, a Master’s from Yale University, and studied at the London School of Economics as a Fulbright Scholar. FLCP & FLC.

Gabriel Ehri* is the Chair of the Friends Life Care Partners board. He is also executive director of Friends Publishing Corporation, publishers of Friends Journal and QuakerSpeak. He has over 15 years of experience with search engine and media firms, including 9 years in executive leadership with Friends Publishing, where he led digital transformation efforts, product and website launches and redesigns, and a successful capital campaign. He is a member of the Corporation of Haverford College and treasurer of Quakers Uniting in Publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College and a certificate in nonprofit management from LaSalle University. He is a member of Green Street Friends Meeting. FLCP & FLC.

Sally Harrison* is retired from Bryn Mawr College where she served as the Senior Philanthropic Advisor. Prior to that, she worked for the American Friends Service Committee in international program administration, as assistant executive director, and as international fundraiser.  She is the president of Historic Fair Hill, where she also volunteers in the schools as a Reading Buddy in the Fairhill section of the city. She is a board member of Friends Center City and formerly served as a vice-chair of Kendal-Crosslands Retirement Communities and as a member of the Haverford College Corporation.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryn Mawr College.  She is a member of Downingtown Friends Meeting and attends Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia.

Paula Nangle is President and Senior Wealth Advisor of Marshall Financial. She has more than 15 years of experience in financial services and is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. Prior to financial planning, Paula’s career was in the pharmaceutical field. She has also taught financial planning and wealth management as an adjunct professor at the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a master’s degree from University of Florida, an MBA from New York University, and a Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU-SCPS. FLCP.

Tom Penn* has tremendous experience in starting, managing, and financing high-growth companies.  Before joining MVP Capital as a Partner, he was a Partner at Boston Millennia. At MVP he served on numerous Boards. Tom works in many industries and has expertise in healthcare and life sciences. Tom is founder of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia and originator of the Philadelphia 100 project. He is past President of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association and also served as Co-Chair of Pennsylvania’s Technology 21 Biotech network. He is currently a board member of the Life Sciences Greenhouse of Central Pennsylvania. Tom is a graduate of MIT, Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and UPenn Law School. He is a member of Gwynedd Friends Meeting. FLCP & FLC.

Carrie Robinson is AVP Human Resources/Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of Pierce College. With more than 10 years of HR experience, Carrie is a trusted HR advisor with strong expertise in all HR functions, including performance management, talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University, a master’s degree from Villanova University, a Human Resources Business Partner Certification from Villanova University, and is a Certified Diversity Professional. FLCP.

Larry Zook is President and CEO of Landis Homes Retirement Community in Lancaster County, PA. Landis Communities now includes Landis Homes, a Life Plan Community; Landis HCBS, home and community-based services; Landis Quality Living, affordable communities serving low- and middle-income seniors in Lancaster City and New Holland; and Welsh Mountain Home, a personal care home in New Holland. Larry received his bachelor’s of science degree in Business Administration from Millersville University and he a master’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern College. He has a PA Nursing Home Administrators license and serves on several boards, including Anabaptist Providers Group and the Peace Church Risk Retention Group Board (Subscribers Advisory Group).

*This individual is either a member or an active attendee of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) Meeting.

FLCP: this individual is a board member of Friends Life Care Partners.

FLC: this individual is a board member of Friends Life Care.