Officers

Abby Lechner, Chair

Abby Lechner is an Erie-native, wife to husband Matt, mother to daughters Katherine and Meredith, Human Resources Consultant, graduate student and breast cancer survivor. At the age of 34, when her twin daughters were just one year old, Abby was diagnosed with an aggressive form of invasive breast cancer, which was also determined to be caused by a genetic mutation in the BRCA2 gene.

Following multiple surgeries and significant treatment, including a radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and a clinical trial, Abby received a clean bill of health. She has made it her mission to advocate for research and greater access to cutting-edge cancer treatment in the Erie-area. By sharing her experience, Abby hopes to create awareness and inspire others to be vigilant.

Allison Hodas, Vice Chair

Allison is an Erie native who currently works as a Vice President in Commercial Lending at ERIEBANK. In this position, she works with local business owners and builds and enhances customer relationships. She has been with ERIEBANK since 2007 and earned her Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation in 2015.

Allison maintains a busy life outside of her job. She and her husband Matt are proud parents to twin boys AJ and MJ and their third son, Max. As a former college athlete, she enjoys staying active by running, golfing, and doing yoga. She is an Erie Ambassador and a member of the Erie Women’s Fund, Athena Circle of Trust, and Young Erie Professionals.

She is a board member for the Fairview School Foundation, and you’ll find her at local charitable events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Spelling Bee for Books for Kids, March for Dimes, and many more. Allison joined the Hamot Health Foundation Board of Corporators in 2019 and is extremely excited for Erie’s future.

Caroline Patterson, Campaign Chair

Caroline is an Erie transplant by way of Washington, DC, where she met Erie native, Grayson Patterson, and is proud to now call Erie her forever home. She has 10 years of experience in healthcare and is the Director of Corporate Communications for Privia Health headquartered in Arlington, VA. In her role, Caroline oversees all external and internal communications, media needs, and physician engagement for a national, 3,500+ provider medical group.

Additionally, Caroline serves as the business leader for Privia Health's Women in Leadership group and is a board member of the Erie Community Foundation - Young Erie Philanthropists. Outside of work, Caroline and her husband stay busy with their bernedoodle puppy, all things fitness, and are expecting their first child in 2023! Caroline is a proud alumna of Elon University in North Carolina.