Alvin H. Blitz, Cumberland Star Lodge No. 197, Carlisle, has been appointed Chief Director of Gift Planning for the Masonic Homes and Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, effective Apr. 2. Bro. Blitz, an attorney, will be responsible for designing, planning, and executing short- and long-range fund-raising programs to assist the Masonic Homes and other Masonic Charities in fulfilling their missions through philanthropic support.

Prior to joining the Masonic Homes, Bro. Blitz served as General Counsel and Director of Gift Planning for the American Heart Association since 1999, where he was responsible for overseeing and implementing the planned giving and major gifts program for the Pennsylvania/Delaware region, including bequest administration and legal affairs. Before that, he worked as an attorney for Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, and Hetrick, Zaleski & Pierce.

Bro. Blitz holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Scranton, a master of arts degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a juris doctorate from Dickinson School of Law. He is Treasurer and Chairman of the Planned Giving and Finance Committees for St. Johns Episcopal Church, Carlisle; past Chairman of the Planned Giving Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania; Treasurer, board member, and Chairman of the Planned Giving/Major Gifts and Finance Committees for Carlisle Hospital Medical Care Foundation; Treasurer and Board Member for the Estate Planning Council of Central Pennsylvania; and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; and the Delaware Valley Planned Giving Council. He is a Past Treasurer, Board Member, and Chair of the Planned Giving Task Force for the American Heart Association.

John R. McFadden, Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, has been promoted to Director of Gift Planning-East Region. He is responsible for assisting in planning, implementing, and coordinating programs directed toward the solicitation of deferred gifts and other contributions on behalf of the Masonic Homes and other Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Bro. McFadden joined the Development Department at the Masonic Homes in October 1994 as Planned Giving Officer. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Lebanon Valley College. He is a founding member and past President of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a member of the Susquehanna Valley Planned Giving Council. He is Chair of the Stewardship Commission for the First United Methodist Church, Palmyra, and sits on its Administrative Council and Finance Committee. He is a past member of the Board of Directors for United Church of Christ Homes and served on Lebanon Valley College's Alumni Council. He is an active member and past president of the Campbelltown Lions Club and previously served as president of the Board of Directors for Gretna Theatre. He is also a former Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 56, Palmyra.

Beverly A. Sweigart was appointed recently to the position of Director of Administration for the Masonic Homes. In this position, Mrs. Sweigart deals with all aspects of the Masonic Homes' operations at the Elizabethtown, Pittsburgh, Sewickley, and Warminster locations. She will continue to supervise the administrative, public relations and event planning staffs, as well as work with the Masonic Homes' senior management team and Committee on Masonic Homes.

Mrs. Sweigart was first employed at the Masonic Homes in August 1986 as Executive Secretary, and was promoted in 1988 to Administrative Assistant and in 1998 to Executive Assistant.

Richard E. Whitman, Jr., Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 226, Lebanon, was appointed Event Coordinator for the Masonic Homes, effective Jan. 1. He is responsible for all aspects of coordinating events for internal and external groups held on the campus of the Masonic Homes at Elizabethtown, which include the new Freemasons Cultural Center and the Masonic Conference Center. He will coordinate the scheduling of space for programs, communicating setup details, and procuring additional services as required.

Previously, Bro. Whitman served as Conference Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation. He holds an associate degree from Harrisburg Area Community College and a bachelor of science degree from Elizabethtown College.