Who We Are - The Pier Foundation

   Co-Founder

CEO / President

Joe Nastasi, a proud Penn State graduate and 1998 Football Team Captain, brings a legacy of leadership, public service, and youth mentorship to The PIER Foundation. A former NFL wide receiver with the Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams, Joe has spent his life leading on and off the field.

Currently serving in L&I Compliance for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Joe continues to give back to his community as an assistant varsity football coach at State College Area High School. His unwavering dedication to empowering young people through athletics, education, and character development reflects the heart of The PIER Foundation’s mission: to Provide, Inspire, Educate, and Repeat.

Joe is committed to building strong futures and lasting legacies.

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Co-Founder

Executive Vice President 

Aaliyah Nastasi brings extensive experience in leadership, technology, human services, and entrepreneurship to The PIER Foundation. With a degree in Management Science and Information Systems from Penn State, Aaliyah currently serves as an IT Senior Support Specialist at Pennsylvania State University while also leading as CEO of Smokin’ Aces Fitness and a professional dance instructor. Her diverse background includes prior roles in child welfare, mental health services, and public assistance, along with years of mentoring and coaching. Aaliyah’s passion for youth empowerment, wellness, and community transformation directly reflects The PIER Foundation’s mission to build strong futures and lasting legacies. 

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Chairman of the Board

Board of Directors

Willie Dodson brings over two decades of high-level leadership and financial expertise to The PIER Foundation. Currently serving as Structured Transactions Business Leader at Freddie Mac, Willie oversees complex mortgage servicing operations tied to billions in assets, helping advance affordable housing nationwide. His extensive experience also includes executive roles with Single Source Property Solutions, PNC Bank, and Bank of America, managing large teams and overseeing risk, compliance, operations, and financial performance. Willie’s commitment to service, leadership, and community development directly supports The PIER Foundation’s mission to empower youth and families for generations to come.

Vice Chair, Treasurer Board of Directors

 Floyd Wedderburn, a Penn State graduate and former NFL offensive lineman with the Seattle Seahawks, brings decades of leadership, public service, and community engagement to The PIER Foundation. In his current role as Eastern Deputy Regional Manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Floyd oversees multi-regional operations, program development, and community outreach initiatives across the Commonwealth. Beyond his extensive government leadership, Floyd has dedicated his personal life to mentoring youth, supporting educational programs, and engaging in philanthropic efforts that empower underserved communities. His passion for leadership development, education, and lifelong service directly aligns with The PIER Foundation’s mission to build strong futures and lasting legacies. 

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     Innovation & Program Coordinator

 Board of Directors

Shawn Lee brings over two decades of experience working with youth and families across education, behavioral support, and juvenile services. A Penn State graduate in Administration of Justice, Shawn currently serves as a Behavior Coach at River Rock Academy, where he works closely with students, staff, and families to promote positive behaviors and academic success. His prior roles include serving as Student Staff Support at Milton Hershey School and Case Manager at Cornell Abraxas, supporting at-risk youth through counseling, treatment planning, and court advocacy. Shawn’s deep commitment to mentoring youth and fostering community partnerships aligns directly with The PIER Foundation’s mission. 

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      Community Engagement Coordinator

 Board of Directors

Dominic Dodson brings a dynamic blend of corporate innovation, research, and youth mentorship to The PIER Foundation. A Columbia University graduate and former NCAA Division I student-athlete, Dominic currently serves as an Innovation Development Analyst at JP Morgan Chase in New York. His experience includes research at the Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute, mentorship through Make A Play Foundation, and leadership roles in education, media, and youth development. Dominic’s diverse background in business, science, and community engagement supports The PIER Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation.

DEI Strategy & Engagement Coordinator

Board of Directors 

Lucy Urie brings over 20 years of experience in admissions, student services, and community programming. As a leader committed to equity in education, she helps design and implement PIER Foundation initiatives that expand access for underserved youth and families.

In her current role at Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions Office, Lucy manages multiple outreach programs, oversees data systems like LionPATH and SIMBA, and works closely with schools and community stakeholders to drive student success.

At PIER, she leads district collaboration, family engagement, and data-driven strategy—helping youth feel seen, supported, and prepared for the future. Lucy holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Penn State and is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community uplift.

   Director

Grants & Institutional Advancement    

Kendra Wymes is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in financial empowerment, nonprofit strategy, and youth development. As Director of Marketing and Distribution for Primerica Financial Services, she has empowered families across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions through financial education and generational wealth planning.

As a founding member and Vice President of Philanthropy for The PIER Foundation, Kendra leads major fundraising efforts, builds strategic partnerships, and advances initiatives that support underserved youth and families. Her previous work directing youth programs in Washington, D.C., and her post-graduate studies at The Wharton School reflect a lifelong commitment to equity, education, and community uplift.

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   Director 

Education & Access Initiatives  

Rasa Drane brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, student access, community partnerships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to The PIER Foundation. He currently serves as Director of Access, Admissions and Retention at Penn State’s College of Arts & Architecture, with prior leadership roles at HACC, the Mastery School of Hawken, and Penn State Undergraduate Admissions, where he led recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented students.

Rasa also leads Ray Dray Presents LLC, facilitating educational and community-based programs for schools, nonprofits, and corporations. A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University and Penn State University, Rasa’s passion for youth empowerment and educational equity aligns directly with The PIER Foundation’s mission.

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