Majors Lolita & Richard Sanchez
Kroc Center Administrators/Pastors 

Major Lolita Sanchez was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1999.  She has been serving as a full-time officer/pastor for 24 years. She entered the SA seminary/training college in 1997 at the age of 22 along with her husband, Richard, and their daughter Alexandra. After graduating in 1999, they arrived at their first appointment in Dover NJ. They successfully transitioned the dwindling English-only corps (church) to a bilingual corps while they were concurrently learning Spanish. Each of their parents were born in Puerto Rico but spoke only English once migrated from the island.  They quickly learned that ministry requires more than what you have, and God provides the rest.

Majors Sanchez have been the administrators/pastors at six corps over the years (Dover, NJ; Dunkirk, NY; Waltham, MA; Riverhead, NY; East Northport, NY; Salem, MA) and spent two years at Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, NY. Their latest and (soon to be) favorite appointment is as the Kroc Administrators in Camden, NJ!

Major Lolita focused on growing her family and ministry.  She and her husband had two more children, Cristina and Jason.  In 2017, she decided to go back to school and finish the Bachelor’s degree she began after high school.  It was a lifelong goal to be the second in her family to complete a degree of higher education.  She now has her Bachelor’s degree in Ministry Management from Asbury University.  She had even begun a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Salem State University.  Up until last year, each of her family members were in school:  Major Richard completing a Master's degree in IO Psychology, Alexandra starting her first year at New Jersey Medical School, Cristina finishing her bachelor's degree at UMASS Boston and Jason in 11^th grade.

Organizing, planning and follow-through are a few of Major Lola’s core strengths.  She has used these skills to manage budgets, plan community events and provide consistency to our staff, congregation and community members.  In each appointment and in life, the Majors Sanchez strive to shine God’s love to all we meet.  She and Major Richard are excited to partner with the Kroc family in Camden to continue God’s work.

Major Richard Sanchez was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1999. He has served throughout the northeastern United States in eight appointments, most recently appointed as the Kroc Administrator in Camden, NJ!

As a traveling, ordained minister, Major Sanchez has had the opportunity of serving many cultures, nationalities, generations, and communities. Services he supported and started over his tenure include: Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, Emergency Disaster Services, Youth & Senior Camps, After-School Programs, Financial Assistance Services, Rehabilitation Centers, and more. 

Major Sanchez is studying organizational psychology and working in an international organization, he has examined performance, motivation, discipline, and burnout from both an academic and experiential perspective. Organizational psychology research enables Major Sanchez to implement theory and practice for the well-being and improvement of both the organization and its employees. At the Camden Kroc Center, he looks forward to serving both the community and employees with his experience, training, and gifts. 

Major has a passion for learning and implementing new strategies for problems that historically may have only been approached via one paradigm or discipline, a multidisciplinary solution is increasingly the answer to more complex and multidisciplinary challenges.

With his wife, Major Lola, he has three wonderful children, two daughters and a son. His oldest daughter is in her first year of Rutgers medical school, his middle daughter is finishing her Bachelor's at U Mass Boston. His son starts his last year of high school at Cherry Hill HS West. 

Lieutenants Elias & Jennifer Pizzirusso
Kroc Center Corps Officers/Pastors 

Lieutenant Elias Pizzirusso recently graduated from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Suffern, NY and even though this is his first appointment as an officer, he has lived and worked with The Salvation Army for most of his life. Lieutenant Elias is originally from Argentina and there he worked for The Salvation Army in different areas. He has worked in Senior Nursing Homes, in the Youth Department, and in different Corps in Argentina and the United States. One of his most recent positions was as Corps Ministry Assistant at the Bedford Temple Corps in Brooklyn, NY. Lieutenant Elias enjoys public speaking and getting to know different people and cultures. Being from Argentina, he speaks both Spanish and English fluently. He studied Public Relations in college and most enjoys uniquely and effectively showing others who God is. Communication is very important to him and ensuring that people know what God has done in his life is one of his greatest desires. He loves trying new things and hearing people’s stories. Lieutenants Pizzirusso were married in 2017 and have lived and served in both Argentina and the United States since then.

Lieutenant Jennifer Pizzirusso is originally from Milford, Pennsylvania and has attended The Salvation Army with her family all her life. She recently graduated from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Suffern, NY. Lieutenant Jennifer previously worked at The Salvation Army’s Star Lake Camp for eight summers in various roles working with children. She also worked as a secretary and translator for The Salvation Army South America East Territory in Argentina for almost 5 years. Most recently, Lieutenant Jennifer worked as a Corps Ministry Assistant at the Bedford Temple Corps in Brooklyn, NY. Lieutenant Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Political Science from Wheaton College (IL) and a Master of Science in Legal and Financial Translation (Spanish-English) from New York University School of Professional Studies. She speaks both Spanish and English fluently. She loves children and youth ministry and is passionate about working with other cultures. Lieutenants Pizzirusso were married in 2017 and have lived and served in both Argentina and the United States since then.

Benjamin Ovadia
Community Relations & Development Director

Ben Ovadia, MBA, joined The Salvation Army in 2012 as part of the capital campaign to fund the Camden Kroc Center.  As Community Relations & Development Director, he is responsible for philanthropic fund development, strategic relationship development, and external messaging.  Ben has been a South Jersey resident for 20 years and has worked in Camden for over a decade.  A lifelong student, Ben graduated from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School for undergraduate studies and earned his MBA from Rutgers Business School.  In his spare time, Ben is often known to travel with wife and three children by car; to date, they have had a road (warrior) trip component in seeing all 50 states.

Linda Davis
Program Director

Her passion for community and youth programming is evident in her 25+ years working for the Burlington and Mt. Laurel YMCA as Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Water Exercise Instructor, Aquatics Director, and Executive Director! Linda has also served as Manager of The Exercise Coach and as the Camden Kroc Center's Aquatic Manager focusing on member engagement. She strives to create a safe space for youth, teens, and families. She graduated from Ohio University as a Management and Personnel major. 

Latesha Beasley
Business & Facilities Director

Latesha D. Beasley is a distinguished leader in nonprofit and educational administration, having most recently served as Vice President of Operations at Girard College, a full-scholarship boarding school dedicated to empowering underserved students. In her role, she oversaw all administrative, operational, facilities, and human resources functions, working closely with two unique presidents on strategic initiatives that supported the school’s mission.

Before joining Girard College, Latesha was Chief of Staff at North10 Philadelphia, directing strategic operations to enhance quality of life in North Philadelphia’s Hunting Park and East Tioga neighborhoods. She also served as Senior Director of Operations and Special Projects at North10’s Lenfest Center, advancing community development through impactful programming and resources.

Latesha’s career in urban education began with the Camden City School District, where she served as a Innovation Manager and later as a Recruiting and Staffing Manager, focusing on diversity initiatives and overseeing significant construction projects, including a citywide enrollment process and New Jersey’s only district-charter hybrid schools.

Her commitment to children stemmed from her time with CASA of Camden County, where while Interim Executive Director she expanded CASA’s educational advocacy, increased support for abused and neglected youth. Latesha’s dedication to community and equity has been widely recognized. In 2023, she received Villanova University’s Graduate Alumni Medallion and was honored with the AL DÍA Women of Merit Education Award.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. Latesha lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.

David Bounds
People Manager

David Bounds is an experienced Human Resources professional with over a decade of expertise in driving strategic HR initiatives within the healthcare and human services sectors. In the spring of 2025, he joined The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center as the People Manager, where he oversees recruitment, HR systems, performance management, employee development, relations, compliance, engagement, and training.

Prior to this role, David served as the Human Resources Manager at Always Best Care Senior Services in Philadelphia. There, he led a team responsible for comprehensive HR functions, including employee relations, performance management, compliance, and workforce planning. Known for fostering high-performance cultures, David collaborated with leadership to enhance work relationships, boost morale, and improve retention.

David is a third-generation Temple University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, specializing in Advertising & Public Relations. He is a dedicated advocate for equity and professional development and actively participates in organizations such as Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Philadelphia SHRM, and Tri-State HRMA. David is also a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, cherishing memories of going to games with his grandfather, father and brothers that go back as far as Veterans Stadium and Kelly-green jerseys.

Dawn M. Garlic
Volunteer Services Manager 

Dawn Maria Garlic holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a certificate in Criminology from Rutgers University - Livingston College. Dawn  has over 30 years’ experience in the non-profit sector to include Volunteer Management and Youth Development.  Since 2014, Dawn has held the position of Volunteer Services Manager at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. In 2016, she was a conference presenter on Volunteer Management at The Salvation Army Kroc Conference in San Diego, California.

In 2018, Dawn was recognized by the Camden County Police Department for Dedication and Commitment to Project Guardian, a program to instill positive change in at-risk youth and help them avoid making the wrong choices. Currently, Dawn serves on the Board of Trustees for the Boys & Girls Club of Camden and was their 2020 Volunteer of the Year.  

Asante Gonzalez
Social Services Manager 

Asante Gonzalez is a dedicated social services professional with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Rowan University. With over a decade of hands-on experience serving the Camden community including working in case management and as a Family Advocate for Acelero Learning serving children and families, she has always been deeply involved in her hometown community. At the Camden Kroc Center, Asante oversees the operations of the Kroc Marketplace Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, and the Pathway of Hope Program. Beyond her professional life, Asante enjoys reading and seeking out unforgettable experiences with her friends and family. 

Cheli Kramer
Fitness & Recreation Manager

I’ve been a proud member of the Kroc Center team for over nine years, beginning my journey as a Fitness Specialist where my passion for health and wellness truly took root. I soon transitioned into a supervisory role, developing and leading fitness classes, conducting numerous personal training sessions, and facilitating Exero training programs. Most recently, I’ve stepped into the role of Manager, overseeing both Fitness and Recreation programming—a new and exciting opportunity that continues to fuel my dedication to helping others live healthier lives.

I’m deeply passionate about fitness, nutrition, and supporting others in their pursuit of a balanced lifestyle. As an avid runner, I love training, racing, and always pushing toward new goals. Outside of work, I cherish time with my granddaughter, who brings so much joy to my life.

Kaprena Morris
Family & Youth Development Manager

With over two decades of dedicated service to children and youth, I’ve cultivated a career grounded in compassion, leadership, and faith. My journey began with a decade of leading afterschool, teens, and summer enrichment programs as a Youth Program Director, followed by a transition into the role of Assistant Director. Most recently, I’ve spent the past three years working closely with children who have experienced trauma—an experience that has profoundly strengthened my commitment to fostering resilience and hope.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Strayer University and a master’s degree in early childhood and special education from Grand Canyon University. These academic foundations have empowered me to lead with both strategic insight and genuine care.

Currently, I serve as the Family and Youth Development Manager at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Camden, NJ—a role that I truly cherish and that brings me deep fulfillment. The children I work with inspire me daily, and I find great joy in supporting their growth, learning, and discovery. It is a blessing to share the love of Jesus with them as they navigate their unique paths.

Outside of my professional life, I’m grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, our three amazing sons, and our beautiful granddaughter, who fills our lives with joy.

Norman Reed
Manager On Duty

I love my job at The Salvation Army because it allows me to make a real difference in people's lives. Every day, I have the opportunity to help those in need, whether through providing essential resources, offering support, or simply being there for someone who needs encouragement. The organization's mission of serving others aligns with my values, and I find fulfillment in knowing that my work contributes to a greater purpose. Plus, the sense of community and teamwork among my colleagues makes it a truly rewarding experience.