John Pastorek

When I met John Pastorek, he described himself as the person who turns around in the elevator and talks to everybody else. After only a few minutes conversation, I realized how accurate his characterization was. He has an easy way with people that put me right at ease, and these people skills have helped the transition and navigation between a variety of jobs throughout his life. From an art teacher to a therapist, a fundraiser and resource developer to president and CEO, Mr. Pastorek's versatility extends even beyond the realm of his career. He is husband, father, artist, teacher, and fisherman as well.

Influenced in art and teaching by his father, John attended college to become an art teacher, and in 1976 he took a job as a permanent substitute teaching art at Freeport. The position was only available to him for two years, though, so for a while he subbed for any subject necessary. He loved teaching and loved kids but was unable to make a living at it because there was little demand for teachers, particularly art teachers.

About that time he took a position with a home for juvenile delinquents as a therapist. John said there were no programs for these youth, so he organized a softball team. They had no money, but the director of the home said that if John could raise the money, the team could stay together. He was very successful at it and was able to travel with the team to Pittsburgh and Erie. His boss was so impressed with his abilities that he put John in charge of Resource Development. Thus began Mr. Pastorek's career in fund raising and resource development.

Later he learned of a job opening at Carlow College in Corporation and Foundation Relations, and he worked there for several years before coming to his current position. Now Mr. Pastorek holds the title President and CEO of the Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation in Natrona Heights, and he's been there for the past 12 years.

John is passionate about his work with A-K Health Foundation. This charitable, non-profit organization promotes health and wellness programs, community service, educational scholarships, and community grants. They recently raised enough money to buy defibrillators for several area police cars and fire departments.

I was impressed with his ability to raise so much money for all the programs and equipment they've given to the community. John told me, thought, that his philosophy is "Fund raising is nothing more than friend raising. People don't give money to organizations; they give it to people." And, with the help of his "great board of directors," he said they've increased the value of the community by about a million and a half dollars.

Outside of his day job, John juggles many other commitments. Investing into the lives of his wife and children is something at the top of his list. He's been married to Diane, "the love of my life," for 18 years, and they have three children ages 10, 13, and 15. Diane works as a pharmacist at the Freeport pharmacy. He said one of their favorite things to do together is travel, staying at Bed and Breakfasts, while attending wine tastings. Mr. Pastorek is an avid participant in his kids' activities as well, as a softball coach, among other things.

When he has free time, John loves fishing. He's been fly fishing since he was seven years old, and now he designs and ties all his own flies. He said this is where his artistic ability shows up. And he is one die-hard fisherman! He won't stop to eat or take a break. When the opportunity to go fishing presents itself, it's important to him to "make every moment count."

Though he is a busy man, John Pastorek clearly gives 100% of himself, no matter. This commitment and dedication has been and will be an invaluable asset to any project or organization that he sets his hands to.