2006 News
December 20 , 2006
Commissioners Name Grants Program Coordinator
New Post Aims to Maximize Revenue for Bucks
With more than 12 years of experience in her field leveraging grant dollars, developing training programs related to proposal writing, and managing grants once received, Fonta Reilly's qualifications as Bucks County’s new grants program coordinator are strong and promising. The new position, a product of the BEST (Bucks Employees Saving Taxes) Committee, will seek to maximize opportunities for grants, all in an effort to continue the commissioners’ charge of fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
Commissioners Chairman Jim Cawley is optimistic about the possibilities the new position brings to the county. “I commend the BEST Committee for their vision. The county will be much better served to have a dedicated person performing this important function. Fonta’s diverse experience and track record made her the best choice to fill this new position, with the citizens of Bucks County being the beneficiaries. I welcome her to our team.”
The new coordinator will work under the direction of the Finance Division Leader and BEST Committee Chairman Brian Hessenthaler, who noted that Reilly brings with her a strong record of success. Most recently, she secured $2.5 million for programs by preparing competitive and non-competitive grant proposals to public, private and corporate funding organizations.
According to Hessenthaler, the grants program coordinator will not only apply for grants on behalf of county departments, she will also serve as a trainer so that departments can learn to capitalize on those opportunities, and manage them once successfully secured.
Most recently, Reilly worked as the education and grants coordinator at the Hepatitis B Foundation in Doylestown. Since 2002, she has prepared successfully funded competitive federal and private grant proposals, monitored grant budgets and program activities, participated in program development, and coordinated training activities. “ I am really looking forward to joining the County and helping to find ways to expand the already well-established programs,” Reilly said of her new position.
The new grants coordinator lives in Pipersville with her husband, Vic and five children, Mikaela, Brett, Mariah, Ashley and Lauren. She enjoys spending time outdoors gardening and taking walks with her husband and two beagles. The commissioners announced the appointment at the December 20 bi-monthly meeting. Reilly will begin her duties on December 26.