Who We Are

WECAN or the Waterford Economic Community Action Network is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Waterford through collaboration, creativity, and connection. Our work focuses on economic vitality, community engagement, arts and culture, health and wellness, and quality of life initiatives that make Waterford a place for people to call home.

At the Heart of WECAN is a simple belief: when we work together, we can accomplish more than any one group could alone.

Get Involved

Meet the Board Chair

Darlene Ryan

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in trauma-focused therapy for both children and adults. I currently practice part-time following my retirement after more than 25 years with the Erie County Office of Children & Youth. My career has spanned many areas of child welfare, including work with abused and neglected children, foster and kinship care providers, and the Independent Living Program supporting pre-teen and teen youth in foster care. I also served as a Trauma-Informed Care Administrator, offering guidance and support to staff navigating the impacts of vicarious trauma while serving vulnerable populations.

I am a lifelong resident of Waterford and a proud graduate of Fort LeBoeuf. This community is truly home—I raised my three children here and now have the joy of watching my four grandchildren grow up in the same place. I have been involved with W.E.C.A.N. for nearly five years, almost since its inception, and I am also an active member of the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society and Fort LeBoeuf Kiwanis. What makes this community special to me is its deep-rooted sense of connection and care. Neighbors look out for one another, shared values run strong, and Lake LeBoeuf has long served as a meaningful gathering place that continues to shape my love for Waterford.

I was initially invited to become involved by Susan Osborn, who shared her inspiring vision for strengthening the community—revitalizing the lake, expanding access to art and culture, and creating spaces where people can truly connect. I immediately believed in that vision and hoped I could contribute in a small way. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply invested I would become, eventually serving as Chair of the Executive Board. I believe each of us is called to serve in different ways throughout our lives, and mine has always focused on supporting vulnerable populations. In this season, that calling has grown to include helping shape a Waterford that future generations—including my grandchildren—can be proud to call home.

My early passion centered on art and culture, health and wellness, and the revitalization of Lake LeBoeuf. As my role evolved into Board Chair, my focus naturally expanded to supporting and empowering our dedicated committee leaders across all areas of W.E.C.A.N.’s mission. From grants and funding to PR, marketing, volunteer recruitment, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors, I am passionate about championing the many initiatives that strengthen and connect our community. At the heart of it all, my greatest passion is the community itself.

My husband and I love to travel whenever possible and enjoy spending time at our home in Punta Gorda, Florida. I’m an avid reader and cherish time with my adult children and grandchildren—whether we’re cooking and baking together, vacationing, or cheering from the sidelines at sporting events. I also enjoy attending concerts. And one fun fact many people learn quickly about me: I’m a devoted Alabama football fan (where I completed my undergraduate studies). Roll Tide!

Board of Directors

  • Joni Vannucci

    VICE CHAIR

  • Lindsay Phillips

    TREASURER

    Lindsay spent 13 years working in banking and finance before transitioning into municipal service. She has 10 years of experience in local government, including six years with Greene Township and the past four years with Waterford Township. She currently serves as Waterford Township’s Zoning Administrator and Parks & Recreation Coordinator and also works with Waterford Borough, focusing on community development and enhancing quality of life for residents.

    A lifelong resident of the Waterford community and a graduate of FLB, Lindsay grew up in the area and is now raising her family there. Waterford’s strong sense of community, pride, and tradition are what make it special to her, and she believes working together is key to preserving what makes the town so remarkable.

    WECAN’s commitment to community support, outreach, and collaboration inspired her to get involved. She wanted to be part of an organization that actively works to meet local needs and create positive change within the community.

    Outside of work and volunteering, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. As a family, they enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking and camping, attending tractor pulls, and traveling — always making the most of their time together and exploring new experiences.

  • Danielle Messmer

    SECRETARY

    A former hospital social worker and care manager, Danielle now focuses her passion for service on raising her family and giving back to the community she grew up in.

    She has been involved with W.E.C.A.N. since 2022 and serves on the board to help create a thriving small-town environment for families and businesses—now and for future generations.

    She is especially passionate about W.E.C.A.N.’s Art & Culture, Connect & Create, and Health & Wellness initiatives. Outside of board service, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, crafting, playing volleyball year-round, and volunteering with her children’s school and Kiwanis.

Board Members

  • Aaron Caplan

    BOARD MEMBER

    Aaron has called Waterford home since 1972. Together with his wife, he raised two sons in the community and has long been involved in local activities focused on strengthening connections and preserving the benefits of small-town life. He believes the close relationships among families and neighbors—and the strong values that come with them—are what truly make Waterford special.

    Aaron is passionate about supporting initiatives that benefit children and older adults, helping ensure a welcoming and supportive environment for all residents. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates the many special natural spaces in and around Waterford.

  • Jim Rodenbaugh

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Joanne Lenart-Weary

    BOARD MEMBER

    JoAnne is a lifelong and third-generation resident of Waterford with a diverse background in interior design, education, and certified guerrilla marketing. She has dedicated more than 50 years to volunteering for various local organizations and community events, demonstrating a deep commitment to the town she proudly calls home.

    JoAnne serves on the board because she believes in building a better future for her grandchildren and strengthening the Waterford community. She is passionate about business development, collaboration, marketing, and community enhancement.

    Fun fact: JoAnne loves technology and secretly dreams of trying her hand at stand-up comedy.


  • PJ Albrecht

    BOARD MEMBER

    PJ is a lifelong Waterford resident and currently serves as a Real Estate Sales Manager. With a deep appreciation for the town’s rich history, PJ values Waterford’s ability to grow while preserving its character and avoiding over-modernization.

    PJ serves on the board because of the tremendous potential seen throughout the community, with a particular passion for the revitalization of Lake LeBoeuf and Main Street. Committed to thoughtful progress and community pride, PJ enjoys contributing to efforts that strengthen Waterford while honoring its past.

    Fun fact: PJ has a unique collection of advertising memorabilia from Waterford businesses that no longer exist—small pieces of local history preserved with care.

  • Vince McCall

    BOARD MEMBER

Community Liaisons

  • Lindsay Phillips

    WATERFORD BOROUGH

  • Kim Risjan

    WATERFORD TOWNSHIP

  • Bill Phillips

    LeBOEUF TOWNSHIP