Westfield, NJ — At its May board meeting, The Westfield Foundation bid farewell to three dedicated Trustees whose service has left a lasting mark on the organization. Former President Rupa Motwani and Trustees Greg Irwin and Munira Ismail rolled off the board after years of thoughtful community engagement.
“We are deeply grateful to Rupa, Greg, and Munira for their commitment to the Foundation and to the Westfield community,” said Katie Darcy, Executive Director of The Westfield Foundation. “They played a critical role in shaping our work, particularly during the development of our strategic plan, which now serves as a roadmap for the Foundation’s future.” Led by Nominating Committee Chair Cheryl Swift, the board unanimously approved three new Trustees: Eileen Fox, Melanie Horton, and Rosanne Kurstedt, all Westfield residents with strong ties to community service and civic engagement.
“As we celebrate our 50th year of impact, we’re thrilled to welcome Eileen, Melanie, and Rosanne to the board,” added Darcy. “Their experience and passion for this community will be a tremendous asset as we continue building partnerships and funding critical initiatives.”
Eileen Fox has lived in Westfield for over 30 years where she and her husband, Mark, have raised three children. Eileen began her career working in corporate finance for Credit Suisse for over ten years. For the past fifteen years Eileen has worked as the Finance Director of The Presbyterian School. She is a member of the Finance Council and Trustee of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church. And has served as a past President of the College Woman’s Club of Westfield and a former Treasurer of Nomahegan Swim and Tennis Club. She is grateful for this opportunity to serve the Westfield Foundation and support its mission to uplift the Westfield community she’s loved for so many years.
Melanie Horton is a dedicated healthcare leader and a proud nine-year resident of Westfield. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration, Melanie has held leadership roles across both large-scale health systems and innovative startup organizations. Her career has been shaped by a strong focus on healthcare reform, operational excellence, and improving access to care.
Melanie and her husband are the parents of three adult children, two of whom attended Westfield Public Schools. Her deep sense of community and passion for service drive her commitment to supporting local initiatives that enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a strong sense of purpose to her work with the foundation, aiming to help build a stronger Westfield and surrounding communities.
Rosanne L. Kurstedt, Ph.D. has been an educator for over 30 years. She is currently the Vice President of Instruction Design and Training at an educational publishing company. A former Westfield school board member, the founder of The Author Experience—a nonprofit supporting literacy in underserved communities—and the Assistant Regional Advisor for the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Rosanne is passionate about advancing literacy and empowering communities through meaningful engagement. She is the author of several professional books for educators and picture books for young children and families. A longtime Westfield resident, Rosanne looks forward to contributing to the Westfield Foundation.
The Foundation also announced its 2025 Executive Committee, led by President Bob John, Vice President Michelle Habayeb, Treasurer David Collum, and Secretary Glen DuMont—each bringing valuable leadership and perspective to guide the Foundation.
The Westfield Foundation supports nonprofit organizations across a broad spectrum of focus areas, including education, the arts, community development, and health and social services. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, the Foundation remains committed to enriching the lives of individuals and strengthening the greater Westfield community.