We are pleased to announce that Richard Garipoli, Jr., has been appointed as the Sertoma International Treasurer effective July 1, 2025. This is a two-year appointed position made by the International Board of Directors earlier this month. Rich replaces outgoing International Treasurer Stuart Fujiyama, who served in the role for the previous two terms.
Rich brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this role. He is the Vice President for the Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley where he leads and directs a team for development, grant writing and donor acquisitions. Before this position, he was the Director of Development for the Lebanon Rescue Mission, where he headed up all aspects of development, including grant writing and management. Rich also served for nine years as the Chief Operations Officer for the Pennsylvania Dutch Council of Scouting America, where he headed up a financial campaign valued in the millions.
Before his work in the nonprofit field, Rich spent 35 years (mostly in Reading, PA) as a law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, Criminal Investigations Division supervisor and training director. He served as Chief of Police in Lancaster County from 2001-2010 and remains active on the national level in selecting law enforcement executives. He has earned numerous awards for his law enforcement work and helped mentor 17 chiefs of police.
Rich has been a member of Sertoma International for many years. He served as the President of Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club for many years and was the 2022-2025 Allegheny/Canada Regional Director. He currently sits on International’s Policy Committee and is a Communication Specialist for his region. He holds degrees in political science, a bachelor’s in criminal justice administration and MBA. He has taught at two community colleges as well as Alvernia University and Penn State’s Justice Safety Institute. He has developed leadership courses and presentations for numerous agencies and companies and been a keynote speaker for the Pennsylvania Mayor’s Association and John Maxell with the Fortune 500 tour.
Most importantly, Rich has been married to his wife Irene for 47 years. In his free time beyond work and Sertoma, he is the vice president of the Pennsylvania Karate Hall of Fame, Marketing Committee chair and former board chairman of the Lancaster County Human Relations Commission.
“I am honored to be selected as the Treasurer for Sertoma International! It is with great enthusiasm that I embrace this opportunity to become part of an organization so deeply committed to service, leadership and community engagement,” Garipoli said. “I look forward to working alongside such dedicated members and contributing meaningfully to Sertoma's initiatives. I am eager to learn more about ongoing projects and to offer my time, skills and energy wherever they are needed. Thank you once again for this opportunity. I am proud to be part of Sertoma, and I am committed to make a positive impact."