Executive Director
Robert M. Ponichtera
Dr. Robert M. Ponichtera oversees the organization's day-to-day operations, devoting his time to creating a network of partners, generating publicity, and cultivating donors. Ponichtera has more than eight years of experience working for nonprofit organizations, guiding program direction and fundraising activities. Before founding Liberty's Promise, Ponichtera worked at the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, Freedom House and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where he wrote grants, coordinated program activities, and conducted research. Ponichtera earned a Ph.D. in East European History from Yale University in 1995 and has taught at Yale, Quinnipiac College, and Albertus Magnus College. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of history at George Mason University. Ponichtera and his wife, Renata, reside in Alexandria, Virginia, with their son, Anthony.
Program Officer
Sarah Sherhols
Ms. Sarah Sherhols is responsible for the organization's internship and civic education programs in the D.C. Metro area. She has management experience as the Chairperson of the Peer Service and Support Centre at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, where she was responsible for the center's implementation and operation. Previously, she oversaw the operations of a small nonprofit organization that provided food and mentorship to the homeless, helping them gain skills, confidence, and empowerment. She has done extensive work mentoring immigrants, helping them with English-language skills and acculturation. Ms. Sherhols received her bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from Queen's University.
Robert M. Ponichtera
Dr. Robert M. Ponichtera oversees the organization's day-to-day operations, devoting his time to creating a network of partners, generating publicity, and cultivating donors. Ponichtera has more than eight years of experience working for nonprofit organizations, guiding program direction and fundraising activities. Before founding Liberty's Promise, Ponichtera worked at the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, Freedom House and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where he wrote grants, coordinated program activities, and conducted research. Ponichtera earned a Ph.D. in East European History from Yale University in 1995 and has taught at Yale, Quinnipiac College, and Albertus Magnus College. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of history at George Mason University. Ponichtera and his wife, Renata, reside in Alexandria, Virginia, with their son, Anthony.
Program Officer
Sarah Sherhols
Ms. Sarah Sherhols is responsible for the organization's internship and civic education programs in the D.C. Metro area. She has management experience as the Chairperson of the Peer Service and Support Centre at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, where she was responsible for the center's implementation and operation. Previously, she oversaw the operations of a small nonprofit organization that provided food and mentorship to the homeless, helping them gain skills, confidence, and empowerment. She has done extensive work mentoring immigrants, helping them with English-language skills and acculturation. Ms. Sherhols received her bachelor's degree in Biology and Psychology from Queen's University.
