Board of Directors

Mahin Bina, Founder and Advisor to the Board,
Director Emeritus

Ms. Bina was born in Iran and at the age of twenty committed herself to the service of others, particularly in the area of human awareness, relationship, and communication. She is the creative force behind the development of the Leadership Training and Transformational Thinking program. She has also developed and trained ex-offenders to lead Freedom by Design in Community Corrections Centers. This course prepares ex-offenders to live lives of freedom and contribution. Ms. Bina has received several local and national awards for her work with the inmates of Graterford Prison and the Residents of Community Correction Centers in Philadelphia.

Joe Rink, Immediate Past Chairman and
Interim Executive Director

Mr. Rink has been a member of the End Violence Board since 2003. He is responsible for the overall delivery and expansion of the End Violence Project. A 34 year veteran educator, Mr. Rink teaches high school mathematics in a suburban Orlando, Florida school district. He has dedicated his life to making a difference in all people's lives. He has a Bachelor’s of Science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Educational Leadership. He is also a Seminar Leader for Landmark Education.

Stuart P. Papavassiliou, National Chairman

Mr. Papavassiliou is the senior editor and director of editorial content for two leading financial publications, the Monitor and ABF Journal published in Wayne, PA. Mr. Papavassiliou has served on the governing body of a leadership training program. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University. A native of Houston, he has lived in Philadelphia since 1983.

Janet L. Novack, Attorney

Ms. Novack is an attorney and mediator who has a passion for empowering people. She has extensive training in communication and leadership skills and is committed to transforming the criminal justice system. She has been on the End Violence Board and leading programs at Graterford Prison since 2006. Ms. Novack received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia.

Mario Johnson, Board Member

Mr. Johnson is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper. He leads programs as well as trains new program leaders at Chester Correctional Facility. Mr. Johnson is committed to making a difference with leaders by training them to take responsibility for their freedom.

Jeffrey Bond, Community Center / Youth Division

Mr. Bond was formerly incarcerated who today serves as a community leader. As a demonstration of his leadership, he was invited to speak at the state correctional institution where he was once confined. Currently, he is the lead facilitator for The End Violence Project’s Freedom by Design Program in a Community Center. Mr. Bond conducts a community youth tennis program and has received two grants from the United States Tennis Association to promote the game of tennis in urban neighborhoods. Mr. Bond is dedicated, passionate, and determined to make a difference in the lives of youth and men and women returning from incarceration.

Lois Sesskin, Communications

Ms. Sesskin is a Senior Vice President at an international marketing research organization located in King of Prussia, PA. She has participated in transformational leadership training programs over the past 20 years. She is committed to a world of peace, love and joy. Ms. Sesskin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. A native of New York, she has lived in Philadelphia since 1990.

Chuck Bentham, Fundraising

Mr. Bentham is a third generation law enforcement officer who joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1969. He served Philadelphia for 26 years, and was a detective in the Homicide Unit for six years. In 1994 he joined the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, and continued to investigate homicide, major crimes, child abuse, and served on multi-jurisdictional tasks forces for 15 years. He retired in 2010 after 41 years in law enforcement and is currently an investigator with The Vidocq Society assisting law enforcement nationwide. Mr. Bentham is a graduate of LaSalle University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice.

Wendy Lippard, Program Outreach

Ms. Lippard delivers seminars for a nationally recognized presenter of personal development programs. She has led several End Violence Project programs in both Florida and Georgia. She has been instrumental in the expansion of The End Violence Program.

Sandy Bechtold, Secretary

Ms. Bechtold has served as secretary to the Board of the End Violence Project since 2005. She works in the behavioral health field and also volunteers with a local Community Services organization that connects people with community resources and emergency assistance. Ms. Bechtold is committed to a world that works for everyone.

James Roberts, Treasurer

Mr. Roberts, a consultant in global marketing for the pharmaceutical industry, holds two degrees in international finance: Bachelor of Business Administration, Florida International University and a Master’s of Science in Finance, Temple University. A dual citizen of the U.S. and the UK, he is married with two stepchildren and has lived in the Philadelphia area since 1996. Mr. Roberts is committed to a world of inclusion and compassion.