Judith (“Judy”) Hughes, Co-Executive Director of the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization, has led the program since 1985. A longtime civic leader, she served as Governor of Rotary District 7280 (2017–2018) and now serves as Assistant Area Governor for Mercer County; she is a member of the Slippery Rock and Harrisville Extension Rotary clubs. A classically trained soprano, Judy sang with the San Francisco, Santa Fe, and Pittsburgh Operas and won bronze at the 1977 International Vocal Competition in Rio de Janeiro. She holds a B.M.E. from Northwestern University and an M.F.A. in Voice/Opera from the University of Kansas, and has taught voice at Westminster, Geneva, Grove City, and Clarion.

Kathy Bray, Co-Executive Director of the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization (MBCSO), brings financial, civic, and creative leadership to the role. She recently retired from KeyBank; serves as President of Harrisville Borough Council (since January 2024); and owned and designed at Dos Chicas Designs for 24 years, concluding in April 2024. Involved with MBCSO since 2004, Ms. Bray has served in several roles, including many years as the Judges Chair. Joining the Board in April 2020, she now co-leads the organization’s programs and partnerships.

Sandra (Sandi) Kirby, Board President of the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization, joined the board in 2023 after several years as Judges Chair and prior service as a Pennsylvania State Field Director. A Butler County business owner for 25 years, she now runs a Zelienople-based firm and previously served as a procurement administrator for a county nonprofit. An experienced event planner, Sandra helps lead the organization’s fundraising initiatives. She also served six years as president of the NKBA Pittsburgh–Tri-State Chapter. Her involvement began in 2006 when her daughter started competing; her daughter earned the Miss Butler County title in 2009.

Jayme Russo, Treasurer of the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization, brings 24 years of financial-industry experience. He is Vice President at Valley Brook Capital Group and previously advised high-net-worth clients in Charles Schwab’s Private Client group. His financial expertise helps guide the organization’s direction and strengthens its stability. An MBCSO volunteer for more than a decade—and the parent of a former titleholder—Jayme also taught economics at Butler County Community College. He holds a bachelor’s from Grove City College (1986) and an MBA from Slippery Rock University (1994). He enjoys piano and golf.

Amy Parker has supported the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization since 1987. A scheduler with Butler Medical Providers and a twice-weekly DJ trivia host, she began volunteering in 1986 with Butler County’s Junior Miss Program, serving 20+ years as co–stage manager and writing questions for the presence & composure segment. She is a former treasurer and president of the Service Star Social Club. Rooted in the Butler area through her family’s catering business since age eight, Amy holds two associate degrees from Butler County Community College (Accounting and Business Management) and served as president of the BC3 Drama Club. A Grange member for 55+ years, she has also volunteered many years with the Junior Grange.

Judith (“Judy”) Wadding serves as Parliamentarian of the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization. A volunteer since the program’s early years, she joined the board in 2022 and chairs MBCSO’s fundraising committee. A retired Butler County Community College professor, she created the college’s Early Childhood Education program. Judy has served on the Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s executive committee as chair of board development and remains active across the community: membership chair of the Saxonburg Rotary; current member and past leader of the GFWC Intermediate League (holding every office, including three years as president); treasurer for the Jeep Association’s Invasion; and an usher and reader at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. A champion of parliamentary procedure, she helps the board run efficient, fair, mission-focused meetings.

Melissa McGavick, CEO of McGavick Interactive, strengthens nonprofit boards through governance and strategy advising, leadership-communication and soft-skills training, and executive personal-brand coaching. She has served on local, regional, and international boards, including Toastmasters International (Past International Director, 2020–2022). A Miss Butler County program alumna, she used scholarship awards to help fund her education and now champions those same opportunities.

Cameron Suorsa advises the Miss Butler County Scholarship Organization on digital strategy and creative content. An entrepreneur and freelance podcast producer, he studied entrepreneurship at Grove City College, where he led the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization chapter. He is a UX/UI designer at Entre and has supported startup media projects. At GCC he contributed to “sidekickk,” a VentureLab startup that earned a Ben Franklin Technology Partners grant and reached the e-Fest national finals.

Laura Crago is an award-winning podcast producer and host, recognized by the Keystone Media Awards for compelling storytelling and audio journalism. Rooted in Butler County’s arts community, she acts and directs with Butler Little Theatre and Musical Theatre Guild and helps lead comedy and improv programming at Hobnob Theatre Company. Earlier in her career, she worked on productions with Bally’s Las Vegas and supported the Radio City Summer Intensive at Radio City Music Hall. A longtime fitness enthusiast, in 2015 she cycled from Los Angeles to the Brooklyn Bridge, raising nearly $25,000 for Butler County Habitat for Humanity.