Lisa Miller: The Broomall Rotary Club’s New President

Written by Holly Stupak

Photos courtesy of Lisa Miller

Every Broomall Rotary Club (BRC) President comes in with their own projects they are passionate about and unique set of skills to make them happen. For newly elected President Lisa Miller, that passion is helping children, especially ones who may be struggling financially or academically.

I love helping the underdog,” said Lisa. “Whether it’s a child who is suffering from a learning disability or can’t afford a summer camp, I am passionate about giving children opportunities that others have.

Since it was founded in 1961, the club has had many worthwhile humanitarian projects, both locally and overseas. “Our programs such as Student of the Month, Vocational Awards and the Scholarship Fund really give a sense of pride to young people here,” said Lisa. The BRC also sponsors many of the community events we look forward to year after year such as the Christmas Sharing, Pictures with Santa, Junior Olympics, the Firecracker 5K, and the Doggy Show.

It was a chance meeting with former Rotary Club President Lou Pace that led to Lisa joining the BRC. “I took my car to Lou’s auto shop in Broomall for repairs and Lou invited my husband and I to join the Rotary club,” she said. Lisa ended up joining and her husband Glenn helps out when he can. Lou said when he met Lisa he knew she’d be an asset to the club.

When Lisa came into the shop, I happened to have paperwork out about the Veterans Park project and Lisa was very interested." Lou added, "She’s got a lot of energy to get things done.

Lou joined the club when he was in his fifties after his children were grown. He was looking for a way to contribute to the Broomall community. “I believe that if you’re happy with your life, give back!” he said.

While serving as president, he was instrumental in getting the Veterans Park project off the ground. “It’s amazing how one idea can change the whole community,” he said. Since Lou’s encouragement to join the BRC 2018, Lisa has been dedicated to working with the club and the community to bring even more projects into focus and more ways to make a difference in our community and beyond. Her passion for community service and helping others comes from her own life experience.

Lisa Miller, President of Broomall Rotary Club and her husband Glenn

It was after suffering her own personal tragedy that she discovered how important it is to have community support. Lisa and her husband Glenn lost their young daughter suddenly in 2008 and were humbled by the outpouring of love they received from the people in their community. “Kindness goes a long way,” said Lisa. “Our friends and neighbors were so helpful to us when we were grieving. I can honor my daughter’s memory by making my own community a better place.” Lisa and Glenn also honored their daughter’s memory by creating a scholarship through the Devon Miller Memorial fund.

Originally from Upper Darby, PA and a graduate of Upper Darby High School, Lisa and Glenn moved to Swedesboro, NJ when they first married and had children. “We really wanted to give our three children a suburban life,” said Lisa. “We had a nice home where our kids had plenty of space to ride their bikes and could walk to school.”

After several years of commuting from New Jersey to Delaware County to visit and care for her aging parents, Lisa and Glenn made the decision to move back to the area in 2016 and settled on a home in the Rosetree section of Broomall. Glenn worked for SEPTA while Lisa worked in food services for Marple Newtown School District and sold jewelry online. And then, what started as supporting a local business, turned into a new job for Lisa.

I really love supporting local businesses in Broomall. I was a frequent customer at the Mad Hatter Boutique and became very friendly with Danielle Camacho, the boutique’s owner,” Lisa explained. “She eventually offered me a job!

Lisa’s diverse professional background as well as her personal experience are what make her the perfect person to develop programs and see them through to their potential. “As a mom and a wife I know how to get things done!” said Lisa.

President Lisa Miller and the new board, which consists of Mike Sinapi, Maria Kollar, Leslie Stack, Craig Galante, Paul Quintavalla, Lou Pace, JT Benner, Seth Rosenberg and Rick Flounders

As president, Lisa said she’s excited to continue with the passion projects that her predecessors started and to bring her own ideas to the table.

I’m especially proud of all the work the club has done to raise money for the new playground at Veterans Park." Lisa added, "It will be a safe place where children of all abilities can play together and the new equipment will be developmentally appropriate for children with and without disabilities.

Although due to COVID-19, some of the club’s fundraisers had to be postponed last year, Lisa said they are looking forward to upcoming events this fall. “We’ve got a handbag bingo and a Vegas night in the works,” she said. She’s also spearheading a project on American Chestnut trees, which have been virtually extinct for decades. The club plans to plant 15 of these trees in the Marple area this year. Each month the board welcomes guest speakers. Last month State Representative Jen O’Mara came and thanked the BRC for establishing Broomall Rotary Field at Veterans Park, furnishing bus shelters, providing playground equipment in parks, and more.

The club currently has 35 members, which Lisa describes as a small but mighty group. “We have a diverse group of people, all with unique sets of skills and personal backgrounds,” said Lisa. “ Each of us sees ways to serve the Broomall community with our own points of view.”

Marple Friends & Neighbors wishes the BRC a happy 60th anniversary and congratulates Lisa on her new position as President. “I’m honored and grateful to be the President of a club that has such a long and distinguished history,” said Lisa. “All I want to do is make this a better community!”