Alumni Spotlight

 

Jack Butler, 53, of Ligonier is a featured alumnus of Westmoreland County Community College whose educational journey and professional impact reflect perseverance, purpose, and lifelong learning. Butler attended the college from 2004 to 2006, drawn by its convenient location, flexible scheduling, supportive professors and strong career guidance.

While at Westmoreland, Butler studied philosophy, psychology and sociology, while completing core subjects including math. One of his fondest memories is also one of his proudest accomplishments—passing algebra. That success was made possible, he says, by his favorite professor, Lou Congelio.

“He helped me pass math, gave me confidence, and tailored the class to the students,” Butler shared. “A true student-centered teacher.” Outside the classroom, Butler was actively involved in the powerlifting club, finding both community and balance during his time at the college.

After completing his studies at Westmoreland, Butler continued his education at the University of Arizona, building on the academic foundation he established early on. He credits the college with preparing him for his career by strengthening his ability to work with statistical data, develop effective study habits, navigate ADHD and—most importantly—learn how to ask for help.

Butler currently serves as the Director of Person-Centered Support at Achieva and is a nationally recognized leader in person-centered practices, organizational transformation and disability rights. With more than 30 years of experience in human services, he has led the integration of Charting the LifeCourse across all areas of the organization, from direct support to finance, HR and communications. A Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador and dynamic presenter, Butler is known for elevating the voices of people with disabilities through meaningful, values-driven conversations.

His leadership has taken him to national stages, including the National Charting the LifeCourse Showcase, the ODP Employment Summit, the National Leadership Consortium, and numerous policy and workforce initiatives focused on employment equity and systems change. He also serves as the Provider Team Facilitator for the SWTCIE Project in Western Pennsylvania, a five-year federal initiative supporting the transition from subminimum wage to competitive integrated employment. In recognition of his work, Butler received the 2024 Innovations in Person-Centered Practices Award at the Charting the LifeCourse Showcase.

Despite his leadership role, Butler remains grounded in direct practice, continuing to work as a Direct Support Professional. He also serves on the Board of the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Temple University’s Disability Health Care Disparities Committee. A published contributor to multiple national and professional journals, Butler frequently writes and speaks on topics including ableism, authentic inclusion and Social Role Valorization.

Reflecting on his experiences, Butler shares, “Twelve years ago, the National Leadership Consortium changed my life—and I will always speak about their influence. The faculty are change agents and, by association, so are the graduates.”

Beyond his career, he is also an interior firefighter, ultra-marathon runner, OCR athlete, ADHD advocate and lifelong learner. He credits major life milestones with shaping his path, including the birth of his daughter Bella after he completed his degree, which he says changed his life trajectory. He also acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife, Monica, throughout his long educational journey.

His advice to current Westmoreland students is simple yet powerful: “It’s never too late. Never give up. Always give your best.”

📧 Email: jbutler@achieva.info

🔗 LinkedIn: Jack Butler on LinkedIn

 

 

 

For Adam, who grew up in Hempfield Twp, and now lives in Reading, Westmoreland was the perfect place to begin charting his future. Like many recent high school graduates, he wasn’t entirely sure where he wanted to go next. Enrolling at Westmoreland allowed him to stay close to home while exploring his interests, ultimately leading him to study Business Management from 2006 to 2009. After graduating, Adam continued his education at Saint Vincent College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication—an achievement that helped launch a successful, people-centered career. 

Adam’s professional path was shaped by initiative, mentorship and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone. After attending a networking event with his father in 2012, he discovered a passion for the furniture industry, handing out flash drives loaded with his résumé to potential contacts. That confidence paid off with a job offer, and he has built a thriving career ever since. Today, Adam serves as the Director of Education Sales for Shaw Industries for the entire Northeast, a role that draws heavily on the presentation and communication skills he first developed at Westmoreland.

His time at the college also brought personal joy: in 2009, he met his future wife, Kristin, through mutual friends. The two have been inseparable ever since and now share their home with their rescue hound mix, Palmer. Outside of work, Adam enjoys golf, snowboarding, and traveling, and remains active in professional and community organizations, including GRYP, the Chamber of Commerce, AIA, and IFMA. His advice to current students is simple but powerful: embrace opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone and build the network that will carry you forward.

Years later—and at a very different stage of life—it was Adam’s father, Gregory “Chef G” Nemchick, who found his way to Westmoreland. A lifelong dreamer of becoming a chef, he had spent decades in business before finally deciding to pursue his culinary passion after retiring. At age 65, he enrolled in Westmoreland’s Culinary Arts program, entering a professional kitchen environment for the first time and proving that it is never too late to follow your heart.

From 2022 to 2024, Chef G immersed himself in the program, earning certifications as a Certified Culinarian and a Certified Personal Chef while developing both confidence and skill. One of his proudest moments came at age 67, when he walked across the graduation stage—an achievement he credits to the unwavering encouragement of the Culinary Arts faculty. Deeply involved on campus, he served as president of Phi Theta Kappa, a board member of Alpha Sigma Lambda and a member of the National Technical Honor Society.

His post-graduation journey has been equally impressive. Chef G began as a sous chef at Westmoreland Country Club before returning to Westmoreland to teach noncredit classes and manage the Chef’s Bistro. He also founded The Visiting Culinarian, offering farm-to-table private dinners, live cooking demonstrations and on-demand chef services throughout Western Pennsylvania. Passionate and creative, he continues to share weekly digital content with a growing audience on social media. Throughout it all, he remains dedicated to professional involvement, serving on the board of the American Culinary Federation’s Laurel Highlands Chapter and engaging with the United States Personal Chef Association.

At home, he shares life with his wife of 49 years, Dianne.

Together, the Nemchicks embody the spirit of lifelong learning, perseverance and the transformative power of community college education. Their story is a warm reminder—especially during the holiday season—that dreams can be fulfilled at any age and that Westmoreland’s impact often extends far beyond one generation.

As Chef G says, success is “a marathon, not a sprint.” And, as Adam reminds today’s students, every opportunity begins with the courage to take that first step.

This year, we celebrate a Westmoreland legacy—one family, two journeys and a shared belief in the promise of new beginnings.