The American Friends of Italy’s mission is to promote camaraderie for those who love all things Italian.

About Us

Who We Are

American Friends of Italy patrons celebrate all things Italian while raising funds to assist local children’s charities. We do not have a formal membership program or dues, but invite you to join us in fellowship at our monthly dinners and other social events, including our spectacular black-tie Gala held annually at the end of January – our main fund raiser of the year.

Our fun-filled events celebrate the Italian culture and cuisine while helping children in need in the Philadelphia area. We invite all nationalities to embrace your inner Italian spirit and join us in camaraderie and philanthropy.

The AFI was formed in March of 2016 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, and as such, donations to AFI are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules.

Board of Directors 2019-2020

The board of directors and elected officers of the American Friends of Italy (AFI) serve on a voluntary basis to administer the business of the foundation, organize events and promote charitable contributions, all in accordance with the mission of the foundation.

Maurizio Lo Piccolo

President, Co-Founder

CEO, of StationManagement Consultants, Inc
CEO, of White Wings Corporation
Station Management Consultants, Inc. (SMC) specializes in repurposing closed service station locations. SMC’s proven management skills have been responsible for creating hundreds of jobs, and in providing a consistent, pleasant buying experience, while delivering value everyday to the motoring public. SMC is the largest single independent retailer of Sunoco gasoline in the five county Philadelphia market. It’s affiliated company, White Wings Corporation, manages the real estate and is a landlord to companies such as Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation, Wawa, 7-11 and a number of other real estate users.

Maurizio and his wife Adriana are active in a number of other Charitable and Civic Organizations.

Anthony S. DiSandro, Jr.

Vice President, Co-Founder

Corporate, Finance and Capital Markets Group, Stevens & Lee
Anthony DiSandro, Jr. is a shareholder with the law firm of Stevens & Lee, a full-service law firm of 150 attorneys and 50 non-lawyer business and consulting professionals representing clients regionally and across the nation with offices located in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina and New Jersey. Anthony is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Finance and Capital Markets Group.

Christopher McDermott

Treasurer

Senior Vice President, Centric Bank
Chris has more than 30 years in commercial lending and is a well-regarded banking professional in the Delaware Valley. His experience in commercial lending has allowed him to build long term relationships with a wide array of business leaders across the Philadelphia area. He is a proud member of the Centric Bank team and is helping to bring the Centric Bank name to our local business community.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Chris resides in western Montgomery County and is active as a board member for the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill, Norwood Fontbonne Academy in Chestnut Hill and the Eastern Foundation. Chris brings his years in helping support educational needs of our children to our mission of helping children in our local neighborhoods.

Frank Cymbala

Secretary, Co-Founder

President and CEO, Communications Services and Support
Communications Services and Support (CSS) is a full service, strategic marketing and printing resource. Under Frank’s leadership, CSS has been twice recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the area’s 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies. Frank is active on various boards including the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, for which he’s helped raise millions of dollars.

In 2016, Frank was the recipient of Drexel University’s “Service to the Community” award in recognition of his fundraising effort contributions as a key leader in the school’s alumni network. More recently, he became a governing body member of the ATHENAPowerlink ® NAWBO®, Delaware Valley Program. The organization helps area women business owners grow their companies.

Joanna Campana

Board Member

Preferred Service Provider, Anderson Merchandisers
Joanna Campana has worked in retail operations for 20 years with companies including Energizer and Lego Systems. She currently manages operations for Anderson Merchandisers in 61 Walmart stores.

She is a passionate volunteer, giving her time to various organizations over the years such as Big Brothers and Sisters. As a volunteer for Women Against Rape, Joanna answered calls on the hotline, accompanied victims to the hospital and lectured at high schools and grammar schools. Most recently, she volunteered as a child advocate for CASA of Camden County. Additionally, she annually supports a child’s education at Sacred Heart School in Camden where she was once a student.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

— Winston Churchill

Mark T. Celoni

Board Member

Regional Vice President and Office Director for Pennoni
Mark T. Celoni, PE, serves as Regional Vice President for our Greater Philadelphia region and Office Director in our Philadelphia, PA office. He joined Pennoni in 1988 and has managed some of the region’s largest multidisciplinary projects for the firm. His expertise is in feasibility studies, master planning, and expert testimony at zoning hearings. He has additional expertise in subdivision and land development, environmental permitting, demolition, storm water management, utility design, and technical reports and specifications. Mark is responsible for client services and business development efforts, as well as the management, growth, and success of the Greater Philadelphia region. He earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce engineering sciences and his master’s degree in engineering management from Drexel University, and is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania.

Mark joined Pennoni in 1988, and has managed some of the region’s largest multi-disciplinary projects for the firm including Citizen’s Bank Park, Cira Centre, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Comcast Technology Center, Talen Energy Stadium, Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, Pennsylvania Convention Center Expansion, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia South Campus and the Navy Yard Green Infrastructure projects.

Mark serves as a board member for the University City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation. He also serves on the Advisory Council for ACE Mentor Program, Eastern Pennsylvania and Charter High School for Architecture and Design. He is also a member and active in many technical and community organizations including UNICO, the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia and the Urban Land Institute.