INTERTECH AND HOLY FAMILY INSTITUTE

Focus on Helping Others

By Vanessa Orr

On the surface, it might not seem like a high-tech company started in 2000 and a century-old religious organization could have a lot in common. Yet, both InterTECH Security Group and Holy Family Institute are known for providing peace-of-mind for their clients, whether those clients are Fortune 500 companies or families living in crisis.

InterTECH, one of the fastest growing companies in southwestern Pennsylvania, provides security integration services to customers ranging from embassies and military installations to sporting venues, higher education institutions, and corporate offices. “Utilizing the latest technology, we can integrate a client’s life safety and security systems needs with marketing, human resources and other client networks,” explained President and CEO Ronald M. Petnuch. “Whether a company needs to monitor the comings and goings of employees, customers, and visitors, or needs to establish one central command station for facilities all over the world, we provide the solutions they need.”

Since its inception, InterTECH has grown substantially, earning revenues of $18.5 million last year, and employing more than 110 people in its Warrendale headquarters and locations in Johnstown and Frederick, Maryland. “Through the use of innovative technologies, we are enabling companies to provide a safe and secure work environment while creating a database on employees, visitors and even customers,” said Petnuch. “For example, video analytics software used in security cameras in retail settings can track suspicious behavior, as well as become a repository of customer behavior data used by marketing personnel.

“What was originally viewed as just a security system can now be used to provide other services or amenities to employees or customers,” he added. “An access control card used by a college student to enter her dormitory is also the same card she uses to pay for her meals and buy her books.”

Petnuch, who joined InterTECH in 2005, brought his passion for helping others to the business. “I believe that the more you give, the more you get in return, whether it’s your treasure, your time or your talent,” he said.

Petnuch has shown this same passion as a board member of Holy Family Institute since 1989. He currently serves as the chairman of the board of Holy Family Foundation, an affiliate of Holy Family Institute. With his wife, Susan, he recently chaired Holy Family’s capital campaign. “Ron came on board about the same time that I became the executive director, and we’ve learned a lot together over the last 18 years,” said Holy Family President Sister Linda Yankoski, CSFN, EdD. “The Institute has grown dramatically during this time, and Ron not only offered the right level of encouragement and support, but also wasn’t afraid to ask challenging questions.”

Holy Family Institute was originally established in 1900 as an orphanage. Today it is a multi-faceted human services organization focused on restoring hope and transforming children and families. Holy Family is a ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. “Family is at the heart of our mission,” said Sister Linda. “It is what we are called upon to do in this world.”

Best known for providing residential care for abused and neglected children, they also provide substance abuse, outpatient and in-home counseling. Holy Family also provides a full roster of educational services for children who cannot meet the academic or social challenges of a regular classroom. These services are provided through alternative-education and special-education learning environments in 10 Holy Family Schools. Holy Family also administers specialized services in 80 school districts. St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families, an affiliate of Holy Family Institute located in Ambler, Pennsylvania, provides psychiatric residential treatment and alternative and special education programs for children.

After nearly two decades leading Holy Family Institute, Sister Linda will leave her position in July to become the chairperson for the Holy Family Foundation board. Sister Rita Fanning, CSFN, currently the executive director of St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families, will succeed her. Diana Fryer, currently the executive director of Holy Family Foundation, will take over operations of St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families. Vic Papale has joined Holy Family as its new chief operating officer and vice-president.

“While I’m sad to say goodbye to the children at St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families, I’m very excited about the opportunity to use my talents at Holy Family Institute,” said Sister Rita. “I’m committed to the mission the Sisters begun in 1900, and plan to continue Sister Linda’s work of providing families with the best and most appropriate services to meet their needs.”

Fryer echoed Sister Rita’s enthusiasm. “Having worked on the development side for the past nine years, I am very excited to be moving on to the next level, which is having more involvement with the children, their families and the staff,” she said. “I don’t think that I could ever fill Sister Rita’s shoes, but I am motivated by the Sisters’ mission of serving children and their families, and I believe that this motivation will help me succeed.”

Despite the transitions taking place at Holy Family, one thing will remain the same. “Holy Family takes children from bad situations and makes them productive members of society,” said Petnuch. “What Holy Family does is truly amazing—they never write anyone off.”

For more information about InterTECH, call 724-742-4900 or visit www.intertechsecurity.com. For more information regarding Holy Family Institute, call 412-766-4030 or visit www.hfi-pgh.org.