New Officers Named to Pearl S. Buck International Board

The new leadership team includes a board chair, vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pearl S. Buck International, a nonprofit organization focused on cross-cultural understanding and global service, has announced a new slate of officers to its Board of Directors. The new leadership team includes Tony Luna as Board Chair, Susan Berrodin as Vice Chair, Emma Strausser as Secretary, and Maxine Romano as Treasurer.

Why it matters

The new officers bring decades of nonprofit leadership experience and personal connections to advancing Pearl Buck's mission. Their appointments come at a critical time as the organization works to preserve Buck's historic home and continue her legacy of bridging cultures and changing lives around the world.

The details

Tony Luna, who first joined Pearl S. Buck International in 1998, will serve as the new Board Chair. During his previous tenure, he strengthened the organization's financial foundation through major gift and planned giving programs, historic preservation campaigns, and securing large bequests. Susan Berrodin, a retired pediatric physical therapist and longtime volunteer, will serve as Vice Chair after previously holding the role of Board Secretary. Emma Strausser, who was adopted through the organization's Welcome House program, will take on the role of Board Secretary, bringing a personal connection to the mission. Maxine Romano, a retired CPA with experience on numerous nonprofit boards, will return as Board Treasurer.

  • The new officers began their two-year term on January 1, 2026.

The players

Tony Luna

The new Board Chair, who first joined Pearl S. Buck International in 1998 and previously served as Vice President of Development, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience.

Susan Berrodin

The new Board Vice Chair, who has been a volunteer with Pearl S. Buck International since 2013 and is a past president of the Pearl S. Buck Volunteer Association.

Emma Strausser

The new Board Secretary, who was adopted through the organization's Welcome House program and is a dedicated advocate for cross-cultural understanding and global service.

Maxine Romano

The returning Board Treasurer, a retired CPA with experience on numerous nonprofit boards, including Bucks County's Child Home and Community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The new slate of officers at Pearl S. Buck International brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience and personal connections to the organization's mission of bridging cultures and changing lives around the world. Their appointments come at a critical time as the organization works to preserve Buck's historic home and continue her legacy of global service.