Dan Pugh
Board Chairman
Dan Pugh is a Senior Partner at Residential Building Supply, a medium-size building supply company specializing in providing high-end millwork to the residential home building community. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from
Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. Dan is always interested in volunteering his time to worthwhile non-profit endeavors, and United Against Poverty has provided an excellent opportunity to give back to a community that has been his home for life.
When not working, Dan is an avid golfer who enjoys spending time with family and friends on the golf course.
"I feel that the best thing we can do to help someone improve their life circumstances is to give them a sense of accomplishment and dignity. United Against Poverty does that hundreds of times a day, something I take great pride in being a part of."
Peter Bijur
Board Vice Chairman
Peter Bijur serves as Vice Chairman of the United Against Poverty Corporate Board and as a director of the United Against Poverty of Indian River County Community Board. He was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Texaco Inc. until his retirement in 2001, following a 36 year career. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Peter and his wife Kjestine live most of the year in Vero Beach and spend the summers in Greenwich CT.
"UP’s mission 'to give a hand up not a handout' resonates with me. Our Success Training Employment Program does so much for people in our communities who need direction. We are blessed to have dedicated leaders, staff and volunteers."
Robert Boeschen
Treasurer
Victoria Thomson
Secretary
Victoria (Vikki) Thomson is Vice President, Customers since June 2018 and part of Bimbo Bakeries USA since 1998. She oversees ~$1.3B in sales revenue with national responsibility for Target, Costco and Save-A-Lot, as well as Central Business Unit P&L responsibility for Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Hy-Vee, Sam’s Club and Jewel. Vikki holds a MBA in Marketing from Fordham University in New York and a BS in Business from Eastern Illinois University. Vikki and her husband Cliff share 3 daughters, Alexa, Jessica and Victoria. She loves to read, create DIY projects and cheer on her beloved Miami Heat.
"Helping feed people is part of what I do professionally. At UP, we not only help feed people but we also help feed their soul….with the belief, tools and resources to break the cycle of poverty."
Baerbel O’Haire
Baerbel O’Haire is a Senior Vice President with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and joined the Vero Beach office in 1985. Locally she has served on the Board of Directors for Impact 100 and Childcare Resources. She was president of the Women’s Exchange of the Treasure Coast for five years. Currently she is a member of the board of Trustees of Riverside Theatre. Baerbel earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, College of Business. She holds the Certified Private Wealth Advisor, and Certified Financial Manager designations. Baerbel and her husband Sean reside in Vero Beach and have three children.
"United Against Poverty has established itself as a nimble and innovative nonprofit service provider to our neighbors in need. The combination of offering food security with vocational training gives UP a unique profile. It’s an all American success story, and a win-win for our community. "
John Klein
John was born and raised in the New York City suburbs. He received his BS in Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. After graduating he travelled the world on merchant ships for three years before returning to New York University to get his MBA. In 1967 he married Charlotte DeWilde who he had met in The Netherlands, and he simultaneously started a 25 year career with IBM. In 1992 he joined Digital Equipment Corporation as a Corporate Officer managing a $2B worldwide business. He stayed in the Software/Services industry and moved to London, England to become CEO of MDIS, a publicly listed global firm. Since returning to the US John has served on several boards and recently retired in March of 2020 as Chairman of Cognizant Technology Corporation, a $16B global firm with 290,000 employees. From a charitable point of view he has served on the local boards of United Way, YMCA, Preservation Trust, Morikami Museum, Opera New England, Urban League and others. For recreation he enjoys racquet sports, sailing and other events with his wife, three children and four grandchildren.
“I’ve been impressed with UP since my first exposure in 2017. The whole approach of a Hand Up and not a Hand Out resonates with my philosophy. I’ve also been impressed with the STEP program and their approach to partnering with other groups rather than trying to be all things to all people. Thanks for the value you bring to our community.”
Brian Rubin
To learn more about the dedicated individuals who make up our board, click their image below.