The board appointments support the nonprofit’s strategic growth and community commitment.
New Bethany, Inc. a local nonprofit that provides nutritious food access, housing and social services, announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Christina Chi Zhang, assistant professor of architecture at Lehigh University Department of Art, Architecture and Design, and R.J. Fisher, chief financial officer at CryoConcepts L.P.
“Christina’s expertise in community-centered architecture will be invaluable as we continue to develop spaces dedicated to our neighbors, and R.J. ’s background in nonprofit finance will help solidify the financial foundation of New Bethany as we expand our services,” said Marc Rittle, executive director of New Bethany. “Together, their skills will enhance our ability to serve the growing needs of our community.”
Zhang has been involved with New Bethany since she first moved to Bethlehem in September 2024. She co-founded Ideation Worldwide, a nonprofit through which she initiated and directed the construction of a refugee-run adult learning center in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. A graduate of the Yale School of Architecture’s master’s program, Zhang practiced architecture professionally at EFFEKT Arkitekter in Copenhagen, Studio MM Architect in New York City, Turner Brooks Architect in Connecticut and Atelier Deshaus in Shanghai. Additionally, Zhang received the American National Architecture Education 2025 Collaborative Practice Award for her community-build project, “Rammed-Earth Community Kitchen for a Deaf Immigrant Advocacy Farm,” and the American Institute of Architects’ 2023 Henry Adams Medal for Academic Excellence.
Fisher has more than a decade of nonprofit finance experience. Before joining CryoConcepts, Fisher served as the director of finance at Community Action Lehigh Valley. In addition to his professional roles, Fisher is actively involved in the community, serving as treasurer of the board for the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley and on the advisory board of Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. He has also volunteered with several organizations, including the Girl Scouts of America, Pennsylvania 4-H and other community sports programs. He holds a master’s degree in finance from Lehigh University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Albright College. In 2021, Fischer received Lehigh Valley Business’s Forty Under 40 Award.
With these additions, New Bethany’s board comprises 20 directors, each serving a three-year term.Meet New Bethany’s full Board of Directors at https://newbethany.org/our-board/.
