Former CUMAC Executive Director Rev. Pat Bruger and her successor, Mark Dingalsan. Photo provided

CUMAC Names New Executive Director

July 5, 2017 | | GNJ News

PATERSON – CUMAC is pleased to announce Mark Dingalsan as the organization’s new Executive Director. An accomplished and committed leader with more than 15 years of experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Dingalsan brings an abundance of skills and knowledge to his new role.

Before joining CUMAC, Dingalsan was the Executive Director of CASA of Cook County, Illinois. He has also led corporate development and fundraising at Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization, a foundation started by The Honorable Ann Claire Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He has led teams in the areas of youth development, program management, sales, and strategic planning and received an MBA from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. In his spare time, Dinglasan is a marathon coach, youth mentor, and church volunteer and also hosts segments of GMA Network’s lifestyle magazine talk show, FilAM Now.

Dingalsan started his career in the nonprofit sector as a lay mission worker, building homes in the slums of the Philippines and leading youth programs in the U.S. Upon deciding to move back to New Jersey in late 2016, he immediately began searching for an organization with whom he shared similar values and beliefs. This search led him to

Dingalsan will succeed Rev. Pat Bruger, who has led the organization since 1991. Bruger announced her retirement in January 2016 and will conclude her term this month after 26 years with the organization. With Bruger at the helm, CUMAC has grown over the years from a small food pantry run out of a borrowed church closet to a multi-service agency serving thousands of neighbors in need every month.

“Our team will forever be grateful for Rev. Bruger’s leadership, which leaves us ready and poised to take CUMAC onward,” said Adrian Diaz, CUMAC Community Engagement Coordinator.

As CUMAC prepares for an exciting new chapter, Bruger is happy to see that the future is in great hands.

“In meeting with Mark I have been touched by his servant heart, experience and readiness for a new adventure,” said Bruger. “I along with all of the board and staff at CUMAC look forward to seeing how his vision and leadership guide the strategic goals for feeding people and changing lives for years to come.”

With Dingalsan’s enthusiasm, skills and experience, CUMAC is confident that he will help the organization’s mission reach new heights.

Presently, CUMAC is seeking plastic grocery bags to help pack food for neighbors in need as well as baby items such as baby food, formula and diapers to assist infants and families. Please consider helping to provide these essential resources by holding a collection or donating extra bags this month. Every donation can help feed a family in need. Email info@cumacecho.org or call (973)742-5518.