We Are the Keystone Region
We are a non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing safe, structured and fun life-long volleyball experiences to our members
Region Office
Office hours vary by day, so appointments are recommended. The best way to reach a staff member is by emailing, results@krva.org. Please remember that fall and early winter are very busy times in the office. If your call goes over to voicemail, the staff is striving to return calls as soon as possible but the goal is within 24-48 hours. Emails are generally quicker and some requests require an email to the office.
Region Staff
Region staff are employees hired to carry out operations and the implement the policies set forth by the Board of Directors. For help or assistance, please contact the appropriate person.
Michelle Carlton
Executive Director – Commissioner || commissioner@krva.org
KRVA Experience:
Started as a parent in the region with a desire to become more involved in the local volleyball community. Initially served as the Girls’ Representative in 2005 before being elected Treasurer. Later, was elected Commissioner in 2012 and has proudly served in that role ever since, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to supporting players, families, officials and the continued growth of the region.
Areas of Oversight:
Budget & Financials, Partnerships & Sponsorships, Fundraising, Safesport, Insurance & Injury Reporting, Adult Volleyball Programs
Valerie Podczasy
Director of Operations || results@krva.org
KRVA Experience:
Played in the Region for seven years as a Junior Player before competing in NCAA Division I volleyball at Hofstra University. Later transferred to the University of South Alabama, where they completed their collegiate career. Returned to the Region in 2018 as an independent contractor and joined the staff as a full-time employee in 2019.
Areas of Oversight:
Junior Club Management, Member Management, Event Management, Facility Partnerships & Acquisition, Officials Support, Tournament Formatting & Scheduling, Results processing, Club-hosted Tournaments, Internal Logistics
Affiliations & Service:
Serves as Chair of the RVAA Atlantic Zone and is a member of the RVAA Administrative Council. Maintains the websites for the Bayou and Pioneer Regions. Scheduler and consultant to the Puget Sound and Rocky Mountain Regions.
Jill Forsythe
Director of Marketing – Region Services || Staff@krva.org
KRVA Experience:
Started as a parent in the Region with her two daughters. After a few years, she decided to give volleyball a try at her local community center and quickly discovered a passion for the sport. She joined the Region staff in 2022 and enjoys promoting the sport while connecting families and communities across Pennsylvania.
Areas of Oversight:
Newsletter, Social Media, Contests, Membership Services, Parent Support, and General Information.
Affiliations & Service:
Launched the Keystone Way Program
Support Staff
Promote healthy work-life balance by encouraging stretch breaks, lunchtime walks, and stress-relieving pet sessions.
Zulu
Director of Tail Operations
Maintains a positive workplace culture by providing unlimited tail wags, emotional support, and spontaneous moments of joy.
Lucy
Chief Treat Officer (CTO)
Oversees quality control of all treats, conducts daily snack inspections, and reminds staff that reward programs are essential to productivity.
Aries
Employee Wellness Coordinator
Keeps a close eye on daily office operations, supervises hallway traffic, and performs regular rounds to check on employee well-being.
About Us
USA Volleyball is the national governing body for the sport of volleyball and the parent organization to the men’s and women’s national teams. USAV’s involvement ranges from the highest level of international competition to grass roots competition.
USAV REGIONS AND MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS There are currently 40 regions throughout the United States. Each region is an independent, non-profit organization whose purpose is the promotion of volleyball competition at both the local and national levels. Keystone Region was established in 1982.
The Keystone Region encompasses the state of Pennsylvania. Our membership is growing every year and presently we have approximately 8,000 members. Members include adult players, youth players, coaches, referees, scorers and parents. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered with the state of Pennsylvania.
HOW TO JOIN USA VOLLEYBALL AND THE KEYSTONE REGION Yearly membership runs from September 1st through August 31st of the following year. Registration cost is $65 for a full membership for the entire year and includes both indoor and outdoor seasons.
RECORDS RETENTION AND DISPOSAL POLICY The Keystone Region retains critical records for a period of 7 years. Any records beyond that length of time are disposed of appropriately.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION To obtain a copy of our Articles of Incorporation, or 990 documentation, please contact the Region office directly.
The Region recognizes and adopts (for purposes of RVA activities and privileges) any penalties imposed by the USA Volleyball Ethics & Eligibility Committee.