The Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust – Who We Are

Dana Brady, M.A.

Dana Brady has been a driving force behind the Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust (formerly the Laborers District Council Charity Fund) since its founding in 1999, first as a dedicated team member and now as its Executive Director and Scholarship Administrator. Having grown up under the mentorship of Samuel Staten, Sr.—the Trust’s namesake—and with a deep personal connection to Qaid, in whose memory the scholarship fund is established, Dana’s passion for the Trust runs deep. These personal ties fuel her unwavering commitment to advancing its mission.

With a Master’s in Public Communication from American University, Dana brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit development, public relations, labor organizations, and criminal justice. As a trusted consultant, she helps nonprofit organizations achieve their goals and has a profound impact on their growth. Dana also serves as a Professor of Communications, where she mentors and inspires the next generation of changemakers.

Dana's steadfast dedication to social justice, equality, and equity, coupled with her extensive expertise, makes her an invaluable leader in advancing the Trust's mission. Through her visionary leadership, she continues to empower communities, foster positive change, and ensure the Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust remains a lasting force for good in the lives of those it serves.

Perry N. Blackman, CPA

Perry N. Blackman, CPA, has been serving clients since 1983, leading a firm of accounting professionals that specializes in nonprofit, labor union, and Taft-Hartley Benefit Funds. With over 40 years of experience in tax, accounting, financial audits, and forensic accounting, Perry works with charities, unions, and for-profit companies, providing expert guidance in business valuations, financial matters, and tax planning.

A member of multiple professional organizations, including AICPA and PICPA, Perry has also served on the boards of several charitable and nonprofit groups. He was honored with a Gold Membership Card by the Laborers' International Union of North America in 2005 for his outstanding community service and support for organized labor.

Deeply connected to the legacy of Samuel Staten, Sr., Perry is especially committed to the Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust. Inspired by Mr. Staten’s mentorship and dedication to both organized labor and community, Perry actively supports the Trust’s mission to continue making a positive impact.

Jodi T. Blackman

Jodi T. Blackman has dedicated over 45 years to serving organized labor as an accountant. Her personal and professional relationship with Mr. Samuel Staten, Sr. has been a profound influence, inspiring her commitment to charitable giving and community service. As a devoted member of the Board of Trustees, Jodi works tirelessly to honor Mr. Staten's legacy, ensuring his memory lives on while demonstrating the vital role organized labor plays in strengthening our community. Through her leadership, she continues to prove that the charity is a powerful force for positive change, making a significant impact on those in need.

Joel Trigiani, Esq.

Joel Trigiani has practiced law since 1980, specializing in labor law for the Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia and Vicinity and Local 332. He handles contract negotiations, ERISA issues, and litigation for Taft-Hartley Funds, and has represented clients in federal and state courts on high-profile criminal and civil cases. A founding member and past President of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL), Joel also served on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Criminal Procedural Rules Committee.

Committed to honoring the legacy of Samuel Staten, Sr., Joel is proud to be part of the Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust. He continues to champion the belief, exemplified by Mr. Staten, that organized labor can make a lasting, positive impact on society. Joel is a graduate of Dickinson College and Delaware Law School and is admitted to practice in multiple federal courts.