Who's who at the
2022 conference
Kristin Backhaus, Dean, School of Business, SUNY- New Paltz
Kristin Backhaus has served as dean of the School of Business since April 2015, after serving as interim dean from 2014-2015. She also holds the rank of Professor of Management in the School of Business. She currently serves on the Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board and completed a two-year term as chair of the board in 2019.
Dr. Backhaus has published research in the areas of employer branding, cognitive/learning styles, and person-organization fit. She teaches courses in leadership, strategic management, and human resources.
Kris holds a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies from the University at Albany, a master's degree in student personnel administration from the University of Vermont, and a bachelor’s degree in literature and rhetoric from Binghamton University.
Kristin Backhaus has served as dean of the School of Business since April 2015, after serving as interim dean from 2014-2015. She also holds the rank of Professor of Management in the School of Business. She currently serves on the Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board and completed a two-year term as chair of the board in 2019.
Dr. Backhaus has published research in the areas of employer branding, cognitive/learning styles, and person-organization fit. She teaches courses in leadership, strategic management, and human resources.
Kris holds a doctorate in educational administration and policy studies from the University at Albany, a master's degree in student personnel administration from the University of Vermont, and a bachelor’s degree in literature and rhetoric from Binghamton University.
Aronté Bennett, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Villanova University
Dr. Aronté Bennett is the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and an Associate Professor of Marketing in Villanova University’s School of Business (VSB).She approaches the task of cultivating a more inclusive community through collaborative conversations, endeavoring to serve as an agent of positive agitation. In doing so, Dr. Bennett draws upon learnings from related service activities in the business school, across campus and to the wider field of marketing. Previously an advisor to an organization dedicated to multicultural students, she currently serves as a DEI liaison to the Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights, sits on Villanova University’s Campus DEI committee and is a member of the Society of Consumer Psychology’s Community Building Initiative. In all her campus activities, she strives to advance initiatives that promote a more inclusive academic community.
Dr. Bennett received her BS and MBA from Florida A&M University and her Ph.D. from New York University. She offers courses on market research and consumer behavior, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Her research focuses on marketplace access and vulnerable, with recent work on the ways that marketing systems can be leveraged to improve the wellbeing of immigrants, low-income consumers and underrepresented minorities. On occasion, she also examines the ways in which consumers perceive politicians and products. Findings from her research have been published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing and the International Marketing Review. Her paper, “Shopping While Nonwhite: Racial Discrimination in the Marketplace,” Ronald P. Hill and Kara Daddario, received the Journal of Consumer Affairs 2016 Best Paper Award.
Aronté is actively involved in local charities. She recently served as the President of The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc, a nonprofit organization with more than 300 active members, dedicated to the development of women and community improvement. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Fund for the Water Works, an organization dedicated to instilling an appreciation for the connections between daily life and the natural environment on the site of Fairmount Water Works, the nation’s first urban water supply system.
Dr. Aronté Bennett is the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and an Associate Professor of Marketing in Villanova University’s School of Business (VSB).She approaches the task of cultivating a more inclusive community through collaborative conversations, endeavoring to serve as an agent of positive agitation. In doing so, Dr. Bennett draws upon learnings from related service activities in the business school, across campus and to the wider field of marketing. Previously an advisor to an organization dedicated to multicultural students, she currently serves as a DEI liaison to the Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights, sits on Villanova University’s Campus DEI committee and is a member of the Society of Consumer Psychology’s Community Building Initiative. In all her campus activities, she strives to advance initiatives that promote a more inclusive academic community.
Dr. Bennett received her BS and MBA from Florida A&M University and her Ph.D. from New York University. She offers courses on market research and consumer behavior, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Her research focuses on marketplace access and vulnerable, with recent work on the ways that marketing systems can be leveraged to improve the wellbeing of immigrants, low-income consumers and underrepresented minorities. On occasion, she also examines the ways in which consumers perceive politicians and products. Findings from her research have been published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the Journal of Public Policy and Marketing and the International Marketing Review. Her paper, “Shopping While Nonwhite: Racial Discrimination in the Marketplace,” Ronald P. Hill and Kara Daddario, received the Journal of Consumer Affairs 2016 Best Paper Award.
Aronté is actively involved in local charities. She recently served as the President of The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc, a nonprofit organization with more than 300 active members, dedicated to the development of women and community improvement. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Fund for the Water Works, an organization dedicated to instilling an appreciation for the connections between daily life and the natural environment on the site of Fairmount Water Works, the nation’s first urban water supply system.
Stephanie Bryant, Executive VP and Global Chief Accreditation Officer, AACSB
As executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer for AACSB, Stephanie Bryant provides vision, leadership, and oversight of AACSB’s accreditation-related services and strategic direction for the organization. Under Bryant’s leadership, AACSB adopted the 2018 accounting accreditation standards and the 2020 business accreditation standards.
Before joining AACSB in 2017, Bryant served as dean of the College of Business at Missouri State University. During her tenure, enrollment grew to 5,500 students, making it one of the largest colleges of business at any public university in the Midwest. Previously, she was director of the University of South Florida’s School of Accountancy, overseeing a program of nearly 1,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral accounting students.
Bryant’s area of academic specialty is information technology security and control, and she has co-authored two textbooks and more than 30 academic articles. She is actively involved in civic and community activities, including Beta Alpha Psi and the American Accounting Association. Bryant received her PhD in accounting and BS in accounting from Louisiana State University and is a Louisiana CPA (inactive).
As executive vice president and global chief accreditation officer for AACSB, Stephanie Bryant provides vision, leadership, and oversight of AACSB’s accreditation-related services and strategic direction for the organization. Under Bryant’s leadership, AACSB adopted the 2018 accounting accreditation standards and the 2020 business accreditation standards.
Before joining AACSB in 2017, Bryant served as dean of the College of Business at Missouri State University. During her tenure, enrollment grew to 5,500 students, making it one of the largest colleges of business at any public university in the Midwest. Previously, she was director of the University of South Florida’s School of Accountancy, overseeing a program of nearly 1,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral accounting students.
Bryant’s area of academic specialty is information technology security and control, and she has co-authored two textbooks and more than 30 academic articles. She is actively involved in civic and community activities, including Beta Alpha Psi and the American Accounting Association. Bryant received her PhD in accounting and BS in accounting from Louisiana State University and is a Louisiana CPA (inactive).
Murray M. Dalziel, Dean, University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business
Murray M. Dalziel, is the twelfth dean of the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. A longtime business developer, thought leader and advisor to a number of top global companies’ senior executives, Dalziel came to UB in 2014 from the University of Liverpool, where he served as director of the Management School and led Liverpool through their initial accreditation for AACSB.
For nearly 20 years prior to Liverpool, Dalziel was Group Managing Director of Hay Group and in charge of Global Practices in the firm’s Philadelphia corporate headquarters. From 1991 he was a member of the Hay Group Executive team and served in a variety of senior leadership roles in Europe and North America.
In his nearly 30 years in professional services, Dalziel worked with large global clients in every continent on their key leadership and organization development issues. His most notable clients included Microsoft, Novartis, TD Bank Financial Group. He has also worked with companies such as Unilever, PepsiCo, IBM, BHP Billiton, ICI and General Electric. Dalziel is also actively involved with a number of North American and European venture capital funds on the development of emerging businesses.
Dean Dalziel has led two AACSB continuous improvement reviews at University of Baltimore in addition to serving as the AACSB mentor for Royal Holloway. He has served as consultant on AACSB accreditation to Solbridge Business School in South Kore and is a member of several major groups such as the international Advisory Board, School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, secretary, Board Mid-Atlantic Association of College of Business Administration, and is a member of 3 peer review teams.
Murray M. Dalziel, is the twelfth dean of the University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. A longtime business developer, thought leader and advisor to a number of top global companies’ senior executives, Dalziel came to UB in 2014 from the University of Liverpool, where he served as director of the Management School and led Liverpool through their initial accreditation for AACSB.
For nearly 20 years prior to Liverpool, Dalziel was Group Managing Director of Hay Group and in charge of Global Practices in the firm’s Philadelphia corporate headquarters. From 1991 he was a member of the Hay Group Executive team and served in a variety of senior leadership roles in Europe and North America.
In his nearly 30 years in professional services, Dalziel worked with large global clients in every continent on their key leadership and organization development issues. His most notable clients included Microsoft, Novartis, TD Bank Financial Group. He has also worked with companies such as Unilever, PepsiCo, IBM, BHP Billiton, ICI and General Electric. Dalziel is also actively involved with a number of North American and European venture capital funds on the development of emerging businesses.
Dean Dalziel has led two AACSB continuous improvement reviews at University of Baltimore in addition to serving as the AACSB mentor for Royal Holloway. He has served as consultant on AACSB accreditation to Solbridge Business School in South Kore and is a member of several major groups such as the international Advisory Board, School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, secretary, Board Mid-Atlantic Association of College of Business Administration, and is a member of 3 peer review teams.
Christine Dorfler, Chief Financial Officer, NBC Sports Group
Christine Dorfler was appointed CFO, NBC Sports Group, in April 2019. In her role, she is responsible for the financial oversight of NBC Sports Group, which includes NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, GOLF Channel, Olympic Channel, Sports on the USA Network and NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock, NBC Sports Digital, NBC Sports Betting and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine.
Previously, Dorfler served as CFO of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations since 2011. In that role, she managed the financial operations of 42 NBC and Telemundo local television stations and their subsidiary businesses. Prior to that, she served in finance roles with NBC New York and Telemundo New York; NBCU’s Digital Media group; USA and Syfy; and NBCUniversal Corporate finance.
Dorfler joined NBCU from GE, where she was a member of the Junior Officer Leadership Program, as well as the Financial Management Program. A United States Army Veteran who served four years as a Military Intelligence Officer, Dorfler supported NATO operations in Bosnia and Albania.
Dorfler graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University, where she was a four-year starter on the Division I Women’s Lacrosse team. She received her MBA from Drexel University, and serves as Vice Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Villanova University School of Business.
Christine Dorfler was appointed CFO, NBC Sports Group, in April 2019. In her role, she is responsible for the financial oversight of NBC Sports Group, which includes NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, GOLF Channel, Olympic Channel, Sports on the USA Network and NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock, NBC Sports Digital, NBC Sports Betting and two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine.
Previously, Dorfler served as CFO of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations since 2011. In that role, she managed the financial operations of 42 NBC and Telemundo local television stations and their subsidiary businesses. Prior to that, she served in finance roles with NBC New York and Telemundo New York; NBCU’s Digital Media group; USA and Syfy; and NBCUniversal Corporate finance.
Dorfler joined NBCU from GE, where she was a member of the Junior Officer Leadership Program, as well as the Financial Management Program. A United States Army Veteran who served four years as a Military Intelligence Officer, Dorfler supported NATO operations in Bosnia and Albania.
Dorfler graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villanova University, where she was a four-year starter on the Division I Women’s Lacrosse team. She received her MBA from Drexel University, and serves as Vice Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Villanova University School of Business.
Terrill Drake, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Harvard Business School
Terrill Drake is the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Harvard Business School and Founder of the HBS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As a member of the senior leadership team, Terrill oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for inclusive excellence throughout the HBS community of faculty, staff, and students, as well as with alumni and other constituents across HBS and beyond. He works closely with the School’s leadership on strategic planning, programming, training, curriculum development, and recruiting and hiring. Additionally, Terrill builds on the work of the School’s Racial Equity Plan to focus on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging around race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, and age.
Terrill brings nearly two decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion; event, program and project management; marketing; and operational management. Prior to joining HBS, Terrill was Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Head Diversity Officer at the Villanova School of Business where he was responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to cultivate an inclusive environment aimed at enhancing the sense of belonging amongst faculty, staff, and students in addition to oversight of external relations, programs and events, data efforts, Dean’s Office Operations, and a number of other strategic priorities. He also previously served as Executive Director, Diversity Initiatives and Executive Director, Smith Programs and Events at the University of Maryland Smith School of Business.
Terrill serves on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ Innovation Committee, the Steering Committee for the AACSB Diversity & Inclusion Affinity Group and the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania Board of Directors.
Terrill holds a BS in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics and an MBA from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business.
Terrill Drake is the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Harvard Business School and Founder of the HBS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As a member of the senior leadership team, Terrill oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for inclusive excellence throughout the HBS community of faculty, staff, and students, as well as with alumni and other constituents across HBS and beyond. He works closely with the School’s leadership on strategic planning, programming, training, curriculum development, and recruiting and hiring. Additionally, Terrill builds on the work of the School’s Racial Equity Plan to focus on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging around race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, and age.
Terrill brings nearly two decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion; event, program and project management; marketing; and operational management. Prior to joining HBS, Terrill was Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Head Diversity Officer at the Villanova School of Business where he was responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to cultivate an inclusive environment aimed at enhancing the sense of belonging amongst faculty, staff, and students in addition to oversight of external relations, programs and events, data efforts, Dean’s Office Operations, and a number of other strategic priorities. He also previously served as Executive Director, Diversity Initiatives and Executive Director, Smith Programs and Events at the University of Maryland Smith School of Business.
Terrill serves on the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ Innovation Committee, the Steering Committee for the AACSB Diversity & Inclusion Affinity Group and the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania Board of Directors.
Terrill holds a BS in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Bryan School of Business and Economics and an MBA from the University of Maryland Smith School of Business.
Gary Fitzgerald, Education Account Executive, The Wall Street Journal.
Gary Fitzgerald is Education Account Executive at The Wall Street Journal. He works with colleges and universities that would like to bring WSJ digital memberships to their students, faculty and staff.
Gary Fitzgerald is Education Account Executive at The Wall Street Journal. He works with colleges and universities that would like to bring WSJ digital memberships to their students, faculty and staff.
- Chris Gheysens, President and CEO of Wawa
- Chris Gheysens is President and CEO of Wawa, a chain of more than 950 convenience stores located in five Mid-Atlantic States, Florida and Washington, DC. Wawa is a family and associate-owned, privately-held company with more than 40,000 Wawa associates providing convenient and friendly experiences for over 1.6 million customers every day. Wawa ranks 29th on Forbes’ annual ranking of Largest Privately Held Companies, ranks 12th on the 2021 Halo 100 List, ranks 33rd Nation’s Restaurant News 200 Largest Restaurant Chain in America and ranks among the top ten largest Employee Stock Ownership Plans in the country.
Chris graduated from the Villanova University School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in 1993. He obtained his Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University and was a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. He graduated from Saint Augustine Preparatory School located in Richland, New Jersey. In 2019, Chris was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University.
Chris serves on the WSFS Bank Board of Directors since 2017. Also, in 2017, he joined The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Board of Trustees and in 2020 was appointed as the Chairman of the Board. He joined the Villanova University Board of Trustees in 2021, previously chairing the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Villanova School of Business.
Missy Gutkowski, Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning
Missy Gutkowski is the Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning at Bucknell University’s Freeman College of Management Center for Experiential Learning, where they believe real learning comes from real experiences. Missy, along with faculty and staff empowers students to innovate and experiment by immersing them in a variety of organizational landscapes. Her leadership and programming have provided opportunities for students to explore Silicon Valley, step onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, innovate with top minds in NYC advertising and enjoy coffee with CEOs from firms around the globe.
Missy prides herself on multitasking in a fast-paced environment while producing high-quality results to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of students, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and external constituents. Field trips, student club development, guest speaker appearances, mentorship opportunities, summits, and case competitions fall under Missy’s responsibilities. She is known as incredibly caring and dedicated to all the students that she works with and is extremely passionate about the programming that she creates.
Missy started her career in social services as a workforce case manager engaging with adults. She was quickly promoted to oversee a workforce development site, CareerLink, in Pennsylvania. Her time in higher education started at Bucknell’s Career Center where she built and strengthened externship and field trip/industry programs as well as provided career counseling for students.
Ms. Gutkowski majored in Sociology at Susquehanna University and has a Masters in Social Work degree from Marywood University. She has experience working with individuals from varied backgrounds, socio-economic classes, opinions, and experiences.
Missy married her high school sweetheart, Andy. They live in Lewisburg with their two children Josie, Viktor, and their dog, Rocky. Her family loves baseball and softball. When not on campus, Missy can be found assisting with sports practices and games, attending dance recitals, or volunteering for local nonprofit boards and organizations.
Missy Gutkowski is the Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning at Bucknell University’s Freeman College of Management Center for Experiential Learning, where they believe real learning comes from real experiences. Missy, along with faculty and staff empowers students to innovate and experiment by immersing them in a variety of organizational landscapes. Her leadership and programming have provided opportunities for students to explore Silicon Valley, step onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, innovate with top minds in NYC advertising and enjoy coffee with CEOs from firms around the globe.
Missy prides herself on multitasking in a fast-paced environment while producing high-quality results to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of students, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and external constituents. Field trips, student club development, guest speaker appearances, mentorship opportunities, summits, and case competitions fall under Missy’s responsibilities. She is known as incredibly caring and dedicated to all the students that she works with and is extremely passionate about the programming that she creates.
Missy started her career in social services as a workforce case manager engaging with adults. She was quickly promoted to oversee a workforce development site, CareerLink, in Pennsylvania. Her time in higher education started at Bucknell’s Career Center where she built and strengthened externship and field trip/industry programs as well as provided career counseling for students.
Ms. Gutkowski majored in Sociology at Susquehanna University and has a Masters in Social Work degree from Marywood University. She has experience working with individuals from varied backgrounds, socio-economic classes, opinions, and experiences.
Missy married her high school sweetheart, Andy. They live in Lewisburg with their two children Josie, Viktor, and their dog, Rocky. Her family loves baseball and softball. When not on campus, Missy can be found assisting with sports practices and games, attending dance recitals, or volunteering for local nonprofit boards and organizations.
Katherine Henderson, Associate Director Business School Academic Partnerships, ETS
Kathy Henderson is the Associate Director of Business School Partnerships at ETS serving Eastern USA and Canada and representing the GRE, TOEFL and the Major Field Tests. Kathy has 20+ years of experience working with Business Schools throughout the country on content integration, Assurance of Learning (AoL) and more recently admissions and enrollment strategies in the Graduate Management Education space.
She has represented brands such as: Bloomberg, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal and The American Psychological Association. Kathy has been a long-time supporter of MAACBA and its mission.
Kathy Henderson is the Associate Director of Business School Partnerships at ETS serving Eastern USA and Canada and representing the GRE, TOEFL and the Major Field Tests. Kathy has 20+ years of experience working with Business Schools throughout the country on content integration, Assurance of Learning (AoL) and more recently admissions and enrollment strategies in the Graduate Management Education space.
She has represented brands such as: Bloomberg, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal and The American Psychological Association. Kathy has been a long-time supporter of MAACBA and its mission.
Stephen Kelly, Professor of the Practice, Villanova School of Business
Stephen joined the faculty of Villanova University in 2018 as a Professor of the Practice in the Villanova School of Business (VSB). Steve is a member of the Management Department, and he specializes in Strategy. Prior to Villanova, Steve was with McKinsey & Company for 20+ years where he was a Senior Partner based in Philadelphia. He played a variety of leadership roles in McKinsey’s Financial Services Practice, Healthcare Practice, and in Digital McKinsey.
Steve was the managing partner of the Philadelphia Office for five years, and he led McKinsey’s relationship with the Wharton School of Business for nine years. Steve served a wide range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies, to fast-growing technology firms, to large public sector institutions. Steve’s client service covered many topics including strategy, growth, innovation, distribution, technology strategy, and digital transformation. Steve currently serves on the Board of Directors of Direct Line Global, a company based in Silicon Valley focused on cloud computing infrastructure. Steve serves on the Board of Trustees of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he chairs the Nominating and Board Resources Committee, and he serves as a Trustee of the College Foundation of the University of Virginia. Steve received his JD from Harvard Law School in 1997, and his BA from the University of Virginia in 1994 majoring in Economics and Government.
Stephen joined the faculty of Villanova University in 2018 as a Professor of the Practice in the Villanova School of Business (VSB). Steve is a member of the Management Department, and he specializes in Strategy. Prior to Villanova, Steve was with McKinsey & Company for 20+ years where he was a Senior Partner based in Philadelphia. He played a variety of leadership roles in McKinsey’s Financial Services Practice, Healthcare Practice, and in Digital McKinsey.
Steve was the managing partner of the Philadelphia Office for five years, and he led McKinsey’s relationship with the Wharton School of Business for nine years. Steve served a wide range of clients, from Fortune 100 companies, to fast-growing technology firms, to large public sector institutions. Steve’s client service covered many topics including strategy, growth, innovation, distribution, technology strategy, and digital transformation. Steve currently serves on the Board of Directors of Direct Line Global, a company based in Silicon Valley focused on cloud computing infrastructure. Steve serves on the Board of Trustees of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, where he chairs the Nominating and Board Resources Committee, and he serves as a Trustee of the College Foundation of the University of Virginia. Steve received his JD from Harvard Law School in 1997, and his BA from the University of Virginia in 1994 majoring in Economics and Government.
Ana Kyper, Senior Director of GME Prep and Readiness at GMAC
Ana Kyper is the Senior Director of GME Prep and Readiness at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With more than 20+ years in product development, Ana is focused on developing new tools to help candidates as they prepare for business school. Most importantly, her goal is to engage and excite candidates as they plan for their business school journey. Ana leads the GMAT and Executive Assessment preparation team, as well as the newly launched, Business Fundamentals powered by Kaplan.
Ana Kyper is the Senior Director of GME Prep and Readiness at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With more than 20+ years in product development, Ana is focused on developing new tools to help candidates as they prepare for business school. Most importantly, her goal is to engage and excite candidates as they plan for their business school journey. Ana leads the GMAT and Executive Assessment preparation team, as well as the newly launched, Business Fundamentals powered by Kaplan.
Lei Lei, Dean of Rutgers Business School
Lei Lei received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin (Madison). Her research expertise includes supply chain network design and optimization, operations planning, scheduling, process recovery after disruptions, demand-supply planning, and resource allocation optimization. Lei has many refereed publications which have appeared in leading journals such as Management Science, INFORMS Journal on Computing, Interfaces, IIE Transactions, European Journal of Operations Research, Journal of Operational Research Society, and Naval Research Logistics. She is a recipient of multiple best professor awards at Rutgers Business School and was listed in Business Week as one of the two Most Popular Business Professors at Rutgers University. She was nominated for the U.S. Professor of the Year in 2010, recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ in 2015, and selected as an ROI Influencer/Difference Maker: People of Color in 2020 and as a Women in Business Influencer in 2022 by ROI-NJ.com. Lei was named the founding chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences (SCMMS) at Rutgers in 2008 and became the Dean of Rutgers Business School in January 2015.
Lei Lei received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin (Madison). Her research expertise includes supply chain network design and optimization, operations planning, scheduling, process recovery after disruptions, demand-supply planning, and resource allocation optimization. Lei has many refereed publications which have appeared in leading journals such as Management Science, INFORMS Journal on Computing, Interfaces, IIE Transactions, European Journal of Operations Research, Journal of Operational Research Society, and Naval Research Logistics. She is a recipient of multiple best professor awards at Rutgers Business School and was listed in Business Week as one of the two Most Popular Business Professors at Rutgers University. She was nominated for the U.S. Professor of the Year in 2010, recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by NJBIZ in 2015, and selected as an ROI Influencer/Difference Maker: People of Color in 2020 and as a Women in Business Influencer in 2022 by ROI-NJ.com. Lei was named the founding chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management and Marketing Sciences (SCMMS) at Rutgers in 2008 and became the Dean of Rutgers Business School in January 2015.
Kirk McDonald, CEO of GroupM, North America
One of the “50 vital leaders in tech, media, and marketing,” according to Adweek, Kirk is the CEO of GroupM North America where he leads 6,500 people passionate about shaping the next era of media where advertising works better for people. A member of GroupM’s Global Leadership Team, Kirk is a key player in championing GroupM’s strategy to work with agency and GroupM leadership in the region to use its scale in providing more powerful and effective solutions for clients through the development of technology-enabled services. With $15.5 billion in media investment billings across the U.S. and Canada, GroupM owns a 22% market share in the world’s largest region.
Kirk is particularly driven to help GroupM lead the way in driving real change across the industry focusing on increasing representation with clients and talent; as well as finding a new balance of making advertising less interruptive and a valued part of the media experience. He also believes that as the desire for brands to play their part in leading the way toward real change grows stronger, GroupM is the one to help clients be authentic and bold at this moment.
As North America CEO, Kirk unveiled its media education arm in North America, GroupM University, to attract, develop, retain, and reward employees, by making learning part of their core employee experience, creating a learning environment where the best talent in the industry has the opportunity to grow professionally and thrive in their careers at GroupM.
Kirk served as the Global CEO of Choreograph and was responsible for launching WPP’s global data company which brought together over 700 technologists, product developers, and data scientists. Kirk and Choreograph focused on helping marketers and brands realize the value of their first-party data in the fast-changing data landscape. Kirk joined GroupM from WarnerMedia’s Xandr where he most recently served as Chief Business Officer in charge of the go-to-market functions including sales, communications, product marketing, and marketing strategy/execution after holding the role of Chief Marketing Officer for nearly two years.
One of the “50 vital leaders in tech, media, and marketing,” according to Adweek, Kirk is the CEO of GroupM North America where he leads 6,500 people passionate about shaping the next era of media where advertising works better for people. A member of GroupM’s Global Leadership Team, Kirk is a key player in championing GroupM’s strategy to work with agency and GroupM leadership in the region to use its scale in providing more powerful and effective solutions for clients through the development of technology-enabled services. With $15.5 billion in media investment billings across the U.S. and Canada, GroupM owns a 22% market share in the world’s largest region.
Kirk is particularly driven to help GroupM lead the way in driving real change across the industry focusing on increasing representation with clients and talent; as well as finding a new balance of making advertising less interruptive and a valued part of the media experience. He also believes that as the desire for brands to play their part in leading the way toward real change grows stronger, GroupM is the one to help clients be authentic and bold at this moment.
As North America CEO, Kirk unveiled its media education arm in North America, GroupM University, to attract, develop, retain, and reward employees, by making learning part of their core employee experience, creating a learning environment where the best talent in the industry has the opportunity to grow professionally and thrive in their careers at GroupM.
Kirk served as the Global CEO of Choreograph and was responsible for launching WPP’s global data company which brought together over 700 technologists, product developers, and data scientists. Kirk and Choreograph focused on helping marketers and brands realize the value of their first-party data in the fast-changing data landscape. Kirk joined GroupM from WarnerMedia’s Xandr where he most recently served as Chief Business Officer in charge of the go-to-market functions including sales, communications, product marketing, and marketing strategy/execution after holding the role of Chief Marketing Officer for nearly two years.
Emily McMahon, AVP Digital Marketing
Emily McMahon brings 10+ years of higher education marketing expertise focused on utilizing SEO, UX, analytics, and down-funnel conversion tactics. With both in-house and agency experience in higher education, she specializes in leveraging data-driven digital strategies to help universities drive enrollment and grow their brands. McMahon holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Communication and Spanish and an emphasis in Advocacy from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, an MBA from Illinois State University, and a certificate in Data Analytics from Cornell University..
Emily McMahon brings 10+ years of higher education marketing expertise focused on utilizing SEO, UX, analytics, and down-funnel conversion tactics. With both in-house and agency experience in higher education, she specializes in leveraging data-driven digital strategies to help universities drive enrollment and grow their brands. McMahon holds a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Communication and Spanish and an emphasis in Advocacy from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, an MBA from Illinois State University, and a certificate in Data Analytics from Cornell University..
Amy Milligan, Assistant Dean for Curriculum, Accreditation and Student Services College of Business at Stony Brook University
Amy Milligan is Assistant Dean for Curriculum, Accreditation and Student Services and an active member of the faculty teaching courses in leadership and organizational behavior in the College of Business at Stony Brook University. She serves on the SUNY Business Deans DEI Committee, the College of Business DEI Committee and will be one of the DEI trainers on campus.
Amy Milligan is Assistant Dean for Curriculum, Accreditation and Student Services and an active member of the faculty teaching courses in leadership and organizational behavior in the College of Business at Stony Brook University. She serves on the SUNY Business Deans DEI Committee, the College of Business DEI Committee and will be one of the DEI trainers on campus.
Jill Gugino Panté, Director of the Lerner Career Services Center, University of Delaware
Jill Gugino Panté currently serves as the Director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware.She has been at the University of Delaware for over 15 years and was at Drexel University for 2 years prior. She has her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Dayton and her Master’s in Education in Counseling in Higher Education from the University of Delaware. Jill served in the Peace Corps in Micronesia from 1999-2001 as a Health Education Volunteer. After her service, she traveled the world and returned to the United States to serve as a leader in an AmeriCorps VISTA program for one year, recruiting and training other volunteers to set up mentoring programs in K-12 schools in Delaware. In addition to managing the Lerner Career Services Center, Ms. Pante also teaches MBA and business undergraduate courses covering topics around career agility, branding, communication and the entrepreneurial mindset. She has authored several articles on LinkedIn, Resume and the Job Search Process as well as provided expert commentary on professional development articles in The Muse, Readers Digest, Forbes and Fast Company.
Jill Gugino Panté currently serves as the Director of the Lerner Career Services Center at the University of Delaware.She has been at the University of Delaware for over 15 years and was at Drexel University for 2 years prior. She has her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Dayton and her Master’s in Education in Counseling in Higher Education from the University of Delaware. Jill served in the Peace Corps in Micronesia from 1999-2001 as a Health Education Volunteer. After her service, she traveled the world and returned to the United States to serve as a leader in an AmeriCorps VISTA program for one year, recruiting and training other volunteers to set up mentoring programs in K-12 schools in Delaware. In addition to managing the Lerner Career Services Center, Ms. Pante also teaches MBA and business undergraduate courses covering topics around career agility, branding, communication and the entrepreneurial mindset. She has authored several articles on LinkedIn, Resume and the Job Search Process as well as provided expert commentary on professional development articles in The Muse, Readers Digest, Forbes and Fast Company.
Elisabeth Parker, Employer Relations Associate, Rohrer College of Business Center for Professional Development
Elisabeth Parker joined the Center for Professional Development at the William G. Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University in 2019 as the Employer Relations Associate. Prior to joining the team at Rowan, Elisabeth served as a Director of Internal Operations for a local hospitality group. Previous roles in human resources and event coordinating included Macy’s Herald Square Offices, Insight Workforce Solutions, and Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet.
Elisabeth is active on a number of professional development committees, is the founding advisor for the student club, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Business and currently serves as an adjunct professor for RCB Career Curriculum. Elisabeth resides in Merchantville, NJ with her husband, one year old son and dog.
Elisabeth Parker joined the Center for Professional Development at the William G. Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University in 2019 as the Employer Relations Associate. Prior to joining the team at Rowan, Elisabeth served as a Director of Internal Operations for a local hospitality group. Previous roles in human resources and event coordinating included Macy’s Herald Square Offices, Insight Workforce Solutions, and Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet.
Elisabeth is active on a number of professional development committees, is the founding advisor for the student club, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Business and currently serves as an adjunct professor for RCB Career Curriculum. Elisabeth resides in Merchantville, NJ with her husband, one year old son and dog.
Ashley Rippey, Executive Director of Business Career Center, PSU Smeal College of Business
Ashley Rippey is the Executive Director of Business Career Center (BCC) at Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business. The BCC provides career coaching and professional development training to Smeal undergraduate and graduate students while additionally building employer connections and hosting recruiting events specifically for those studying business. The BCC also hosts a 1-credit, non-required, career course for undergraduates that mimics the recruitment process and has been proven to produce more positive post-graduate outcomes. Ashley earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from The University of Scranton and Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations from Penn State.
Ashley Rippey is the Executive Director of Business Career Center (BCC) at Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business. The BCC provides career coaching and professional development training to Smeal undergraduate and graduate students while additionally building employer connections and hosting recruiting events specifically for those studying business. The BCC also hosts a 1-credit, non-required, career course for undergraduates that mimics the recruitment process and has been proven to produce more positive post-graduate outcomes. Ashley earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from The University of Scranton and Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations from Penn State.
Blane Ruschak, President of the KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc.
Blane Ruschak attended Rutgers College in New Jersey and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics in 1980. He subsequently attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received a Masters in Accounting degree in 1982. After graduation, he began his career in the audit department of the KPMG Honolulu office where he serviced clients in the healthcare, non profit, real estate, agribusiness and hospitality industries. From 1988-1989, he participated in a 2 year rotational program in KPMG’s national training center in Montvale New Jersey where he was responsible for the development and instruction of numerous KPMG assurance courses. Upon his return to the Honolulu office, Blane assumed the responsibility of Primary Recruiter for the office in addition to servicing his assurance clients in the hospital and hospitality industries. In 1994, Blane transferred to the KPMG Long Beach office to assist with the Southern California Health care assurance and consulting practice. In 1997, Blane transferred to the Los Angeles office where he assumed the Director of College Recruiting position for the Pacific Southwest area where he was responsible for the hiring of all entry level Assurance and Tax department personnel. In 2000, Blane assumed the role of National Director of Campus Recruiting as part of the KPMG National Recruiting team in Montvale, New Jersey. In 2008, Blane assumed the role of Executive Director for Campus Recruiting and University Relations where he oversees all of the intern and entry level hiring for KPMG’s audit, tax and advisory practices including MBA as well as their University Relations Program.
Effective January 1, 2020, Blane assumed the role of the President of the KPMG US Foundation Inc and the PhD Project and is based in the Montvale, NJ office of KPMG. Effective October 1, 2021, Blane transitioned to full-time support of The PhD Project.
He served as the Beta Alpha Psi President and has previously served on the BOD as the Professional Partners Chair. He served on the Board of the Accounting Program Leadership Group (APLG), the Federation of Schools of Accounting (FSA) Board of Directors, the AICPA Pre-certification Executive Education Committee (PcEEC) and the Pathways Commission. He was recently elected to serve on the Board of Beta Gamma Sigma and continues to serve on the Board of the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA).
Finneran Pavilion
Blane Ruschak attended Rutgers College in New Jersey and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics in 1980. He subsequently attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received a Masters in Accounting degree in 1982. After graduation, he began his career in the audit department of the KPMG Honolulu office where he serviced clients in the healthcare, non profit, real estate, agribusiness and hospitality industries. From 1988-1989, he participated in a 2 year rotational program in KPMG’s national training center in Montvale New Jersey where he was responsible for the development and instruction of numerous KPMG assurance courses. Upon his return to the Honolulu office, Blane assumed the responsibility of Primary Recruiter for the office in addition to servicing his assurance clients in the hospital and hospitality industries. In 1994, Blane transferred to the KPMG Long Beach office to assist with the Southern California Health care assurance and consulting practice. In 1997, Blane transferred to the Los Angeles office where he assumed the Director of College Recruiting position for the Pacific Southwest area where he was responsible for the hiring of all entry level Assurance and Tax department personnel. In 2000, Blane assumed the role of National Director of Campus Recruiting as part of the KPMG National Recruiting team in Montvale, New Jersey. In 2008, Blane assumed the role of Executive Director for Campus Recruiting and University Relations where he oversees all of the intern and entry level hiring for KPMG’s audit, tax and advisory practices including MBA as well as their University Relations Program.
Effective January 1, 2020, Blane assumed the role of the President of the KPMG US Foundation Inc and the PhD Project and is based in the Montvale, NJ office of KPMG. Effective October 1, 2021, Blane transitioned to full-time support of The PhD Project.
He served as the Beta Alpha Psi President and has previously served on the BOD as the Professional Partners Chair. He served on the Board of the Accounting Program Leadership Group (APLG), the Federation of Schools of Accounting (FSA) Board of Directors, the AICPA Pre-certification Executive Education Committee (PcEEC) and the Pathways Commission. He was recently elected to serve on the Board of Beta Gamma Sigma and continues to serve on the Board of the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA).
Finneran Pavilion
Joyce Russell, The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business
Joyce serves as The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business (VSB) and Professor of Management. In this role, she serves as the chief executive, academic and fiscal officer for VSB. She is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and has launched numerous programs to enhance the diversity of faculty, staff, and students in VSB as well as programs designed for middle and high school girls and diverse students to aspire to education and careers in business.
Dr. Russell was recently honored with the Pat Flynn Distinguished Woman in Business Education Award by the AACSB International affinity group, Women Administrators in Management Education (WAME). WAME is dedicated to working towards greater representation of women in business school leadership positions. She is a licensed industrial and organizational psychologist, and her expertise is in the areas of leadership and management development, negotiation tactics, executive coaching and change management. Dr. Russell writes a monthly column for Forbes.com on leadership and career development.
Prior to joining VSB, Russell served as both Senior Associate Dean and Vice Dean at the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Robert H. Smith School of Business. Prior to joining UMD, Russell was a tenured full professor in the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee.
Dean Russell has published more than 50 articles, books, or book chapters, and has presented her research at national and regional conferences. She served as the associate editor for the Journal of Vocational Behavior, and on the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Psychology, Human Resource Management Review and Performance Improvement Quarterly. She received her PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron, Ohio, and her BA degree in Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland.
Joyce serves as The Helen and William O’Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business (VSB) and Professor of Management. In this role, she serves as the chief executive, academic and fiscal officer for VSB. She is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and has launched numerous programs to enhance the diversity of faculty, staff, and students in VSB as well as programs designed for middle and high school girls and diverse students to aspire to education and careers in business.
Dr. Russell was recently honored with the Pat Flynn Distinguished Woman in Business Education Award by the AACSB International affinity group, Women Administrators in Management Education (WAME). WAME is dedicated to working towards greater representation of women in business school leadership positions. She is a licensed industrial and organizational psychologist, and her expertise is in the areas of leadership and management development, negotiation tactics, executive coaching and change management. Dr. Russell writes a monthly column for Forbes.com on leadership and career development.
Prior to joining VSB, Russell served as both Senior Associate Dean and Vice Dean at the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Robert H. Smith School of Business. Prior to joining UMD, Russell was a tenured full professor in the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee.
Dean Russell has published more than 50 articles, books, or book chapters, and has presented her research at national and regional conferences. She served as the associate editor for the Journal of Vocational Behavior, and on the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Psychology, Human Resource Management Review and Performance Improvement Quarterly. She received her PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron, Ohio, and her BA degree in Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland.
Amie Ryno, Director of the Rohrer College of Business Center for Professional Development
Amie Ryno currently serves as the Director of the Center for Professional Development at the William G. Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University. She came to Rowan in 2016 to open the Center for Professional Development and has built an office where business students can engage in professional development, career preparedness training and employer engagement.
Prior to joining the team at Rowan, Amie spent 10 years working in the corporate sector as the head of University Relations at Comcast NBCUniversal and at Lincoln Financial Group serving in various roles over the course of six years, mostly in talent management. Other positions include working within the Career Center at Saint Joseph’s University where she developed a passion for assisting students on their career journey. She is active on a number of professional development committees and a member of the Women’s ACE Network at Rowan University and outside organizations such as NACE, EACE and SHRM. Amie resides in Moorestown, NJ with her husband and two sons.
Amie Ryno currently serves as the Director of the Center for Professional Development at the William G. Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University. She came to Rowan in 2016 to open the Center for Professional Development and has built an office where business students can engage in professional development, career preparedness training and employer engagement.
Prior to joining the team at Rowan, Amie spent 10 years working in the corporate sector as the head of University Relations at Comcast NBCUniversal and at Lincoln Financial Group serving in various roles over the course of six years, mostly in talent management. Other positions include working within the Career Center at Saint Joseph’s University where she developed a passion for assisting students on their career journey. She is active on a number of professional development committees and a member of the Women’s ACE Network at Rowan University and outside organizations such as NACE, EACE and SHRM. Amie resides in Moorestown, NJ with her husband and two sons.
Mark Schild, Assistant Dean & Instructor of Finance, Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University
Mark joined Seton Hall in 2016 as an adjunct and became a full-time instructor in finance and an assistant dean at the Stillman School of Business in 2017. His teaching interests are in investments and finance and his primary interest is in helping students set a path for success that lasts well beyond their time at SHU. He completed his MBA at Seton Hall, concentrating in finance. Mark spent over 30 years working for traditional wire-house firms (both Drexel and Smith Barney) but the bulk of his career owning an independent brokerage and investment advisory firm. The focus of his research is on the significant changes past, present and future in the financial services and investment advisory industries. He co-chairs the university-wide committee on experiential learning. In addition to his MBA from Seton Hall, Mark has his CFP designation from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BS from Tulane University.
Mark joined Seton Hall in 2016 as an adjunct and became a full-time instructor in finance and an assistant dean at the Stillman School of Business in 2017. His teaching interests are in investments and finance and his primary interest is in helping students set a path for success that lasts well beyond their time at SHU. He completed his MBA at Seton Hall, concentrating in finance. Mark spent over 30 years working for traditional wire-house firms (both Drexel and Smith Barney) but the bulk of his career owning an independent brokerage and investment advisory firm. The focus of his research is on the significant changes past, present and future in the financial services and investment advisory industries. He co-chairs the university-wide committee on experiential learning. In addition to his MBA from Seton Hall, Mark has his CFP designation from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a BS from Tulane University.
Steve Shriberg, Director of Consulting Services, Eduvantis
Steve Shriberg is Director of Consulting Services at Eduvantis.Steve has been with Eduvantis for over 8 years, helping business schools to develop enrollment growth strategies, capture new markets, gain market share, and design more effective product, marketing and recruitment models to enhance competitive standing. Among Steve’s many clients have been leading institutions such as The Wharton School, The Kellogg School of Management, the Owen School of Business at Vanderbilt University, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Steve has BA and MA degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, and prior to Eduvantis gained 10+ years of marketing and international education experience working at agencies and universities, both domestically and internationally.
Steve Shriberg is Director of Consulting Services at Eduvantis.Steve has been with Eduvantis for over 8 years, helping business schools to develop enrollment growth strategies, capture new markets, gain market share, and design more effective product, marketing and recruitment models to enhance competitive standing. Among Steve’s many clients have been leading institutions such as The Wharton School, The Kellogg School of Management, the Owen School of Business at Vanderbilt University, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Steve has BA and MA degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, and prior to Eduvantis gained 10+ years of marketing and international education experience working at agencies and universities, both domestically and internationally.
Terri Smith, Campus Recruiter, BDO USA
Terri Smith has been a campus recruiter with BDO USA since August 2021. She manages recruiting programs for BDO offices in Philly, Wilmington, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Prior to joining BDO, she worked at Rutgers University-Camden for 7 years as the Employer Relations Manager in the Career Center as well as a part-time lecturer for the School of Business, teaching Business Communications and Organizational Behavior.
Additionally, she served as the Volunteer Programs Manager at the Philadelphia Zoo where she was responsible for all aspects of human resources for 500+ volunteers and over 200 interns annually. Further previous experience includes several positions within non-profit organizations and retail management. Terri lives in Somerdale, NJ with her long-term boyfriend, dog, and 2 cats.
Terri Smith has been a campus recruiter with BDO USA since August 2021. She manages recruiting programs for BDO offices in Philly, Wilmington, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Prior to joining BDO, she worked at Rutgers University-Camden for 7 years as the Employer Relations Manager in the Career Center as well as a part-time lecturer for the School of Business, teaching Business Communications and Organizational Behavior.
Additionally, she served as the Volunteer Programs Manager at the Philadelphia Zoo where she was responsible for all aspects of human resources for 500+ volunteers and over 200 interns annually. Further previous experience includes several positions within non-profit organizations and retail management. Terri lives in Somerdale, NJ with her long-term boyfriend, dog, and 2 cats.
Brenda Schuck Stover, Assistant Dean, O’Donnell Center for Professional Development – School of Business, Villanova University
Brenda Stover has proudly served Villanova University for 30 years. Currently, she leads the Villanova School of Business (VSB) O’Donnell Center for Professional Development and is a member of the Clay Center at VSB (undergraduate student services center) leadership team. She manages a team that delivers the Backpack-to-Briefcase professional development curriculum, drives experiential education efforts, produces career education and networking programs, offers a corporate sponsorship program, provides guidance to 30+ student business societies, and facilitates the VSB Mentor Program. Brenda serves as VSB’s liaison to the Villanova University Career Center.
Brenda began her Villanova tenure in the Career Center as a Career Counselor and later served as Assistant Director for Students Services. She has also held career services and counseling roles at York College, Gettysburg College, and Shippensburg University. She earned her undergraduate business degree in marketing and master’s degree in counseling from Shippensburg University.
Brenda Stover has proudly served Villanova University for 30 years. Currently, she leads the Villanova School of Business (VSB) O’Donnell Center for Professional Development and is a member of the Clay Center at VSB (undergraduate student services center) leadership team. She manages a team that delivers the Backpack-to-Briefcase professional development curriculum, drives experiential education efforts, produces career education and networking programs, offers a corporate sponsorship program, provides guidance to 30+ student business societies, and facilitates the VSB Mentor Program. Brenda serves as VSB’s liaison to the Villanova University Career Center.
Brenda began her Villanova tenure in the Career Center as a Career Counselor and later served as Assistant Director for Students Services. She has also held career services and counseling roles at York College, Gettysburg College, and Shippensburg University. She earned her undergraduate business degree in marketing and master’s degree in counseling from Shippensburg University.
Alexander Triantis, Dean, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Alexander Triantis became the third dean of Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in 2019. He has built a reputation throughout his career as a strong, personable, and pragmatic leader skilled at building consensus around a strategic vision.
During his tenure as Carey’s dean, the school has revised and launched several programmatic initiatives, including its full-time MBA with emphasis in the fields of health, technology, innovation, leadership and business analytics; a distinctive flex MBA program allowing for specializations and dual degrees within the stellar Johns Hopkins University system; new programs for working professionals; and the Women and Leadership Academy. Additionally, Carey has achieved gender parity in its overall student body and across most of its programs, and has advanced its comprehensive and ambitious commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Prior to joining Carey Business School, Triantis served as dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland from 2013 to 2019, and chair of the Finance Department from 2006 to 2011. Previously, he was a visiting scholar at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and an assistant and associate professor of finance at the University of Wisconsin. Triantis received his PhD in industrial engineering (with a specialization in finance) from Stanford University and his BASc and MEng degrees from the University of Toronto.
An expert in the areas of corporate financial strategy and valuation, Triantis has published articles in numerous prestigious academic journals, served on several journal editorial boards, and has consulted and led training for many multinational corporations. Businessweek named Triantis an Outstanding Professor at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Maryland, and he is a two-time recipient of Maryland Smith’s top teaching award for faculty.
Triantis became vice chair and chair-elect of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Board of Directors on July 1, 2022. He has also served as vice president for global services for the Financial Management Association International.
Alexander Triantis became the third dean of Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in 2019. He has built a reputation throughout his career as a strong, personable, and pragmatic leader skilled at building consensus around a strategic vision.
During his tenure as Carey’s dean, the school has revised and launched several programmatic initiatives, including its full-time MBA with emphasis in the fields of health, technology, innovation, leadership and business analytics; a distinctive flex MBA program allowing for specializations and dual degrees within the stellar Johns Hopkins University system; new programs for working professionals; and the Women and Leadership Academy. Additionally, Carey has achieved gender parity in its overall student body and across most of its programs, and has advanced its comprehensive and ambitious commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Prior to joining Carey Business School, Triantis served as dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland from 2013 to 2019, and chair of the Finance Department from 2006 to 2011. Previously, he was a visiting scholar at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and an assistant and associate professor of finance at the University of Wisconsin. Triantis received his PhD in industrial engineering (with a specialization in finance) from Stanford University and his BASc and MEng degrees from the University of Toronto.
An expert in the areas of corporate financial strategy and valuation, Triantis has published articles in numerous prestigious academic journals, served on several journal editorial boards, and has consulted and led training for many multinational corporations. Businessweek named Triantis an Outstanding Professor at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Maryland, and he is a two-time recipient of Maryland Smith’s top teaching award for faculty.
Triantis became vice chair and chair-elect of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Board of Directors on July 1, 2022. He has also served as vice president for global services for the Financial Management Association International.
Richard Vogel, Farmingdale State College, Dean, School of Business
Richard Vogel is the Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Economics. His research interests and areas include economic development, urban economic growth, natural hazards analysis, and business and economics education. He was a Fulbright Fellow teaching as a Visiting Professor of Economics, in the department of Mathematical Economics at the National University of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar in 2007. In 2019, he received the Academy of Economics and Finance Fellows award. He is currently the 1st Vice President of MAACBA.
Richard Vogel is the Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Economics. His research interests and areas include economic development, urban economic growth, natural hazards analysis, and business and economics education. He was a Fulbright Fellow teaching as a Visiting Professor of Economics, in the department of Mathematical Economics at the National University of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar in 2007. In 2019, he received the Academy of Economics and Finance Fellows award. He is currently the 1st Vice President of MAACBA.
Valerie Wieman, Partner, PwC’s National Office
Valerie is a partner in PwC’s National Office with nearly 30 years of experience serving audit clients in a variety of industries from sports and entertainment to telecommunications and industrial products. She currently serves as the National Office Editor-in-chief, involved in the creation, development, and publication of PwC’s brand-defining thought leadership, with a focus the past two years on ESG reporting.
In addition to her contributions to PwC’s library of technical resources, she has written numerous response letters on behalf of the firm to the FASB and SEC with respect to various rule and standard setting developments.
Valerie is a frequent contributor to PwC’s podcast and webcast series, most recently concentrating on the technical and practical elements of various climate and other ESG disclosure proposals.
Valerie served as PwC's Relationship Partner for Villanova for more than 10 years, with a range of responsibilities related to the recruitment and retention of Villanova students and development of relationships with faculty and staff.
Valerie is a partner in PwC’s National Office with nearly 30 years of experience serving audit clients in a variety of industries from sports and entertainment to telecommunications and industrial products. She currently serves as the National Office Editor-in-chief, involved in the creation, development, and publication of PwC’s brand-defining thought leadership, with a focus the past two years on ESG reporting.
In addition to her contributions to PwC’s library of technical resources, she has written numerous response letters on behalf of the firm to the FASB and SEC with respect to various rule and standard setting developments.
Valerie is a frequent contributor to PwC’s podcast and webcast series, most recently concentrating on the technical and practical elements of various climate and other ESG disclosure proposals.
Valerie served as PwC's Relationship Partner for Villanova for more than 10 years, with a range of responsibilities related to the recruitment and retention of Villanova students and development of relationships with faculty and staff.
Ian Williamson, Dean of The UCI Paul Merage School of Business
Ian Williamson was appointed dean of The UCI Paul Merage School of Business on January 1, 2021. Prior to joining the Merage School, he served as pro vice-chancellor and dean of commerce at the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Williamson received his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in business from Miami University. He has served as a faculty member at Melbourne Business School, Rutgers Business School, the Zurich Institute of Business Education, the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and Institut Teknologi Bandung.
Williamson is a globally recognized expert in the area of human resource management. His research examines the impact of “talent pipelines” on organizational and community outcomes. Williamson has assisted executives in over 20 countries across six continents enhance firm operational and financial outcomes, improve talent recruitment and retention, enhance firm innovation and understand the impact of social issues on firm outcomes.
Williamson’s research has been published in leading academic journals (e.g. Academy of Management Journal, MIT Sloan Management Review, Organization Science, Journal of Applied Psychology) and has been covered by leading media outlets across the world. He has served on the editorial boards of the Academy of Management Journal, Academy Management Review, Academy of Management Education and Learning, Journal of Management and Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal and Journal of Management.
He is a past recipient of the Academy of Management (AOM) Education Division Best Paper Award for his research on high performing teams, the AOM Human Resource Division Best Paper Award for his research on the effect of employee mobility on firm performance and the AOM Ralph Alexander Best Dissertation Award for his research examining the top management team (TMT) selection decisions of Fortune 500 firms. He is a recipient of the AOM Best Practices Mentoring Award for his role as the founding President of the Management Faculty of Color Association (MFCA). He also received the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School Outstanding PhD Student Award.
A passionate educator, Williamson has been recognized for his innovative approaches to business education. He is a past recipient of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business Krowe Teaching Award, the Melbourne Business School Senior Executive MBA Teaching Award, the University of Melbourne Award for Excellence and Innovation in Indigenous Higher Education, and the Business/Higher Education Round Table CPA Australia/ABDC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business Education Collaboration. Williamson was inducted into the PhD Project Hall of Fame for his efforts to enhance diversity in academia and the business world.
Ian Williamson was appointed dean of The UCI Paul Merage School of Business on January 1, 2021. Prior to joining the Merage School, he served as pro vice-chancellor and dean of commerce at the Wellington School of Business and Government at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
Williamson received his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in business from Miami University. He has served as a faculty member at Melbourne Business School, Rutgers Business School, the Zurich Institute of Business Education, the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and Institut Teknologi Bandung.
Williamson is a globally recognized expert in the area of human resource management. His research examines the impact of “talent pipelines” on organizational and community outcomes. Williamson has assisted executives in over 20 countries across six continents enhance firm operational and financial outcomes, improve talent recruitment and retention, enhance firm innovation and understand the impact of social issues on firm outcomes.
Williamson’s research has been published in leading academic journals (e.g. Academy of Management Journal, MIT Sloan Management Review, Organization Science, Journal of Applied Psychology) and has been covered by leading media outlets across the world. He has served on the editorial boards of the Academy of Management Journal, Academy Management Review, Academy of Management Education and Learning, Journal of Management and Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal and Journal of Management.
He is a past recipient of the Academy of Management (AOM) Education Division Best Paper Award for his research on high performing teams, the AOM Human Resource Division Best Paper Award for his research on the effect of employee mobility on firm performance and the AOM Ralph Alexander Best Dissertation Award for his research examining the top management team (TMT) selection decisions of Fortune 500 firms. He is a recipient of the AOM Best Practices Mentoring Award for his role as the founding President of the Management Faculty of Color Association (MFCA). He also received the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School Outstanding PhD Student Award.
A passionate educator, Williamson has been recognized for his innovative approaches to business education. He is a past recipient of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business Krowe Teaching Award, the Melbourne Business School Senior Executive MBA Teaching Award, the University of Melbourne Award for Excellence and Innovation in Indigenous Higher Education, and the Business/Higher Education Round Table CPA Australia/ABDC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Business Education Collaboration. Williamson was inducted into the PhD Project Hall of Fame for his efforts to enhance diversity in academia and the business world.
Greg Wilson, Co-head, Client Businesses, Ayco Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Greg is head of Ayco’s institutional client businesses and responsible for strategic growth and expansion of Ayco’s financial counseling businesses across the US. He leads teams responsible for corporate sales, relationship management, brand marketing, and engagement and client service. Greg oversees the firm’s broad-based financial wellness offering, including best in class financial coaches, the planning business for mid-level executives and survivor support business. He is also responsible for the development of the Ayco Marketplace, an open architecture implementation platform.
Earlier in his career, Greg was head of Honest Dollar by Goldman Sachs, a digitally led company that provides simple, easily accessible and low-cost retirement plans for individuals, small businesses and independent contractors. Before that, he held various roles within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, including leading the North American Sub-Advisory and Platform Solutions Group (PSG), responsible for marketing the firm’s sub-advisory, hedge fund of funds, insurance solutions and defined contribution investment- only (DCIO) products in the US and Canada. Previously, he was responsible for business development and relationship management for sub-advisory, insurance and DCIO clients beginning in 2001.
Greg joined Goldman Sachs in 1995 and was named managing director in 2010. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council of Villanova University’s School of Business. He earned a BS from Villanova University in 1995.
Greg is head of Ayco’s institutional client businesses and responsible for strategic growth and expansion of Ayco’s financial counseling businesses across the US. He leads teams responsible for corporate sales, relationship management, brand marketing, and engagement and client service. Greg oversees the firm’s broad-based financial wellness offering, including best in class financial coaches, the planning business for mid-level executives and survivor support business. He is also responsible for the development of the Ayco Marketplace, an open architecture implementation platform.
Earlier in his career, Greg was head of Honest Dollar by Goldman Sachs, a digitally led company that provides simple, easily accessible and low-cost retirement plans for individuals, small businesses and independent contractors. Before that, he held various roles within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, including leading the North American Sub-Advisory and Platform Solutions Group (PSG), responsible for marketing the firm’s sub-advisory, hedge fund of funds, insurance solutions and defined contribution investment- only (DCIO) products in the US and Canada. Previously, he was responsible for business development and relationship management for sub-advisory, insurance and DCIO clients beginning in 2001.
Greg joined Goldman Sachs in 1995 and was named managing director in 2010. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council of Villanova University’s School of Business. He earned a BS from Villanova University in 1995.
Darla Wolfe, Advisory Board Chair, Sweat EquitE
Darla Wolfe is an innovative executive who uses technology to drive business transformation and growth. She is passionate about bringing the power of tech to the forefront of business models and believes access to STEAM education and development programs is critical to driving advances in the Healthcare industry.
Wolfe has over 20 years of leadership experience in Information Technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. She has held senior level roles at Fortune 500 companies including DuPont, Rohm and Haas, and SAP America and has led global teams to success in Enterprise Resource Planning worldwide.
In addition to her corporate background, Darla is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. She is the Founder of Sweat EquitE, LLC, an innovative service company that matches experienced professionals to non-traditional work opportunities at start-ups and non-profits.
Darla earned her BBA in Computer Science from Temple University, MBA in Leadership from Villanova University and earned a certificate in screenwriting from UCLA. She was one of the founding Board members of the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership, is on the Board of Trustees for Villanova University, is a member of the Forum of Executive Women and is a newly appointed member of the Farber Institute for Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals. She was named “A Disruptor You Need to Know” in 2018 by the Philadelphia Business Journal and one of the top 12 technologists of color in Philadelphia by Technical.ly magazine.
Darla Wolfe is an innovative executive who uses technology to drive business transformation and growth. She is passionate about bringing the power of tech to the forefront of business models and believes access to STEAM education and development programs is critical to driving advances in the Healthcare industry.
Wolfe has over 20 years of leadership experience in Information Technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. She has held senior level roles at Fortune 500 companies including DuPont, Rohm and Haas, and SAP America and has led global teams to success in Enterprise Resource Planning worldwide.
In addition to her corporate background, Darla is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. She is the Founder of Sweat EquitE, LLC, an innovative service company that matches experienced professionals to non-traditional work opportunities at start-ups and non-profits.
Darla earned her BBA in Computer Science from Temple University, MBA in Leadership from Villanova University and earned a certificate in screenwriting from UCLA. She was one of the founding Board members of the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership, is on the Board of Trustees for Villanova University, is a member of the Forum of Executive Women and is a newly appointed member of the Farber Institute for Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals. She was named “A Disruptor You Need to Know” in 2018 by the Philadelphia Business Journal and one of the top 12 technologists of color in Philadelphia by Technical.ly magazine.
Mary Ellen Zuckerman, Dean & Distinguished Service Professor, Business School SUNY Geneseo
Dr. Mary Ellen Zuckerman is currently Dean and Distinguished Service Professor in the School at Business at SUNY Geneseo. She previously served as Provost at SUNY Brockport and Business School Dean at Ithaca College. Dr. Zuckerman holds a Ph. D in History and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University. She earned her BA in History at Simmons College.
Dr. Zuckerman led the Geneseo School of Business to its initial AACSB accreditation in 2002. She has led numerous AACSB peer review teams. She participated in the IEM and MLE programs at Harvard University, the WACE Planning Institute for High Impact Experiential Education, COPLAC Summer Institute for Business Programs, the ACE Institute for New Chief Academic Officers, and numerous AACSB workshops on accreditation maintenance and new AACSB standards, assurance of learning, sustainability and ethics, curriculum innovation, ethics, and development activities. In her hometown of Rochester NY she was nominated twice for the Athena Award and was awarded a Woman of Excellence distinction.
Dr. Zuckerman has presented on and written about developing a data analytics program and creating a Center for Women and Business within a liberal arts College. She was one of the leading program organizers of the inaugural SUNY Business School Deans conference on DEI in the Business Curriculum (Spring 2021). Her research and publications have focused on the magazine industry, popular women’s magazines and gender and the media. She is currently working on a biography of Martha Van Rensselaer (1864-1932).
Dr. Mary Ellen Zuckerman is currently Dean and Distinguished Service Professor in the School at Business at SUNY Geneseo. She previously served as Provost at SUNY Brockport and Business School Dean at Ithaca College. Dr. Zuckerman holds a Ph. D in History and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University. She earned her BA in History at Simmons College.
Dr. Zuckerman led the Geneseo School of Business to its initial AACSB accreditation in 2002. She has led numerous AACSB peer review teams. She participated in the IEM and MLE programs at Harvard University, the WACE Planning Institute for High Impact Experiential Education, COPLAC Summer Institute for Business Programs, the ACE Institute for New Chief Academic Officers, and numerous AACSB workshops on accreditation maintenance and new AACSB standards, assurance of learning, sustainability and ethics, curriculum innovation, ethics, and development activities. In her hometown of Rochester NY she was nominated twice for the Athena Award and was awarded a Woman of Excellence distinction.
Dr. Zuckerman has presented on and written about developing a data analytics program and creating a Center for Women and Business within a liberal arts College. She was one of the leading program organizers of the inaugural SUNY Business School Deans conference on DEI in the Business Curriculum (Spring 2021). Her research and publications have focused on the magazine industry, popular women’s magazines and gender and the media. She is currently working on a biography of Martha Van Rensselaer (1864-1932).
