Alumni & Parent Participants
Dean Becker, MBA '71, Managing Director, Adaptiv Learning Systems; majored in PsychologyDean Becker is a business executive with an MBA and a degree in psychology. He managed companies in the human resources and healthcare arenas prior to assuming leadership of Adaptiv Learning Systems. He began his career with IBM's mainframe computer division. His top sales performance quickly led to his being named to IBM's Executive Resource Program, a select internal group of high-potential employees earmarked for management advancement. A proven leader, Dean Becker has successfully taken Adaptiv Training, a program that he believes makes a major contribution to people's lives, out of the academic setting and into a diverse group of markets.
Steven Birnbaum P'10, School & Clinical Psychologist, Port Washington School District; majored in School and Community Psychology at Hofstra University
Having graduated with a Ph.D. in psychology Steven hs worked in a variety of settings. He taught undergraduate psychology at Hofstra University and has been a member the clinical teaching staff at both Stony Brook Medical School and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He continues to have an affiliation with Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y. where he serves as a consultant for their house staff and works as a school psychologist in Port Washington. Steven also to has a private psychotherapy practice on Long Island where he sees children, adolescents and adults specializing in cognitive-behavioral treatment interventions.
Alyssa Bittner-Gibbs '03, Faculty Assistant, Division of Research, Harvard Business School; majored in Government
Alyssa currently works at Harvard Business School alongside two tenured full faculty and a third associate faculty member in the Organizational Behavior department. Her responsibilities include better enabling their mission of teaching and research and serving as a liaison between her faculty and their students. Some of her past duties included working as the administrative coordinator for the department’s faculty recruitment process and representing the staff of her department on the Division of Faculty and Research Task Force.
Prior to working at HBS, Alyssa was a Boston University housing officer. While at BU, Alyssa earned her M.Ed. from BU’s School of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration, sub concentrating on Higher Education Administration.
She also works casually as a licensed real estate agent in the Boston area, and is a council member in Boston’s Franklin & Marshall Alumni Chapter.
Jean Mary Bongiorno, '97, Manager of Group Services, The Museum of Modern Art; majored in Art History
After graduating from Franklin and Marshall College in 1997, Jean Mary began her museum career working as a museum educator at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. From there, she went on to work in Client Services at Sotheby's Auction House. While working on her master's degree at Columbia University, she maintained a Graduate Assistantship at Columbia and also interned in the Visitor Services Department at the Museum of Modern Art. After graduate school she served as the Manager of Visitor Services at the Guggenheim Museum. She was then recruited by the Peabody Essex Museum to create a visitor service plan for their Grand Re-Opening. In the summer of 2005, as the Museum of Modern Art prepared for its own Grand Re-Opening, Jean Mary was brought back to MoMA to create the Group Services unit of their Visitor Services Department.
Loren Bucklin P'10, Vice President, Connecteddsign; majored in Business Administration at Michigan State University
One of the early adopters of technology, Loren started building and programming computers in 1980. Various career positions allowed her to gather skill sets in CAD and 3-D animation, video/audio editing, graphic design and animation. Application development for kiosks and other touch screen applications joined the list. In 1993 Loren started what would become one of the first dedicated multimedia firms. They employed graphic artists, animators and programmers. The company specialized in tradeshows and corporate marketing. Presently Loren is the President of www.Connectedsign.com a digital signage integration firm. He performs Sales and Marketing functions of a fast growing technology company. He also has Chief Technology officer duties.
David Carney '78, Senior Public Health Advisor, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene; majored in English
Linda Cortese '90, Executive Director, GlaxoSmithKline; majored in American Studies
Currently Linda serves as the Executive Director of New Business Development and New Product Planning in the US Pharmaceuticals Division of GlaxoSmithKline. She helps lead the efforts to identify and in-license late stage and marketed assets for the US market. She returned to the US Pharmaceuticals Division after four years in Global Commercial Strategy/R&D where she led the global launch of Levitra and most recently headed up commercialization of the GSK's GI pipeline portfolio, including evaluation of in-licensing opportunities and the pre-launch efforts for GSK's first monoclonal antibody and orphan drug, mepolizumab/Bosatria for hypereosinophilic syndrome. Prior to that, she spent several years in US sales, market research, and marketing and led the launch of Coreg into the primary care market for hypertension in 2002. She also spent three years in SB Clinical Laboratories working in Market Research and Business Development. Linda joined the GSK right out of F&M in 1990 as a Management Associate and has worked there since graduation.
William Curtis ‘61, Vice President-Human Resources, Computer Professionals Inc.; majored in Business Administration-Management
Bill graduated in 1961 and started with the Bell Telephone Company of PA as a Management Trainee. Within 5 years, he was promoted to a District Level position. Bill had a 20 year career in the Marketing, Customer Service and Sales Departments. After divestiture in 1983, he joined AT&T Information Systems (ATTIS) in the Marketing Department as District Manager of Human Resources. Following a downsizing at AT&T, Bill left in 1987 and went to work for Reliance Insurance Company in Philadelphia. He was a Senior Consultant in the IT organization and served as the liaison between the IT and the Human Resources Department. Bill left Reliance in 1994 to become a recruiter for Computer Professionals, Inc. in Wayne, PA. In the past 13 years, Bill has placed hundreds of IT professionals in full time and contract positions in Southeastern PA, Southern NJ, Delaware, Lancaster County, the Lehigh Valley and Maryland.
Michael Endy '73, Director of Creative Services, JPL Productions; majored in Drama
JPL provides strategic, creative, technology and production services to businesses across Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic. As Director of Integrated Programs, Michael Endy leads a team of writers, producers and consultants who develop and manage internal and external communications campaigns. They deliver a focused message to a target audience by designing a mix of online and offline tactics, such as broadcast advertising, social media, web strategy and direct mail. He also serves on the corporate leadership team. Prior to his current role, Mr. Endy worked as a theatrical director, television producer, college professor, PR specialist, media writer/producer and communications consultant.
Keith Gibbs '03, Web Developer, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; majored in Religious Studies/Philosophy
After graduating from Franklin & Marshall, Keith moved to Boston to attend Boston University School of Theology to pursue a Master of Theological Studies degree, concentrating on the history and development of mysticism, esotericism, alchemy, and magic within the context of the Reformation and Early Modern periods. Meanwhile, he worked nearly full time as a web developer for Boston University’s Networked Information Services Group, assuming leadership and project management roles for major projects as time progressed and staying on as a consultant for over a year after graduation from BU. Following this, Keith worked at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe research center, providing web and application front-end programming supporting internal and external facing research. After a year at this post, he moved to his current position at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. To this capacity, he provides front-end, web and interface development for a brand-new intranet platform, develops, whole or in part, several Rich Internet Application interfaces for publicly available research modules, and participates in bank-wide and Federal Reserve System-wide working groups focusing on web, research, and communication.
Tip for Success: The real litmus for post-graduate success is in being quick to learn, adaptable to changes in roles, and being able to take the initiative and growing into whatever role you assume. If you can demonstrate these characteristics, it doesn’t matter what major you had at F&M or what you may have done even in graduate school. Employers are most interested in someone who is hard working, articulate, and possessing an active mind.
Greg Griesemer ‘97, Director-Recruiting, Endo Pharmaceuticals; majored in Government
Greg is currently the Director of Recruiting for Endo Pharmaceuticals and responsible for developing and flawlessly executing strategies to acquire top talent across all functional areas and organizational levels. Most recently, Greg was Global Recruiting Operations Director at Johnson & Johnson where he was responsible for leading change management and communications for the implementation of a global recruiting model. In this role, Greg supported the launch of recruiting teams and activities across 18 countries and built an operations group to enable the alignment of processes, technology and infrastructure. Prior to his operations assignment, Greg was Director, Talent Assessment for Johnson & Johnson's U.S. Pharmaceuticals commercial business. In this position, Greg led the design, delivery and assessment of talent acquisition initiatives across a broad array of distinct businesses. Greg also directed the harmonization of recruitment processes across the Pharmaceuticals sector and was a key driver in launching a workforce planning and forecasting methodology. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Greg gained several years of recruiting experience and expertise in executive search.
Emre Guzelsu '07, Quantitative Strategies Group Consultant, Public Financial Management; majored in Business, Organizations, and Society
Emre applied for a whole bunch of jobs that looked interesting and he ended up at Public Financial Management. He is currently studying to earn his CFA charter holder designation.
Tip for Success: Work hard and stay around positive people, they will motivate you and allow you to really succeed. Also, don't be afraid to try something new, you never know if you'll like it unless you try it.
Catherine Jasons, Esq. '76, Partner, Kelley Jasons McGowan Spinelli & Hanna, LLP; majored in Government/Mathematics
After graduating from Villanova Law School, Catherine went to work for Krusen, Evans, & Byrne, a maritime and insurance defense firm in Philadelphia. In 1989, she was one of the founding partners of her current firm, Kelley, Jasons, McGowan, Spinelli, & Hanna, LLP. They presently have offices in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Wilmington, and New York City. Their firm serves as national and local counsel for a variety of corporations and insurance companies specializing in Mass tort litigation, including asbestos litigation. Catherine is a member of the alumni board at F&M.
Christopher Kelly '79, Press Officer, Food and Drug Administration-Office of Public Affairs; majored in History
Chris Kelly provides strategic communications advice to senior FDA leadership and coordinates media relations in the areas of drug compliance, enforcement actions and policy issues. He has over 25 years in federal public affairs, primarily in health care communications. From 1991 to 2006 he served as public affairs director at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and spokesman, Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. Throughout his career he has conducted a wide range of internal and external communications programs, including media training, newsletter production, presentations, special event coordination, and stakeholder relations. From 1989 to 1991 he served as community relations officer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and from 1986 to 1989 as public affairs officer at the VA Medical Center in Coatesville, Pa. He began his federal career as a staff assistant to former U.S. Representative Bob Edgar (D-Pa), and has a master's degree in management from Penn State University, with a concentration in public administration.
Barry Kornhauser '74, TYA Director/Playwright in Residence, Fulton Theatre; majored in Special Studies-Anthropology/Psychology/Education
Barry Kornhauser was the recipient, in 2009, of America's preeminent TYA playwriting award, the Charlotte B. Chorpenning Cup, honoring "a nationally known writer of outstanding plays for children [in recognition of] a body of distinguished work." Barry's plays have been performed around the world and at such Tony-Award winning stages as The Shakespeare Theatre and Children's Theatre Company. The Fulton's nationally renowned Youtheatre project for at-risk and disabled teens, founded by Barry, was recently honored at a White House ceremony with the 2008 "Coming Up Taller" Award of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, recognizing the program as one of the top arts-education initiatives in the country. Barry was the first recipient of Pennsylvania's Educational Theatre award for "outstanding service by an individual to the Commonwealth." He also created an HIV/AIDS project that won the state's "Best Practices" Honor, and teaches theatre arts from the pre-school to the university level. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of F&M, Barry shares an enthusiasm for the college with his wife Carol, who works there, and kids Max, Sam, and Ariel - Fummers all.
Marjorie Kwah '91, Director of Community Impact Research, United Way of Lancaster County, majored in Government/Spanish
After graduating from F&M, Marjorie went directly to Syracuse University College of Law. She returned home to Maryland to prepare for the bar. While searching for a job, Marjorie took advantage of the time to do something she always thought she would enjoy-she volunteered for a number of political campaigns. It was from that experience she received an offer to work for a newly elected Congressman. She served as a Legislative Assistant in the US House of Representatives for several years. In 2001, she returned to Lancaster to work as a Campaign Associate at the United Way of Lancaster County. Marjorie rose to Senior Resource Development Associate and was promoted this year to Director of Community Impact Research.
Tip for Success: Be open to all opportunities. Network, network, network! Keep meeting people- in your profession, outside your profession. Don't count out anyone. Stay in touch too with your college friends, professors, F&M. While Facebook, Twitter, and email are fantastic tools of today, don't underestimate a visit, a phone call, or a handwritten note.
James Lemonick ‘80, First Vice President - Investments/Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley; majored in Government
After deciding that a career in the Law was not really a desirable or feasible possibility, Jim spent his entire senior year focused on the interview process and practicing his presentation skills. He felt certain that if he explored enough opportunities and talked to enough people he would find a job that allowed him to use his communication skills and be personally fulfilling at the same time. He feels very lucky that he found the Financial Services Industry when he did. He has had the unique experience of being able to meet and help many different individuals achieve or exceed their financial goals and objectives while retaining his own business style, practice and amount of compensation.
His career started in Philadelphia at Advest Inc., a regional brokerage firm headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim trained there but in 1984 he was recruited to help work with newly registered Financial Advisors at Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc. Unfortunately, Drexel Burnham was closed by the troubles of High Yield bond pioneer Michael Milken and in May of 1989. Prudential Bache eventually became Wachovia Securities and Jim worked there for 15 years until May of 2004. At that time he decided to pursue a long held dream of being a part of the best (in his opinion) retail investment firm in the world! This dream brought him to Morgan Stanley. Jim's current office is located in downtown Lancaster.
Rick Levinson '73, Personal Financial Editor, Bloomberg News; majored in Government
Robert Mullins '91, Director-Strategy and Development, Northrop Grumman Corporation; majored in Government
Most recently Rob has been appointed Executive in Residence and Harris Center Fellow at Franklin & Marshall College for the 2009-2010 academic year. He will visit the campus up to four days a month during the year to work with faculty of the Department of Business, Organizations and Society on strategic planning and implementation issues. He also will advise students on career and post-graduate educational opportunities, lecture, and conduct research with faculty and students on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and international business topics. Learn more
Dr. Rob Mullins serves as Director, Operations, Strategy & Development for the Space & ISR Division of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. Rob joined Northrop Grumman in Oct 2002 as a Senior Analyst. In 2003, he was appointed to the Corporate Strategy and Technology organization. Promoted to Corporate Director in 2005, Rob focused on strategy, technology and programmatic issues related primarily to the electronics and space business segments of the company. Most recently, Rob served as Sector Director, Portfolio & Business Strategy at Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.
Chip Murphy '84, President, CJM Securities; majored in History
Chip began his career as a clerical assistant for a trading firm on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. In three years he became a member of the Exchange and advanced his way to senior market-maker - responsible for making markets in some of the most active and high profile stocks on the NYSE. He founded his own independent brokerage firm in 2000 and is now a Partner in a Long/Short Equity hedge fund.
Tip for Success: Your word is your bond - in life and in business.
Adam Oestreich '95, Director-Institutional Equity Sales, Merrill Lynch; majored in Government
As an Institutional Equity Salesperson Adam sells Merrill Lynch's Equity research, trading capabilities and other services to hedge funds, banks, money managers and other financial institutions. He is currently the head of the Opportunity Desk within the Middle Markets Division. His role encompasses being both a research salesman and a liaison with Merrill's Global Wealth Management division. Adam started at Merrill Lynch three days after graduation as an unpaid intern in one of Merrill's retail brokerage offices. He was hired that summer and spent four years in the Global Wealth Management division. He then moved internally and became an Associate Account Executive in Equity Middle Markets division. After a few more years he became a partner in his sales team and about six years ago branched out and started his own team. At this time he also became the inaugural Marketing Coordinator for his division. Then after successfully running his own team, he was chosen to create and manage the newly formed Opportunity Team, which he now currently runs.
Ken Pederson '81, Certified Mortgage Planner/Branch Manager, Fairway Independent Mortgage; majored in American Studies
Ken Pederson has been helping families to buy, build and refinance their homes for over 20 years in Lancaster and south central PA. His experiences as a large corporate banker and small mortgage broker have led him to FAIRWAY Independent Mortgage Corp.
FAIRWAY is an independent company that provides Ken and his team, the best of both worlds to meet the growing needs of his clients with affordable solutions. FAIRWAY helps clients to grow their wealth through real estate and sound mortgage planning. By taking a holistic approach, the company helps clients to create a custom home mortgage that fits into their short and long-term financial goals and enhances their wealth building plans.
Tip for Success: Persistence. Follow-up and follow through.
Tom Rhoads '78, Vice President/Executive Career Coach, Innovational Services; majored in Biology
Thomas Rhoads is an executive career consultant with Innovational Services leading clients through the exploration of their innate abilities, passions and goals while providing executive coaching to unlock potential and cause breakthrough results in career transition, leadership development, and organizational growth. Bringing nearly 25 years experience in a career that has spanned accountabilities for technical consulting, project management, key account development, and as an entrepreneur and business owner. Tom has vast experience working with nearly every facet of industry.
He began his career in environmental policy research at Duke University and served as a Principal Investigator and Program Manager consulting the US Forest Service, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, and several states agencies. The silver thread throughout Tom's career has been his enthusiasm toward mentoring, coaching and leadership development as he has consistently served as a champion for individual and organizational growth.
Michael Ruhl '89, Director of Human Resources, Spalding Automotive, Inc.; majored in History
Michael is currently Director of Human Resources for two manufacturing companies located in the Philadelphia area. He is involved in a wide variety of areas, including recruiting and hiring, training and development, union relations, and setting compensation and benefits. He has been in this role for 7 years.
Previously, Mike worked for a graphic design firm as production manager, and also taught classes in U.S. and world history while he was a graduate student.
Tip for Success: Focus on getting results. If you become known as someone who accomplishes results, rather than just does activities, you will always be valuable and in demand.
Wendy Robin Stark MBA, '93, Customer Marketing Manager, Revlon; majored in English
In High School, Wendy launched a successful business venture designing, manufacturing and selling women's hair accessories. Wendy Robin Stark has translated her passion for language into a Marketing MBA and a 16-year career across product and service businesses. Over the last eleven years, Wendy has marketed respected consumer packaged goods brands such as: Revlon; Mott's; Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion; BIC Shavers and Lighters; Starbucks @ Grocery; Mitchum; and Charlie Fragrance. Her key areas of experience include: Brand, Consumer Promotions, and Customer Marketing Management; as well as Agency Account Service.
Andrew Stein '07, Booking Agent/Social Media Coordinator, Roll Call Entertainment; majored in Government
After graduating in 2007, Andrew moved home from college. He worked two part-time jobs to pay for any copying/faxing/mailing that he needed in his job search. He ultimately landed at Massachusetts Mutual, a financial planning firm out of Philadelphia. Andrew spent the next year prospecting clients and taking various licensing exams. The work was very cutthroat and difficult, particularly with a 23-year old trying to convince someone older to let him manage thousands of dollars worth of investments.
Andrew decided to try a different path, which led him to Roll Call Entertainment. He met the founder of that company through mutual friends several years before. They maintained contact throughout college and it just so happened that he was looking to expand his business at the same time Andrew was leaving MassMutual. Andrew has since been with Roll Call for seven months. He is responsible for developing business & booking various bands in the eastern half of the United States as well as maintaining all social media content.
Josh Welk '07, Financial Analyst, Argosy Partners; majored in Business, Organizations, and Society
Josh Welk is an Analyst with Argosy Capital's Private Equity Group and is responsible for assisting in the evaluation of investment opportunities, performing company and industry due diligence, and portfolio analysis. Prior to joining Argosy, Josh was an analyst with the investment banking division of Susquehanna International Group, LLP ("SIG") where he was involved in M&A advisory, public and private equity offerings, and general advisory for clients in a wide range of industries. Prior to SIG, Josh was a summer analyst with the investment banking division of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.
William Zellweger '07, Market Intelligence Associate, Susquehanna International Group; majored in Business, Organizations, and Society
Will is currently a member of SIG's Market Intelligence team; a group that specializes in market interpretation and commentary, investment theory and analysis, trading strategies, actionable ideas, and single stock, sector, and derivative strategies and themes. Will is based at SIG's global headquarters in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
Tip for Success: Always follow up with people if they ask you to!
Haytham Zohny '09, Financial Management Trainee, The Travelers Companies; majored in Business, Organizations, and Society
During his undergraduate career, Haytham interned with Cobite (a small consulting firm), where he served as a Wireless Asset Management Intern. He then held internships at Bloomberg, L.P. and Travelers Insurance. He joined Travelers Insurance directly after graduation as a Financial Management Leadership Development Program Participant, which is a three year rotational program exposing participants to different finance-related roles within the company. Haytham's first rotation is in the Finance & Actuarial Systems business area. Essentially, he works with the Expense Operations team and various business partners to document the current expense allocation process, and then identify opportunities for simplifying and improving the expense allocation process. He is charged with presenting the recommendations to the senior leaders of Travelers, who then decide on the implementation of his recommendations.
Tip for Success: View every project and assignment as an opportunity. You always want to take advantage of every opportunity you have to demonstrate your capabilities. If you ever find your self making excuses as to why you cannot obtain some information, you are potentially falling short of your potential. Utilize every resource you have to gain any information you may need.
