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Lubin Advisory Board Member Biographies
Philip F. Bleser, AAS '81, BBA '84, MBA '94
Managing Director and CEO, Mid-Corporate Banking Group
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Phil Bleser is Managing Director and CEO of the Mid-Corporate Banking Group within JPMorgan Chase. The group, which operates from twenty five locations in the US and Canada, provides traditional banking services, investment banking products, and international capabilities to companies with roughly $250MM and greater in sales. Phil joined Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in 1974 where he worked in many branch and operations groups before joining the Middle Market in 1985. Through a variety of relationship management positions, including running the banking group in Manhattan's Garment Center, Phil developed an expertise in the apparel, textile, jewelry, retail, energy, technology and entertainment fields. When JPMorgan formed the Mid-Corporate Banking group in 2003, Phil was selected to organize and run the new group.
Phil is a member of the JP Morgan Chase Executive Committee, a member of the Commercial Banking Management Committee and the North American Investment Banking Management Committee. Phil was an honoree of the 1998 Accountants and Bankers reception for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, year 2000 honoree for American ORT, an honoree for the 2001 “HUG Award” for the benefit of the Rusk Institute at New York University Medical Center, and an honoree at the 2004 American Jewish Congress 40th Anniversary Financial Services Awards Luncheon. Phil received the Humanitarian Award at the 2006 Financial Industries Dinner benefiting the National Jewish Medical Center.
Phil's volunteer activities include the Advisory Board of the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries at the Fashion Institute of Technology, a Trustee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, a member of the Finance Committee of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and a member of the Portfolio Review Committee of the New York City Investment Fund.
After joining Manufacturers, Phil began night school. He received a Manufacturers Hanover Quarter Century Club award for outstanding educational achievement and was awarded a scholarship by the Manufacturers Hanover Advisory Committee on education and training-attending Hampden Sydney College in Virginia. Phil is a graduate of the American Institute of Banking and holds an Associate in Applied Science, a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA from Pace University.
Phil and his wife Marianne live in Somers, New York, and are the proud parents of three daughters: Ashley, Alexandra and Hillary.
John E. Boyd, MS '76
Senior Advisor
CKX
Chair, Lubin Advisory Board
John Boyd provides turnaround and expansion expertise to businesses across industries.
For the past two years, he led a joint venture among American Idol, Universal Music, and Google to create and launch an e-commerce entertainment business.
Previously, John was president and CEO of a business process outsourcing provider to the telecommunications industry and, prior to that, president and CEO of an infrastructure and information services company in the unregulated energy sector. At AT&T, his roles included president of the international computer business, vice president of strategy and marketing for the consumer products business, and national director of distribution channels.
John serves as a director of Tricell, Inc., a U.K.-based wireless distributor, and as a member of the advisory board of Third Solutions, providing digital receipts at retail. He has an MS in Advanced Management from Lubin and lives in New York City with his wife and two children.
Michael P. Cangemi, BBA '70
Former President & CEO of Etienne Aigner, Inc
President and CEO
Financial Executives International
Michael P. Cangemi was named President and CEO of Financial Executives International (FEI) in January 2007. FEI is the professional association of choice for senior-level corporate financial executives and the leading organization dedicated to advancing ethical, responsible financial management.
Mr. Cangemi is the former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Etienne Aigner Group, Inc. (Aigner), a leading designer of women's branded accessories. As CEO of Aigner, Mr. Cangemi led the company's expansion into licensing and guided the development of the company's internet business.
Mr. Cangemi also served as President of Cangemi Company LLC, a media and consulting firm. Mr. Cangemi's extensive career spans his progression from public accounting to CIO, CFO and CEO. During his career, he has also held senior positions at BDO Seidman, Phelps Dodge Corporation and Ernst & Young.
A noted speaker and author, Mr. Cangemi was the Editor-in-Chief of the IS Control Journal. Mr. Cangemi is the author of two books, Auditing in an EDP Environment (1991) and Managing the Audit Function (2003). Mr. Cangemi is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. He has been a member of FEI since 1985.
His expansive involvement with professional associations includes receiving an honorary lifetime membership in the IS Audit & Control Association (ISACA), after serving as International President and seven years as a director. He has served as a Trustee of the IIA Research Foundation and the Pace University Lubin School Accounting Advisory Board. Mr. Cangemi earned his BBA from Pace University. In 2003, he received the 11th Annual Alumni Achievement Award from the Pace University Lubin School of Business.
Gene Celentano, BBA '63, MBA '71
Retired President-International Marketing
Texaco Inc.
Gene Celentano was elected corporate Vice-President of Texaco Inc. in 1995. At that time Celentano served as President of the company's Latin America/West Africa operations based in Coral Gables, Florida. Responsibilities included overseeing all petroleum exploration, producing, refining, marketing and related activities in more than 40 countries throughout Central America, the Caribbean, South America and West Africa as well as petroleum activities in Canada.
Subsequently in 1997, as a result of global reorganization along functional business lines, Celentano assumed responsibilities for all Texaco International Marketing and Manufacturing operations in Latin America, West Africa and Europe, relocating to New York.
In 1998 Celentano was also named director of Motiva Enterprises, a joint venture of Texaco, Shell, and Saudi Aramco. This company was responsible for the marketing and refining operations of Texaco and Shell in 26 states in the Midwest and Eastern United States.
Celentano was relocated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1993 as president of Texaco Brazil and Regional Director of the Southern Cone. Celentano contributed to the turnaround of Texaco's marketing activities in Brazil while president of that organization.
Prior to these operating positions, Celentano held supervisory accounting positions in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. In 1979 he was appointed Assistant Controller of Texaco Inc. and relocated to the company's offices in Harrison, NY. In 1991 he was named Controller and Fiscal Director of Texaco USA based in Houston, Texas.
Celentano graduated from Pace University in New York City with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting in 1963 and received a Master of Business Administration degree with a major in finance from the university in 1971.
Other Activities:
-Celentano was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Council Of The Americas.
-Celentano is currently a member of the Dean's International Council for the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.
Celentano retired from Texaco January 1, 2002 coincident with the merger of Chevron and Texaco in the Fourth Quarter of 2001.
Gregory Durkin, BBA '83
President
Stamford Office Furniture
Gregory Durkin is President of Stamford Office Furniture, Fairfield, New Haven, and Westchester Counties' Certified Herman Miller dealer that was founded in 1980 by Greg's father, Joseph. Greg has carried on his father's vision and is focused on providing SOF's customers with the most up-to-date information, technological tools, and what he feels is SOF's greatest strength—great people to work with (www.stamfordofficefurniture.com).
Stamford Office Furniture provides furnishings and facility services to local business either directly, at the firm's request, or by working through the Architecture and Design community and with area Commercial Brokers. By representing over 200 furniture manufacturers, choosing his staff carefully, and planning strategically, Greg has grown his business significantly during his tenure as President.
Greg and his wife, Yvonne Paulin, are currently chairing the American Cancer Society committee in charge of producing Fairfield County's March 2007 fundraising gala, A Night in Casablanca. SOF is a member of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce, the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, the Westchester Business Council, SACIA, NAIOP, the Construction Institute, and IFMA.
Greg holds an MBA, Investments and Securities, Cum Laude from Syracuse University and a BA, Finance, Cum Laude from Pace University. He resides in Stamford with his wife, son, and their pug.
Patrick Edgar
Audit Partner
KPMG
Patrick Edgar is an audit partner in KPMG's New York Office in the Information Communications and Entertainment (ICE) practice where he currently services media and technology clients.
- Pat has 20+ years of experience providing audit services to public companies.
- Pat is one of the firm's SEC Reviewing Partners designated to review the filings of foreign companies.
- Pat has a 4 years of National Office experience, where he worked in the US Capital Markets Group described below.
- Pat has extensive international experience, he completed a four-year international assignment based in our London office where he serviced our European-based clients which accessed the US Capital Markets either through Initial Public Offerings on the NASDAQ and New York Stock Exchanges or through mergers and acquisitions. During Pat's assignment in London, he was responsible for US GAAP and SEC advisory services for our European clients and has worked in over 25 countries.
- Pat is the Northeast Audit Committee Institute Liaison Partner- Responsible for coordination and oversight of Audit Committee Roundtables and other activities
In addition to his client responsibilities, Pat has been responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Firm's Area 404 efforts for the Firm where he chaired the weekly leadership meetings to discuss the progress and issues associated with 404.
Michael Fazio, BBA/MBA '83
Managing Director
Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin
Michael Fazio is a Managing Director in the New York office of Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin, where his primary responsibilities as part of the firm's financial advisory practice include providing investment banking, valuation, and financial opinion services. Mr. Fazio manages Houlihan Lokey's Global Hedge Fund and Portfolio Investment practice, the New York Financial Advisory Services practice, and is a member of the International Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Fazio brings over 25 years of experience in advisory services for financial institutions including acquisitions, divestitures, corporate strategy, operational oversight, and restructurings of financial markets companies, including such clients as Solomon Brothers, Cheyne, Mainsail, GE Capital, Goldman Sachs, Fortress, and American Capital Strategies. Mr. Fazio is also responsible for the restructurings of Lehman Brothers and Refco.
Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey, Mr. Fazio was president and chief operating officer of Comdisco, Inc., an $8 billion equipment leasing and technology services company he lead through the bankruptcy process. In that capacity, Mr. Fazio built a multidisciplinary management team, divested several business units, developed strategic emergence plans, consolidated business operations, and maintained growth in revenue and profitability of the company's European business lines. Mr. Fazio also served as executive vice president / managing director and chief operating officer-Americas of Deutsche Bank AG, managing the integration of Deutsche Bank NA and Bankers Trust Corporation, as well as directing all non-front office functions in the Americas (Legal, Controlling, Risk Management, Real Estate and Operations). He chaired the bank's regional operating committee and was a member of the executive committee.
Mr. Fazio began his career at Arthur Andersen LLP, where he was partner-in-charge of the New York Banking, Brokerage and Investment Banking Industry Practice in his last position with the firm. His responsibilities there included serving as lead partner in the firm's relationship with J.P. Morgan, Bankers Trust, Bank of America, and Deutsche Bank; developing Andersen's Business Process Risk Consulting business; managing several IPOs; and directing over $10 billion in M&A assignments. Mr. Fazio was a member of the firm's Financial Markets Global Advisory Group, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the firm's industry program, developing methodology, marketing, and implementation.
Mr. Fazio received a joint BBA/MBA, with honors, in Accounting from Pace University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a member of AICPA and the New York State Society of CPAs. Mr. Fazio holds his Series 7 and Series 63.
Stephen Fick, BBA '86
Managing Partner/Chief Operating Officer
kirshenbaum bond + partners
What do you get when you take the head of a confident businessperson and place it on a body housing the heart and soul of a marketer? You get Stephen Fick, the truly invaluable Managing Partner and COO of kbp.
After doing "time" at Arthur Young early in his career, Stephen spent 14 years honing his skills in the advertising/communications industry. During that time, he ran financial and general operations for agencies, while touching all marketing disciplines at notable shops like DDB (Griffin Bacal and Moss/Dragoti), BDDP North America (Wells Rich Greene, among others) and Y&R.
Stephen joined kbp in 2001, and continues to champion and embody the spirit of inventiveness and integration cultivated here. His contributions have helped make kbp operations the strongest they have ever been.
Born in Manhattan, New York City is ingrained in Stephen's spirit. He is the trusted resource for the discovery of any new or "in" hotspot. Stephen is an avid health and nutrition nut, accounting for his seemingly endless energy. He resides in the East Village.
John A. Gerson, BBA '69
Chief Financial Officer
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co
Mr. Gerson holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in accounting information systems from Pace University. During his time as a student at Pace, Mr. Gerson participated in what would later become the University's Cooperative Education Program, working at the Bank of New York and laying the groundwork for the establishment of a program for Pace students interested in computer science and information systems.
Following his graduation in 1969, Mr. Gerson started his professional career in the Investment Services Department of Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co., now KPMG Peat Marwick. He was with the Firm from 1969 to 1977, and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1974. Mr. Gerson then joined Irving Leasing Corporation as Assistant Vice President. In 1980 Mr. Gerson joined Wells Fargo Bank International where he was Vice President & Controller. He then became Vice President at Societe Generale, U.S. Operations.
In 1985, Mr. Gerson joined the firm of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, where he is currently Chief Financial Officer.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of CPAs, and the New Jersey Society of CPAs. Additionally, Mr. Gerson was the founder of an informal roundtable of Chief Financial Officers which meets periodically to address financial and tax issues and current business trends, as well as the day-to-day responsibilities of CFOs in the Leverage Buyout and Investment Banking industries.
Mr. Gerson has held numerous volunteer positions at Pace University where he has given considerable time and support as: a founding member of the Pace University Presidential Alumni Commission, of which he was Chairman of the Subcommittee on The Annual Fund/Development; The Annual Fund, of which he was Chairman for two consecutive years; The Lubin Alumni Association Board, of which he is currently President; and The New York Undergraduate Alumni Board, of which he was Vice President.
In recognition of his outstanding professional achievements and his exemplary and tireless efforts on behalf of the Lubin School of Business and Pace University, Mr. Gerson will be presented the first-ever Lubin School of Business Alumni Achievement Award at a special tribute luncheon to be held on Thursday, December 2, 1993.
Kevin P. Hallinan, BBA '83
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Kevin is a partner residing in the New York City office of Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, and has been with the firm for over 20 years within its Consumer Products, Industrial Products and Services Group. His credentials include serving domestic and multinational public and privately held companies in numerous industries including consumer products, retail, manufacturing and distribution. Kevin has been involved in a number of acquisition due diligence projects, divestitures, closing and opening balance sheet audit work, internal control assessments, going private transaction, initial public offerings and other-SEC filings. In addition to his 20 years of Public Accounting experience, Kevin also possesses 5 years of private industry experience.
Kevin's clients as Engagement Leader currently include Avon Products, Inc., Terex, and Richemont North America (including Montblanc, Cartier, Alfred Dunhill and others). As a Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 subject matter expert, he has supported PWC engagement teams and clients as they address the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. His audit clients in the past have included Altria and Dover Corporation.
Kevin is a certified public accountant in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey who lives in Centereach, Long Island, N.Y. Kevin received his BBA, with a major in Public Accounting, from Pace University in 1983.
Herbert L. Henkel, MBA '79
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ingersoll-Rand Company
Herbert L. Henkel is Chief Executive Officer of Ingersoll-Rand Company. He also is president of the company and a member of its board of directors. Ingersoll-Rand is a diversified global industrial enterprise involved with infrastructure development, security and safety, climate control, and industrial productivity.
Mr. Henkel comes to Ingersoll-Rand from Textron, Inc. where he was president and chief operating officer. Previously, he was president of Textron's industrial products segment. Before that, he was group vice president with responsibility for Textron's industrial segment. From 1987 to 1993, he was president of Greenlee Textron, a maker of tools for wire and cable installation and maintenance.
Before joining Textron, Mr. Henkel was president and chief operating officer of Southern Fastening Systems and Unifast Industries, Inc. He had previously served as vice president of sales and marketing for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. and Hilti, Inc.
Mr. Henkel holds a BS in aerospace engineering and applied mechanics and an M:S. in mechanical engineering from Polytechnic University. Also, he holds an MBA in executive management from Pace University's Lubin School of Business. He is a director of the Kollmorgen Corporation and Pitney Bowes Inc.
Paul Kurnit
President and Chief Operating Officer
Kurnit Communications and Kidshop
Paul Kurnit is President and Chief Operating Officer of Kurnit Communications and Kidshop, a customized solutions company with expertise in youth-focused marketing and communications. Previously he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Griffin Bacal Inc., a subsidiary of DDB Needham Worldwide. The firm handles accounts such as Dial Corporation, Sharp Electronics, Hasbro, Milton Bradley, and the New Jersey Nets.
Mr. Kurnit began his career in advertising in 1974 as an assistant account executive with Benton & Bowles. Over the next few years he served in the positions of account executive and vice president, account supervisor.
In 1978, Mr. Kurnit joined Oglivy & Mather as vice president, management supervisor and worked on accounts such as American Express and General Foods.
In 1982, Mr. Kurnit joined Griffin Bacal as executive vice president, director of client services and became president and chief operating officer in 1988. Mr. Kurnit, an innovator in the creation of new markets, was a key player in the agency's dramatic growth and growing reputation as experts in kids and family, leisure and lifestyle marketing with the creation of in-house divisions such as Kid Inc., Live-Wire: Today's Families Online, Licensing Works, and Business Marketing Comp1unications Group. These groups provide unique resources and solutions to a wide variety of agency client and consulting projects. Companies served include General Mills, Procter & Gamble, Pepsi, Polaroid, Burger King and others.
In spring 1997, Mr. Kurnit participated in the Lubin School's Executive in Residence and subsequently joined the faculty as an adjunct professor of marketing. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin and a masters degree in communication from Queens College.
Louis F. Laucirica, BBA '66, MBA '71
Associate Dean
Wesley J. Howe School, Stevens Institute of Technology
Louis F. Laucirica is Associate Dean at the Wesley J. Howe School, Stevens Institute of Technology. Previously he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Norton Performance Plastics Corporation. He joined the Company in 1972 as a marketing manager for Construction Products. In 1973, Laucirica was named manager, International Marketing Development, and in 1975, general manager, Europe, Sealants Division. He was appointed director, International Operations, in 1977.
The following year, Laucirica was promoted to divisional vice president, Marketing and Sales. In 1981, he assumed the position of divisional vice president and general manager, Sealants and International operations, Specialty Plastics. He was appointed vice president and general manager, Performance Plastics, in 1982.
Prior to joining Norton, Laucirica served in the United States Coast Guard. He was also manager of advertising and sales promotion for McGraw-Hill, and a marketing representative for Mobil Corporation.
Born in New York City, Laucirica received a bachelor's degree from Pace college, New York, and a Master's of Business Administration from Pace University. He is a member of the Society for the Plastics Industry. Mr. Laucirica is on the Board of Trustees of Stevens Institute of Technology, and on the Advisory Board of the Lubin School, Pace University.
Martin McElroy II, BBA '88
Partner
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Education
Pace University
Pleasantville, NY
BBA Public Accounting, 1988
Professional experience 1988 – Present
Deloitte & Touche LLP New York, NY
Partner
- AERS Partner specializing in the investment management industry
- National Industry and Firm instructor
- Concurring review partner
- On campus recruiter for Pace University
- Representative clients served: Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, General Motors Asset Management, Prudential Financial, Morgan Stanley Funds, Sun Cap Advisors, MFS, The LongChamp Group, US Trust, Metropolitan Life Funds
Professional memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
New Jersey State Society of CPAs
Community activities
Volunteer member of the Virtual Enterprise Program
Former member of the advisory council for the Red Cross of Central New Jersey
John P. McTigue, BBA '70
Tax Partner
Ernst & Young LLP
John is a tax partner in the Ernst & Young Global Group, with over thirty years of experience servicing multinational clients. John advises a broad range of Global clients, including both U.S. and foreign based multinational companies. John previously was the leader of Ernst & Young New York Office Retail, Distribution and Manufacturing Tax Group from 1991 to 1998. John graduated from Pace University in 1970 and is a member of the New York State and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Robert Power, MBA '93
Vice President - Global Corporate Client Group
NYSE Euronext
Robert Power is Vice President - Global Corporate Client Group for the NYSE Euronext (NYSE: NYX). In this role Mr. Power is responsible for new equities listings on the NYSE for several regions on the US east coast and in the mid west.
NYSE Euronext operates the world's largest and most liquid exchange and offers the most diverse array of financial products and services.
Prior to its merger with the New York Stock Exchange, he served as the Director of Listings/Sales for the Archipelago Exchange (ArcaEx), the electronic stock exchange.
Before joining Archipelago, Mr. Power held various senior positions at NASDAQ, most recently as Senior Vice President of the Market Intelligence Desk. Prior to NASDAQ, he was the Managing Director of Marketing for the American Stock Exchange.
Mr. Power has a BA from S.U.N.Y. Oneonta and an MBA from Pace University.
Mr. Power serves on the Advisory board of Pace University –Lubin School of Business.
Maria Fiorini Ramirez, BBA '72
President and Chief Executive Officer
Maria Fiorini Ramirez, Inc. (MFR)
Maria Fiorini Ramirez is president and chief executive officer of Maria Fiorini Ramirez, Inc. (MFR), the global economic consulting firm formed by Mrs. Ramirez in 1992 as the successor firm to Maria Ramirez Capital Consultants, Inc. (MRCC). The firm offers global economic consulting and investment advisory services to domestic and international clients, and through its securities subsidiary, manages three global open-end mutual funds in addition to investment portfolios for corporate clients.
MFR's views and commentary on the world's financial markets, based on a unique blend of economic expertise and market intelligence, are closely followed in the U.S. and abroad. Mrs. Ramirez's assessment of the interaction between economic policy and political trends, and their effect on investments has led to worldwide recognition of the firm in financial, banking and economic circles. She is a sought after speaker at U.S. and international forums, a frequent guest on business-related television and radio programs, and a regular contributor to U.S. and foreign business publications.
Mrs. Ramirez began her career in 1968 with American Express International Banking Corporation. She subsequently served as vice president and senior money market economist for Merrill Lynch, senior vice president and money market economist at Becker Paribas, and managing director and money market economist for Drexel Burnham Lambert before founding her own consulting firm in 1990.
A member of many professional organizations including the Economic Club of New York, Mrs. Ramirez is a past president of the Money Marketers Club of New York. She is and has been on the Board of Directors of various institutions including Arlington Capital, London since 1991 and Statewide Financial Corporation in New Jersey since 1989. She serves on the Board of Regents at Saint Peter's College and is a member of the New York Futures Exchange and the Investment Policy Committee of Edward Jones in St. Louis.
Mrs. Ramirez holds a BA in Business Administration and Economics from Pace University, where she also pursued post-graduate studies.
Paula Summa, BBA '78, MBA '84
General Manager, ibm.com
IBM Corporation
As the General Manager of ibm.com, Paula leads a 5,000 person worldwide team responsible for driving approximately 11 % of IBM's total revenue. The ibm.com organization consists of 33 global inside sales centers throughout the world and has a global web presence in 83 countries, in 35 languages.
Ms. Summa has held various financial roles in her career with IBM, working with the various geographies and business units, primarily in the Sales and Distribution organization. Paula's first executive role was as Director of Accounting for U.S. Operations in Sales and Distribution, then she became Director of Financial Planning in Corporate Headquarters for IBM's Worldwide Marketing and Services Units.
Paula's talents were soon leveraged as Controller for Latin America from 1994-1996. In May 1996, Paula became the first Chief Financial Officer of IBM's Global Small and Medium Business Organization, which was followed by her heading the Global Business Partner Organization and ibm.com as Vice President of Finance and Operations. From January 1999 - October 2002, she was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Operations for IBM Global Financing. Paula then assumed the role of Vice President of Finance and Operations for Global Sales and Distribution, where she lead a staff of 7000 financial professionals until January 2006 when she was promoted to General Manager of ibm.com.
Ms. Summa is a member of the IBM Integration and Values Team, a recipient of the IBM YWCA award (Women's Achiever Award), and is a member of the advisory board at Pace University's Lubin School of Business.
Paula graduated from Pace University, summa cum laude, with a BS degree in Accounting, and was valedictorian of her graduating class. While working at IBM, she received an MBA in Finance from Pace University, where she graduated with honors.
Marie J. Toulantis, BBA '81
former CEO
Barnes&Noble.com
Marie J. Toulantis was chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble, Inc. One of the largest e-commerce sites in the world, Barnes & Noble.com attracts millions of visitors each month and generates annual sales in excess of $425 million. An important strategic component of Barnes & Noble, Barnes & Noble.com serves as a "broadcast channel" for the brand, providing customers with an alternative way to interact with the company, as well as providing systems support for a variety of corporate-wide initiatives.
Ms. Toulantis joined Barnes & Noble.com as chief financial officer in 1999 and oversaw its successful initial public offering, which raised nearly $500 million in the largest Internet initial public offering to be completed at that time. She was appointed president and chief operating officer of the online company in 2001, and under her leadership, Barnes & Noble.com has become one of the top e-commerce sites in terms of traffic. The University of Michigan's 2005 American Consumer Satisfaction Index rated Barnes & Noble.com number one in customer satisfaction in e-commerce. Harris Interactive's 2005 EquiTrend Brand Study ranked Barnes & Noble.com as number one in quality among all online booksellers. Several other respected researchers have consistently rated Barnes & Noble.com among the top Web sites for quality and search.
In addition to her role as the chief executive of Barnes & Noble.com, Ms. Toulantis has responsibility for a number of other corporate-wide activities including distribution operations, and marketing, which includes the Barnes & Noble Membership program, a multi-million-member loyalty program. She also works closely with Chairman Leonard Riggio on the company's strategic corporate finance activities.
Ms. Toulantis first joined Barnes & Noble in 1997 as an executive vice president with responsibility for finance and was later appointed the company's chief financial officer. Previously, she was with The Chase Manhattan Bank for many years in a variety of positions, the last one as senior vice president with responsibility for the bank's commercial and investment banking business with a portfolio of mid-sized companies.
Ms. Toulantis earned a bachelor's degree in business administration (BBA) in marketing from Pace University's Lubin School of Business. She is a member of the Board of Directors of The Hershey Company and serves on the advisory board of the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. Ms. Toulantis is also a member of the JPMorgan Chase Regional Advisory Board.
Peter E. Tryhane, BBA/MBA '80
Partner
Ernst & Young LLP
Peter E. Tryhane is partner at Ernst & Young LLP, one of the Big Four auditors and a global organization with member firms throughout the world. He was formerly with Arthur Andersen LLP as the partner-in-charge of the metro New York Industrial products program. As an audit partner, he served Global 1,000 clients in industrial products, oil and gas, international trade, chemical and hospitality, and leisure. Mr. Tryhane joined Arthur Andersen in 1980, following his graduation from Pace University. He was admitted to the partnership in 1991.
As a certified public accountant, he holds licenses to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Previously, he served as a member of the AICP A Task Force for Judicial Conferences which provides training to federal and state justices on the use of financial statements in the courtroom.
Mr. Tryhane received a joint BBN/MBA in public accounting from Pace University's Lubin School of Business. He is presently a member of the board of directors of the Stamford Center for the Arts, serving on the finance and building committees. He is also a member of the board of governors for Burning Tree Country Club and chair of the admissions/membership committee. He has also served as president and is a former board member of Lifeline of Southwestern Connecticut, Inc.
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![[Philip F. Bleser]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardPhilipBleser.jpg)
![[John E. Boyd]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardJohnBoyd.jpg)
![[Michael P. Cangemi]](http://www.pace.edu/Lubin/WFO/images/boards/LubinBoardCangemi.jpg)
![[Gene Celentano]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardGeneCelentano.jpg)
![[Gregory Durkin]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardGregoryDurkin.jpg)
![[Patrick Edgar]](http://www.pace.edu/Lubin/WFO/images/boards/LubinBoardPatrickEdgar.jpg)
![[Michael Fazio]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardMichaelFazio.jpg)
![[Stephen Fick]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardStephenFick.jpg)
![[Herbert L. Henkel]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardHerbertHenkel.jpg)
![[Paul Kurnit]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardPaulKurnit.jpg)
![[Louis F.
Laucirica]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardLouisLaucirica.jpg)
![[Martin McElroy II]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardMcelroyMartin.jpg)
![[John P. McTigue]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardJohnMcTigue.jpg)
![[Maria Fiorini
Ramirez]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardMariaRamirez.jpg)
![[Paula Summa]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardPaulaSumma.jpg)
![[Marie J. Toulantis]](http://appserv.pace.edu/emplibrary/EIRCentToulantis.jpg)
![[Peter E. Tryhane]](http://appsrv.pace.edu/Lubin/images/boards/LubinBoardPeterTryhane.jpg)
