Speaker Bios 2022

Platinum Sponsor Presenters

Matthew Redd is the VP of Strategic Accounts & Innovation for StageClip. Prior to his role at StageClip, he was the Director of Commencement and Special Events at Vanderbilt University where he transformed the office into an industry leader. During his tenure he expanded the team to oversee several large-scale events for the university, including Commencement, First Year Orientation, conferences, VIP dinners and various other high-profile events.

Zan Turvey is a member of the Salesforce higher education industry advisor team with a specialty in advancement. Zan’s 20-year tenure in the advancement space is highlighted by successful stints in go-to-market roles at Blackbaud, Oracle, and Salesforce where he helped both domestic and international universities embark on their digital transformation journeys.

Rob Zaebst is the former Head of Digital Strategy at a Michigan State where he worked in the Central Marketing and Communications office. He also has a corporate marketing background, most recently serving as VP of Digital Strategy and Marketing Technology at TrueBlue, Inc. He is currently an Industry Advisor at Salesforce, providing context and perspective around how to plan, develop and implement Digital Marketing Strategy for universities across the country.

Geoffrey Bartlett, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
University at Buffalo

Geoff Bartlett is focused on facilitating innovation across the division, data analytics and serving as a project lead for the division’s comprehensive digital strategy. He has nearly 25 years of annual giving and gift officer experience in higher education and cultural organizations. Before coming to UB, he served as the development officer for the College of Science and Engineering at Central Michigan University. Bartlett holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University and is an adjunct professor of organizational theory. He is a contributor to academic and practitioner-based national and international conferences. His most recent publication is, “An Exploration of University Communications on the Donor Experience: a case study using Dedoose.” In the Data Analysis world, Dedoose offers a practical approach for research across the social sciences.

Rich Becker
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University at Albany

Rich is in his eighth year at the University at Albany, where he works with faculty and staff to identify opportunities for collaboration with private and corporate foundations. His team interacts with all nine schools and colleges. Prior to joining UAlbany, Rich was the Manager of Development Communications at Albany Medical Center, and before that spent 25 years working in broadcast journalism as a sports reporter for ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX affiliates. He currently serves on several nonprofit boards in New York Capital Region. Rich holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the State University of New York, College at Plattsburgh

Jay Berger
President & Co-Founder
Paradigm Partners

With over three decades in search and career development, and at the helm of his own firm since 1986, Jay has functioned as founder, president, manager, trainer, and mentor. His insights, sensitivity, and deep industry expertise, along with his creativity have contributed to his success on both the client and candidate sides of the search equation.

He has continuously remained engaged in the actual targeting and recruiting of talent and continues to refine his art as markets, candidates and workplaces evolve. Jay has appeared on radio and television, written articles, spoken at conferences, presented at Universities, and has been called upon to appear in court as an expert witness.

He is most proud of having touched the lives of thousands of people in his over 30 years of work and contributing to the growth of some really great careers and some really tremendous companies.

Jay has always had a passion for people. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from SUNY Brockport, a course of study driven by his desire to understand how people and the world interact. His career in talent acquisition is a natural outgrowth of this interest.

Jon Jon Chua
Research Specialist
Rockland Community College

Jon Jon has been with RCC for more than 10 years. He is currently a Research Specialist for Strategic Marketing and manages the college’s portal system, myRCC, for which he was the project lead. He also works on the college’s website and assists in Zoom events. Prior to joining Strategic Marketing, he was part of the Information Technology Services team as the project manager and administrator of the college’s Google Workspace (formerly Google Apps). A web technologist, Jon Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and in Computer Information Systems from Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Rachel Coker
Director, Research Advancement
Binghamton University

Rachel Coker will do just about anything to get people excited about research, from speaking to freshmen about how to apply for lab positions to helping grad students hone elevator pitches about their dissertations. As director of research advancement at Binghamton University, Coker writes stories and media releases on topics ranging from physics to fiction. She’s also the speechwriter for the vice president for research and an adjunct instructor of journalism. Coker tweets about research, writing and more at @rmcoker. A former newspaper journalist, she graduated from the University of Rochester and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Jenny Cooke Smith
Senior Director of AMAtlas Services
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)

Jenny Cooke Smith is a senor strategic consultant for CASE, with a focus on AMAtlassm, the global resource for educational advancement-related metrics, benchmarks and analytics. Jenny specializes in analyzing advancement trends, interpreting comparison benchmarks, and helping people understand the “stories behind the data.”  In this role, she is responsible for developing and leading facilitated cohort groups to help members better understand advancement outcomes by practice area, thereby informing thought leadership and best practice. Prior to joining CASE, Jenny spent 15 years in a variety of positions within Blackbaud’s Target Analytics, most recently leading donorCentrics™ benchmarking cohorts, which provide opportunities for institutions and organizations globally to review and discuss direct marketing and annual giving trends.  During her time in this role, she built and expanded the Higher Education cohort groups, spurred development to analyze the impact of newer initiatives within fundraising, such as giving days, crowdfunding and mid-level giving analysis, and partnered with offices in Canada, the U.K., and Australia to deliver results specific to NGO’s in those fundraising markets. Jenny has also been a CASE volunteer and frequent speaker at CASE conferences.

Sally D’Alessandro

Bio to Come

Ilana Dimbleby
Director of Engagement Initiatives & College/Unit Partnerships
Cornell University

Ilana Dimbleby is an engagement professional with over 11 years in higher education with Cornell University. Ilana’s higher ed career experience includes everything from planning all levels of events, to producing video content with a global reach, to managing and coaching volunteer organizations, to internal project and team management, and more. She spent most of her career in Cornell’s NYC office, and now calls Rochester, N.Y., home.

Christy Doyle
Director of University Events
University of Albany

With over 20 years of experience in higher education event management, Christy Doyle has designed and executed hundreds of university events, bringing creativity and passion to every project while striving to exceed expectations. UAlbany’s Office of University Events, which comprises a close-knit team with a combined 50+ years of experience, is responsible for producing institutional events including academic ceremonies such as Commencement and Convocation; a wide variety of development/donor events such as the annual black-tie fundraising dinner, scholarship dinner, donor-endowed lectures, and campaign events; university-wide events such as Speaker Series; and other signature or milestone events such as inaugurations, grand openings, press events and more. A master of her craft, Christy can at any given event seamlessly pivot from individually greeting guests to directing dozens of volunteers, liaising with secret service to requesting snow removal (in May), editing the master script backstage to hopping on the microphone to direct Q&A, and so much more. Also, she is not a ‘party planner,’ there is no such thing as ‘first annual,’ and never use ‘please RSVP’ in the same sentence.

Elizabeth Droz
Associate Dean of Students, SUNY Oswego

Elizabeth Droz works in SUNY Oswego’s central resource office helping students access resources including the emergency funds and the campus food/clothing pantry. She is a licensed psychologist and has experience working on SUNY campuses and SUNY Administration.

Alex Dukat
Communications Manager
SUNY Oswego

Alex Dukat (they/them) spends their time storytelling and managing the school’s social media sites. Dukat spent the last 10 years in the non-profit sector working in public policy and fundraising before obtaining their degree at the age of 33. Dukat is also a freelance writer on subjects of chronic illness and trauma and has been published on sites such as Teen Vogue, The Mighty, HuffPost Women and To Write Love on Her Arms. Dukat is a disability advocate and a founding member of Vera House’s Survivors Network.

Amanda Feeney
Street Team Coordinator
Rockland Community College

Amanda Feeney is the Street Team Coordinator at RCC. She manages this student team in their completion of graphic requests, campus promo videos and social media campaigns. Amanda has a bachelor’s degree from Manhattanville College in Marketing and Communications and a master’s in strategic communications from Penn State University.  She started at SUNY Rockland in 2019 and is excited to help students get real-world experience while having fun along the way. When Amanda isn’t working, she can be found crafting, playing Magic the Gathering or watching the Great British Bake Off with friends and family.

Jen Gabriel
Senior Alumni Engagement Associate
Binghamton University

Jen Gabriel has been a member of the alumni engagement team at Binghamton University since 2017.  In her current role as senior alumni engagement associate, she supports lifelong learning programming like the Binghamton Learning Network webinars and TIER Talks, plans awards events, and works with Alumni Association committees on new board member nominations and financials. Previously, Jen served as online coordinator and contracts administrator at a staffing agency in Upstate New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and political science from Syracuse University.

Samantha General
Assistant Director of Stewardship
University at Buffalo

Sam joined the UB Donor Relations and Stewardship team in 2019 after spending over six years as the Advancement Associate at the world-renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery. In her role as Assistant Director of Stewardship, Sam serves as the liaison between DR&S and the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Architecture and Planning, Graduate School of Education, School of Management, the Office of Planned Giving, and Student Life regarding the continued and enhanced stewardship of their donors, including gift acknowledgment, fund reporting, donor engagement, and recognition opportunities. A proud UB alumna, she holds a bachelor’s in art history from her alma mater. Born in Chicago and raised in Buffalo, Sam lives in Amherst with her husband, son, daughter, two dogs, and one cat.  In her spare time, Sam runs a custom cookie company (a longtime passion), hiking, and traveling with her family whenever possible.

Kerry Gotham
Director of Alumni Engagement; Executive Director, Brockport Alumni Association
SUNY Brockport

Kerry Gotham has well over two decades of experience in higher education and advancement. Before joining SUNY Brockport in 2012, he served as director of alumni relations at Nazareth College. Kerry has presented at multiple CASE and SUNYCUAD conferences, the Northeast Annual Giving Conference and the CASE Summit. He is also SUNYCUAD’s Immediate Past President and a board member, and he serves on the CASE District II Board as co-chair of the District II Awards Program. He has been recognized as a CASE District II Faculty Star and a Grand Gold winner in the CASE Circle of Excellence awards. He earned his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Nazareth College.

Barbara Grossman
Partner & Co-Founder
Paradigm Partners

As co-founder and partner, Barbara brings a natural propensity for research, skillful listening, and a results-driven mindset to the both the search and career development process.

Prior to executive search, Barbara worked on Wall Street and in Technology Product Development. In addition to working in traditional consumer and institutional financial service management roles, she had the opportunity to work on several pioneering technology ventures with early movers in online brokerage, banking, and travel.

With a strong belief that “context matters,” Barbara’s approach to her work today aligns with the way she has tackled projects throughout her career, considering both the big picture as well as the fuzzy details before conceptualizing and implementing a strategy. Her clients and candidates alike recognize that she gets it. She trusts that this is the underlying ingredient to her success.

Barbara has had a longstanding interest in leadership training, coaching and personal development, not surprising given that she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester. A passionate public education advocate, she formerly served as an elected member on her community’s school board. Presently, she is co-chair of The University of Rochester NY Metro Women’s Group, whose mission is “Women Supporting Women.”

Brian Grunert
Founding Partner, GRAMMY-winning Designer
White Bicycle

Brian Grunert is a founding partner of White Bicycle, a nationally recognized branding team headquartered in downtown Buffalo. White Bicycle collaborates with clients across a broad range of categories, from nonprofits and cultural organizations to corporations, from education to entrepreneurial enterprises, and beyond.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Brian returned to his hometown of Buffalo, beginning a career as a designer and art director that has included stops at many of the region’s top ad agencies and dozens of top-industry awards among his credits. He has emerged a creative leader and strategic thinker—and even a GRAMMY winner, having created record packaging for artists such as Ani DiFranco, the Goo Goo Dolls, Erroll Garner, and more.

Additionally, Brian has been an adjunct faculty member in the design department at SUNY Fredonia, as well as a frequent guest lecturer at area colleges. Grunert was recognized by Business First as one of Buffalo’s “40 Under 40” (but don’t be fooled, he’s way older than that now).

Today, Brian shares leadership with a team of eight award-winning practitioners, together making it a priority for White Bike to help strengthen communities through their work.

Kathleen Heckman
Associate Vice President for Advancement Administration
University at Buffalo

Kathleen Heckman is a veteran higher education professional with nearly 30 years of higher education administration experience in special events, alumni engagement and advancement services. As chief operations officer, Kathleen provides strategic leadership for the division’s infrastructure and resource deployment. She drives efficiency, effectiveness and quality by enhancing the coherence and integration of core service functions, administering resources strategically and creatively, and cultivating a robust talent management program. Kathleen oversees the internal operations of the division including budget and human resources as well as the departments of Advancement Communications, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Enterprise Application Support Service, Network and User Support, and Prospect Research. Kathleen also earned an M.B.A. as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University at Buffalo.

Jennifer Hill
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
SUNY Oswego

Jennifer has over 30 years of operational experience with policy and procedures at both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She has spent 12 years in fundraising and has been serving as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at SUNY Oswego since 2015.

Greg Kie
Senior Media Relations Manager
SUNY Canton

Greg is the senior-most member of the award-winning SUNY Canton Public Relations team and a SUNYCUAD Board Member. He is one of two writers in the department and serves as the college’s primary photographer. When he’s not working in marketing and communications, he teaches in the college’s Graphic and Multimedia Design program, and volunteers with the SUNY Canton Student Steel Bridge Team. He’s also been an esports coach and advocate. He listens to jazz music while writing, because it doesn’t have any words to distract him. He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast, woodworker and denim aficionado with more than 24 pairs of jeans in his collection.

Danielle Kobryn
Executive Director of Strategic Marketing
Rockland Community College

Danielle has spent her entire career working in higher education. After 15 years in different roles at St. Thomas Aquinas College, she joined RCC’s Strategic Marketing Team as Executive Director in 2018. Danielle’s experience spans across marketing, campus communications, website and CRM management, content development, strategic planning and budgeting, and enrollment and recruitment management. She is passionate about supporting students and especially enjoys working with the RCC student “Street Team,” a group of students who work on various marketing and communications projects in support of the Strategic Marketing Team and the college. Danielle earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Rutgers University and her master’s in Strategic Communications from Seton Hall University. Even though she’s a “Jersey girl” at heart, she now lives in Rockland County with her husband, Roman, and “CC,” their two-year old daughter.

Dan Laird
Media and Design Specialist
SUNY Oswego

Dan has over 20 years of experience in the technology field in various roles from network and system administration to web and media design and learning technology administration. His current responsibilities include web page content and design, overseeing video publishing and recording services, digital and print media publication and project management. In 2016 he became project manager for the Inclusive Access textbook program on campus and has helped guide it to be one of the most successful implementations of its kind in SUNY today.

Kristin Lowe
Director of Visual Identity, Advancement Communications
University at Buffalo

Kristin is an established, multidisciplinary graphic designer and creative leader. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in print, branding, web, email marketing, social media and creative direction. Born and raised in Connecticut, Kristin fell in love with the Queen City while attending SUNY Buffalo State College. She takes great pride in being a SUNY grad. Kristin is the Director of Visual Identity for University at Buffalo’s University Advancement Communications team.

Jeff  Macharyas
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
SUNY Morrisville

Jeff Macharyas is a writer, graphic designer and communications director who has worked in publishing, higher education and project management for many years. He has been the art director for Quick Printing, The American Spectator, the USO’s OnPatrol, Today’s Campus, and other publications as well as a telephone pole design engineer contractor. Jeff is certified in Google Analytics and Adobe Visual Design and holds an Amateur Radio license: K2JPM. He is also a certified fencing instructor. Jeff earned his associate’s degree from Indian River Community College (Ft. Pierce, Florida), his bachelor’s in Communications from Florida State University, a mini-MBA in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers University, and a master’s in Cybersecurity and Computer Forensics from Utica College.

Dr. William Mullaney
President
Corning Community College

Dr. William P. Mullaney assumed SUNY CCC’s presidency on July 1, 2019, with the immediate goal of continuing the steadfast commitment to purpose that has propelled this institution for more than six decades. His belief that community colleges are an integral part of communities everywhere guides his decisions, as he believes the college’s role – to provide access to the type of knowledge and skills that have the power to enhance the quality of life and prepare employees who are on point and ready on day one to meet the workforce needs of the region – is critical. President Mullaney came to Corning from Bergen Community College, where he worked with stakeholders to increase its graduation rate by 7 percent over a three-year period. He collaborated with area high schools to open the college’s first early college programs, which allow students to earn a college degree or significant credits while still in high school. Mullaney served on its Middle States Steering Committee, as co-leader of a working group and as final editor for the self-study report, which resulted in full accreditation and 48 exemplary commendations. He also worked with faculty to develop a number of new academic programs, including Paramedic Science, Fashion Design, and Sports Management, and helped guide the development of a bachelor of science in Nursing program.  Mullaney earned his doctorate at Tulane University, a master’s from the University of California, San Diego, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. He is a published author and frequently invited to present at conferences across the country. His research interests explore American Literature, with particular foci on John Steinbeck and Harriet Beecher Stowe. He and his wife, Marianne, have three children. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies, travelling and hiking with his family.

Tim Nekritz
Director of News and Media
SUNY Oswego

Tim Nekritz is director of news and media at SUNY Oswego, leading campus news operations and wide a range of digital content development. An award-winning journalist in a previous century, Nekritz’s regular roles include writer, editor, planner, peacemaker, photographer, marketer, matchmaker, video producer and recruiter. Nekritz also serves as chief editor of HighEdWeb’s Link journal and teaches media writing and blues history at SUNY Oswego. He has presented multiple times at HighEdWeb, Canada’s PSEWeb, Confab Higher Ed and SUNYCUAD conferences. He is also a member of the SUNYCUAD Board of Directors and has co-chaired and supported numerous SUNYCUAD conferences.

Russ Nunley
Chief Marketing Officer
Alfred State College

Communication is at the heart of Russ Nunley’s career. Whether working as a local TV anchor and news manager, handling marketing and PR for the world’s largest movie theatre circuit, or now as Chief Marketing Officer at SUNY Alfred State College and adjunct faculty, his drive is to make messages that resonate with audiences and to use communication for information, leadership, and inspiration. Combining experience from diverse fields such as journalism, management strategy, entertainment, higher education, business analytics, and public service, Russ has a unique perspective and insights. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University at Tennessee in Broadcast Journalism and Management and added an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Kate Percival
Web/Digital Content Coordinator
SUNY Oswego

Kate is one of the primary leaders of SUNY Oswego’s web accessibility efforts. She helps maintain the college’s primary website, ensuring information is up-to-date, accurate and accessible. She also assists with training and supporting our campus website editors. In this effort, Kate provides general website support, creates and maintains content, and develops and refines information architectures. As a member of the Workgroup on Accessibility Practices, she works with other campus accessibility experts to anticipate, troubleshoot, support, and resolve the practical digital accessibility needs of our campus community. Kate is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and has presented for Accessing Higher Ground, the New York State Disability Services Council, SUNY Technology Conference, among others.

Fred Pierce
Director of Communications
SUNY Cortland

Frederic Pierce is tired. But he’s not quite ready to let go of the pandemic. As SUNY Cortland’s communications director for more than a decade, he plays a lead role in the marketing, communications, public relations, crisis management and alumni engagement efforts of the university. His background is in journalism, having spent 20 years as a reporter and editor for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com before jumping to more strategic communications as public relations director for the New York State Fair. He has also been a freelance travel journalist, bartender, gymnastics coach and writer of blogs ranging from politics to the paranormal. He is a graduate of Cornell University and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Audrey Porsche
Manager of Corporate and Foundation Programs
SUNY Oneonta

Since 2014, Audrey has led efforts to secure and manage foundation and corporate support aligned with college-wide institutional priorities, academic activities, programs and initiatives. In addition, she administers select student programs funded by the College Foundation, including the Student Emergency Fund.

Susan Riley
Deputy Director, Community Relations
Cornell University

Susan Riley has been a staff member at Cornell for 26 years. Prior to joining the Community Relations team in the spring of 2015, she served in several leadership positions in Residence Life. Susan grew up in central Connecticut, and after studying Journalism and College Student Development, eventually made her way to Ithaca via New Hampshire, Maine, and Ohio.

Christyn Sanagursky
Associate Director of Development
Monroe Community College

Christyn Sanagursky is passionate about improving access to higher education. She cultivates, solicits and stewards donors for scholarships and programs that promote student success. Christyn also serves on the board of directors for SUNYCUAD and the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She previously held a variety of positions in advancement and alumni relations at the University of Rochester and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from American University in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, she enjoys checking out new restaurants, practicing yoga and spending quality time with her dog, Ginger.

Steve Seepersaud
Advancement Communications Manager
Binghamton University

Steve Seepersaud is an advancement communications manager for Binghamton University, overseeing a variety of projects in alumni engagement, event planning and promotion, and magazine/newsletter production. Steve is producer and host of the Binghamton Learning Network webinar series and TIER Talks speaker series. He came to Binghamton University in 2006 following a nine-year career in television news, working primarily as a reporter and assignment editor. Steve is active in the Binghamton community, and is vice president of the Binghamton City School District Board of Education. Steve has a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University.

Jenn Smith
Program Director, Grow-NY Start-up Business Competition
Cornell University Center for Regional Economic Advancement

Jenn Smith’s role with the Grow-NY annual $3 million start-up business competition draws on her background in craft beverage market development, most recently as the Executive Director of the New York Cider Association and the Admin Director of the New York State Distillers Guild. In addition to working with NYCA and NYSDG, over the past five years, Jenn was an NYC-based consultant to entrepreneurs creating value-added products and hospitality ventures. Before that, she was the marketing director of New York’s largest wine and spirits retailer.

Jessica Stallone
Director of Communications
Rockland Community College

Jessica Stallone is a passionate advocate of accessible and affordable higher education. She is committed to guiding leaders and organizations to create effective and strategic marketing plans. With a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University in Journalism, two years of experience in local New York and foreign reporting, and six years of experience in marketing management in higher education, she and her team are responsible for promoting the mission of the college to diverse audiences. She works with all members of the college in advertising enrollment, planning campus programs/events, promoting college achievements, providing information to news media outlets, and producing quality multimedia: editorial, graphic design, photography, social media posts, web design and video production.  Currently, Jessica’s major projects include supporting the rebuilding of the RCC website; managing digital marketing campaigns; improving the college’s social media strategy; redesigning and streamlining internal marketing systems; and cultivating the Street Team. In her spare time, Jessica is an avid writer of fiction and enjoys home brewing and watching science documentaries.

Kate Supron
Campus Community Liaison, Community Relations
Cornell University

Kate Supron has been on staff at Cornell for five years, first with the Office of Engagement Initiatives, prior to joining Community Relations. Kate previously served as Mayor of the Village of Cayuga Heights for six years and has a background in preK-12 education, both as a teacher and a member of pre-school and PTA boards.