ST. JOHN’S Spring 2018

T P J. T NEWS AND INSIGHT FROM THE PETER J. TOBIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BusinessC  B 

COACH JOE TARTAMELLA HIS M.B.A. IS A FULL-COURT ADVANTAGE

CENTER FOR EXECUTIVE EDUCATION OFFERS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Fintech’s Future CHRIS CONCANNON ’92MBA LEADS THE CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET CONTENTS ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Vol. 2 No. 1 | Spring 2018

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FEATURES 12 The Business 16 The Challenges 18 Executive of Basketball of Cryptocurrency Education A graduate of The Peter Chris Concannon ’92MBA, Led by Executive Director J. Tobin College of President and Chief Oper- Herbert M. Chain, C.P.A., Business, Joe Tartamella ating Officer of Cboe Glob- the Center for Executive ’04MBA brings a al Markets, Inc., discusses Education of the Tobin business mindset to trends in cryptocurrency, College of Business provides the hardwood as Head bitcoin, and blockchain custom professional devel- Coach of the St. John’s technology. opment and corporate ed- University Women’s ucation training programs Basketball team. in the fields of risk manage- ment and accounting.

DEPARTMENTS 2 From the Dean 6 Going Global 20 Alumni 24 President’s Norean R. Sharpe, The Tobin College Profiles and Perspective Ph.D., reflects on is named a UN Class Notes St. John’s her second year, PRME Champi- In-depth University benefits of the on, plus 2017–18 profiles of President new Tobin College highlights from the alumni including Conrado “Bobby” building, and im- Global Destination Vincent P. Gempesaw, provements in the Course program. Colman ’82CBA; Ph.D., provides M.B.A. program. Catherine insight into the 8 Faculty Genzlinger, importance of 3 Tobin Trends Scholarship M.B.A. ’82CBA; experiential Executive-in-Res- Charles M.A. and Keeth Smart, learning and idence Program Clark, Ph.D., is M.B.A. ’01TCB. career placement. enters its fifth on a quest for Also, get up to decade, and “i on social progress; date on your Hunger” packs Mikael Bergbrant, Tobin classmates. more than 25,000 Ph.D., provides meals. students with practical experi- ence; and Mark St. John‘s students in the Global Browne, Ph.D., Destination Course program participate in a variety of cultural experiences in uses real-world addition to gaining valuable experience examples to teach with international business executives risk management. and nongovernmental organizations.

2 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 1 FROM THE DEAN TOBIN TRENDS IMPROVEMENT AND GROWTH REFLECTIONS FROM DEAN NOREAN R. SHARPE, PH.D. Executive-in-Residence

fter nearly one year in our new home of Program Enters Fifth Decade The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, the growing sense of community and pride EIRP DEVELOPS THE NEXT GENERATION among our students and faculty is clear OF CORPORATE LEADERS. and contagious. Our students are enjoying the state-of-the-art Lesley and William BY SYD STEINHARDT Collins Business Analytics Lab, and our faculty are filling the modern classroom he Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) at The Peter J. and incubator space with new electives. Tobin College of Business has been a springboard for many Both undergraduate and graduate applica- successful careers since its inception in 1977. tions are up at our Queens and campuses. The EIRP annually selects 72 high-achieving students to AI am particularly proud that the Tobin College climbed 81 Tengage in real-world business consulting with actual business and places in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of Part-Time M.B.A. Programs, placing the Col- nonprofit organizations. Thirty-six undergraduate students spend lege in the number 101 position. Tobin’s rise in the rankings was the biggest jump for any institu- two semesters working on a series of consulting projects provided tion in this category. In 2018, the Tobin by EIRP’s corporate partners. The M.B.A. version of EIRP is com- Thanks to a dedicated and talented team of faculty and staff, we continue to create new degree pro- College was one posed of semester-long cohorts of 18 M.B.A. students who consult grams, recruit experienced faculty, and collaborate with our colleagues in the Paul and Carol Evanson of 38 institutions for client organizations. Career Services Center to strengthen career opportunities. For our spring Tobin CEO Seminar Series, worldwide Companies present EIRP faculty with projects that are of strategic we welcomed Thomas J. Donohue ’63C, ’85HON, President and Chief Executive Officer of the US named a UN importance for their firms. Projects can require students to tackle a Chamber of Commerce, who shared his thoughts on global trade and the economy. PRME Champion, wide range of issues related to corporate strategy, organizational design, In 2018, the Tobin College was one of 38 institutions worldwide named a UN PRME Champi- in honor of marketing, advertising, and performance management. our efforts on, in honor of our efforts and progress in responsible management education. This recognition is Over the course of a semester, the students meet with the client four largely due to the work of Associate Dean Linda M. Sama, Ph.D., and a team of faculty who have and progress in responsible times, alternating the meeting weeks with classes in which they incorpo- committed to collaborate with other universities and share our successful programs and courses. rate their work and findings before delivering a final presentation at the You can read about their activities in the Going Global section of this magazine. management education. end of the term. The experience provides the students with an intense Also in this issue is our feature interview with Chris Concannon ’92MBA, President and Chief Op- professional development experience and real, significant directed train- —Dean Norean R. Sharpe, Ph.D. erating Officer of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., who comments on the future of blockchain and bitcoin. ing in organizational development. I hope you enjoy reading about our talented Tobin College alumni, faculty, and students in this spring “Students get experience on analysis, how to interact with clients, issue of St. John’s Business. One of my many leadership lessons is that alumni will always play a key role and how to present their work in a professional venue,” said Associate in creating a transformative experience for our students, and we are grateful for your generosity. Professor of Management and Paul Naughton Research Fellow Chris Go Red Storm! Long, Ph.D., who assumed the EIRP directorship in fall 2017 after arriving from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Sincerely, “Even if you never want to go into consulting, the skills are very valu- able because you develop that knowledge set.” Clients have included prominent companies such as Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.; GEICO; Grant Thornton, LLP; KPMG LLP; the National Football League; Protiviti, Inc.; Ridgewood Sav- ings Bank; and Synchrony. Norean R. Sharpe, Ph.D. “The EIRP at St. John’s is an extremely important experience for stu- Dean dents because participants in the program sign up to become a member Joseph H. and Maria C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair of a consulting firm that also seeks to develop them as the corporate Professor of Decision Sciences leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Long. The Peter J. Tobin College of Business Highlights from the 20th annual Executive-in-Residence Program convocation held on May 18, 2017, at Leonard‘s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY.

2 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 3 TOBIN TRENDS

CLASS OF 2017 BY MEDIA THE NUMBERS MENTIONS Aleksandr V. Snapshot of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business Gevorkyan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Career Placement and Engagement Economics and Finance with University Career Services. Norean R. Sharpe, Ph.D., “How We Learned Not to Dean Say No to Gold…In Inter- national Reserves” “6 Options to Cut the Cost Developing Economics, of an MBA” March 12, 2018 U.S. News & World Report, March 26, 2018 72.2% Iris Mohr, M.A., Employed Full Time “Norean Sharpe on the M.B.A., Ph.D., Value of an MBA” Chair and Associate Bloomberg Markets, Professor of Marketing Dec. 27, 2017 20.6% “Black Friday Still a Furthering Education St. John’s University faculty, administrators, and students, and Protiviti, Inc. Brick-and-Mortar 95.3% employees and clients, participate in “i on Hunger.” Fabienne T. Experience for Some” Employed or Cadet, Ph.D., Tampa Bay Times, Nov. 24, Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Mullin Furthering 2.5% Associate Professor of 2017 ’98CBA with former Coach Lou Marketing Education Employed Part Time Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON “i on Hunger” Volunteers Pack More Than “Retailers Extend Holiday “What Happens When a Pricing to Boost Sales” Store Closes?” Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Deal News, March 7, 2018 4.7% Florida), Nov. 18, 2017 Seeking Employment 25,000 Meals Charles M.A. Clark, “Baltimore Area Malls Ph.D., Fight to Remain Relevant Top Employers to Shoppers During Holiday Professor of Economics Aspen Marsh, LLC Season” St. John’s University Career Services partnered with Joseph A. Taran- “Ireland Ranks Poorly on Baltimore Sun, Nov. 17, 2017 Barclays Life Insurance Co. EU Social Justice Scale” tino ’80CBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protiviti, Inc., “Food Influencers, Broadridge Protiviti, Inc. Irish Examiner, Feb. 21, 2018 Social Media Changing and a member of the St. John’s University Board of Governors, on Deloitte PwC “Economic and Environ- How Restaurants Market November 9, 2017, to host a service project through the company’s mental Issues Hold Ireland Businesses” EY Swiss Re “i on Hunger” initiative. Back in Sustainable Index” CGTN America, Oct. 24, 2017 Grant Thornton LLP Synchrony More than 100 volunteers—including St. John’s Men’s Basketball RTE, Feb. 20, 2018 Anthony M. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Willis Towers Watson Coach Chris Mullin ’98CBA, retired Men’s Basketball Coach Lou “Basic Income Can‘t Be Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, and a host of St. John’s faculty, Ignored, Says Vatican Sabino, J.D., KPMG LLP Professor of Law administrators, and students, along with Protiviti, Inc., employees Expert” Catholic Register, Oct. 27, and clients—packed 25,056 meals. “Ex-Regulator Says Warn- 2017 ings for Risky Volatility “The ‘i on Hunger’ program has had a positive impact Bets Should be in ‘Big, beyond our expectations,” said Mr. Tarantino. “We are incredibly Patrick R. Colabella, Bold 24-Point Font and in Joseph A. Tarantino ‘80CBA, President Red Letters’” proud of reaching the five million meal milestone in only three years.” M.B.A., Ed.D., and CEO of Protiviti, Inc. Marketwatch, Feb. 10, 2018 Associate Professor of Accountancy “Passenger Mix-Up on Flight to Japan Caps a Year “Interest on Home Equity of Airline Foul-Ups” Loans is Still Deductible, Los Angeles Times, but With a Big Caveat” Dec. 27, 2017 $58,597 The New York Times, March 9, 2018 “Soccer Bosses’ High-Flying Average Salary (up from $57,578 in 2016) Lives on Display at Corrup- “Tiny Mistakes Can Cause tion Trial” TOBIN CEO SEMINAR SERIES Delays in Getting Your Bloomberg, Dec. 12, 2017 FEATURES HEAD OF US CHAMBER Tax Refund” OF COMMERCE Newsday, Feb. 19, 2018 “Arrest of Billionaire Thomas J. Donohue ‘63C, ‘85HON, President Saudi Prince Shines Light “Trump Tax Plan: Fiddling on U.S. Holdings: Citi- and Chief Executive Officer of the US Chamber While Other Issues Burn” group, Twitter, Apple” of Commerce, shared his thoughts on a range Law360, Dec. 14, 2017 USA Today, Nov. 5, 2017 of topics as Dean Sharpe’s guest at the Tobin “Republicans Try but Fail “Japan’s Fake-Data Scan- College CEO Seminar Series on March 19. to Reach Reagan Ideal of dal is Likely to Mean an 79.5% True Tax Reform” Onslaught of Lawsuits” Engagement with Career Services The Hill, Oct. 4, 2017 Bloomberg, Oct. 11, 2017 Source: St. John‘s University Career Services

4 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 5 ATHENS, GREECE 1 5 7 8 , U.S.A. 9 14 4 3 8 6 2 10 1 13 11

BARCELONA, SPAIN 2 9 PARIS, FRANCE Tobin Leads Ethics Discussion

Tobin College’s Center for Global Business Stewardship, in partnership with sister Vincen- tian universities—DePaul and Niagara—will 12 host the 25th Annual International Vincentian Business Ethics Conference (IVBEC) from October 25 to 27, 2018, at New York City’s Marriott Downtown. GOING The conference attracts leading academics and practitioners to examine, discuss, and de- BEIJING, CHINA 3 10 ROME, ITALY velop the role of business ethics and corporate sustainability in economic, political, corporate, and social life. GLOBAL Global Program The theme of the IVBEC 2018 conference, TOBIN COLLEGE PROGRAMS PROVIDE Highlights 2017–18 “People, Planet, Progress: Business Ethics for a Global Society,” will include topics in all areas BUSINESS EDUCATION AROUND THE WORLD. The Global Destination Course (GDC) of business and professional ethics, with a BY LINDA M. SAMA, PH.D. program provides students the experience of focus on the sustainable development goals visiting with international business executives developed by the United Nations in 2015. and nongovernmental organizations, as well as Keynote addresses by UN and business lead- ers, panel sessions, academic paper sessions, DAVOS, SWITZERLAND 4 engaging in cultural activities abroad. 11 SHANGHAI, CHINA and paper development workshops will spur discussion among conference participants on he Peter J. Tobin College of commitment of Dean Norean R. Sharpe, The 2017–18 academic year has been a ethics and sustainability in business. Business, a signatory of UN Ph.D., the College established a multidisci- banner year for the program, with a record “Celebrating the 25th anniversary of IVBEC PRME (Principles for Responsible plinary PRME Champion team led by Linda number of courses and students participat- is a great opportunity to take stock of our Management Education), was des- M. Sama, Ph.D., PRME liaison, and included ing, specifically: progress and to look to the future for innova- tive solutions to business and society’s most ignated a UN PRME Champion Timothy G. Coville, Ph.D.; Aleksandr V. • 13 GDCs representing five different pressing ethical dilemmas,” said Linda M. disciplines Tfor the 2018–19 cycle, joining a group of 38 Gevorkyan, Ph.D.; and Sven Horak, Ph.D. Sama, Ph.D., Conference Chair. “We encour- Champion institutions from 20 countries. The Activities over the two-year cycle include • 107 Tobin College of Business students age proposals from academics, business profes- DUBLIN, IRELAND 5 announcement was made at the 2018 World collaborating with other PRME Champion enrolled in GDCs 12 SINGAPORE sionals, and young scholars on the role that Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. institutions and working groups to design a • 12 cities visited during learning trips: ethical business plays in the implementation This leadership group works to collabo- blueprint for the next generation of sus- Athens, Barcelona, Beijing, Dublin, Flor- and integration of the sustainable development ratively transform the landscape of higher tainability-driven business schools to drive ence, London, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, goals in the organizational culture, and to the enhancement of our understanding of targets, education by incorporating the UN sustainable environmental, social, and economic impact. Singapore, Tokyo, and Zurich. measurement, and ethical adjustment in our development goals (SDGs) into the curriculum The Tobin College will look to its ex- policies and processes.” of business schools. The SDGs, agreed upon pansive alumni base to engage as business Success of the GDC program is the result Tobin College alumni have actively partici- by world leaders in 2015, are a call to action partners in designing innovative solutions to of support from donors who have helped pated in IVBEC in previous years, most recently to address poverty, inequality, and climate the challenges faced in integrating sustain- subsidize the students’ trip fees, as well as from when the College hosted the conference in change—issues central to the Catholic and ability practices. Business will serve as a the Tobin College Dean’s Fund, which provides fall 2015. IVBEC organizers rely on alumni FLORENCE, ITALY 6 13 TOKYO, JAPAN Vincentian mission of St. John’s University. strategic partner in helping shape the talents global scholarships for students traveling to occupying the C-suite in some of New York City’s most elite corporations and not-for-profit Tobin College and other Champion schools and mindset of future leaders who will be the London, Rome, Barcelona, and Beijing. institutions to serve as panelists, speakers, and are integrating the SDGs into curricula, re- drivers of corporate sustainability. sponsors for the event. search, sustainability-based partnerships, edu- Linda M. Sama, Ph.D., is Associate Dean for Global Initiatives and Executive Director of the cational frameworks, and thought leadership. Center for Global Business Stewardship at The In its dedication to PRME, and with the For more details, visit unprme.org. Peter J. Tobin College of Business. For more details, visit ivbec.weebly.com.

stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 7

LONDON, U.K. 7 14 ZURICH, SWITZERLAND FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP INVESTMENT FUN(DS) MIKAEL BERGBRANT, PH.D., PROVIDES A HANDS-ON FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE TO STUDENTS.

BY BOB WOODS

y trade, Mikael Bergbrant, Ph.D., is not a portfolio A Quest manager, but he takes on the role in the classroom. Dr. Bergbrant is an Associate Professor of Finance at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. BJohn’s University. In addition to his courses, he teaches for Justice the Student Investment Management Fund program. “We use a top-down approach to asset management,” CHARLES M.A. CLARK, PH.D., IS NOT JUST ANOTHER said Dr. Bergbrant. “After getting familiar with the current CATHOLIC ECONOMIST WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE. composition of the portfolio, students conduct a macro- economic analysis. Based on that, they decide how to BY SYD STEINHARDT allocate the funds in the portfolio to specific sectors. They then choose the stocks they want to analyze, come up with buy or sell recommendations, and pitch the recom- mendations to the investment committee.” Charles M.A. Clark, Ph.D. His courses are de- signed to give students The need to promote greater equality and working with Catherine Kavanagh, Ph.D., analyzed Ireland’s progress in achieving the hands-on experience at participation for all—a tenet of Catholic Lecturer in Economics at University College UN’s 17 sustainable development goals as performing due dili- social teaching—is at the heart of the work Cork, on developing broader measures of social adopted by world leaders in 2015. The report gence on public compa- of Charles M.A. Clark, Ph.D. progress, going beyond gross domestic product looks at both how Ireland has progressed nies, investing money, For Dr. Clark, Professor of Economics and to include social and environmental statistics. based on its own past, and how it compares and managing a stock Senior Fellow at St. John’s Vincentian Center “In the past, governments concentrated on with 14 other European Union countries. portfolio—just as they for Church and Society, bringing the values promoting economic growth as their main “We need to understand that the rising tide will be expected to do of Catholic social teaching into economic and economic policy objective, with the hope that only helps those with strong boats,” Dr. Clark once they get jobs in the Tpublic policy discussions often means thinking it would take care of all other issues,” Dr. told RTE, the Irish state broadcaster, in an financial world. outside the box. And it means wearing many Clark said. “We now know that addressing interview after the report was presented. “We “One major benefit hats at the University and beyond, including problems or goals directly is more effective, need to use data like these to start working of the classes is to bridge as a consultant to the Committee on Interna- and that economic growth does not solve all toward a more sustainable future.” the gap between the tional Justice and Peace for the United States economic, social, and environmental prob- Dr. Clark has addressed this issue in many theory and the practice,” Conference of Catholic Bishops; an advisor for lems. To promote successful public policy, a forums—including as the author of several said Dr. Bergbrant, who the Holy See Permanent Mission to the United wider range of evidence-based analysis is re- books and articles on poverty and income is also Director of the Nations; and a consultant for public sector quired, hence the need for broader measures inequality—and most recently in his keynote Tobin College’s Applied Mikael Bergbrant, Ph.D. labor unions. of social progress and well-being.” presentation at The Case for Solidarity: Multi- Finance Institute. “We His work also includes research on the via- Drs. Clark and Kavanagh presented their faith Perspectives on Basic Income conference give the students access to the tools traders use when they do bility of a universal basic income system. It is report, “Measuring Progress: Economy, Society at The University of St. Michael’s College in research and buy stocks, so they share the same experience.” an idea Dr. Clark believes will, in the context and Environment in Ireland” to an audience the University of Toronto in October 2017. Dr. That real-world experience is further enhanced when of a globalized economy, achieve greater of 80 at the Carmelite Centre in Dublin on Clark, along with many of his students at St. Dr. Bergbrant meets with students in the Lesley and equality and participation for all. February 20, 2018, which the United Nations John’s, has also been involved in a Catholic Re- Since the late 1990s, Dr. Clark has been proclaimed as World Day of Social Justice. It lief Services initiative to combat forced labor. Continued on page 10

8 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 9 FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP

Continued from page 9

William Collins Business Analytics Lab. The state-of-the-art lab—supported by a leader- ship-level gift from Lesley H. Collins ’83SVC and Board of Trustees Chair William L. Col- First and foremost, I want lins ’76C, ’12HON—features 40 desktops students to understand this is a with multiple Bloomberg terminal licenses, Professor complex business that provides FactSet access on all machines, a video wall, and a color LED stock ticker. tremendous social value. “The layout is ideal for allowing the stu- —Mark Browne, Ph.D., Chair of the School of Risk dents to keep track of the market,” Dr. Berg- Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science brant said, adding that a field trip to Merrill of Risky Lynch’s trading floor confirmed just how well the lab duplicates the real thing. After the recommendations from Dr. Bergbrant’s students are approved by the funds’ investment committee—including Business prominent alumni, Tobin faculty, and guest Mark Browne, Ph.D., uses real-world examples business executives—the students execute actual transactions. And to effectively teach risk management. their picks appear to be BY BOB WOODS astute. According to the most recent reports, the One major graduate fund was valued at about $2.1 million benefit of the and contained 28 stocks classes is to and eight sector-specific nsurance, risk manage- exchange-traded funds ment, and employee Mark Browne, Ph.D., wants students to develop the ability to anticipate risk and recognize the impact of technology and change events. bridge the gap (ETFs). The undergrad- benefits can be complex between the uate fund was valued subjects to teach, yet Mark theory and at about $3.7 million, Browne, Ph.D., makes and then became the College of Insurance in and Insurance Center at Ludwig-Maximil- holding 48 stocks and five Ilearning about them an invig- 1962 before merging with St. John’s Universi- ians-Universität in Munich, Germany, and a the practice. sector-specific ETFs. orating classroom experience. ty in 2001. member of the International Research Adviso- The courses fit well That skill owes as much to his It is Dr. Browne’s job to apply that ry Board of the Risk and Insurance Research —Mikael Bergbrant, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance, with Dr. Bergbrant’s academic credentials and vast ex- century-plus of expertise in the classroom Center at National Chengchi University in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business research interests, which perience in the insurance industry and to help his undergraduate and graduate Taipei, Taiwan. “The students have to develop include empirical as- as to the premier status of the School of Risk students understand the depth of knowledge the ability to anticipate risk and know where set pricing and market Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science available to them. technology and change events are leading us.” efficiency. Lately, he has (SRM), which he chairs and considers one of “First and foremost, I want students to Beyond the classroom, Dr. Browne conducts had a particular interest in the crown jewels of The Peter J. Tobin College understand this is a complex business that original research, particularly on flood insur- studying how the stock market is influenced by of Business. provides tremendous social value,” he said. ance. A soon-to-be-published paper for the the political landscape. “We place our students in excellent career “That is not obvious to most people, so we Journal of Risk and Insurance will report on “In a recent study, I examined how positions,” said Dr. Browne, who also holds the need students to open their minds about his recent study of the National Flood Insur- different sectors of the market respond to Robert Clements Distinguished Chair in Risk going into this field.” ance Program (NFIP) in Florida communities. each candidate’s probability of winning Management and Insurance at the Tobin Col- Dr. Browne achieves that goal in part by “We find the adoption of the NFIP is associ- leading up to an election, then used that lege. “We have an outstanding faculty and staff engaging students with real-world examples ated with increased development in noncoastal data to predict sector returns after the and tremendous industry support, including a of risk, such as insuring the Empire State areas versus coastal areas,” Dr. Browne said. In- election,” he explained. board of overseers comprising more than 30 of Building and the liability exposures of phar- creasingly, development has shifted farther from Not surprisingly, politics come up regular- the top insurance executives in the world.” maceutical companies. “I want to get across the coast, he adds. “We attribute that to building ly in Dr. Bergbrant’s classes. “I do not think I The SRM has amassed the foremost to students that there is this whole other code restrictions in place with the NFIP.” have heard a single recommendation for the insurance and risk management library over world of insurance and risk transfer, which It is not much of a risk to predict that funds in the past year that has not discussed its 117-year history. It was initially formed as underpins the economies of developed nations flood insurance will be another provocative the impact of politics on the values of the the Insurance Society of New York in 1901, around the world,” said Dr. Browne, who is topic in one of Dr. Browne’s upcoming classes companies they have chosen,” he said. evolved into the School of Insurance in 1947, also an Associate Member of the Munich Risk at the SRM.

10 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 11 TOBIN GRADUATE JOE TARTAMELLA ’04MBA USES HIS SALES, MARKETING, AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS AS HEAD COACH OF THE ST. JOHN’S WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM.

THE BUSINESS OF

BASKETBA LLBY MIKE CARLSON

ports analogies in the business world are so commonplace, the average staff meeting can sound like an episode of ESPN’s SportsCenter. Sales will hit it out of the park. Management might drop the ball. Everyone needs to be a team player. Joe Tartamella ’04MBA, Head Coach of the St. John’s University Women’s Basketball Steam, lives the inverse of this phenomenon. A graduate of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Mr. Tartamella cannot help but bring his business mindset to the floor of . “Every head coach is a CEO. That is the bottom line,” he said. “I have to deal with budgets. I have to be able to manage a staff. I have to create a better opportunity for student athletes by being able to raise money for our program. There is no question that it feels like a business.” Mr. Tartamella entered the Tobin College M.B.A. program in 2002 at age 22 as a graduate

assistant, concurrently holding down duties as a member of the coaching staff for the women’s Through dedication and commitment, Mr. Tartamella has led the Red Storm Red Storm team under then Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico. Women‘s Basketball team to more than 100 victories as head coach. 12 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 It was a grueling time for Mr. Tartamella, processes adjustments from three assistant SALES who had graduated from James Madison coaches. By the time he gets into the huddle, he College teams live and die by their recruiting University in 2001 with a degree in marketing has about 15 seconds to filter that information prowess. For Mr. Tartamella to play his brand of information systems. The coaching position was and disseminate it to the team in a clear and fast-paced, fan-friendly basketball, he needs to created just for him, providing a broad range of concise manner. Presenting projects in front of recruit the players who are capable of that style. opportunities on the court and in the classroom. peers and professors helped him sharpen his He feels his recruiting has been a strength for Five to six days a week, he would be at work by messaging skills when every second counts. the program. He has been able to find high-level 7 a.m. and arrive home at 10:30 p.m. after an “I think when you talk about communica- players locally and out of state who have been a evening of classes or group projects. While the tion, the piece you cannot put into a book is good fit for his system and for St. John’s. schedule did not allow for much family time or pressure. You have to be able to communicate For one, while the countless entertainment a social life, it was an experience Mr. Tartamella with pressure on you,” he said. “For me, the options in New York can undercut attendance considers invaluable. M.B.A. from Tobin College gave me much at games, the city is a major selling feature for “That first year and a half was like drinking more confidence in that area—to process infor- players from all over the world. Second, as a from a fire hose. There was a lot of informa- mation quickly, communicate that information two-sport high school standout, Mr. Tartamella tion getting thrown at me,” he said. “I think to others quickly, and have it be understood.” knows how it feels to be seated on the other that my schedule as a graduate student helped side of the recruiting table. Athletes look at the me understand what it meant to really work. MARKETING coach as the person responsible for taking their It truly prepared me for what was ahead.” For the coach of any women’s college basket- game where they want it to go. St. John’s Life is not any less hectic for Mr. Tartamel- ball team, getting fans into seats is something His experience at Tobin College gives him a la these days. He is the father of three young that takes up much mental bandwidth, as certain credibility to describe the mission of St. allowed children and spends a good deal of time on women’s basketball has long labored under John’s as a University, a sports program, and a the road for away games and recruiting trips. the perception that its game is not as appeal- member of the . He meets me to grow His wife, Shannon, whom Mr. Tartamella ing as the men’s version. The NCAA estimates with high school athletes and their parents to from a calls a “rock star,” was an Assistant Bas- that Division I teams average about 1,500 sell the St. John’s experience. And you cannot ketball Coach at Adelphi University and St. fans a game. Mr. Tartamella estimates that sell what you do not believe in. graduate John’s, and understands the demands placed the Red Storm, which vies for attention in the “When I am sitting in the living room telling on a BIG EAST head coach. world-class cultural backdrop of New York, a prospect what I have gone through and that student His M.B.A. and the less-traveled road he draws closer to 1,300 fans for a home game. I earned my M.B.A. from St. John’s, I think to an took from graduate assistant to head coach Mr. Tartamella, with his M.B.A. in Marketing that is a huge sell,” said Mr. Tartamella. “They gives him a set of skills that serves him well and Management, is sensitive to the product he puts know that I truly believe what St. John’s is entry-level also sets him apart from other head coaches. on the floor and how the team is perceived. about because of what the school has done employee “I have been told that I am a unicorn “We try to play up-tempo and with good for me. St. John’s allowed me to grow from a when it comes to my career path,” he said. As pace and bring in players who are exciting graduate student to an entry-level employee to to the “CEO” of the Red Storm women’s basketball to watch,” he said. “We ask fans how they the Head Coach of the program.” brand, he finds himself using the knowledge enjoy the game, who they like, and who their Head Coach and experience he gained at Tobin College on favorite player is. It is really important as SUCCESS of the a daily basis to create a better experience for coaches and players that we promote our Mr. Tartamella secured his sixth-straight post-sea- the players and fans. own program. There are so many fans that son berth in 2018, as the Red Storm advanced program. you can touch if you reach out and engage to the quarterfinals of the WNIT for the first COMMUNICATION them on a daily basis.” time in program history. Last year, he reached his —Joe Tartamella ’04MBA, Head Today, Mr. Tartamella finds that his players, who Giveaways, theme nights, and inviting Girl 100th victory with the Red Storm. He is still shy Coach of the St. John’s University Women’s Basketball team are in their late teens and early 20s, communi- Scout troops and first responders help boost of the record of 176 wins, set by his mentor and cate in different and more complicated ways single-game ticket sales, but Mr. Tartamella predecessor Ms. Arico, but with a win percentage than his teams from just 10 years ago. With this is serious about growing the sport of wom- in the mid .650s, he is gaining ground quickly. cohort, listening is more vital than ever. en’s basketball as a whole. When it comes to Hearing the names of his players called at When it comes to opening his mouth, how- dramatic measures, such as the oft-discussed the WNBA draft is one more thrill he expects ever, Mr. Tartamella gives his Tobin College idea of lowering the height of the hoop so to experience again in the near future. He has experience credit for shaping him into a skilled more of the action happens above the rim, he another bucket list item in mind, as well. It public speaker. A reclusive classroom student feels like everything is open for discussion. is something that will allow him to keep one in high school, he gained an invaluable skill for “We are at a crossroads as a game,” he said. foot in the school and one on the court. a coach from the number of presentations he “We are losing many players to volleyball, “It would be great to teach in some capacity, completed in his postgrad studies: the ability to softball, and other sports. When you talk maybe in the sport management program,” he make addressing a group look easy. The area about lowering the rim or doing things that said. “It would be so much fun to give back that where it made the most difference is the huddle. will attract more of the youth to play, I would way, as a professor who is able to do it, not only For example, during a 30-second timeout certainly be in favor of it. I am in favor of on the floor of the basketball program, but in a late in a game, Mr. Tartamella receives and anything that is going to grow the game.” From the onset of his coaching career, Mr. Tartamella brought classroom with our student body.” a business mindset to the floor of Carnesecca Arena.

14 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 15 CASH V. CRYPTO:

What’s the Difference? CHRIS CONCANNON ’92MBA A brief comparison of tradi- tional and fintech currency, HELPS ENSURE THE FREE FLOW banking, and lending. OF BITCOIN. Traditional v. BY SYD STEINHARDT Cryptocurrency Every time you swipe a debit or credit card, your personal his year may be remem- night, turned into the pursuit of an M.B.A. information is attached. bered as the year that from The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Cryptocurrency carries no personal information, so there bitcoin became part of our Upon completion of his M.B.A., Mr. Concan- is less of a chance of identity common vocabulary. non took a job at the mutual fund firm First theft. Cryptocurrencies offer Many companies and Investors before enrolling in Catholic Univer- little or no transaction fees for business leaders have avoided sity’s Columbus School of Law. He then held digital currency, as opposed to Tcryptocurrencies, while others have entered the positions at the American Stock Exchange, traditional banks that charge market wholeheartedly. One of those enthusiasts the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, fees to process transactions.

is Cboe Global Markets, Inc., where Chris Con- NASDAQ, and high-speed trading firm Virtu Fi- Additionally, peer-to-busi- ness lending provides individ- cannon ’92MBA serves as President and Chief nancial. In 2014, he joined Bats Global Markets uals the opportunity to lend Operating Officer. The company was the first to and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer to established businesses. offer bitcoin futures trading, which launched in a year later. Bats was acquired by his current December 2017. firm for $3.2 billion in 2017. Traditional Banks v. Mr. Concannon’s interest in cryptocurrencies As Mr. Concannon considered his unusual Online-Only Banks was piqued in 2015. Then career trajectory, he saw For years, traditional retail the President and Chief parallels in the occasion- banks provided customers Executive Officer of ally jolting progress that a variety of services such as equity trading firm Bats cryptocurrencies have business and consumer loans, and checking and savings Global Markets, he was made in becoming more Cryptocurrencies, accounts. As banks charge among the first to meet mainstream. higher fees for these services, with Tyler and Cameron though still developing, “A cryptocurrency is a some customers are opting for Winklevoss, the Harvard new asset class that can virtual banking. Online-only graduates known for be transacted—much like banks offer the same services their disputed role in are here frequent flyer miles or as traditional banks, but with what eventually became loyalty points,” he said. higher interest rates and lower fees. Online banks also Facebook. The pair, who “In fact, reward points provide the same security now run cryptocurren- to stay. are virtual currency. measures as traditional banks cy exchange Gemini, —Chris Concannon ’92MBA American Express is a to protect your money and wanted to explore the store of value. You can personal information. potential for a bitcoin trade virtual points for exchange-traded fund dollars. My paying you Traditional Lending v. (ETF). Mr. Concannon for your points is a form P2P Lending Currently, peer-to-peer (P2P) was keen to listen. of cryptocurrency.” Chris Concannon ’92MBA Being at the forefront of the booming Cryptocurrencies are powered by block- lending is growing faster than traditional lending. Despite cryptocurrency market is one twist in a non- chain technology, which allows for virtual, the P2P name, you are still linear career path that took Mr. Concannon instantaneous and almost frictionless trans- Despite his vision for the asset class—which Still, he believes the brothers are onto borrowing from a bank— from working as a plumber on Long Island actions. Cryptocurrencies are maintained by includes the Winklevosses’ proposal to list an something. Acknowledging their portrayal people decide whether they to heading one of the world’s largest equities distributed ledger technology, which is essen- ETF and runs as far as futures, options, and in- in the 2010 movie “The Social Network,” want to invest in your loan. and options exchanges. tially a decentralized database that allows dices across a range of so-called digital assets— which chronicled the genesis of Facebook, If enough investors bid on After completing his degree in history at “everyone who holds that ledger to know Mr. Concannon acknowledged that cryptocur- Mr. Concannon offers this assessment: your loan, the bank will make The Catholic University of America in 1989, what is out there,” said Mr. Concannon. rencies have their current limits. They can only “They are good people who are trying to do the loan to you. Still a new concept, it will take time to Mr. Concannon returned to New York. Acting He envisions companies such as Amazon be used to purchase limited items. They are also things that benefit others.” determine whether or not the on the advice of his father, Joseph Concannon, or Overstock creating their own cryptocur- volatile, which may scare people away. More importantly, Mr. Concannon believes banks’ strategy of creating the St. John’s Biology Department Chair, he rencies. A current example of that possibility The nature of distributed ledger technolo- the future is bright for this emerging market. their own small loan networks enrolled in business courses at the University. is NITEL, a Nigerian telephone company gy means that once someone loses his or her “Cryptocurrencies, though still develop- is successful. In 1991, the courses, which he attended at that accepts virtual currency as payment. password, the complete investment is lost. ing, are here to stay,” he said. THE CHALLENGES OF CRYPTOCURRENCY We will be able to provide insights to executives based on the challenges the industry is facing now and help prepare students with Executive the knowledge and skills they will need to be better candidates for jobs related to this area when they graduate. Custom Training and —Annette Hofmann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Insurance Education Programs The Center for Executive Education of the Tobin College of Business offers a diverse series of educa- tion programs, which can be tailored to meet the spe- Education cific business needs of the client. Examples include accounting. Mr. Chain, who came to the Tobin The Center for Executive College as a full-time faculty member after Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Conferences, seminars, and certificate Education fills a critical gap 38 years at Deloitte—the last 27 as an audit Insurance. “What are their challenges? What programs: Center staff and faculty between what employees partner—was appointed by Norean R. Sharpe, problems are they struggling to solve? Having develop thought leadership and key trend-focused Ph.D., Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College this connection lets us see how we can help.” conferences and seminars, as well as professional know today and what they of Business, to be Executive Director of the Dr. Hofmann is currently working with Octo, certificate programs for new employees or em- ployees who want to expand their expertise in a Center in September 2017, with the charge to an insurance telematics company based in Italy, need to know tomorrow. specific area. Current certificate programs include Herbert M. Chain, C.P.A., Executive grow its programming and client base. to gather and analyze data on consumer driving a Certificate in The Business of Insurance and a Director of the Center for Executive BY SONA PAI “Our mission is to build on our core strengths behavior. Mandatory black boxes installed in Certificate in Workers’ Compensation. Education of the Tobin College of Business and broaden our reach into areas beyond insur- all cars in Italy provide data on risky behaviors oday, more than ever, even the ance and risk management, whether that is in ac- from accelerating and braking to accidents—ev- Specialized programs designed for most talented employees under- counting, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, erything a driver does in the car. Analyzing this individual clients: The Center collaborates stand that education does not or other fields where we can provide significant data can help insurance companies understand with clients to design programs for employees, end with a college degree. Trends value and expertise,” Mr. Chain said. how to price policies more accurately and help drawing from the Tobin College faculty, faculty emerge, businesses pivot, and consumers reduce their risk by providing them colleagues from other institutions, and practitioners To learn more about the Center in the field. These programs range from founda- for Executive Education, visit technology reshapes expectations and possi- FOCUSED AND FLEXIBLE with individual risk information. T tional education to help onboard new employees to stjohns.edu/tobin. bilities. Employees must find ways to adapt Mr. Chain and his team at the Center work Dr. Hofmann’s work with Octo will not only advanced training for senior executives. or risk losing opportunities in their field. with clients to develop training and educa- help the Center add value via personalized pro- For employers across industries, offering tion programs (see “Custom Training and gramming for clients, but it will also give faculty Online courses for individuals and professional development as an employee Education Programs”) that meet their specific new insights to bring back to the classroom. businesses: Online courses in insurance, man- benefit not only helps them recruit and retain needs, customizing everything from subject “We will be able to provide insights to ex- agement, and leadership are available for individuals top talent—it also sharpens their competitive matter to structure. ecutives based on the challenges the industry or as part of custom programming for a larger edge. But with their businesses to focus on, “It is an iterative process,” Mr. Chain said. is facing now and help prepare students with organization. These courses can be led by a team many employers are not equipped to provide “We work with our clients on timing, faculty, the knowledge and skills they will need to be of instructors or be self-directed and scaled to reach thousands of employees across offices. that training on their own. location, specific material, and whether or not better candidates for jobs related to this area “It is the classic outsourcing conundrum,” the program will result in continuing educa- when they graduate,” said Dr. Hofmann. Customized master’s programs: said Herbert M. Chain, C.P.A., Executive tion credits, a certificate, or a degree.” Mr. Chain points to Dr. Hofmann’s work Employees can enroll in M.S. or M.B.A. programs, Director of the Center for Executive Educa- To date, the Center’s clients have included as a perfect example of how the Center’s pro- sponsored by and developed in collaboration with tion of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. Deloitte, KPMG, AIG, HSBC, Arch Insurance, gramming represents a powerful link between their employers. Tobin College faculty deliver courses “You either build or you buy.” Ernst & Young, Samsung, Ace Limited, and the industry and academic communities. at St. John’s University’s Queens and Manhattan In 2016, companies around the world spent the People’s Insurance Company of China. “We have so much talent and expertise right campuses, at St. John’s Hauppauge location, or at a more than $359 billion on corporate training, here at Tobin,” said Mr. Chain. “As more and client’s office. with more than a third going to external pro- DEEPENING CONNECTIONS more employees—particularly millennials—are Collaborative programs with other viders including consulting firms and univer- Along with helping businesses boost skills asking, ‘What can you do for me?’ and ‘How can institutions: The Center also works with other sities, according to Training Industry and the among employees, the Center’s programming you contribute to my personal and professional colleges and universities, creating tailor-made U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. gives faculty invaluable insights into what is development?,’ we can help employers respond curricula in areas beyond what is available at these The Tobin College of Business is a leader in happening in the field. in a meaningful way. We can be the missing piece partner institutions. This becomes a component of providing professional development, specif- “I always want to know what the industry’s of the puzzle, and we can bring insights back to the degree program at the “home institution.” ically in the areas of risk management and issues are,” said Annette Hofmann, Ph.D., the next generation of employees and leaders.”

18 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 19 SELF-MADE ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

TOBIN BY THE DECADE ATHLETICS 1950–59 William Horan ’69CBA, ’73MBA, ’77L TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AND ACUMEN wrote a composition for VINCENT P. COLMAN ’82CBA John Sherman freshman English class on “Why Students Should CONTINUES TO LIVE BY ST. JOHN’S OLYMPIC FENCER KEETH SMART, M.B.A. ’01TCB FINDS '58CBA worked in SUCCESS IN A VARIETY OF BUSINESS VENTURES. accounting for almost a Not Join Fraternities.” As VINCENTIAN MISSION. quarter century, earned a sophomore, he joined BY MELANIE PADGETT POWERS his M.B.A. from North a small local fraternity, BY JENNIFER LUBELL Texas University, and Alpha Pi Theta, though taught at the University of he claimed he was not Texas Dallas for 19 years. the fraternity type. Fifty He has three children and years later, his fraternity fter competing in three Olympics as a saber fencer, Keeth Smart, five grandchildren. brothers are still his incent P. Colman ’82CBA has M.B.A. ’01TCB decided to retire from the sport—even though he closest friends. traveled around the globe, man- A was ranked second in the world. In his final Olympics, the 2008 1960–69 aged businesses with billions of Beijing Games, he helped Team USA win a silver medal in the Men’s Sabre Sal Incalcatera dollars of revenue, and served in Team event. It was the highest Team USA Olympic medal for a fencing ’69CBA, ’81MBA met the top technical role in one of team in the 12 Olympic fencing medal events. Joseph Giacalone his wife, Susan ’79MBA, Vthe largest accounting firms in the world. But at age 30, he bid farewell to his fencing career. “I had achieved a ’62MBA joined St. during the fall semester of “If you work hard, study, do well, and are great deal in a short amount of time in fencing,” said Mr. Smart. “My John’s first M.B.A. class 1973. They were married in 1960 and never left eager to constantly learn and better yourself, Vincent P. Colman ’82CBA parents had always instilled the importance of having a balance of in the summer of 1974 at the University after ac- the chapel on campus. the opportunities coming out of St. John’s what you need to learn for auditing, ac- academics and fencing. I knew that if I continued on the path of Olympic cepting a staff teaching University are enormous,” said the New York counting, and communicating with clients,” fencer, people would never look at me as anything other than an Olympic position upon complet- 1970–79 If you work hard, Metro Vice Chairman of PwC, the profes- he said. “Make sure that you are open, agile, athlete. I knew there was more that I wanted to do with my career.” ing his degree. He spent sional services firm where he has built his and curious enough to know what is going Building on his business degree from Tobin College, Mr. Smart four years as Dean of study, do well, CBA’s undergraduate career over the past 35 years. went on to earn an M.B.A. from Columbia University in 2010 and on in the profession.” division and received a Steven Caccavallo and are eager Mr. Colman has since achieved an impres- To cite one example, the use of big data was an M.B.A. strategy intern at Google. He worked in product man- Ph.D. from Columbia ’76CBA launched a sole to constantly sive portfolio. In his long career at PwC, he allows firms to extract and analyze data more agement and then in investment banking at Bank of America/Merrill Business School. He is proprietorship, Steven has run the company’s multibillion-dollar quickly, resulting in increased quality and Lynch. He also cofounded a successful fitness technology company currently Professor of Caccavallo Executive learn and better assurance practice and currently oversees called Physiclo, which integrates resistance bands into athletic wear. Economics and holder of Search, in August 2017. client service. Firms such as PwC need people The business is dedicat- assurance, tax, and advisory client service Mr. Smart’s most recent venture aligns all his passions: business, fitness, the Henry George Chair yourself, the with the skills to analyze that data. in Economics. ed to the sourcing and delivery for the New York Metro region. He “Embrace the technology,” he urges and entrepreneurship. He is now General Manager of Chelsea Piers Fit- placement of permanent opportunities served on the advisory group to the Financial professionals young and old alike. “It is a ness, where he is in charge accounting and finance, Accounting Standards Board, which sets all of launching the largest gym human resources, and coming out of St. fascinating time.” William Lockwood marketing professionals in Brooklyn, NY, this spring. ’63CBA, ’68MBA went John’s University accounting standards in the United States, Mr. Colman’s ebullience is not limited in the tri-state area and and was on Irish America magazine’s Annual to the changing world of his vocation. It Mr. Smart stays con- to work for U.S. Trust Co. beyond. are enormous. 50 list from 2015–17. nected with the St. John’s in 1961, leaving in 1982 extends to his alma mater. In 2012, he and for Chase Manhattan. In fencing team and Head —Vincent P. Colman ’82CBA After three and a half decades of perspec- 17 other alumni were honored at St. John’s 1989, he formed Empire 1980–89 tive, he remains excited by what he does. Annual Alumni Convocation for their strong Coach Yury Gelman. It Valuation Consultants, Much of that excitement is driven by the connection to the University and dedication is where Mr. Smart was a business appraisal technology that is transforming the way that to its Vincentian mission. a four-time All-American firm. His clients include privately held business business is conducted. The Colman family’s Vincentian roots run and a two-time individual enterprises, law and NCAA national champi- “The movement of technology is having a deep. His sister, Patricia, attended Niagara accounting firms, and profound effect on our profession,” he said. University in Lewiston, NY, where their on, and helped St. John’s sports franchises. “It is changing at a very fast pace.” uncle, Rev. John Colman, C.M., served as win the NCAA team title. Marcel Catafago That pace of change, as he sees it, is driven Dean of Education from 1959 to 1961. The He continues to volunteer ’80CBA has been John (Jack) Curcia by predictive analytics, digitization, big data, Vincentian community then sent him to St. coach and mentor St. John’s in higher education ’65CBA, a veteran of the for more than three artificial intelligence, and robotics. fencers, attending their John’s in 1970, where he served for two US Army, worked in cor- decades and is currently “These are tools that we are integrating in decades before retiring in 1990 as Head of practices and meets. porate human resources Associate Vice President how we service our clients,” he said. “It makes Research Grants. His other sister, Ann Marie, “I want to make sure in New York, where for Administration and us more efficient and effective in what we do.” graduated from St. John’s in 1986. everybody is able to he was responsible for Finance at the SUNY One thing that does not change is for Mr. Colman believes in giving back to his achieve their dreams, but compensation, benefits, College of Optometry. Keeth Smart, M.B.A. ’01TCB and pensions for major His son, Joseph, recently newly minted graduates entering the profes- also let them know there alma mater. He serves on the Tobin College corporations. He and his graduated from St. sion to know the fundamentals. Board of Advisors and supports St. John’s is more after their college career,” he said. “They can look at me as an wife are now retired and John’s and is now con- “At one level, basics are not changing graduates for positions at PwC. example of someone who married business with athletics.” live in Florida. sidering the priesthood.

20 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 21 SELF-MADE ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

Matt Lifson ’80CBA by climbing to the presidency as she juggled a full-time served at the United Na- spent 40 years in the of the Cosmopolitan Soccer job while completing tions as lead advisor on cli- foreign exchange mar- League and the vice presiden- her M.B.A. requirements mate finance, and resumed kets, including 10 years cy of the Eastern New York by attending classes on teaching at St. John’s. as Chief Dealer at PNC State Soccer Association. nights and weekends. Bank in Pittsburgh. Cur- The experience at St. 2010–PRESENT rently, he is a Professor John’s encouraged her to of Finance at Monmouth Eileen M. Hynes pursue her doctorate. University in West Long ’91CBA, ’98MBA consid- Branch, NJ. ers herself lucky to have Mergim Cahani worked for Aetna for 26 Adnan Zafar ’06CPS, ’11MBA is the years. Currently, she is ’99MBA is Executive founder and CEO of Gjirafa, POWER managing a key consult- Director of hygiene prod- Inc., an Albanian-language, ing partner relationship for ucts manufacturer PAN full-text web search engine Aetna National Accounts. Industries, Ltd., a Director and news aggregator. NETWORKING She is pleased to say her at Universal Cables, Ltd., son is a Johnnie who will and an Executive Com- graduate in 2019. mittee member of Bin Qa- Kevin Marin ’11TCB FOR CATHERINE GENZLINGER, M.B.A. Jane Ward sim Association of Trade owns a dental laboratory in ’82CBA, PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Margulies ’81CBA is and Industry in Karachi, New York and a dental clinic PROVIDE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS. the founder of The TEAM Pakistan. He is an active in the Dominican Republic. Group, LLC, a certified Rotarian and participates woman-owned business BY SYD STEINHARDT in social causes. that specializes in meet- Sergey Liberchuk ing and event planning, ’13TCB earned his manage- travel incentive program, 2000–09 ment degree while working no-cost hotel sourcing, Martin J. McDermott as a paralegal and office man- and Cvent and Sweep- ’91CBA is a Marketing ager at a law firm in Brooklyn, ack in 2000, when Catherine stakes Management. Professor at Purdue William Petruzzi NY. He is currently enrolled University Global. He in St. John’s University School Genzlinger, M.B.A. ’82CBA was ’03TCB went on to earn completed his doctorate of Law. an M.B.A. from Long Island a vice president at Citibank, she in business administration Catherine Genzlinger, M.B.A. ’82CBA Charlotte Tomic University. He is currently received a call from a recruiter with a concentration in ’83CBA moved to Miami employed by SS&C as a marketing, has been pub- seeking to fill a managerial va- professional experiences. She also suggests Beach, FL, with her hus- fund accountant. From 2004 Philip Butler ’14TCB lished in scholarly journals, Bcancy in operational risk. Ms. Genzlinger was volunteering to present on a specific topic band over 10 years ago. to 2013, he served in the created an app called Radiate and hosts a podcast on After a lifetime of working New York Army National that connects people with intrigued, but there was one problem—she had pertaining to a field of expertise or partici- franchising. He notes the as a public relations consul- Guard and Air Force Reserve. shared interests through the no experience as an operational risk manager pating in a panel discussion. late Professor John W. tant and executive, she is Married for six years, he live events they attend, includ- Dobbins, Jr., Ph.D., as his nor was she familiar with the job function. Looking back, she calls her route to the now involved in real estate is the proud father of an ing music festivals. The app inspiration to become a “I had no credentials, just raw skills,” said top of her profession a “random walk,” a sales. 18-month-old daughter. is available in North America marketing professor. Ms. Genzlinger. “I started to network with path that she might not necessarily follow and Europe and has helped people who had that type of job. I learned now given the benefit of hindsight. more than 1.6 million people meet since it was launched. to develop a cohort of people with whom I However, she credits the St. John’s Uni- Susan M. Damiani Networking versity Career Services office for helping ’87CBA recognizes Pro- traded ideas. I spent time to learn what they fessor E. Lawrence Deck- to create the professional network that she is important did. Eventually, I had a network of experts inger, Ph.D. ’96HON, as Ada Lee ’15TCB, ’17MBA for everyone. who could recommend me for similar jobs.” lacked as she embarked upon her initial job an influential advertising committed herself to a year This midcareer epiphany spurred her to search following graduation. Ms. Genzlinger professor who was en- Chris Steudte ’05TCB of service with Americorps. couraging and supportive Charles “Chuck” Broad- and Christina Wal- She serves in the Vincentian To refine your become an evangelist for effective network- was exposed to many banking and account- ing companies that came to the St. John’s of his students. Because way ’94CBA played on the ters ’11C, ’14GEd are Service Corps in San Fran- ing. Today, as the Chief Operational Risk of Dr. Deckinger, she was Liberty Conference football brand in a sea campus to conduct interviews. excited to announce their cisco, CA, where she works Officer for BNY Mellon, Ms. Genzlinger part of the first advertis- championship team in in engagement. They met with women and children in “That was most helpful because I did not of people, you imparts the wisdom she gained from that ex- ing team at St. John’s to 1991. Joining the NYPD in through fellow alumni Ian a residential rehab center for have relationships to get into those compa- win a regional American 1996, he was a first respond- Leverich ’06TCB and drug and alcohol addiction. perience to those who seek to advance their need people nies,” she said. Advertising Federation er on 9/11. He is currently the Meredith Leverich She also leads spiritual immer- professional careers, to build teams, or to competition. “These days, it is a lot more difficult to be Chief of the Clermont (Flor- ’11C,’12G. Their wedding sion trips for high school and who can vouch ida) Police Department and establish and enhance their personal brands. a generalist,” she continued. “If you have a is planned for May 2018. elementary school students. for you. According to Ms. Genzlinger, a key the first African-American to strategy, you have a better chance of moving 1990–99 hold that position. element of effective networking is to under- —Catherine Genzlinger, M.B.A. ’82CBA up faster. Determine your ultimate goals, as Juan E. Chebly ’08TCB, Ziyaad Rahim ’15TCB stand it is more than just searching for that opposed to waiting for it to happen.” ’09MBA was introduced ’16MS credits his accounting next job. Networking is “a two-way street” Effective networking, as she learned at the Michael Fitzgerald Susana J. to sustainable development degrees from the Tobin Col- on which one finds jobs and talent. onset of her career, is the central component ’90CBA, ’92MBA has Bertuna-Reynoso, at Tobin, and it changed his lege for his ability to obtain a Beyond amassing connections and rec- of that strategy. worked in banking and Ph.D. ’96MBA received life. At 24, he became the job with the US Department finance for more than support and mentoring Tobin College’s youngest of Defense’s Office of the ommendations on LinkedIn, Ms. Genzlinger “Networking is important for everyone,” 20 years as an IT project from Donna M. Narducci, adjunct professor. He has Inspector General as an recommends attending industry and alumni she said. “To refine your brand in a sea of peo- manager. He leveraged his Ed.D., Associate Dean, who since launched a telecom Auditor in the Cyberspace events to converse with others about their ple, you need people who can vouch for you.” Division I soccer experience helped her tremendously startup and a global NGO, Operations Division.

22 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 stjohns.edu/business | ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS 23 PRESIDENTʼS PERSPECTIVE Coming Full Circle THE PETER J. TOBIN ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT CONRADO “BOBBY” GEMPESAW, PH.D., APPRECIATES SEEING STUDENTS DEVELOP INTO GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERS. COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BOARD OF ADVISORS 2017–18 n the year since the new facility for The Peter J. Tobin College of Business opened, St. John’s University President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., has witnessed firsthand how the new educational space has Robert Adams Demetrios Joseph Mauriello Josephine Pappas Thomas Scaturro Itransformed the student experience from the classroom to ’84CBA, ’88MBA ’66CBA, ’72MBA ’84CBA ’86CBA Frangiskatos the workplace. Executive Vice President ’00CBA Deputy Chairman and Senior Vice President, Market Leader–Metro Nowhere is that more evident than in the Tobin College Fidelity Investments New York Metro Chief Operating Officer Global Operations New York undergraduate class of 2017, which achieved a combined Managing Partner of (Retired) The NPD Group Market President–Florida KPMG LLP Key Private Bank placement rate for employment and graduate study of Theresa Ahlstrom Assurance Services BDO USA LLP Kevin Reed, Chair nearly 96 percent. It is all part of the University’s number ’83CBA Partner Kathleen McGovern ’75C Joseph H. Schwartz one strategic priority—ensuring student success. KPMG LLP Catherine Genzlinger ’88CBA, ’91L Managing Director ’70C, ’72MBA, ’09HON For this issue of St. John’s Business, Dr. Gempesaw pro- ’82CBA Principal, Fraud (Retired) Partner and Senior Vice vides additional insight into the journey from student to Magalie Desroches Chief Operational Investigation & Dispute Citigroup Asset President (Retired) Management business professional, and ultimately, supportive alumni. Austin, Esq. Risk Officer Services Wellington Ernst & Young LLP Management ‘82CBA BNY Mellon Salvatore Restivo Company, LLP Chief Diversity and ’85CBA, ’89MBA Industry Relations Officer Greg Hendrick Brian Meisner 1. How important is Tobin College’s new facility for study abroad programs, ranking in the top 10 percent of Partner the student experience? doctorate-granting American universities nationwide for its New York City ’87C ’98SVC Edward Smith Ernst & Young LLP ’66CBA Enhancing our teaching and learning environment is one undergraduate study abroad participation rate. We attract Department of Design President, Property & Partner/Counselor and Construction Casualty at Law Partner (Retired) of the four strategic priorities of St. John’s University. The students who want to come to New York City to live and XL Catlin Voute, Lohrfink, Magro Michael J. Rice KPMG LLP renovated home of The Tobin College of Business has learn, and we also offer them the opportunity to study in Managing Director Vincent P. Colman & McAndrew, LLP been transformative and elevated the student learning ex- other global cities. Our students are better prepared and Track One Capital ’82CBA Peter Johnston Alicia (Botero) Services perience both inside and outside the classroom. The new informed when they experience firsthand different economic Vice Chairman ’84CBA, ’88MBA Peter J. Micca Speight open spaces are inviting to prospective students, and the systems, cultures, environments, and points of view. PwC Executive Vice President ’89CBA ’82CBA multipurpose classrooms lend themselves to collaborative BNY Mellon Partner Robert G. Rooney Florida Market Leader ’78CBA discussions in both large and small groups. 4. Two spaces are enhancing both career placement Chris Concannon Deloitte & Touche LLP Willis Towers Watson Executive Vice President and the learning environment at Tobin College—the ’92MBA Mark Kritzman and Chief Operating President and Chief ’73CBA Michael Nardo Peter J. Tobin 2. What does Tobin College’s high placement rate Paul and Carol Evanson Career Services Center and Officer Operating Officer President & Chief ’90CBA ’65CBA, ’96HON say about the value and quality of a Tobin College the Lesley and William Collins Business Analytics Novitex Enterprise Cboe Global Markets, Executive Officer Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer education? Lab. What do these new spaces say about the Solutions Inc. Windham Capital Enterprise and (Retired) Today’s undergraduates and their families are savvy commitment of alumni to Tobin College students? Management Operational Risk Chase Bank consumers, and they expect a return on the investment The generous support of Paul and Carol Evanson and Management Lawrence Ruisi Dean (Retired) Maureen Depp they have made in higher education. Our number one Lesley and William Collins is most evident in the new, GE Capital ’70CBA, ’75MBA The Peter J. Tobin ’76CBA Michael Lagnese CEO and President College of Business strategic priority of ensuring student success extends to well-utilized, student-centered facilities that bear their Managing Director ’88CBA (Retired) helping students find employment or acceptance to grad- names. Their gifts are proof of what our alumni can do Golden Seeds Senior Vice President, Christopher Pappas Loews Cineplex uate school. Our high career placement rate reflects the for current students. There are important and innova- Enterprise Risk ’84CBA Kristina Vieni Entertainment Corp. Principal ‘02BS value and quality of education that our students receive tive ways for alumni to give back—and St. John’s is Diane D’Erasmo Synchrony Managing Director at the Tobin College of Business and the University. blessed with many generous and supportive alumni. ’76NDC International Lodging Grant Thorton LLP Be it with time, talent, or philanthropy, our alumni are Vice Chair (Retired) Salvatore LaGreca Corp.

3. How has the experiential aspect of a Tobin College committed to supporting St. John’s students. Because so HSBC Bank USA ’76CBA education, including studying abroad, aided students many successful alumni received help during their time Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in their career ambitions? as students, alumni often endow scholarships, mentor Precise Leads, Inc. More than ever, the economies of nations are increasingly students, provide internships, and offer career advice and interdependent through global trade and alliances. Study employment opportunities. abroad opportunities prepare students to compete and thrive I am grateful that so many alumni find it fitting to If you would like information on our Tobin Board of Advisors or Tobin Alumni Association, please contact William G. Schaeffer ‘73CBA, in a global society and marketplace. St. John’s is a leader in remain steadfast in their love and support for St. John’s. Director of Development at 718-990-6802; [email protected].

24 ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS | Spring 2018 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

3–4:30 p.m. 1–5 p.m. Academic Lectures and Programs Alumni Great Lawn Party 5:30–10 p.m. 3–4 p.m. Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend Discover 111 Places in Queens That You Signature Celebration (Mass, Award Must Not Miss Ceremony, Reception, and Dinner) 5–6 p.m. Queens Alumni Mass HOMECOMING WEEKEND SATURDAY, JUNE 2 5-8 p.m. 8–10 a.m. Tom Pesce Magic Show Followed by MAY 31– St. John’s 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run Game Show Activity JUNE 3 8–10 a.m. 6–7:30 p.m. Yoga for Everybody Tobin College Alumni Award Ceremony 10–11 a.m. and Reception Campus Walking Tour THURSDAY, MAY 31 7:30–10 p.m. 10–11 a.m. “After-Party” Alumni Gathering 5–9 p.m. Athletic Tour 80s Revisited Alumni Reunion at Citi Field 10 a.m.–4 p.m. SUNDAY, JUNE 3 6:30–9:30 p.m. Hospitality Suite Noon–1 p.m. GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Staten Island Alumni Mass Sunset Dinner Cruise Brunch with the President, “Celebrating 1–4 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Our Founding Mission: Yesterday, Today, Staten Island Alumni BBQ and Tomorrow” 10 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information and to register, Military Science Department ROTC Noon–3 p.m. please visit stjohns.edu/homecoming Alumni Meet and Greet Kicks 4 Confidence Third Annual Charity Kickball Game, Family On Three Foundation, Inc. or call the Office of University Events at 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 718-990-2929. Exclusive Tour and Lunch at West Side 1–2:30 p.m. Tennis Club in Forest Hills Estate and Financial Planning for Women #StJohnsHomecoming Panel Discussion

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