BLI Graduation Year: 2013
Tell us briefly about yourself and please update your classmates on your personal/professional experiences since graduating from BLI:
I am originally from Utica, NY and graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I moved to the Southern Tier 21 years ago after being recruited by IBM. I became a manager in 2001 and received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Binghamton University in 2002. During my career, I have received several US patents and performed many roles mostly relating to system deployments, business controls, strategy and budget development, client outsourcing and delivery management. In 2016, I became a senior manager and global business process owner of Accounts Payable responsible for 400 employees globally in 4 different countries that process and pay millions of invoices.
Favorite books/movies:
At this point in my life, movie watching is limited to kid’s movies. Sing is one of the better ones I have seen in a long time. My favorite movie of all time is Field of Dreams.
Current and Past Notable Civic Activities:
BLI Alumni board member from 2013 to 2017 and membership committee chair 2016 & 2017; volunteer at church and coaching youth sports; IBM Employee Contribution Campaign Chair 2011
Interests/Hobbies:
Yankee baseball, collecting baseball cards, gardening, playing with my kids and watching their activities
How did your BLI experience change your perception of the community?
It enhanced my perception that this area has a lot more opportunity than other areas around the state of the same size. I learned that there are a lot of great small companies across many new and old industries with very talented people. It strengthens my belief that we need to stop lamenting about the past and be more positive about the future.
How did your BLI experience motivate you to become more involved in the community?
It really opened up my eyes to how much non-profits do for our area and how much they rely on community support to remain sustainable. I was fortunate that my BLI class received a lot of training from BoardSource about how to have an effective board and look forward to participating on them in the future.
What was your most memorable BLI activity/moment?
The visit to the Winsor Farm was my most memorable activity. I had never been on an active farm and was amazed to learn about the science used in farming. I find myself sharing what I learned with my family often.
What was the most valuable benefit to your from your BLI experience?
The most tangible benefit was the connections that were made with members of the community outside of my normal circle and being a part of a large and distinguished BLI Alumni network.
What “nugget of wisdom” do you have for your fellow BLI alum?
Get involved any way you can because even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference. As the past membership chair, remember to pay your BLI Alumni dues next year.