Board Candidates​

Born and raised on Long Island, New York. My parents had a NY deli so I grew up rolling meatballs and making heros (hoagies to the Philly people!). I graduated from West Chester University with a teaching degree in Health and Physical Education. In my professional life, I was part of the Senior Leadership Team at FedEx, Amazon.com, Trader Joe’s, CTDI and Crazy Aaron’s. Currently retired, I volunteer at the Chester County Food Bank warehouse and the farms.

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My vision is to bring people together to make the Co-op happen. We need to get the community involved to help us make this vision a reality. I see monthly meet and greets, I see community outreach events, and I see lots of teamwork.

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My passions are cooking, gardening, bicycling, volunteering, and staying healthy.

I have more than 30 years of experience across multiple industries with a proven record of accomplishment in both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial, private equity/venture capital-backed companies. I have been actively involved in the franchise industry for 15 years as a consultant, advisor, and CEO coach. I’ve served as an Executive Franchise Advisory Board Member, Technology Advisory Board Member, and a member of the System Wide Marketing Executive Committee for leading brands. I have a B.S.B.A. from Villanova University and an MBA in Finance from Widener University.

 

My vision for the Co-op is an inclusive community-based hub where all West Chester residents can join together for community, social engagement, and education while gaining access to healthy locally sourced food. Over the past 9 months, I have worked with the co-op to evaluate, meet, and discuss real estate options, while working with the board to identify strategies to gain new members.

I currently serve as the Chair of the Department of Geography and Planning at West Chester University, as well as a Full Professor specializing in Geographic Information Systems. I have taught at WCU for 15 years. During this time, I have developed a number of new academic courses and programs and taken this knowledge into the community. Before coming to WCU I was Department Chair of the GIS and CAD Department at Temple College in Texas. I was an Assistant Research Scientist at Texas A&M, where I received my PhD in Geosciences. 

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I see the Co-op as a voice and service provider of the community, to bring local food, goods, and services into that brick and mortar setting to create a greater sense of community, building a bridge between service and smart business management.

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My wife and I live in the Borough, support local businesses and walk everywhere. We love living here, there is such a strong sense of community and pride. 

I currently serve as the Chair of the Department of Geography and Planning at West Chester University, as well as a Full Professor specializing in Geographic Information Systems. I have taught at WCU for 15 years. During this time, I have developed a number of new academic courses and programs and taken this knowledge into the community. Before coming to WCU I was Department Chair of the GIS and CAD Department at Temple College in Texas. I was an Assistant Research Scientist at Texas A&M, where I received my PhD in Geosciences. 

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I see the Co-op as a voice and service provider of the community, to bring local food, goods, and services into that brick and mortar setting to create a greater sense of community, building a bridge between service and smart business management.

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My wife and I live in the Borough, support local businesses and walk everywhere. We love living here, there is such a strong sense of community and pride. 

I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Health Administration and an MBA in 1995. I then worked at The Hickman, a retirement home in West Chester, as the Business Manager until I started Temple University’s doctoral program in general and strategic management in 2005. After graduation, I was hired by West Chester University’s business school. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in strategy, compensation management, and business & society.I have taught social entrepreneurship in the Leadership Chester County program for four years; the program prepares professionals to serve on not-for-profit boards.

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I envision a physical location that retails fresh, packaged, and prepared foods to a diverse population. The retail service will prioritize local and organic sources.

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My wife and I moved into the borough in 2003; we have three daughters and the greatest dog in the world (we have two cats, too).