Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Delaware for 2024. Despite its size, Delaware’s economy has a significant impact due to its strategic location and business-friendly policies. With over 66% of the Fortune 500 being Delaware entities, the state has countless professional women who are making an impact. This year's award recipients hold crucial positions within their organizations, leading transformative initiatives and nurturing innovation that is poised to have an enduring influence for years to come.
Among this year’s awardees is Kristin Bhavnani, Head of Global Strategic Brand Engagement for Jazz Pharmaceuticals, who oversees various corporate communication activities and also co-chairs the Jazz Association for Women Supporters to promote the advancement of women in the biotechnology industry. As the Vice President and Head of Clinical Operations-Oncology at Gilead Sciences, awardee Tracy Vanderslice is responsible for the strategic leadership of 250 individuals worldwide that aid in the operational execution of the end-to-end oncology portfolio for a variety of tumor types and hematologic malignancies.
Also awarded is Adriane Baker, EVP and Chief Compliance Officer at Arden Trust Company, who uses her two decades of industry experience to oversee nationwide compliance for the trust administration and has contributed significantly to the company's commitment to rigorous standards.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Delaware for 2024.
1. Barbara McCullough
Vice President, Compliance and Sustainability, Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca
Barbara McCullough serves as the Vice President of Compliance and Sustainability at AstraZeneca. Leading the compliance program across the US and various global functions, she holds key roles within the US Leadership Team, the Global Ethics and Transparency Team, and the Safety, Health, and Environment Executive Committee. Barbara is also the co-leader of the US Compliance and Ethics Leadership Team and a dedicated Sustainability Ambassador.
Since joining AstraZeneca in 2005, Barbara has excelled at leading high-performing teams. Passionate about talent cultivation and sustainability, she transformed the assurance program for Latin America and the US in her recent role as Americas Assurance Lead. Barbara's impactful career also includes managing a speaker program strategy, overseeing audit activities, and forming the first AstraZeneca Healthcare Compliance Committee Review Board.
As a prominent figure in the industry, Barbara contributes to the Delaware Chamber of Commerce as a board member and actively engages in the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Working Group. She earned an undergraduate degree in business management from Wilmington University.
2. Mary Ignudo
Chief Controls Officer, Barclays
Mary Ignudo currently holds the role of Chief Controls Officer at Barclays in Wilmington, Delaware. With nearly two years in this leadership position, Mary plays a pivotal role in ensuring robust controls and risk management within the organization. Prior to her current position, Mary served as the Deputy Chief Risk Officer, contributing to risk management strategies for over a year. With a comprehensive career at Barclays, she also spent almost five years at Barclaycard as a Managing Director.
Before her tenure at Barclays, Mary held a prominent position at JPMorgan Chase, where she spent 11 years as an Operational Risk Manager. In this role, she served as the Control Officer for 4,500 branches across the United States. Mary's versatile experience also includes roles in Financial Loss Forecasting, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Reporting. Ignudo is an alumna of Lafayette College, where she studied International Affairs and Relations.
3. Natalie Bedford
Senior Vice President, Specialty Pharmacy, Humana
As the Senior Vice President of CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy at Humana, Natalie Bedford is an accomplished executive healthcare professional with an extensive background spanning both specialty and primary care. With a holistic understanding of key business components critical to successful commercialization, she excels at driving strategic change and delivering strong business results through the leadership of diverse and high-performing teams.
Natalie is acknowledged for her adeptness in utilizing strong relationships with high-level executives within organizations, as well as industry partners, to promote collaboration and cultivate shared achievements. Her specialties include distribution, specialty pharmacy, GPOs, dialysis organizations, and buy & bill.
With a distinguished 28-year career at AstraZeneca and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware, Natalie stands as a leader navigating healthcare complexities and actively shaping its future, championing diversity and empowerment in leadership.
4. Erin Markham
Vice President, Senior Trust Officer and Wealth Strategist, Goldman Sachs
Erin E. Markham holds the role of Vice President, Senior Trust Officer, and Wealth Strategist at Goldman Sachs. Renowned for her expertise in creative trust and estate planning, asset protection, and generational wealth succession planning, Erin brings a wealth of experience from her previous positions at Chilton Trust Company of Delaware, Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A., Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company, N.A., and Wilmington Trust Company.
Erin's academic foundation is built on a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Wilmington University. Committed to continuous learning, she has completed advanced estate planning courses through The American College of Financial Services and attended Cannon Financial Institute’s Personal Trust School.
Erin’s professional accolades include the Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) designation, and the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. Actively engaged in professional associations, she serves in key leadership roles for the Estate Planning Council of Delaware, the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, and the Delaware Bankers Association.
5. Royce Warrick
SVP, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, & Corporate Secretary, Solenis
Royce Warrick has fulfilled multiple roles at Solenis, including those of Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary. The Wilmington, Delaware-based company has been fortunate to have Royce as a leader for the past nine years, beginning in August 2014. One way she shows her dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all employees is by serving as a DE&I Champion.
Royce worked for The Dow Chemical Company from 2009 until 2014, serving as senior managing counsel and global commercial legal director. She earned an AB from Duke University, where she was a cheerleader and member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Royce earned her JD from Villanova University's Charles Widger School of Law.
6. Kristin Bhavnani
Head of Global Corporate Communications, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Kristin Bhavnani is the Head of Global Strategic Brand Engagement for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. In this role, she leads Global and US Corporate Communications activities, including corporate communications, media and public relations, executive visibility, corporate reputation, issues management, policy communications, and M&A communications. She is responsible for ensuring proactive management and coordination of PR/media activities and communications across the enterprise. Prior to this role, she was Head of Global Corporate Communications for Jazz and had responsibility for digital/social media, corporate sustainability, and corporate brand management in addition to media relations and PR efforts. Kristin is also the Co-Chair of the Jazz Association for Women Supporters, an employee-led affinity forum committed to promoting the advancement and impact of women globally in the innovative biotechnology industry.
Before joining Jazz, she served as the Head of Corporate Affairs for the US Diabetes franchise at AstraZeneca. In this role, she was responsible for leading the strategy, planning, and delivery of Corporate Affairs activities to advance AstraZeneca’s Diabetes portfolio. She led a team that focused on brand communications and advocacy, as well as managed efforts to shape the legislative and policy landscape to benefit people living with diabetes.
Kristin was with AstraZeneca for more than 11 years holding various leadership roles across Corporate Affairs. Before supporting the US Diabetes portfolio, she supported US Sales Leadership at AstraZeneca by developing communications strategies and tactics to drive employee engagement. She also held other roles within AstraZeneca’s Corporate Communications team supporting internal and external communications across various priorities including the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program. Kristin also has experience more broadly in organizational communications and public relations through her previous work supporting healthcare and other industries for Burson-Marsteller, a global PR/communications agency (now BCW). During that time she led work with clients such as Rio Tinto, The McGraw-Hill Companies, DuPont, the United States Postal Service, and The Coca-Cola Company.
She graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a degree in Sociology and English and also studied at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. Kristin was recently named to the Board of Directors of Delaware Greenways for 2024.
7. Kerry Welsh
Head of Business Planning, Wells Fargo
Kerry Welsh, with 15+ years of experience, is currently serving as the Head of Business Planning at Wells Fargo. Her expertise spans media, sponsorship, advertising analytics, brand research, and digital marketing. She earned her MBA from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and holds a BA from Duke University.
In her previous role as a consultant at Martellus, LLC, she excelled at driving business strategies for clients like Party City, Nike, Vitamin Shoppe, and World Vision. Her adeptness in navigating diverse sectors, including retail, financial services, aviation, and technology consulting, reflects a proven track record of driving growth and implementing impactful initiatives.
With a knack for leading in complex organizational structures, Kerry is a dynamic professional known for her ability to foster positive client relationships and successfully navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business.
8. Kelly Florio
VP, Head of US Financial Crimes and Privacy & US BSA/AML Officer, Prudential Financial
Kelly Florio holds the position of Vice President and US BSA/Anti-Money Laundering Officer for Prudential Financial. With a strong background in risk management, Kelly has also served as the Corporate Vice President and Head of Fraud Risk Management at New York Life Insurance Company from October 2019 to December 2021.
Kelly's extensive career in the financial sector includes an impressive 13 years at MetLife, where she garnered valuable experience. She earned her foundational education at La Salle University, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice/Sociology in 2000. Continuing her academic pursuits, Kelly pursued a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration at Wilmington University.
9. Suzanne Krupa
Global Head of Commercial Operations for Visa Value Added Services, Visa
Suzanne Krupa is the Global Head of Commercial Operations for Visa Value Added Services of Visa. Suzanne succeeds in overseeing IT, Digital, Workforce, and Security transformations. Her duties include Visa's issuing, acceptance, and identity and risk solutions.
Suzanne was Cybersource's Global Vice President of Commercial and Sales Operations from July 2020 until April 2022. She oversaw Visa's CyberSource Commercial Operations and Sales Activation, boosting worldwide sales and client acquisition. Suzanne earned a graduate certificate in strategic uses of information technology from Stanford University and studied computer information sciences at Thomas Edison State University.
10. Tracy Vanderslice
Vice President & Head, Clinical Operations-Oncology, Gilead Sciences
Currently holding the position of Vice President and Head of Clinical Operations-Oncology at Gilead Sciences, Tracy Vanderslice is a well-known pharmaceutical executive. She is a results-oriented leader with more than 20 years of expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, where she has worked on projects from start to finish and on a worldwide scale.
As of May 2022, Tracy has been working at Gilead Sciences, where she is now responsible for the strategic leadership of 250 individuals worldwide that aid in the operational execution of the end-to-end oncology portfolio for a variety of tumor types and hematologic malignancies. She promotes performance and delivery excellence through executive sponsorship of CRO relationships. Tracy's expertise includes novel trial design, molecular & companion diagnostics, decentralized trials, clinical trial diversity, and patient-centric techniques to speed drug delivery.
Tracy worked with GSK for 17 years before joining Gilead Sciences. From January 2018 to May 2022, she was the VP and Head of Pharma Global Clinical Operations & Delivery. She was in charge of a multinational team that was responsible for delivering a wide range of Phase I–IV clinical studies in many therapeutic areas. Tracy graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and from Thomas Jefferson University with a master's degree in pharmacology.
11. Lynn Hersey-Miller
Chief Program Officer, State of Delaware
Lynn Hersey-Miller is currently serving as the Chief Program Officer for the State of Delaware. Lynn plays a key role in the state's operations, as she oversees and manages several programs. Having worked as a Computer Specialist in the United States Air Force for five years, she has a wealth of experience in the field of information technology and has made significant contributions to the defense of the country during that time. Under Lynn's leadership, her team has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of cultural barriers and other obstacles, consistently exceeding performance targets. Lynn, a driving force behind state projects and an assurance of efficient service delivery to residents, has considerable expertise and leadership in program administration.
12. Valerie Dechant
Chief Medical Officer of the Newark Campus, ChristianaCare
At ChristianaCare, Valerie Dechant is in charge of the Newark Campus as Chief Medical Officer. Valerie has been an important player in ChristianaCare's leadership for eleven years where she contributes to the campus's overall development by offering strategic medical knowledge.
Previously, Valerie oversaw the neuroscience service for ChristianaCare from 2017 up until 2020. She was an assistant professor in the Neurology Department at UNC Chapel Hill before joining ChristianaCare. Valerie received her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson Medical College and an undergradaute degree from Drew University.
Valerie continues to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector through her long history of medical leadership and teaching. At ChristianaCare, she is dedicated to providing excellent treatment and setting strategic goals.
13. Mary Remmler
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, University of Delaware
Mary Remmler is a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Delaware. This esteemed institution benefits from Mary's 30 years of experience in strategic planning, financial brilliance, and operational elegance. In her role, she coordinates financial affairs that have a profound impact on the campus bustling with over 24,000 students.
Mary possesses a wide-ranging leadership portfolio that encompasses various domains, including investments, risk management, accounting, and decision support. In addition to overseeing numerical data, she is actively shaping the financial environment that drives the advancement of the university's mission. Mary's collaboration with university executives and the Board of Trustees entails a seamless waltz of financial strategies with the ethos of the institution.
Prior to her current role, Mary presided over affairs at Stony Brook University as the Associate Vice President for Academic Budget and Financial Planning. She was responsible for crafting financial narratives that resonate with the essence of education. She earned a master’s in management and policy and an undergraduate degree in history. Remmler, who combines ingenuity and financial acumen, is not merely performing numerical calculations; rather, she is orchestrating the preeminent work in higher education finance.
14. Phoebe Bryant
Assistant Vice President, Business Partner for Latin American Segment, W.R. Berkley
Phoebe A. Bryant, the Assistant Vice President for W.R. Berkley, is a highly accomplished Tech-Forward executive who combines business acumen with technology through her dynamic leadership style and effective communication abilities. Phoebe, who possesses more than 15 years of experience in the field of customer experience and technology, is highly motivated to revolutionize consumer interactions and drive strategic progress.
Berkley Corporation has appointed her as the Assistant Vice President and Business Partner for the Latin American Segment. For the past seven years, she has provided guidance and counsel to company executives in her capacity as a thought partner. Aligning enterprise initiatives with strategic objectives and advocating for business requirements in cross-functional endeavors are among her responsibilities. Before this, Phoebe served as the Segment Director for South America Operations.
Phoebe, who is committed to lifelong learning, is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the Fox School of Business at Temple University, specializing in Business Administration, Management, and Operations. She earned a master’s degree from Drexel University.
15. Vicky Brunk
VP of Medical Affairs, Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Vicky Brunk is the current Vice President of Medical Affairs of Merit Medical Systems, Inc. Vicky has extensive experience in the medical device business and is an expert in the design and management of clinical trials conducted in the US and abroad. She is highly knowledgeable in a wide range of study types and product categories, including US IDEs, US registries, CE Mark randomized trials, physician-initiated studies, OUS registries, PMAs, 510(k)s, and combination products.
Vicky has experience at both large corporations and small medical device startups. She has been the head of the clinical affairs team at Merit Medical Systems, Inc., since March 2020. She was the VP of clinical affairs at TriReme Medical, LLC, and the clinical affairs consultant at Eastern Clinical Consultants, Inc. before joining Merit Medical. She worked for Eastern Clinical Consultants, Inc. for 10 years and helped the medical device business with clinical consulting.
Vicky attended George Washington University's School of Medicine and Health Sciences and earned a Master of Science degree in health sciences, specializing in clinical research administration. She earned a BSN from York College of Pennsylvania.
16. Amanda Irwin
Executive Vice President of Processing Operations & Sales, Mountaire Farms
Amanda Irwin has been an executive in the food processing and manufacturing industries at Mountaire Farms for 20 years. Her extensive background in project management, team development, and strict budget management complements her unwavering commitment to upholding all federal standards for food safety, animal welfare, and governmental oversight.
After twenty-four years with the company, Amanda is now the Executive Vice President of Processing Operations and Sales. She is an integral part of the growth and success of the business. With her trust-based leadership style, she has been a driving force behind successful outcomes, creating a setting that is ideal for creativity and productivity.
Amanda was previously the Director of Business Development. She began her academic career in 1993 and graduated in 1997 with an undergraduate degree in animal sciences from Clemson University. Also, she earned an MS in human resources management from Wilmington University.
17. Amber Wellman
Chief Sustainability Officer, The Chemours Company
Amber Wellman is the Chief Sustainability Officer of The Chemours Company. She brings 15 years of experience innovating within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, including half a decade at Chemours’ former parent company. Since joining Chemours upon its creation in 2015, she has held several positions across manufacturing technology and research, analytical labs, and the Advanced Performance Materials (APM) segment. As Sustainability Director for APM, Wellman has been instrumental in incorporating sustainability into all levels of business strategy development, decision-making, and operations.
An analytical chemist by training, Wellman plays a central role in forging strategic collaborations and partnerships with external experts, companies, industries, and organizations to advance Chemours’ sustainability efforts and advocate for sustainable, science-based policy and regulation.
Amber earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia. She has been awarded The ACS Women Chemists Committee Eli Lilly Travel Award, the UTK Research Merit Award, and the Anthony T. Balchunas Award for Analytical Chemists.
18. Carolmarie Brown
VP of Corporate Affairs, Global Marketing, Brand and Business Communications, Ashland
Carolmarie Brown currently serves as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Global Marketing, Brand, and Business Communications at Ashland. A forward-thinking business executive, she has significant contributions to the development of Ashland's corporate image and communication strategy.
Brown is a consensus builder and communicator of great worth, renowned for her visionary creativity. By her extraordinary level of personal motivation, she propels outcomes and cultivates an atmosphere of collaboration within the team. Carolmarie has a BS in communications from Ithaca College.
19. Dionne Jones-Dendy
Medical Director, Oncology, Pfizer
Dr. Dionne Jones-Dendy serves as the Director of Oncology Field Medical at Pfizer with over 5 years of dedicated service. A seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry, Dionne is an Experienced Oncology Medical Science Liaison with a comprehensive background in oncology advanced clinical practice. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum, including Oncology, Women's Health, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, Clinical Education, and Health Administration.
Dionne is a strong research clinician, with staff development, strategic planning, literature, and content creation among her honed skills. Before joining Pfizer, she served as the Medical Science Liaison in Oncology at Bayer Pharmaceuticals for three years. Dionne earned a PhD in nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler.
20. Amanda Bowie
Interim VP of Marketing, Communications, & Community Engagement, Bayhealth
Amanda Bowie, Interim Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement, is a visionary marketer experienced in strategies that engage patients and employees, and build vital relationships with community partners and the people they serve. A dynamic leader, she inspires and motivates a diverse team of professionals to produce innovative and nationally award-winning work that drives brand preference and helps patients quickly find the care they need.
Before her current role, she was senior manager of marketing communications at Bayhealth, serving as second in command to the vice president of marketing and communications. She has also held communications and marketing-related roles at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown, MD, and the US Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC.
To maximize Bayhealth’s efforts to help those in greatest need, Bowie expanded the Marketing Communications department in September 2023 to include Community Engagement. Using social determinants of health data and Bayhealth’s Community Health Needs Assessment, she is leading her team to develop new initiatives, partnering with local organizations, universities, and schools with missions similar to Bayhealth’s, including the Food Bank of Delaware, Delaware State University, Free Bikes for Kids Delaware, and others.
Bowie also supports several internal initiatives at Bayhealth, including Capacity Management, Care Access, Operational Excellence, Reducing Racial Disparities in Healthcare, and Social Determinants of Health. In addition, she directed Bayhealth’s branding refresh launch in October 2023, based on research in the community and among employees. The result is a new brand promise that conveys Bayhealth’s commitment to patients, staff, and all those living in Kent and Sussex counties.
Bowie received an undergraduate English at the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Management at Wilmington University. She is also certified in brand strategies by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Her professional memberships include the Society of HealthCare Strategy & Market Development, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, and Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management, and Administration. In addition, she is a member of SHSMD (the Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development) and MASHMD (the Mid-Atlantic Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development).
As a volunteer in the community, Bowie has fundraised for various organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association (Memory Walk), Habitat for Humanity in Southern Maryland, and the American Heart Association (Southern Delaware Heart Walk). For several years she also served as a coach for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Southern Maryland.
21. Michelle Burroughs
Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, WSFS Bank
Michelle Burroughs, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been serving at WSFS Bank since October 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. A Certified Professional Coach and a Cornell Certified Diversity Professional, Dr. Burroughs has extensive expertise spanning 20 years in areas such as strategic planning, risk management, operations, diversity, change management, and community engagement.
Dr. Burroughs is well-known for her dedication to creating inclusive organizational cultures. As part of her strategy, she establishes attainable goals with specific deadlines for their completion. Efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace have her full attention. Among her many achievements, she stands out for being named a YMCA Black Achiever and for being honored with the Presidential and Vice President's Choice Awards at Delaware State University. Dr. Burroughs is a former board member and current VP of the National Black MBA Association, as well as the United Way (SCC) and the Maternal Child and Health Consortium.
Dr. Burroughs received an EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration from Delaware State University. Along with her Six Sigma Greenbelt certification, she also earned the Diversity Professional credential from Cornell University.
22. Christina Deidesheimer
VP and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Beebe Healthcare
Christina Deidesheimer brings more than a decade of experience in strategic healthcare marketing and communications to her positions as Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Beebe Healthcare. Christina is in charge of leading cross-platform marketing and outreach initiatives. She supervises advertising and marketing, handles crises, cultivates internal communications, implements strategies for digital media efforts, public and media relations, and directs messaging strategy.
Throughout her career, Christina has held leadership positions in marketing and public relations for health systems, worked as an independent healthcare consultant, and was the Business Development Director at OhioHealth. With her diverse experience, Christina spearheads a unified, influential strategy, guaranteeing productive internal and external communication.
23. Danielle Socrates
Vice President of Value-Based Care Operations & Transformation, Beebe Healthcare
Beebe Healthcare's Vice President of Value-Based Care Operations and Transformation, Danielle Socrates, has extensive experience in healthcare administration and business. Danielle is skilled in healthcare consulting, change management, public speaking, team development, and operations management.
Since starting her position in July 2023, Danielle has played a key role in guiding Value-Based Care Operations' strategic direction and launching groundbreaking projects. She is committed to improving healthcare procedures and achieving operational excellence from her base in Lewes, Delaware.
In 2018, Danielle graduated from the University of Scranton with an MBA, specializing in healthcare administration. With her strong educational background and practical expertise, Danielle is an integral part of Beebe Healthcare's future value-based care strategy because of her relentless pursuit of healthcare quality.
24. Laura Tourge
Senior Vice President & Head of Marketing, CubeSmart
Laura Tourge, the Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing at CubeSmart, stands out as a results-driven leader. With a proven track record, she has excelled in building high-performance marketing organizations and accelerating business growth for both private and public companies.
Laura has been serving at CubeSmart as the Vice President since May 2023. She has extensive experience in digital media, advertising, brand development, digital transformation, and the modernization of operational procedures. When it comes to marketing, Laura is a master at using data and technology to fine-tune targeting strategies, track results, and maximize return on investment.
Laura was the Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Retail Experience at Momentum Financial Services Group before she joined CubeSmart. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from James Madison University and an MBA in Marketing from Fordham Gabelli School of Business.
25. Blythe Maynard
Chief Executive Officer, Recovery Centers of America
Blythe Maynard is the Chief Executive Officer of Recovery Centers of America. She has over a decade of experience in the field of addiction. She has been with RCA since 2017 starting as the Clinical Supervisor for a previous Outpatient RCA site in Wilmington, Delaware before coming over to Bracebridge Hall where she served as the Regional Quality Assurance Strategist for the facility as well as the other Maryland facility, RCA Capital Region. In January of 2022, Blythe became the Director of Admissions at Bracebridge Hall where she worked directly with the facility leadership team as well as our Mission Center to increase access to care for those in need.
Before joining RCA, Blythe was with Brandywine Counseling and Community Services where she was a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the Methadone Maintenance Program as well as a counselor for their adolescent program before moving into the Clinical Supervisor role of the adolescent program which served adolescents and their families statewide.
Blythe is an alumnus of Towson University where she received a bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies while also being a member of their Division 1 Field Hockey team. She is a graduate of the Middle Management Academy, where she received training from the National Counselor for Mental Wellbeing (formerly the National Council for Behavioral Health).
26. Sally Welk
Vice President of Sales, Tree Top
Sally Welk joined Tree Top in April of 2020 bringing over 20 years of sales leadership experience in the food manufacturing, distribution, retail, and food service channels. She currently serves as the Vice President of Sales.
Sally has held several senior leadership roles in the food industry including National Accounts Director with Mars working in the food service and distribution channels, Director of Food Manufacturing and Applications for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate leading the sales and technical service teams in North America, and most recently as Senior Director of Sales for Ardent Mills with responsibility for sales to both ingredient and retail customers. She graduated from the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA with a BA in Speech Communication and Political Science.
27. Lisa Brubaker
EVP and Chief Information Officer, WSFS Bank
Lisa Brubaker has been in the field of technology and operations for over 27 years. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of WSFS Bank. She plays a key role in supervising important technological platforms, apps, data security, and enhancements to operational efficiency.
In addition to closely monitoring cybersecurity measures, Lisa is also responsible for improving technical solutions that interact with customers. Her strategic leadership has had a significant impact on both establishing a robust and secure technological environment and aligning technology projects with business objectives. Lisa has been with WSFS Bank since March 2010 in the roles of SVP and director of retail strategy. She was instrumental in developing strategies for distribution channels, launching tools and platforms for retail delivery, and boosting profitability and performance management while in this position.
Lisa attended the University of Delaware and graduated in 1986 with a BA in Biology/Biological Sciences. She has also completed an executive education program at The Wharton School. She is a key figure in WSFS Bank's innovative and secure technology landscape, thanks to her wealth of knowledge and commitment to technological excellence.
28. Colleen Arnold
President, Aqua
Colleen Arnold is President of the Aqua division of Essential Utilities, Inc. Aqua is a leading water and wastewater utility with 1,600 employees and over 130 years of industry expertise. Each year, Aqua delivers more than 86 billion gallons of water to approximately 5.5 million people – including families, businesses, and school communities – across eight states.
Arnold was named to her current role upon the closing of Essential’s acquisition of natural gas distribution company Peoples. She was previously deputy chief operating officer (DCOO) for Aqua, a role she held since September 2015. Prior to that, Arnold held the role of director of water quality and environmental compliance, where she organized and oversaw the Compliance Assurance Program, which ensures compliance with environmental regulations and permits for all Aqua operations, as well as manager of treatment and water quality at Aqua Pennsylvania.
Arnold, a licensed professional engineer in Delaware, earned her BS in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts, her MS in environmental engineering from Manhattan College, and her executive MBA from Villanova University.
29. Lisa Scott
Chief Marketing Officer & Managing Director of Brand Experience, OneMagnify
Lisa Scott is the Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director of Brand Experience of OneMagnify. With her deep B2B marketing expertise and 30+ years of agency and client experience, Lisa brings an infectious energy to everything she touches. An engaging brand and client advocate, she excels in developing strong and differentiated brand experiences.
Whether through working with customers externally or inspiring employees internally, Lisa has an impressive track record of helping clients positively impact their business. And she’s done it with a long list of global brands, from Miller Beer and AT&T to DuPont and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Prior to joining OneMagnify, Lisa held several senior brand marketing and communications roles on both the agency and client sides and was most recently the founder and managing director of Concordia Group, based in Wilmington, Delaware.
30. Debbie Doordan
Chief Academies Officer, Acceleration Academies
Debbie Doordan, currently serving as the Chief Academies Officer at Acceleration Academies, is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years. Debbie has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of education through strategic leadership roles. She drives transformative initiatives and has played a pivotal role in orchestrating operational efficiency and fostering a conducive learning environment. As a member of the executive team, she led initiatives such as restructuring gifted and talented programs, implementing district-wide instructional coaching models, and championing differentiated instruction initiatives.
Before her tenure at Acceleration Academies, Debbie served in notable positions, including Director of New Schools & Portfolio Growth at iLEAD Schools Development and Director at Christina School District, Delaware. Debbie holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware. She continues to be a guiding force in transforming the landscape of education, ensuring a positive impact on students, teachers, and the community at large.
31. Kripa Shroff
Chief Executive Officer, AK Group
Kripa Shroff, the CEO of AK Group, is a visionary leader who is actively managing the conglomerate's numerous businesses. Kripa has been at the helm of AK Group for over 8 years. Under her leadership, AK Multinational, an IT wholesale distributor, has grown into a direct partner with industry titans such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
Beyond the world of technology, Kripa has effectively expanded AK Group into the Real Estate Industry. She exhibits a unique blend of adaptability and strategic intelligence by actively managing three franchised hotels in the North East Market, a house flipping business, and a car wholesale business.
Shroff graduated from the Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business with a master's degree in accounting. She also holds an undergraduate degree in finance and global business management from Babson College.
32. Natalia Carlson
Chief Financial Officer, Winner Automotive Group
Natalia Carlson is the Chief Financial Officer of the Winner Automotive Group. She brings a plethora of experience in strategic planning, cash management, cost containment, and developing solid internal controls and procedures to optimize results to her current position.
Natalia has successfully managed acquisitions and supported the sale of businesses, and she has a track record of reforming underperforming accounting departments. She excels at identifying possibilities to increase sales, revenues, and cash flow.
Natalia graduated magna cum laude with an undergraduate degree in accounting from Goldey-Beacom College, where she completed a four-year degree in just over two and a half years while working full-time. She also has a Master of Sociology degree from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
33. Adriane Baker
Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Vice President, Arden Trust Company
Adriane Baker is an EVP and Chief Compliance Officer at Arden Trust Company, based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over two decades of experience in the industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role overseeing nationwide compliance for trust administration.
Adriane’s tenure with Arden Trust began in 2011 as a Trust Officer, wherein she cultivated a foundational understanding of the organization’s operations. Serving as Compliance and Operations Manager for several years paved the way for her seamless transition to Chief Compliance Officer in January 2019, where she continues to contribute significantly to the company’s compliance landscape and uphold its commitment to maintaining rigorous standards across its branches.
Before joining Arden Trust, Adriane spent time at Wachovia/Wells Fargo and MBNA/Bank of America where she focused on consumer lending and senior quality review for issued loans. She holds a B.S. in business management and an MBA in financial management from Goldey Beacom College, Wilmington, Delaware. Additionally, Adriane holds a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University Delaware Law School and completed the Essentials of Management Leadership Program at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business.
34. Laura Wisniewski
Chief of Staff, Delaware House of Representatives
Laura Wisniewski is a dedicated public servant currently serving in the role of the Chief of Staff for the Delaware House of Representatives Majority Caucus. As chief of staff to the 26-member Delaware House Majority Caucus, she provides guidance and assistance to lawmakers to ensure that their legislative priorities are accomplished throughout the session.
Laura's journey in public service spans an impressive nine years, reflecting her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Delawareans. A proud alumna of the University of Delaware, she has consistently demonstrated her leadership skills in various roles within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. From her early days as the Community and Special Projects Director to her most recent position as the Deputy Chief of Staff.
During her tenure, Laura initiated and successfully implemented impactful community programs, notably the Basic Needs Closet. This initiative caters to 45 high-needs schools, ensuring that students have access to essential hygiene products, clothing, and food, fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
Her leadership extends beyond day-to-day operations, as Laura played a pivotal role in the Complete Count Commission in Delaware. Entrusted with a substantial budget of $1M, she spearheaded efforts to ensure every Delawarean was accurately counted in the crucial 2020 Census, emphasizing the importance of representation and resource allocation.
Laura's influence in Delaware extends beyond her professional roles. As the President of the Delaware Young Democrats, she has been a driving force behind engaging and empowering the next generation of leaders. Additionally, her involvement as the Executive Director for the Coordinated Campaign during the 2022 cycle for the Delaware Democratic Party underscores her commitment to advancing democratic values at both the local and state levels.
With a track record of dynamic leadership, innovative community programs, and a passion for civic engagement, Laura Wisniewski stands as a formidable advocate for the people of Delaware, embodying the values of public service and leadership. Her journey is a testament to the positive impact one individual can have on a community through dedication, vision, and tireless effort.
35. Cydney Teal
Chief Executive Officer, Delaware Health Equity Coalition
Dr. Cydney Teal is a physician with dual board certifications in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine. She attended the Medical College of VA for medical school and completed her residencies at the Ochsner Foundation in New Orleans LA. In addition, Dr. Teal completed her MBA at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After completing her residency, she came to Cecil County MD where she practiced for 11 years in private practice, after which she began a leadership track, becoming the first female and African American President of the Medical Staff and Chief Medical Officer at Union Hospital, a position she held for 7 years. She joined ChristianaCare Health System in 2019 as the Primary Care Service Line Leader and Chair of the Dept. of Family and Community Medicine and left that position at the end of 2021 to begin a new chapter in her career. Currently, Dr. Teal serves as Chief Medical Officer for Reciprocity Health, a health tech company, and is co-founder and CEO of Delaware Health Equity Coalition Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on addressing and eradicating healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.
36. Melissa Gonville
Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Delaware
Melissa Gonville, the Chief Executive Officer at YWCA Delaware, is renowned for her skill in constructing and inspiring high-performing international teams. Melissa, who has an extensive background in Technology Business Management, Program Management, Governance & Oversight, Operations, and Marketing, consistently executes strategic programs, enhances processes, and directs high-impact teams.
Melissa is known for her optimistic disposition and skill in fostering connections. She is deeply committed to the causes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her dedication encompasses mentorship initiatives and endeavors to improve the ethos of the organization. In addition to her accomplishments in the business world, Melissa is a force of creativity who will soon publish three children's picture books. Melissa ensures the organization's triumphs by capitalizing on the multifaceted abilities she developed while serving as the Head of Business Management in Information Technology at JPMorgan Chase.
37. Carece Rufe
Chief Trust Officer, JTC Trust Company Limited
Carece Rufe is the Chief Trust Officer of JTC Trust Company Limited. She joined JTC in 2022 following the acquisition of New York Private Trust Company in Delaware. Carece manages a team of trust officers and associates and is responsible for the administration of foreign and domestic personal trusts. She reviews the new business and unique assets to be held within the trusts.
Carece started her trust career in 2004. Prior to JTC, she was a fiduciary advisor and vice president managing a large book of high-net-worth clients. Throughout the years, she has worked with investment advisors and estate planning professionals from around the world. She has built long-term relationships with clients and advisors who know that they can rely on her to deliver outstanding service.
Carece earned an undergraduate degree in finance. In her spare time, she loves to cook and entertain her family. When time allows, she travels, takes her dog on adventures, and loves almost anything that has to do with being outside.
38. Colleen Keith
President, Goldey-Beacom College
Colleen Perry Keith is the President of Goldey-Beacom College, bringing almost four years of transformative leadership to the respected Wilmington, Delaware-based college. She has been instrumental in creating the vision and direction since June 2019. Her dedication to educational excellence is shown in the strategic initiatives she has established, which encourage a culture of development, creativity, and student achievement.
Colleen was President of Pfeiffer University for nearly four years prior to her appointment at Goldey-Beacom College. She earned a PhD in higher education administration and student affairs from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. Colleen’s energetic leadership, along with her excellent academic background, has helped to shape Goldey-Beacom College's future, ensuring a commitment to academic excellence and student growth.
39. Sandra Bihary-Waltz
SVP of Regulatory Affairs, Medical Writing & Project Management, Premier Consulting
Sandi Bihary-Waltz is a senior-level executive and subject matter expert with extensive knowledge of the rare disease and hematology/oncology landscape. She has more than 30 years of experience coaching pharma, biotech, and CROs in effective global regulatory strategy development and implementation. She has also worked with BARDA as a subject matter expert for regulatory affairs and quality affairs, as well as the Department of Defense (Army). Sandi currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Medical Writing, and Project Management for Premier Consulting.
Sandi is a candidate for her Doctorate in Business Administration from Wilmington University and has a Master of Science in Nursing from Widener University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carlow University. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Carlow Laureate Award in recognition of outstanding professional achievement and academics as well as acts of community service. In 2019, Sandi was recognized as one of the Outstanding Women in Business in Delaware for her contribution to the pharmaceutical industry and community.
40. Barbara Higgins
Senior Partner and Executive Creative Director, TSRM Group
Barbara A. Higgins is a Senior Partner and Executive Creative Director for TSRM Group, a sales and marketing agency specializing in the technology sector. In that capacity, she leads a virtual team of creative professionals to develop and implement revenue-building sales and marketing programs for IT manufacturers (including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, VMware, and Cisco), distributors, and solution providers throughout the US and Canada.
Prior to the launch of TSRM Group, Barbara was an independent marketing agency owner serving both B2B and B2C market segments. Her previous agency boasted capitalized billings of $18M with 45 employees on staff. Its tremendous growth combined with a strong commitment to charitable and philanthropic causes was recognized by the Atlanta Business Journal, naming it to its list of Fast Track Companies to Watch in the late 1990’s.
Barbara earned her BA and MS from Villanova University and was recognized with a Distinguished Graduate Medallion for her vision and leadership in human resource development and training. She has won countless awards for her creative work over the years on local, regional, and national levels, in addition to the prestigious International Gold Quill Award for video production/scriptwriting from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
More recently, Barbara was featured on the cover of Suburban Life Magazine as the top vote-geter for the publication Super Women of Southeast Pennsylvania, recognizing female business owners who successfully balance work and family and support others to do the same. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Barbara moved to Ocean View, DE in 2018 which she now proudly calls her home.
41. Gina Jennings
Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer, Sussex County Government
Gina Jennings is currently the Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Sussex County Government, where she has worked for 17 years. Gina has been at the forefront of directing Sussex County Government's financial strategy and operational efficiency in her crucial role since May 2013. Her energetic leadership and financial management expertise greatly contribute to the county's fiscal health and overall performance.
Gina is a seasoned financial executive with a dual master's degree in public administration and business administration from Wilmington University and an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Delaware's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
Jennings, who has worked in Sussex County Government for more than two decades, continues to play a critical role in fostering budgetary restraint and operational excellence for the benefit of the community.
42. Kendra Johnston
Director of Client Service, MetLife
Kendra Johnston rejoined the MetLife Worldwide Benefits team as the Director of Client Service in April 2022. She is based in their global headquarters in Wilmington, DE. Kendra’s entire professional career has been in the expatriate health insurance industry, a niche and nuanced part of employer-sponsored group benefits.
As the Director of Client Service, Kendra is responsible for a team of Account Managers and Client Service Consultants who maintain client relationships and are responsible for overall client satisfaction including resolving escalated service items. Kendra and her team partner with the Sales Account Executives to implement strategic account planning and to ensure proactive and comprehensive customer development.
Prior to this role, Kendra served as a Senior Client Manager at both Cigna Global Health Benefits and MetLife Worldwide Benefits. She has a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with both clients and broker partners. She resides with her husband and two young children in Wilmington, Delaware. She enjoys travel, live music, and spending time with her family. Kendra is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a BA in English and communications and minors in journalism and Spanish.
43. Meagan Evans
Global R&D Director, Emerging Technologies, DuPont
Meagan is currently the Global R&D Director for the Emerging Technologies (ET) organization within the E&I segment at DuPont. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the ET investment strategy, project execution, and resource management. She also maintains strong partnerships with each E&I Technology Leader for a deep understanding of their technology roadmaps to ensure maximum return of value to customers and revenue to the business. She has over 11 years of industry experience across R&D, Marketing, Program Management, Business Development, Strategy, and People Leadership at ExxonMobil Chemical and DuPont.
She started her career at ExxonMobil Chemical as a catalyst chemist designing and synthesizing highly-active polyethylene and propylene catalysts. Additionally, she worked with the basic chemicals group to convert waste bi-products from steam cracking to specialty chemicals. She then moved into business roles where she was responsible for generating and maintaining financial models for a major Gulf Coast expansion project; and then became the Global Metallocene Polyethylene Portfolio Manager where she reported monthly financial results to senior leaders and managed the stage-gate programs for product and application development. In 2016, she joined DuPont where she took on progressively larger leadership roles such as; a New Technology Development Leader for Corian® Design, Americas Technical Services & Development Manager for Kalrez® and Vespel® and Technology Strategy and Innovation Manager for Industrial Solutions.
Outside of work, Meagan is very active in raising her family and mentoring younger scientists. She has been married for almost 20 years and is a mom to 8-year-old twins. Her and her husband established the Christopher M & Meagan E Evans Graduate Research Fellowship at the University of Rochester to support top chemistry graduate students. She helped relaunch PhD Campus Recruitment at DuPont, actively mentors early career scientists at DuPont, and has been an active mentor in the Real Reader Program at the University of Rochester. Additionally, she is a Sunday School Teacher at Calvary Chapel of Delaware County.
She holds a PhD in Organometallic Chemistry from the University of Rochester, BS and MS degrees in Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Chicago. Meagan has six granted US patents and nine technical publications in top-tier journals.
44. Margaret LaFashia
Director of Workforce Partnership Development, Nemours
Dr. Margaret LaFashia has over 20 years of experience as a domestic and international healthcare professional and clinical educator. Her focus for the last decade has been around pediatric care and the delivery of education to regional partner hospitals seeking new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood diseases.
Most recently, Dr. LaFashia was appointed Director of Workforce Partnerships for Nemours Children’s Health. In this role, she is responsible for creating and executing the strategic plan for workforce development. This plan includes the development, evaluation, and evolution of relevant and inclusive programs that connect early careerists with jobs and opportunities at Nemours Children's Health in the Delaware Valley, and in Central and North Florida. Through collaborations with internal and external partners, creates and executes programs for career engagement and mobility in the surrounding communities of Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware and Florida.
In 2021, Dr. LaFashia launched the Workforce Pipeline Development Program in partnership with a local technical community college and a Vocational Technical High School’s medical assistant (MA) program and nursing assistant (NA) program(s) to provide pediatric clinical training for MA & NA students. These schools serve racially and socio-economically diverse local students and the pipeline offers students exposure to pediatric healthcare experiences they would not otherwise have. A current MA at Nemours who completed the program believes, “The program was a great opportunity to start my career in a place that supports my growth and development.” Since launching, the program has expanded to now include seven partnerships and has helped to place over 60 students in the clinical environment. According to Dr. LaFashia, the program “is key to building a strong pediatric healthcare workforce while also creating pathways to quality jobs to bring more members of the community into Nemours.”
Dr. LaFashia earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Indianapolis, her MBA from Temple University, and is a graduate of the University of Delaware’s nursing program. Margaret has been nominated three times as one of Delaware’s Top Nurses and a fun fact is that she also helped train the Delaware National Guard during COVID-19 to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for the community.
45. Lesley Aulick
Senior Director of Capital Management & Engineering Technology, The Chemours Company
Lesley Aulick began her professional journey as a chemical engineer at the University of Kentucky at DuPont in Parkersburg, West Virginia. After a few years, she became a Six Sigma Black Belt where she was a pioneer in leading projects at the customer. Lesley’s curiosity for how customers used the DuPont products she produced, steered her towards a variety of technical, sales, and marketing roles building her external perspective. In 2015, she joined Chemours as a spin-off from DuPont. Lesley has held roles in the Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment as Global Business Director and North American business Director. She also completed the Chemours Executive Development Program at The Wharton School to further her business knowledge.
In 2020, Lesley led the creation of a global sales function for the Advanced Performance Materials segment as Head of Global Sales. Most recently, Lesley has been leading the company’s large capital projects organization and has responsibility for the subject matter technology and engineering expertise of the company as Senior Director of Capital Management and Engineering Technology. Lesley’s diverse career has been driven by a keen curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a leaning into opportunities. Lesley has also served her community through being on the Board of Trustees at Wilmington Christian School, one of the first female Board members at Naamans Little League, and recently, supporting the relaunch of the Women in Business series at Archmere Academy. She lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband, Bradley, and two sons. She enjoys playing golf, UK basketball, the beach, watching her sons play sports, and spending time as a family.
46. Lauren Bowser
Strategy and Program Development Director, Elevance Health
Lauren Bowser is the Strategy and Program Development Director at Elevance Health, a consumer-centered health system that places people at the center and helps them care for their health in a way that best works for them. She first joined the organization in 2018 as a strategic sourcing manager.
Previously, Lauren served HealthCore as a contract administrator and before that, ITT Technical Institute as an adjunct faculty member. She earned her master's in criminal justice from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in communications from Penn State University.
47. Pia Stokes
Director of Grants Development and Management, Delaware State University
Pia Z. Stokes is currently the Director of Grants Development and Management at Delaware State University. She attended Morgan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications, then followed up with a Master of Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Wilmington University. Pia recognizes the value of leadership, serving the community, and hard work holding various roles within her Sorority, organizations, and in her career. She is a Charter Member and Registered Parliamentarian with the Parliamentarians of New Castle County, DE, and is currently on the Board of Directors with the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. In 2016, Pia was awarded the Rising Star Award by the Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) and was selected as a Delaware Business Times to 40 under 40 honoree for 2022.
Beginning her higher education career with the University of Phoenix as an Enrollment Advisor, she helped grow the Wilmington, DE campus, ranking as one of the top in the nation. She then transitioned to Delaware State University, where she worked directly with schools and organizations in Delaware and around the US in creating, managing, and overseeing articulation agreements as well as managing, training, and developing the enrollment recruitment staff. In her tenure with Delaware State University, she has developed within her roles to help students navigate through the matriculation process to graduation. Her work with special student populations and partnerships with the University has allowed her to aid in creating the groundwork for the success of students to change the trajectory of their and their families' lives through access to education.
She has the gift of helping people understand what is needed to begin and complete their educational journey and find success in doing so. Pia is devoted to being effective in whatever she does and establishing her mark in the world by assisting identified learners in achieving “their” next level in their journey. Her life experiences have pushed her toward success and ensured she can help others to attain the same. She remains humble, positive, and supportive and always keeps the brightest smile. As an intentional problem-solver, she holds firm to her beliefs and lives by stout integrity.
48. Patricia West-Smith
Senior Director of Customer Engagement, Turnitin
Patti West-Smith leads the Customer Engagement team at Turnitin as the Senior Director of Customer Engagement. The Customer Engagement team encompasses Teaching and Learning Innovations, Customer Advocacy and Thought Leadership, Customer Success & Migrations, and Customer Onboarding. Before coming to Turnitin, Patti spent 19 years working in every capacity in school districts in the United States as a teacher, principal, curriculum supervisor, and many more roles, while also working on local, state, and national curriculum and assessment development projects. Patti also served as an adjunct professor at Salisbury University, where she taught in their teacher preparation program, and acted as an independent professional learning consultant for various school districts and other educational institutions. With her degrees and certifications in education, literacy, and leadership, she had just earned her certification as a superintendent in 2016, but the potential to impact exponentially more teachers and students with Turnitin unexpectedly changed her career path.
While working in the central office of a K-12 public school district, Patti built teacher capacity to deliver high-quality writing instruction and feedback through root cause analysis of data and other professional learning programs and worked with leadership teams to implement and support 1-to-1 computing initiatives in several schools. Since coming to Turnitin more than seven years ago, she has continued to work to create content, instructional and curricular resources, and professional learning opportunities to support educators around the world in the understanding of pedagogy and implementation of Turnitin’s products and services.
Most recently, Patti has appeared on several panels and at conferences around the world, speaking to topics such as effective remote learning, the importance of academic integrity in an evolving world, feedback practices that impact growth, the impact of AI generative tools on writing instruction/assessment, and more. In 2021, Patti and a team of veteran educators at Turnitin also worked with world-renowned educational researcher, Dr. John Hattie, to publish research on the impact of “Where to Next?” feedback. Patti is also in the process of writing her dissertation, the final step in the process to earn her doctorate in educational leadership.
49. Maria Gates
Director of Curio Science, Vaniam Group
Maria Gates serves as Director on the Curio Science team, joining the Vaniam Group in 2020 with over a decade of agency experience. As a leader within Curio Science, she guides an accomplished Account Management team and oversees interactive, expert-led scientific exchange programs. These programs are meticulously designed to offer healthcare professionals a unique opportunity for real-time insights into practice patterns, the latest clinical data, and the nuanced impact of these findings.
Maria's leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering growth among team members. She encourages an environment that not only prioritizes individual professional development but also promotes cross-functional collaboration, cultivating an atmosphere where individuals can flourish, contribute, and collectively propel the team to industry excellence. Maria holds an undergraduate degree in music with a focus in vocal opera from the University of Rhode Island.
50. Patricia Castellano
Senior Director of Product Management, Clario
Patricia Castellano, who works in the Product Management department at Clario, is responsible for orchestrating a pharmaceutical innovation symphony. Patricia has devoted more than two decades to a crusade within the clinical trial landscape, contributing her specialized knowledge. The scope of her work encompasses both in-clinic blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), depicting the precision that she strives for in the patient experience. Not only does Patricia manage goods, but she also creates a story based on resting ECG, Holter, Patch (single, two, and three-channel waveform), and the rhythm of blood pressure and ABPM reporting.
Patricia, who has been with Clario since November 2021, has a vision that transcends products and focuses on enhancing patient satisfaction and adherence to regulations. Beyond mere navigation of the pharmaceutical industry, she is pioneering novel domains through the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies and strategies.
Patricia is an artist who crafts solutions in the pharmaceutical business; she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration from Franklin & Marshall College and the University of the Arts.