Board of Trustees

John F. Caruso ’82 | Chair

Retired, ABC Television/Walt Disney Company

John began his 40-year career at The Walt Disney Company starting as a college intern and an ABC Page, working his way up to serve as Senior Vice President of Disney ABC Sales. He led the strategy and sales efforts responsible for generating billions of dollars annually. During John’s professional career, he was known for building strong personal relationships with his clients and mentoring many professionals at all levels within Disney. Since leaving Disney, he continues to serve organizations that support people with diverse needs, further expanding his passion to help people across levels, functions, career lifecycles, and cultures to become their best selves. An alumnus, John has served as a mentor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent for more than 10 years. He earned his MBA from Fordham University and also serves on the Boards of Elizabeth Seton Children’s, Rehoboth Beach Country Club, and the Sisters of Charity Advisory Development Committee.

Donna Dodge, SC ’71 | Vice Chair

Sisters of Charity of New York

Sr. Donna Dodge is currently the President of the Sisters of Charity of New York. She has held positions in the ministry of education on the elementary level, co-directed the Sisters of Charity Planning and Research Office, and went on to serve in higher education administration for almost 25 years. After a term as Assistant to the President of the Sisters of Charity, Sr. Donna became Executive Director and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, an MA in religious studies from Fordham University, and an EdD in higher education administration from Teachers’ College, Columbia University.

Margaret M. O’Brien, SC ’69 | Secretary

Sisters of Charity of New York

Sr. Margaret M. O’Brien currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the University of Mount Saint Vincent and is also a member of the Leadership Team for the Sisters of Charity of New York, where she was elected as Assistant to the President in 2023. She has devoted over five decades to advancing the mission of the Sisters of Charity, holding leadership roles as Regional Coordinator, Assistant to the President, and Treasurer. Sr. Margaret brings an extensive background in education and mission leadership, having taught and administratively supported initiatives within the Sisters’ ministries. Her commitment to Vincentian values and institutional governance has strengthened both the University and the overall mission of the Sisters of Charity.

Susan R. Burns, PhD | President

University of Mount Saint Vincent

Dr. Susan R. Burns is the sixth president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Since taking office in 2021, she has led the institution through transformative milestones, including its transition from a college to a university and launched Seton College, a holistically supportive associate degree program for high-need students. Her leadership has expanded online and graduate offerings, including the Bronx’s first registered physician assistant program and a new community music school. Dr. Burns is a nationally respected psychologist, author, and advocate for student research. She has sponsored numerous student publications and authored scholarly texts, including Psychology of Sex and Gender. Deeply committed to the Bronx, Dr. Burns has built strong partnerships that broaden access to education. She previously held senior academic roles at Clarke University and Morningside College. She earned her PhD from Kansas State University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University.

Tsikata Apenyo

Volta Health

Dr. Tsikata Apenyo is the founder and CEO of Volta Health, a healthcare technology company focused on increasing access to and understanding of care. Earlier in his career, he was a Fulbright Fellow in the Republic of China and a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps. He was also a founding member of a venture capital firm specializing in digital health technologies. A recognized Tillman Scholar, Tsikata earned his BS with honors from the University of Portland and later completed both his MD at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School and his MBA at Yale University’s School of Management.

Chidi Asoluka

NewComm

Chidi Asoluka is an experienced educator, community leader, and the Founder and CEO of NewComm, a dynamic learning community where high school students integrate rigorous academics with hands-on community restoration projects. With over 16 years of experience as a high school English teacher and administrator across public, charter, and independent schools—including as Class Dean at Horace Mann School—Chidi has committed his career to advancing educational equity. At NewComm, he empowers high school students to lead $10,000 community projects grounded in interdisciplinary learning, mentorship, and real-world impact. Chidi brings to the Board a deep passion for youth development, academic innovation, and mission-driven leadership.

Paula Marie Buley, IHM

Rivier University

Sr. Paula Marie Buley is the President of Rivier University in Nashua, NH, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in Catholic higher education, including senior administrative roles at Seton Hall, Anna Maria College, Mount St. Mary’s, and Immaculata University. Holding an EdD in higher education from UPenn, a MALS in Catholic studies from Georgetown University, and an MBA from Villanova University, she has overseen a transformative era at Rivier since her appointment in 2011. Under her guidance, Rivier opened a $19 million Science and Innovation Center, a cutting-edge Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center, and the new Rivier Village residence halls. She has also led initiatives to expand behavioral health education through a federally funded workforce development center and secured substantial STEM funding to support students from diverse backgrounds. Her leadership earned her recognition as NH Business Review’s 2020 nonprofit Business Excellence Awardee.

Vita A. Cassese ’70

Mardon Management Advisors

Vita A. Cassese has extensive experience as an independent director, having served on the boards of seven corporations since retiring from a 30-year career at Pfizer where she established a history of respected leadership through all stages of Pfizer’s growth from $500M to $62B. At Pfizer, Vita served as a member of the Worldwide Pharmaceuticals Executive Leadership Team, heading the global technology, digital, and analytics organization consisting of over 2,000 professionals across 100 international locations. She earned a BA in mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Vincent and her MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Cristóbal Conde

A software entrepreneur and tech investor, Cristóbal Conde has a principal focus on helping software companies scale. Early in his career, he started a software company which was acquired by SunGard. He stayed on and was promoted to run SunGard, which he did for 14 years, growing it to be a Fortune 500 company employing 25,000 people. He graduated from Yale University with a degree in astronomy and physics.

Mary Ann Daly, SC

Sisters of Charity of New York

Sr. Mary Ann Daly’s first ministry was in elementary education; she taught for eight years at St. Margaret of Cortona School in the Bronx. Sr. Mary Ann returned to school to earn a Master of Divinity degree. She then served as Director of Religious Education at Visitation Parish in the Bronx, and as Regional Director of Catechesis and Candidate Director for the Congregation. At the Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center in Manhattan, Sr. Mary Ann was the Director of Mission Effectiveness for two years, and Associate Vice President for Mission Leadership for five years. In the Archdiocese of Newark, Sr. Mary Ann served as formation director and a pastoral assistant over seven years. Sr. Mary Ann holds a BA in English from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, an MS in Adult Religious Education from Fordham University, and an MDiv in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University. Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of Charity in 1965. She is a graduate of St. Barnabas High School and St. Frances of Rome School, both in the Bronx.

Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio ’71

Yonkers Public Schools

Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio graduated from the University of Mount Saint Vincent in 1971 and earned her EdD from Fordham University, specializing in educational leadership, administration, and policy, with a concentration on partnership development and professional development of aspiring school administrators. Recently retired from St. John’s University, since 2005 she has taught, mentored, and advised students in the Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John’s University School of Education. She was also the director of school leadership programs for aspiring principals and administrators in non-public schools, a partnership program with the New York City Department of Education and St. John’s University. Rosalba currently serves as President for the Board of Education for the Yonkers Public Schools.

Peter D. DeNunzio

The Dwight Company

Peter D. DeNunzio is a long-time CEO of several marketing, advertising, and digital strategy organizations. His experience has coincided with seismic changes in marketing driven by technology and data advancements that have changed the way people communicate, transact, and form relationships. He is a passionate supporter of education, serving not only on the University’s board, but also that of Deerfield Academy and the Advertising Educational Foundation. 

Susan Chiaviello DiDonato ’82

A talent professional with more than 30 years of successful leadership experience, Susan Chiaviello DiDonato is an accomplished marketer and communicator. Susan is a trusted advisor and indispensable business partner in the area of Talent Management and, most recently, Business Integrity at WPP, the world’s largest communications organization.

Cathy-Ann Martine Dolecki ’80

Retired, AT&T

Cathy-Ann Martine Dolecki possesses more than three decades of leadership in the rapidly changing telecommunications industry. In addition to her work with the University of Mount Saint Vincent, Cathy-Ann is also board member for public companies and SPAC.

Alex Ehrlich

Percapita Group, Inc.

Alex Ehrlich, founder and CEO of Percapita Group, Inc., built and led prime brokerage businesses throughout his career. He co-founded Goldman Sachs’ Prime Brokerage business in the early 1990s, and headed or co-headed that business in Europe and Asia, until he departed from the firm after 24 years. Alex went on to lead Prime Brokerage at UBS in London and New York for six years, after which he co-headed Prime Brokerage for a decade at Morgan Stanley, where he also oversaw the Listed Derivatives and Fund Administration businesses, served on the Equities and Securities Operating Committees, and chaired the Diversity Council of the Investment Bank. He left Wall Street with gratitude for his many mentors and friends, and recognition of how privileged he was to have had such opportunities.

Kelvin Gentles ’05

Archdiocese of New York

Kelvin Gentles is a nonprofit and development leader with a background in service and philanthropy. A 2005 graduate of the University of Mount Saint Vincent (BS in business), he served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve, even completing his degree while deployed in Iraq. After earning his degree, Kelvin worked in fundraising and consulting, first as a Director at Changing Our World (2005-2008), then as Consultant at Music Life Entertainment (2001-2016). From 2011 to 2019, he was Senior Director of Development for the Inner City Scholarship Fund in New York City before moving to the Archdiocese of New York. At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Kelvin now serves as Head of Development, where he oversees major campaigns, gift stewardship, and parish fundraising initiatives. He also holds the title of Executive Director of Parish Development for the Cardinal’s Appeal.

Steven M. Hayes

Steve M. Hayes, PC

Steven M. Hayes is an entertainment and business litigator based in New York, currently serving as the founding partner of the nationally ranked Steven M. Hayes PC firm. Steven represents prominent entertainment figures and organizations, including Paul Simon, Bertelsmann AG, Gloria Estefan, and Sony Music, and has successfully defended cases involving Jonathan Larson’s heirs over the play Rent, Frank McCourt’s rights to Angela’s Ashes, and Sweetland Films in a dispute with Woody Allen. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and featured among New York Super Lawyers for entertainment law, Steven is known for handling intellectual property, libel and defamation, contract disputes, competition, and Lanham Act cases. Steven is noted for his entrepreneurial approach, leveraging contingency billing and deep industry expertise to represent both individual and corporate clients in high-stakes entertainment disputes. He has served on the University of Mount Saint Vincent Board of Trustees for 15 years.

Maureen A. Henegan ’78

Henegan Construction

Maureen A. Henegan is the Chairman and CEO of Henegan Construction, a family-owned New York City construction firm specializing in high-end corporate interiors and commercial renovations. Taking leadership in 1991, she guided the company through major projects for clients like Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase. Maureen made history as the first woman secretary of the Building Trades Employers Association of New York. Beyond her professional success, she is actively involved in community organizations, including Covenant House New York. She holds a BA from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, a JD from Albany Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Anita Palmieri Kerr ’70

Anita Kerr is a proud alumna of the University of Mount Saint Vincent and a former teacher whose career reflects her long-standing dedication to education. A committed supporter of her alma mater, she brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to the Board of Trustees. Her decades-long connection to the Mount continues to shape her service and advocacy for the University’s mission. Anita previously served several civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Potomac RiverKeeper Network, Friends of Dyke Marsh, the Wellington Civic Association, and the Mount Vernon Council of Citizen’s Associations.

Robert Lorenzo

Eden Roc Capital

With more than 20 years of experience, Robert Lorenzo is currently the Managing Director of Eden Roc Capital, a U.S.-based private equity firm. Since 2019, he has lead Eden Roc’s initiative into healthcare and technology, including interests in biotech, medtech, diagnostics and imaging, life sciences, healthcare IT, and care services, as well as fintech and insurancetech. Earlier in his career, Robert held senior positions at Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, and Chase Manhattan Bank—both in New York and Europe. He earned a BS, summa cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickinson University and received his MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Ronita Macklin

Ronita Macklin is a career U.S. Foreign Service Officer and global development leader. Throughout her career, she has held key postings in Afghanistan, Belgium, Guinea, and Washington, and currently manages U.S. diplomatic missions in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Before joining the State Department, she worked as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill and founded The Macklin Group in 2002, which focused on creating enhanced math and science curricula for students in the Washington, DC area. Transitioning to the private sector, she joined UBS in 2020 and to serve as Managing Director, Head of Business and Client Development for the Ultra‑High Net Worth Solutions Group, where she led initiatives to equip advisors in delivering comprehensive wealth management strategies. Additionally, Ronita is a co-founder and co-chair of the national nonprofit Our Community Salutes, which recognizes high school graduates committing to U.S. military service, and she holds a term membership in the Council on Foreign Relations.

Maura A. Markus

Maura A. Markus is a financial services executive with over 25 years of leadership in banking. She served prominently at Citigroup, rising to EVP and Head of International Retail Banking, President of Citibank North America (2000-2007), and European Sales and Marketing Director before becoming President and COO of Bank of the West (2010-2014). Since 2016, she has brought her expertise to public company boards, notably as an Independent Director at Stifel Financial Corp. and Broadridge Financial Solutions, and more recently at Diebold Nixdorf. Beyond her corporate roles, she serves on boards such as Catholic Charities, Year Up Bay Area, and the International Women’s Forum.

Paul W. Mourning

Crowell & Moring LLP

Paul Mourning is a partner in the New York office of Crowell & Moring LLP and co-chair of the firm’s Health Care Group. His multidimensional practice is focused on healthcare and nonprofit organizations, particularly relating to corporate, regulatory, and transactional matters. Paul also served as National Legal Counsel to The Salvation Army for many years and advises a variety of tax-exempt clients in a number of service areas, including religious organizations, foundations, educational institutions, museums, social service agencies, and trade associations. He received his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and his AB, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Dartmouth College. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Pamela J. Newman

PJN Strategies LLC

Dr. Pamela J. Newman is the Founder, President, and CEO of PJN Strategies LLC, a boutique strategic consulting firm based in Florida and New York City. A longtime executive with a PhD in communication from the University of Michigan, she spent over three decades in risk management and insurance, serving as Executive Vice President at Aon Risk Services and earlier at Marsh & McLennan. Pamela holds multiple board and advisory roles, including membership on the Council on Foreign Relations, PCI Media Impact, the New York City Mission Society, and Brock Capital, while chairing boards such as Mereo Advisors and the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths. In recognition of her leadership, she has received awards like Business Insurance’s Women to Watch Inspiration Award (2018), the Charles Evans Award from the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (2019), and a Presidential Medal for Leadership in Business from John Cabot University (2017). In 2017, she was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New York. Additionally, Pamela is a published author of textbooks such as Organizational Communication, Behind Closed Doors and the 2020 leadership guide, Leadership Is Doing. She holds a BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Michigan.

Cheri Walsh

Gotham & Main LLC

Cheri Walsh is a nonprofit and arts leader who serves as Director of The Joel Foundation, where she has spent over a decade advancing initiatives that empower communities through music and arts education. With experience in organizational development and fundraising, she plays a key role in supporting educational and cultural programs across New York. As a member of Board of Trustees at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, she contributes to institutional planning and student success. Her involvement includes serving on the Gala Committee for the University’s 2025 Scholarship Benefit and Awards Reception, reflecting her deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting the University’s mission.

Joan D. Walsh ’81

Kashbox Coaching

Joan D. Walsh has been a coach for more than 30 years. Currently residing in Charleston, SC, Joan has two sons, loves to work out, and is very active in her church with bible studies, the prayer shawl ministry, and as an extraordinary minister. Additionally, she is a trustee at the Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation, a family foundation, and is on the advisory board at S&T Bank, as well as being a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Susan L. Whitney ’72

Retired, IBM

Susan L. Whitney is a retired IT professional and a graduate of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. She had a 35-year career with IBM, living in various places around the world. She concluded her responsibilities managing the PC Server division. Susan has also served on multiple boards in the semiconductor industry.

Trustees Emeriti

• Stefano Acunto
• Rosemary T. Berkery
• James J. Campbell
• Gail Vance Civille
• Noreen M. Culhane
• Noreen Doyle
• Patrick Grace
• Jane Iannucelli, SC
• Stephen A. Manzi
• Valerie E. Mastronadi
• Joan Maloney Moran
• Deryck Palmer
• Raul Rivera
• H. Gerard Seitz
• Kathryn Swintek
• Elizabeth Vermaelen, SC 

Treasurer of the Board

Abed Elkeshk

Senior Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer