Executive Moves is an occasional feature on ROI-NJ.com describing some of the important personnel changes in the New Jersey business community. Reports are based on news releases, edited for content, clarity and style.
Joseph W. Devine, Jefferson Health
When Joseph W. Devine retired from his role of Executive Vice President with Jefferson Health and President of Jefferson Health – New Jersey earlier this year, colleagues decided to honor his longtime commitment to the people of Jefferson in a special way. Devine, who resides in Washington Township, is the namesake of the longtime Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for employees at Jefferson Health – New Jersey facing unexpected hardships.
The former Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is now called the Devine Fund for Employee Assistance. The fund provides grants of up to $2,000 per request; since 2006, it has helped more than 480 associates through grants totaling more than $700,000.
“It is a tremendous honor for me to be remembered through the naming of this worthwhile charity,” Devine said. “I’ve always felt it is very important for employees to ‘look out for their own,’ and this fund has been a wonderful way to do that.”
Michael Drabnis, Larken Associates
Larken Associates, a regional leader in commercial and residential real estate building, development and management, announces the hiring of Michael Drabnis as director of finance.
Drabnis brings over 20 years of public accounting experience to his new role with Larken Associates. As director of finance, Drabnis will oversee the operations of Larken Associates’ accounting department. Drabnis will work closely with the firm’s accounting team and executive leadership to facilitate accurate accounting and reporting, financial analysis, bank reporting, debt service coverage, federal, state and local tax filings, and cash flow updates. Additionally, Drabnis will oversee investor reporting and capital calls. Drabnis will also lead Larken’s accounting team in identifying strategic opportunities to streamline processes and continue to adopt paperless technology.
Prior to joining Larken Associates, Drabnis served as a manager with Neidich & Co., working with its real estate accounting team to prepare and review individual, partnership, corporate, estate and multistate tax returns. In addition to his time with Neidich & Co., Drabnis has served in leadership roles with Weiser LLP, and Gillen & Johnson P.A.
Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC
Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC is pleased to welcome Reema Chandnani and Andrew K. Landman to the firm. They are associates in the Rochelle Park office.
Chandnani focuses her practice on education law, employment and labor law, and government affairs. Landman focuses his practice in the areas of education law, labor and employment, and business/corporate law.
Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor LLC was founded in 1996 by New Jersey Gov. James Florio after leaving public office and Michael J. Perrucci, well known as a litigation trial attorney in numerous million dollar federal and state cases. It has offices in Phillipsburg, Cherry Hill, and Rochelle Park in New Jersey.
Jude Lark, Overlook Medical Center
A nurse at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center is one of only two certified emergency nurses in the country, and the only one from New Jersey, to receive national recognition from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, the benchmark for board certification across the emergency nursing spectrum.
Jude Lark, emergency services clinical nurse educator, received BCEN’s 2020 Distinguished CEN Award.
“This award brings to light all the resilient and very capable certified nurses that we have developed here at the Overlook ED. Over the past six years, we have increased our certified nurses by 52%. It has made an impact, and I have seen that,” Lark said. “I have always thought that certification represents excellence in your field. I am so honored and extremely proud. I just hope every single day that I can make a difference in one of the team members I work with.”
Newmark Group Inc.
Newmark Group Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of 11 key industrial real estate professionals to its offices across North America. These advisers specialize in supply chain and logistics real estate and advisory for blue chip clients, including Fortune 500 corporations and global leaders in third-party logistics. As e-commerce, supply chain and logistics trends continue to shape and change the global landscape, the addition of these full-service professionals in the Rutherford; Irvine, California; Dallas; Miami; and Toronto offices bolsters Newmark’s industrial presence in key markets.
In New Jersey, Al Petrillo, Adam Petrillo, Craig Engelhardt and Tom Carragher join the company as executive managing directors; and Chris Koeck and Steve Korfiatis as managing directors. Each of the individuals join Newmark from Savills.
“This important step further elevates Newmark’s industrial practice and provides a valuable enhancement to our integrated platform,” said Newmark CEO Barry M. Gosin. “North America’s industrial supply chain and logistics are essential components of the global economy; the industry is closely tethered to retail, capital markets and many other sectors. We remain committed to strategic growth in key service areas.”
Provident Bank
Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, announced a number of key leadership appointments following the completion of its merger with SB One Bank. The appointments leverage the talents and expertise of several executives, while creating synergies within the newly combined company.
Vanessa Easse has been appointed to the position of vice president and director of retail operations. Easse is responsible for leading and directing all aspects of retail banking operations, and determining the operational plans and projects that best support the division’s objectives and business plan. The bank also announced that Ana Marques has been appointed to the position of sales administration manager. Marques is responsible for leading the development and implementation of all retail banking sales activities to support the division’s business plan.
In addition, Provident Bank announced the appointment of three regional managers to help oversee the management of the branch network:
- Samera Martinez has joined the bank as senior vice president and regional manager for the North/Metro region.
- Maria Navedo has joined Provident as senior vice president and regional manager for the Northwest region.
- Lisa H. Van Cleve has been promoted to senior vice president and regional manager of the Bank’s Central Shore region.
Alicia Shepherd, Rizco
Rizco, a creative campaign agency based at the Jersey Shore, has promoted Alicia Shepherd, after two years as an account manager, to director of strategy + content. She will be leading the charge to expand Rizco’s content expertise and how it drives digital marketing, ensuring the brand story is at the core. The timing couldn’t be more relevant.
According to a survey that was conducted earlier this year by Orbit Media Studios and Agency Management Institute, the marketing services that are least impacted by COVID-19 and are showcasing an uptick including content marketing (3%), graphic design (7%), web design + development (26%) and PR communications (27%). Whereas, on the other hand, media planning and buying are being impacted the most (-95%).
“Marketing initiatives must be results-focused, and the same holds true with the story that is curated,” President Debra Rizzi said. “Alicia has been the kingpin of several of Rizco’s clients’ strategies, where she has established, managed, and nurtured their brands with great success, even during a pandemic. Alicia’s strength is that she actively follows the trends and always comes back to the client’s brand to ensure that the message, no matter how it needs to pivot, is authentic. This authenticity drives engagement and results, it is not easily accomplished, but Alicia does it with ease.”
Bertone Piccini LLP
Bertone Piccini LLP, a boutique law firm based in Hasbrouck Heights, announced the hiring of three new attorneys: Thomas R. McConnell, Charles J. Harriman and Owen Lipnick, each of whom will be “of counsel” at the firm. Bertone Piccini also announced the launch of its family law practice, including focus areas such as divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence and more. The practice will be led by McConnell.
“We cannot be happier with the new talent joining our team at Bertone Piccini. Together, Tom, Owen and Charles bring decades of legal experience to their new roles — ranging from family law to litigation, commercial real estate and corporate matters,” said Jeremy S. Piccini, founding partner. “This is truly a testament to our reputation and ongoing growth — and also comes on the heels of an exciting new-partner announcement in late 2019.”
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Bioclinica
Bioclinica, an integrated solutions provider of clinical life science and technology expertise, delivering powerful insight into clinical trial development in bringing new therapies to people worldwide, announced that Ajith Gopalakrishnan has been named vice president of service delivery for the company’s Software Solutions business. Another recent addition to the Software Solutions leadership team is the return of Doug Cory as vice president of software engineering.
“I am honored to have Ajith and Doug on my team of software and service professionals dedicated to delivering the capabilities our customers need,” said Guy Crossley, president, Bioclinica Software Solutions. “Bioclinica is known for its service excellence, and their combined experience will help us scale and innovate within our product offerings and service delivery.”
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Nicole E. French, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
Nicole E. French, of Manalapan, has been promoted to regional manager of southern New Jersey for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. As regional manager, French will oversee the counties of Burlington, Camden and Gloucester for Preferred’s Mount Laurel branch; and the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer and Warren for the Robbinsville branch.
French’s responsibilities include streamlining Preferred’s best practices among 250 field nurses and home health aides in the post-COVID environment, and maintaining and growing relationships with clients, facilities, and insurance case managers.
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New Jersey Alliance for Action
Philip Beachem, longtime president of the New Jersey Alliance for Action, has announced plans to retire at the conclusion of this calendar year. Jerry Keenan, the organization’s executive vice president, has been appointed to succeed Beachem as president.
Beachem, who has been with the organization for 33 years, said he delayed his initial plan to retire earlier this year to see the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Keenan has held a variety of executive positions during his 23-year tenure with the organization. He becomes only the third president of the alliance since its founding in 1974.
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Jon Paparsenos, Seton Hall University
Jon Paparsenos, an international leader in higher education philanthropy, has been selected as Seton Hall University’s next vice president for university advancement.
Paparsenos comes to Seton Hall from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where he has served as vice president, philanthropy, and CEO of the UNSW Foundation since 2016.
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