The National Alumni Association Board (NAAB) is composed of alumni from various class years, professions and geographic areas. The NAAB serves as an advisory board to the alumni office and the university.
Members meet three times each year and are elected to two-year terms. If you would like to apply to become a member of the National Alumni Association Board, please fill out our nomination form.
Mark Battaglia, ’04, ’11: bachelor
of business administration in business information systems, masters in business administration. Mark is a commercial lines account executive for Tompkins Insurance Agencies in the Rochester, New York area. Previously, Mark worked on the enterprise
risk management team for The Bonadio Group. Mark worked with the annual fund while attending St. Bonaventure, calling on several alumni each semester. Since graduating, Mark has been actively involved with alumni chapters in Charlotte, Buffalo
and Rochester. In addition, Mark has worked with the Bona Athletic Fund on “Golf with the Bonnies” and “ROC City Hoops Classic” in Rochester. Mark is a native of Batavia, New York, and currently resides in Penfield, New York.
Two of Mark’s brothers and father have also graduated from St. Bonaventure.
Rich Benvenuto, ’70: bachelor of business administration in accounting, MBA finance ’77, Fordham University. Rich retired in August of 2019 after SiriusDecisions Inc was purchased by Forrester Group. He has over 45+ years of broad executive financial experience in venture-backed technology, consulting, research and sales and marketing organizations. He has helped raise over $500 million in funding and participated in IPO’s, strategic mergers and acquisitions, startups and late-stage organizations as both CFO and VP of Finance and Administration. Starting his career at what is now called PriceWaterhouseCoopers, he went on to positions of financial management at technology, research and advisory, consulting and manufacturing organizations. Previous board experience at The Advisory Council and DigitalAttractions, Rich has also spent time working with numerous startups on various financial, product and sales issues. While in Connecticut he spent over 20 years coaching basketball, baseball and soccer from town teams, travel, AAU and American Legion. Rich and his wife, Pat (Proly) ’70, recently relocated to Belleair Beach, Florida from Weston, Ccnnecticut.
Greg Biryla, '06: bachelor
of arts in journalism and mass communication. Greg serves as executive director of Unshackle Upstate, a non-partisan education and advocacy organization representing major chambers of commerce and trade associations from all parts of Upstate
New York. The organization seeks to improve the Upstate New York economy by achieving positive reforms in Albany. Prior to joining Unshackle Upstate, Greg served as a top-level staff member in the New York State Assembly and Senate, working from
both Albany and Western New York. He lives in Rochester with his wife Ashley, also class of 2006. email Greg
Michael Britt, '02: bachelor of arts in political science. Michael is senior vice president of public policy and communications for Las Vegas-based gaming company Red Rock Resorts. Throughout Michael's professional career, he has managed
successful political campaigns and corporate public relations initiatives across the country and internationally. Michael has spent over a decade in the national political arena and government, most notably, managing congressional and statewide political
campaigns and serving two Presidential Administrations as Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Transportation and as Associate Political Director at the White House. Following his political service, Michael has led government relations and corporate
communications departments for both Fortune 500 and privately held companies, including Wynn Resorts, UFC and Red Rock Resorts. Michael lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife Elizabeth and three children, Lily Kate, Grace and Henry.
Emily Ciraolo, ’08, ’09: bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, master of arts in integrated marketing communications. Emily is assistant director of corporate communications at National Fuel Gas Co. There, she manages the National Fuel Gas Company Foundation as well as the company’s community relations efforts in addition to helping drive internal and external communications with various stakeholders. Emily is an active member of her community, serving on Leadership Buffalo’s board of directors as well as on the advisory boards of Next Generation United and LEAD with Purpose for United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. She holds volunteer positions with Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership New York West, PRSA Buffalo Niagara, and the Taste of Buffalo. During her time at Bona’s, Emily was a member of the women’s swimming team, BonaResponds, Student Government Association, and American Advertising Federation. Emily lives in Buffalo, and is a proud dog mom to Carlo, a certified therapy dog. Together, they bring smiles to the community through the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Paws for Love program.
Kevin A. Cleary, '02: bachelor of business administration with a major in marketing. Since graduating in 2002, Kevin has built a career within the consumer packaged goods industry focusing within the beverage category for Diageo, Nestle Waters North America, and The Boston Beer Company. In his current role, Kevin manages commercial innovations for Diageo. He has managed various elements within Nestle Waters and Boston Beer including sales management, communications, marketing, sponsorships, and community relations. Kevin earned his MBA from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia in 2011. Kevin has served as the co-chapter president of the SBU Metro area alumni, and is past president of St. Bonaventure’s National Alumni Association Board and currently is chair of the Nominations Committee. Kevin resides in Southwestern, Connecticut with his family. Email Kevin
Kelly Cobb, '10, '11: bachelor
of business administration with majors in accounting and marketing, and MBA program with accounting focus. She currently works as an Assistant Controller at the Corning Incorporated Canton, New York plant. Kelly has been with Corning for five
year in various roles including compliance, and operations. Kelly started our Ithaca alumni chapter prior to relocating to Northern, New York and has served on the NAAB for two terms. When not working with our alumni, or other boards (Tomkins Charitable
Gift Fund), Kelly enjoys exercising, being outdoors, traveling the world, and cooking.
Laurie Forino Colagiovanni, '88: bachelor of arts in history. Laurie is the managing director of a hospital-based program that combines infection prevention, equipment distribution and RFID technology. She helped launch Disinfection Management Technology in 2014 and now works
with healthcare facilities to lower infection rates of hospital-acquired infection and manages all of their patient care equipment. Laurie has served as the chapter president for St. Bonaventure's Cleveland area alumni, and worked on several
local school fund-raising committees. Besides raising three teenagers, Laurie is also an award-winning pastry chef, and took cooking classes in Italy. She has high hopes that one or more of her children will follow in her footsteps and attend St.
Bonaventure after high school.
Nicholas P. DeMarco, '11: bachelor
of arts in political science and a minor in journalism/mass communication, cum laude. He received his juris doctor, magna cum laude, from the State University at New York - Buffalo Law School in May 2014. While attending law school
his activities included: clerk for the Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal; member, Sports and Entertainment Law Society; member, Tortfeasors; and student member, American Bar Association. Nick sat for the New York State Bar Exam in July 2014,
and has since accepted a position with the law firm Gibson, McAskill & Crosby LLP in Buffalo, practicing in the field of civil litigation. A native of Hamburg, New York, Nick is a resident of Buffalo. Email Nick.
Kathleen “Katie” Dempsey, ’75, ’79: bachelor of arts in English and master of science in advanced teacher education. Katie was born in Olean, moved at the age of two to the Hudson Valley sixty miles north of New York City, and returned to Olean to attend her only choice for college, St. Bonaventure. Except for two years living and teaching in Maryland, Katie has lived in Olean since graduation in 1975. In 2012, after almost 33 years at Otto-Eldred Jr.-Sr. H.S. in Duke Center, PA, she retired as department chair and teacher of English in grades 7-12. She also taught a college-credit composition course at O-E through the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. When she is not visiting her two adult daughters and their husbands and four grandchildren in Michigan, Katie belongs to a number of clubs and organizations in the Olean area. She volunteers at the Warming House, plays the snare drum with the 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums band, and supports the Bonnies Athletic Fund. During the summer months, she can be found playing golf at the SBU Golf Club. Katie is honored, thrilled, and looking forward to being an active participant on the SBU NAAB.
Patrick Doyle, '81: bachelor of science in economics. After graduation from Bona's, Pat spent 18 years at Eastman Kodak. He held various roles, the last as a district sales manager. He is in his 32nd year in the sales profession
and is currently security software sales representative for Oracle Corporation. Pat has worked at Oracle for 16 years in various sales roles. Pat worked several different jobs during his time at Bona's, including bartender at the Rathskeller.
He was co-captain of Bona's men's rugby from 1979-81. He has been active in several youth organizations, including 10 years as a Little League baseball coach and board member. Pat is a member of Bona's Devereux and Seraphim societies and is also proud
to be a Bonnies Athletic Fund (BAF) member. Pat is a native of Binghamton, New York and currently resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Pat met his wife, Joanna, through their sisters who were roommates at Bona's. Pat and Joanna have three sons,
Brian, Kevin and Tommy. Kevin is a 2017 graduate of Bona's with a BA in finance, and Tommy is currently a junior studying strategic communications and digital media. Pat followed Uncle Mike '57, and Denny '61, to Bona's. Their "legacy" family
has 13 members who are part of the Bonas' family, including nephew Patrick Giblin, class of 2022.
Peter M. Gigliotti, ’74: bachelor of arts in journalism. Peter has spent his 45-year professional career in communications, either as a newspaper reporter and editor, or in higher education administration/public relations. After graduation from SBU, he began a 14-year
career with Gannett Inc. working at multiple newspapers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia in such posts as reporter/photographer, city editor and managing editor. He earned his master of science degree in communications studies from Shippensburg University
of Pennsylvania in 1995 and his doctorate in educational leadership from Duquesne University in 2002. He joined Shippensburg in 1988 where he served as the university’s chief communications and marketing officer, and university spokesperson
for 28 years. The university’s Student Association honored him as Administrator of the Year for 2011-12. Upon retirement he founded CrisisComm LLC. He serves or has served on various civic and community organizations, including as
chair of the Easter Seal Society of Franklin and Adams Counties and a member of the Shippensburg Park and Recreation Commission Board of Directors. A native of Bradford, he lives in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife of 42 years, Ellen.
Rev. Joseph Gullo, '76
William (Bill) Hanvey, '84: bachelor
of arts in mass communication. Bill is the president and CEO of the Auto Care Association based in Washington, D.C., which represents the $381 billion in GDP and 4.6 million jobs in the automotive repair and maintenance sector. His entire career
has been spent in automotive sector primarily working for tier 1 manufacturers in business development, marketing and public relations. He has run North American operations for several major manufacturers utilizing his sales and marketing roots to
find new business relationships and opportunities, and puts his degree in Mass Communications to good use. In his current capacity he represents the industry on Capitol Hill, at the state level, and to government agencies and is actively involved
on the boards of the Aftermarket Charitable Foundation and the University of the Aftermarket scholarship fund. Bill and his wife, Kristin were married at St. Bonaventure and are the proud parents of two Bona grads, Katie (Hanvey) Barrett, '05
and Liam, '15, and are actively working on their granddaughter, Maura for a 2031 St. Bonaventure graduation. They share residence in both Washington, D.C., and beautiful Asheville, North Carolina, where Kris has her own psychiatric nurse practitioner practice.
Email Bill
Jonathan S. Hickey, '98: bachelor of arts in political science, magna cum laude. After St. Bonaventure, Jon graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law and he is now the Confidential Law Clerk to New York State Supreme
Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek. In this role, Jon is actively involved in all areas of the law including civil, criminal, and matrimonial disputes. Prior to serving in this role, Jon was a founding member of the law firm of Burden, Gulisano &
Hickey, LLC. He is also a former Prosecutor in the Town of Clarence (New York). Prior to starting his own firm with two partners, he started his career as an attorney with Hurwitz & Fine, P.C., an association that began when he was in law school. In
his community, Jon sits on the Board of Directors for the Erie County (New York) Bar Association as well as serving as a member on the Town of Clarence Zoning Board of Appeals. Jon was a 2018 Co-Chair of the St. Bonaventure University Gaudete Award
Committee having served on the Committee in previous years. Jon continues to remain involved in youth sports by coaching his sons in baseball and basketball, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Town of Clarence Baseball Association.
Jon lives in the Town of Clarence with his wife Kelli and their two sons, Jack and Sam.
William Hogan, '82, '13: bachelor
of arts in journalism/mass communications and master of arts in integrated marketing communications. Bill is vice president of John Kearns & Associates (JKA), a full-service fundraising consulting firm that has successfully implemented over 200
capital campaigns for Roman Catholic parishes, high schools, colleges, hospitals and community groups throughout the northeast. Prior to joining JKA, he served as director of marketing for Hillside Family of Agencies, overseeing marketing, public
relations, government advocacy, and foundation relationships for the largest non-profit, human services organization in New York State. Earlier in his career, Bill spent 18 years with the Midmark Corporation, a medical device manufacturer based in
Ohio. As director of sales and marketing, North America, he led a team that was responsible for developing a start-up, animal health division that became the largest medical equipment provider to veterinary distributors throughout the United States
and Canada. Bill and his wife Ginny (’82) reside in Orchard Park, New York. They have two sons, Sean (Hilbert College ‘15) and Patrick (St. Bonaventure University ’15 & ’16).
Neal J. Johnson, ’73: bachelor of science in physical education; ‘14, doctor of pedagogy. Neal has broad experiences in education, private and public corporate and non-profit leadership and management. In September, 2017, Neal retired as the president &
CEO of Special Olympics New York, Inc. after leading SONY for twenty years. During his leadership of SONY, it grew to be the largest Special Olympics program in North America and sixth largest program in the world, serving more than 70,000 athletes
across New York State. As an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, he has presented to schools, universities and organizations globally including the NYS Legislature, United States Congress and the United Nations. Coincidently with his
professional experiences, he has been involved in athletics as an athlete, coach, official, event producer and athletics leadership at the youth, scholastic, collegiate and elite athlete levels. He has officiated at multiple events both nationally
and internationally. In 2014, St. Bonaventure awarded him an honorary doctorate, making him the first alumnus of its school of education, and the first person with a degree in physical education to be so honored.
Stephanie Karnas, ’06: bachelor of business administration in finance. Stephanie is an administrative vice president in the finance division of M&T Bank, where her primary role is to coordinate the company’s annual operating plan, track and measure financial
performance throughout the year, and drive long-term process improvement. During her time at St. Bonaventure, Stephanie was captain of the Women’s Swimming & Diving team, a student ambassador for the Admissions Office, and was actively
involved in SIMM, Finance Club, BonaResponds, and Vocallusion (a capella group). In her spare time, Stephanie is a Level 1 Crossfit trainer, working with athletes of all ages and backgrounds and enjoys being a part of their health and fitness
journey. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, and has been actively involved with the United Way Day of Caring during her time in Buffalo, where she currently resides.
Kimberly Balthaser Kayiwa, '96: bachelor of arts in English. Kimberly is the claims team lead (Life Sciences) at Sedgwick Claims Management were she is responsible for managing complex and high exposure life sciences claims involving
drugs, devices and nutraceuticals. Kimberly is a former practicing attorney with over ten years of experience in the life sciences area. She currently serves as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for at risk children and has also served as
a guardian ad litem for disabled adults and minors. Kimberly is the proud recipient of the Ideal Bonaventure Woman Award. She resides in Pittsford, New York with her husband, Francis Kayiwa (1997), and two children.
Kevin Kelleher, ‘93: bachelor of arts in history. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Lancaster, NY, Kevin went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Bonaventure University in 1993, followed
by his juris doctorate degree from the University at Buffalo Law School. Upon earning his degrees, he moved on to work for the Atlantic 10 Conference in Philadelphia, where he served as the assistant director of championships and compliance. From
there, he moved to Princeton, New Jersey, where he worked for a sports event management firm known as the Gazelle Group, as director of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic held annually at Madison Square Garden. In the summer of 2000, Kevin returned to St.
Mary’s High School, where he served as athletic director and enrollment director for six years. He also served as head coach of the men’s varsity basketball team and brought home the first ever New York State championship for St. Mary’s.
He was also instrumental in the building of the school’s state-of-the-art athletic center, which still stands as one of the best high school athletic facilities in the state. In 2006, Kevin became an owner of ADPRO Sports, where he also
served as vice president of sales & marketing. In 2014, he left ADPRO Sports to return to St. Mary’s High School as vice president for advancement. In September 2016, with a change in the school leadership model, he was named the first head
of school in St. Mary’s 112 year history. In 1993, Kevin became a co-founder of the Chris Wanat Memorial Foundation. Through the work of this foundation, over $350,000 has been donated to various causes throughout the Western New York community.
Kayte Malik, ’03: bachelor of business administration – business information systems. Kayte Malik joined FanDuel in early 2020 as the director of Portfolio Management, Sportsbook Retail. FanDuel is a New York City-based bookmaker and daily fantasy sports provider.
Prior to joining FanDuel, Kayte founded and ran Dresscode Tech, a Chicago-based startup that merges fashion and technology to excite and educate women and girls about computer science, coding, and STEM. Before starting Dresscode Tech, she held strategy,
technology and marketing roles for Fortune 500 companies including Sears Holdings, Macy’s and Bank of America in Chicago and Charlotte.
Elaine Nessle, ‘06: bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication. Elaine Nessle is a senior associate at a government affairs and communications firm based in Washington, D.C. Since 2015, she has also served as the executive director of a national 501(c)
6 advocacy association that her firm manages, the Coalition for America’s Gateways & Trade Corridors. The Coalition is dedicated to the expansion and modernization of America’s freight and goods movement infrastructure. Elaine manages
the organization’s work to increase awareness of the benefits of trade infrastructure development and to coordinate legislative strategy and support. As a student at St. Bonaventure, Elaine participated in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE),
SBU-TV, and studied abroad through the Francis E. Kelley Oxford Program. Elaine is a third generation St. Bonaventure graduate; her two siblings and brother-in-law also graduated from the University. Elaine and her husband, Thomas Marchetti,
live in Washington, D.C.
Matthew Minichelli, '04: bachelor of business administration in finance. Matt is currently the specialty lines manager for Fort Orange Claim Service (FOCUS), an independent adjusting firm servicing the Northeast. He was previously the general manager for Arbitrage Adjusting
Services until its merger with FOCUS in 2015. Matt is active in several industry-related associations. He operates the Metro New York office for the company. Matt was involved with the Annual Fund, managing the Bonathon during his time as a student
at St. Bonaventure. Since graduating he has been active in numerous university activities including: the SHARE Program, Bonnies4Bonnies, the Athletics Department, and both the Metro New York and Buffalo Alumni Chapters. Matt is a native of Binghamton,
New York and currently resides in Rockville Centre, New York. He is a member of a Legacy Family with several family members among the alumni of SBU. Email Matthew
Fr. Daniel Riley, O.F.M.,’64: bachelor of arts in philosophy and coursework in biology. He serves as chaplain to the National Alumni Association Board and is a friar priest of Holy Name Province of the Order of Friars Minor, the university’s sponsoring order. Fr. Dan is
one of the founding members of the Franciscan mountain retreat, Mt. Irenaeus. He is president of “The Mountain” and serves on its board of directors. In 1990, Fr. Dan was named the Guardian of Holy Peace Friary, the Franciscan community
of men based at Mt. Irenaeus. He works closely with all members of the University community from alumni to students to help meet their spiritual needs. Prior to his role at the Mountain, Fr. Dan held various positions throughout the Holy Name Province
and at St. Bonaventure, including being a founding member and a director of campus ministry. Fr. Dan is a native of Rochester, New York. Email Fr. Dan
Shane M. Ryan, ’06: Bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication. Shane currently serves as the Associate Director of University Advancement for the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and College of Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). After receiving his degree from St. Bonaventure, Shane earned his master’s of education in counselor education (Student Affairs) from Clemson University in 2008. Over the last decade, Shane has dedicated himself to creating transformational experiences for alumni, students and their families to find success and develop an affinity for their institution of higher education. Prior to RIT, Shane has held roles in new student orientation, parent engagement, alumni relations, and admissions at several institutions including Georgetown University, Stetson University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Shane credits the foundation for his successful career in higher education to the experiences, values and people he encountered at St. Bonaventure. He is excited for the opportunity the NAAB will afford him, and is looking forward to giving back to a community that has given him so much over the years. Shane currently resides in Pittsford, New York with his wife and fellow Bonnie, Stephanie ‘06, and their beautiful daughter, Quinn.
Scott R. Verrenti, '00, '02: bachelor of science in elementary education, master of science in counselor education. Scott has spent his entire career working in higher education, starting in St. Bonaventure University's Office of Admissions. He has spent the past 17 years
at the University of Rochester, where he currently serves as the director of constituent engagement in the Medical Center's Office of Advancement. Scott went on to earn a master of science and a doctorate in higher education administration from the
University of Rochester. Originally from Rome, New York, Scott currently resides in Rochester. Email Scott
Craig Vicini, ’07, ’08: bachelor of business administration in finance, minor in cconomics, master of business administration. Craig is a senior investment analyst for Federated Hermes, Inc., an investment manager headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennslvania. Since joining Federated Hermes in 2008, Craig has held multiple roles within the company, spanning across their Investment Management and Decision Support departments. While attending St. Bonaventure, Craig was involved with the Francis E. Kelley Oxford Program, Students In Money Management (SIMM), Finance Club, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.) and Bonnies Visit Their High School. Since graduating, Craig has been actively engaged with the alumni chapter serving the greater Pittsburgh area. Craig is a native of Warren, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Craig’s father, Duane, also attended St. Bonaventure, earning a graduate degree in educational administration/superintendent certification.
Mary Beth Shea Wells, ’76: bachelor of business
administration in accounting. She went on to earn her masters of business administration from Rutgers University in Newark in 1985. Since 2005, Mary Beth has been the accountant for St. Paul Parish in Princeton, New Jersey, serving on the finance
parish council and the St. Vincent dePaul Society. She is responsible for all accounting, budgeting, insurance, and payroll/benefits for the church, school and cemetery. Prior to St. Paul’s, she was the finance director of the Princeton YWCA
for seven years. Her volunteer activities have included treasurer for her children’s PTA, treasurer for her children’s CYO board. Her St. Bonaventure involvement has been with the annual fund, Bonnies Athletic Fund (BAF) advisory
board, and Class of 76 reunion weekend planning. Mary Beth and her husband, Gary, reside in East Windsor, New Jersey. They have a son, Terence, and a daughter, Maureen ’11, ’12. Email Mary Beth