The Towson University Foundation board of directors has primary fiduciary responsibility for the foundation and serves in an advisory capacity to the university president.
Board of Directors
The directors who serve on the TU Foundation board are volunteers who have extensive experience and expertise in a range of fields including investing and business operations. Our board of directors govern the Towson University Foundation with integrity and fiscal responsibility and advise the university president with wise counsel.
Officers
Edna Primrose '84
President
Ms. Primrose currently serves as Founder and President of Differenza, a consulting firm focused on education, community and workforce development, poverty, and equity. Ms. Primrose previously served as Director of Policy for the Aspen Institute Education and Society Program, and Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs and Chief Operating Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency. She has over 20 years of executive leadership experience in the public and private sectors that includes serving as National Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Job Corps. Ms. Primrose has successfully managed both large scale and local public-private partnerships.
Ms. Primrose is on Advisory Boards for Project Water Education Today (WET) Foundation, which promotes water education and stewardship; DigDeep, which provides water infrastructure to communities in need and advocates for water equity; and Hampton Roads Ventures LLC, a national community development entity. She has served on distinguished Governance Boards and Councils that includes the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, a White House initiative, and Advisor for the United States Federal Committee on Apprenticeship.
Ms. Primrose earned her degree in Business Administration in 1984 from Towson University.
Kim Fabian '88
Vice President
Kim Fabian is CEO and founder of Elevatr, a consulting firm that works with purpose-driven organizations to strengthen their impact through messaging, strategic thinking, and mindfulness. A seasoned non-profit executive with more than 25 years of experience, Kim is a leader who brings the essential elements of a mission together to achieve meaningful outcomes. Previously, Kim was Executive Director at the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, a hub for visual artists and art enthusiasts in Greenville, SC. Before joining GCCA, she was senior vice president for Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, where she managed internal operations, marketing communications, and led record-breaking program growth for more than 47,000 K-12 students each year.
For much of her career, Kim operated Ovations Inc., a firm that helped organizations maximize the impact of internal and external communications and build collaborative, high performance teams. A published author, Kim has made more than 100 appearances to a variety of audiences and appeared on radio, TV and print outlets across the country.
She received her B.S. in mass communication from the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Towson University, where in addition to serving on the TU Foundation board of directors, she is a past president of the Alumni Association board of directors.
Patricia Hoge, Ph.D. '81/'82
Vice President
David M. Vahos
Vice President
David M. Vahos was named interim chief financial officer and treasurer of BGE in May 2014. In this role, Mr. Vahos oversees the treasury, financial planning and analysis, operational finance and accounting functions for the company.
Mr. Vahos joined BGE in May 1998. During his 16 year BGE tenure, he has been responsible for establishing accounting practices related to the deregulation of the electric generation portion of the company and has served in supervisory capacities in both general and regulatory accounting. In May 2006, Mr. Vahos was appointed director, financial planning and analysis with responsibility for detailed operations, maintenance and capital budgeting, as well as playing an active role in regulatory filing and rate case strategy. In October 2010, Mr. Vahos was appointed executive director, corporate audit for Constellation Energy responsible for directing internal audit and consulting engagements for Constellation New Energy and BGE. In February 2012, he was named vice president and controller and was responsible for financial accounting and reporting for BGE, performance of controls, and preparation of financial reports for management, shareholders and regulatory agencies.
Prior to joining BGE, Mr. Vahos served as senior accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP focusing on assurance and consulting services, as well as compliance and financial statement audits.
Mr. Vahos is married with three children.
Mr. Vahos earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy, cum laude from Villanova University, and a master’s degree in business administration from Johns Hopkins University.
Salvatore Correnti '82
Vice President
Sal is a retired senior executive with over 35 years of achievement and success in investment and financial management. Selected areas of expertise include leadership and management, investment strategy, asset allocation, asset liability management, risk and capital management and all major areas of insurance.
Sal served as the CEO for Conning from 2003 until 2012. Conning is a global provider of institutional asset management, risks and capital management services. Prior to his role as CEO, he served as COO from 2001 to 2003. He served as a non-executive vice chair and board member from 2012 until 2017. Prior to Conning, Sal held executive management positions at Swiss Re, a leading global reinsurance company and USF&G insurance company.
Sal serves on the Board of Directors of Builders Insurance (a Mutual Captive Company) based in Atlanta, GA; Oil Casualty Investment Corporation Ltd in Bermuda and Erie Indemnity Company in Erie, PA.
Sal has Master of Business Administration from the University of Baltimore and received his Bachelor of Arts with a dual major in Business Administration and Economics at Towson University where he graduated magna cum laude.
Sal is active in community service. In addition to his current role on the board of the Towson University Foundation, he served on the board of the North Central Connecticut American Heart Association, and was chair of the American Heart Association’s 2011 and 2012 Hartford Heart Walks. He is also a past board member of the Hartford, CT based non-profit, Family Life Education.
Christopher Evans '93
Treasurer
Christopher Evans is a Senior Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo Bank. He is focused on growing and expanding middle market commercial banking relationships. Utilizing his many years of banking and finance, he builds strong customer relationships balanced with strong risk mitigation in a compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of Wells Fargo. His other responsibilities include maximizing the division’s profitability through the maintenance of a high-quality loan portfolio. He is accountable for operational excellence, loss mitigation, and reduced fraud risk through awareness, escalation, and preventative measures. Chris networks with centers of influence to develop business, including accountants, attorneys, and other referral sources. His career in banking, management, and finance spans over 26 years.
Chris serves as a board member for the Towson University Foundation, Inc. Chris also serves as the Towson University Foundation’s Treasurer, chairs the Budget Committee, and serves on the Executive and Investment Committees. He is also a Board Director for the University System of Maryland Foundation and serves on the Wells Fargo Public Affairs Council for Greater Baltimore.
Chris received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Towson University in May 1993.
He and his family reside in Forest Hill, Maryland where he enjoys golf and other outdoor activities with his family and friends.
Christopher J. Cavallaro '01
Secretary
Christopher Cavallaro is the AVP, Market Manager at SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union. Bringing 21 years of experience in both retail and small business banking, Christopher leads a region of SECU Financial Centers in supporting and developing financial relationships with our members and prospective members.
Christopher is a graduate of Leadership Baltimore County’s class of 2015 and recognized by the Maryland Banker’s Association as a 2015 Next Leader in Banking. A graduate of Towson University and Maryland native, Christopher lives with his wife, Carol in Baltimore County. In their spare time, they love to run, attend live music concerts and spend time with family both in Philadelphia, PA and here in Maryland.
Directors
Eileen Auen '85
Director
Raymond J. Brusca '80
Director
Mr. Brusca is retired from Techtronic Co. Ltd., a Hong Kong based $8 billion global manufacturer of power tools, outdoor equipment and floor care products where he served as Chief Human Resources Officer. Mr. Brusca had responsibility for all human resources functions globally covering 25,000 employees. He is a nationally recognized expert in human resources, employee benefits, executive compensation and mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Brusca received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Towson University in 1980 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1984.
Mr. Brusca and his wife reside in Naples FL and Nantucket MA.
Bradley S. Chambers '91
Director
Thomas Coard '00
Director
Tom is a lifelong Maryland resident who graduated from Towson University in 2000 and got started in Real Estate in 2001 and through the years Tom has worked as a Real Estate Agent, Team Leader and Office Manager. In 2016 he was elected President of the Harford County Association of Realtors. Tom has also served Maryland Realtors on their Board of Directors and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Realty Services. While at Towson Tom was a member of the Track and Field team and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity serving as president in 1999. After graduating from Towson Tom was a member of the Board of Directors for the Towson Athletic Fund. Tom met his wife Sarah while at Towson University and they live in Bel Air Maryland with their three children Maddy, Jack and Katie.
Ira W. Cox, MBA, CIMA, CPWA '88
Director
Mr. Cox is a Senior Vice President with AMUNDI Asset Management, Distrbution Americas.
AMUNDI is the European largest asset manager by assets under management and ranks in the top 10 globally. The Group manages 2.3 trillion dollars across six investment hubs.
Mr. Cox received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from Towson University in 1988.
David Diaz '99
Director
Douglas Erdman '80
Director
Douglas Erdman is co-owner and president of Community Realty Co., Inc., a full service property management, leasing and sales organization specializing in office, retail and multifamily real estate assets. Douglas is also a principal in Renaissance Centro, LLC and RMJ Development Group, both renowned real estate development entities having produced many notable apartment, condominium, retail and office projects in the Washington, DC region.
Mr. Erdman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Towson University and has completed numerous post graduate courses and programs in real estate and urban development.
Douglas founded and provided the initial funding for the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism located at the Wellness Center of Towson University. He is active in several philanthropic and professional organizations as well as numerous athletic endeavors.
Douglas resides in Ellicott City, MD with his wife Therese and two sons.
Susan J. Ganz
Director
Nancy Grasmick, Ed.D. '61
Director
Paul-Sean Gray '88
Director
Paul-Sean Gray joined Mind Over Machines in 2007. Paul-Sean is responsible for overall operations and financial management of the company. He brings more than 20 years of business and financial management experience to his role.
Previously, Paul-Sean served as vice president of operations at Detica, Inc. and Operations Manager for Raytheon, Inc. Earlier positions included department manager at Performance Engineering Corporation, and Financial Analyst at Trident Data Systems, both government contractors.
Paul-Sean earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor of finance and economics from Towson University. Post-graduate training includes coursework at American Graduate University and USDA Graduate School.
Paul-Sean serves on the Parish Council for St. Veronica’s Catholic Church, past board member of the Howard County Terps football organization and Baltimore Lady Panthers. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Past professional affiliations have included American Society of Military Comptrollers, National Contract Management Association and the Maryland Board of Realtors.
Anthony Hamlett, Sr. '76
Director
Mr. Hamlett is a client-focused, results oriented financial services and small business financing executive specializing in small business financing / growth strategies, including real estate acquisition and equipment financing; and an expert in faith-based niche market financial services, and faith-based real estate financing strategies. He has a passion for the faith based community, and has lead numerous projects for faith-based entities including construction financing, equipment financing, property acquisition, and debt restructuring.
Upon completing undergraduate studies in 1976 with a B.S. degree in education from Towson University, Mr. Hamlett accepted a management position at M&T Bank (predecessor), and provided oversight of the Funds Management Group, leading to enhanced interest income through overnight investments for the bank.
Subsequently, Mr. Hamlett served as a bank operations executive for two additional financial institutions in the Maryland / D.C. / N. Virginia market, including Bank of America (predecessor), and SunTrust Bank (predecessor). He provided leadership for the Federal Reserve Pricing Group, managing the strategic relationship between B of A and the Federal Reserve Bank, along with the multi-million dollar operating budget, and delivered 10% to 12% direct cost reductions for B of A.
As vice president, Electronic Banking (for SunTrust Bank predecessor), Mr. Hamlett restructured, restaffed and re-trained team members to more efficiently and cost-effectively service bank customers through the three Electronic Banking Departments, which included the Telephone Banking Group, Automated Clearinghouse Department (ACH) and the ATM Department (manage 250 ATMs in the MD/DC/N.VA region). Electronic Banking customer satisfaction increased by 15% following departmental improvements.
Following Mr. Hamlett’s tenure at three banking institutions over an eighteen year period, he accepted an opportunity to become one of two principals in a faith-based consulting firm, providing professional advisory services to Churches and other non-profit organizations across the United States. Primary services included accounting / audit, tax compliance, business development strategies with local and non-local commercial lenders in connection with client construction / real estate acquisition financing and debt restructuring. Notable transactions include:
- Mt. Pleasant Ministries' acquisition and re-development of the City Line Shopping Center in Baltimore, MD
- Faithful Central Bible Church acquisition of the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, CA.
After ten years of successful faith-based consulting around the United States, Mr. Hamlett accepted a position with a Maryland SBA (Small Business Administration) lender, Mid-Atlantic Business Finance, becoming president and CEO. After developing and implementing a turnaround strategy for the company (including staffing changes / upgrades and training), loan production increased, loan defaults decreased and budgetary deficits were eliminated. Following a four year tenure (2006 - 2010) with this SBA lender, the economic impact of the 2008-2009 recession on the credit markets, and capital markets, it became difficult to structure profitable SBA loans over the short term, and Mr. Hamlett separated from the company to start his own consulting practice, and complete his graduate studies for his MBA degree.
Mr. Hamlett started FBA Consulting, LLC (Faith Based Analytics) in 2015 to return to the faith-based market that he previously serviced. He continues to build his client base, to expand beyond the Mid-Atlantic region, re-focusing on professional services to include tax compliance, accounting/audit, real estate acquisition financing, construction financing, equipment financing and debt restructuring.
Stephanie Johnson '95
Director
Stephanie Johnson has spent more than 20 years as a digital marketing strategist in the healthcare sector. As senior director of system web services at University of Maryland Medical System, she leads the team responsible for formulating and implementing the consumer website strategy. She balances the organizational goals for the 13-hospital regional health care system with the practicalities of creating an accessible, user-friendly website for patients, healthcare professionals, job seekers, donors and more.
Previously, she served as principal of Cerulean Digital, her consulting firm that provided digital marketing support to national clients. At MedStar Health, she oversaw the web and social media strategy for the 10-hospital system, and she began her career at St. Joseph Medical Center in public relations and website management.
Stephanie earned her B.S. in mass communication with a concentration in public relations from Towson State University. She served as the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at Towson.
Stephanie is president of the Towson University Alumni Association Board of Directors (since 2019); she served as vice president from 2017-2019 and at-large member from 2014-2017. She holds the role of alumni association representative on the TU Foundation Board and the TU Board of Visitors. In the past, she served on the board of the Hampden Family Center.
Eric Kruk '97
Director
Eric M. Kruk is a sales director at Legg Mason serving the Mid-Atlantic region for the Independent Advisor channel. Eric started his career at Legg Mason and in the 16 years since has worked tirelessly to be the first phone call an advisor makes when an opportunity arises. Having been a resource to advisory firms in all states from Maine to Florida in the course of his career, his goal is to provide sound investment solutions by acting as a knowledgeable conduit to the eight investment managers that are owned and distributed through Legg Mason. He differentiates himself by helping advisors increase revenue through practice-management tools, imparting his own knowledge of prospecting, and sharing what has worked for other premier practices.
A native of Fallston, Maryland, Eric graduated from Towson University in 1996 with a major in pre-med and a minor in finance. He participated in Kappa Sigma fraternity and the student government associations. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.
Eric lives in Hydes, Maryland with his wife of 11 years and their three children.
Larry Letow
Director
Denny B. Mather '72
Director
Steven E. Peck
Director
Debora A. Plunkett '81
Director
Sherman L. Ragland '84
Director
Jeffrey S. Rosen
Director
Thomas B. Smyth, M.D.
Director
Shanna N. Warburton-Barnes '99
Director
Mrs. Warburton-Barnes is the Director of Marketing and co-owner of PM Consulting Group LLC, a Government Contractor focusing on professional services in the Healthcare, International Development, and Defense markets. Prior to joining PM Consulting Group, she was an Educational Associate for Baltimore City Public Schools. In the Human Capital Office, she served as the Mentor Program Lead supporting the district's Teacher Induction Program. This program supported over 300 mentors and well over 1,000 new teachers in Baltimore City. Mrs. Warburton- Barnes was also the Continuing Professional Development Liaison for Baltimore City Schools. She has 20 years of experience in the education field specifically in the state of Maryland.
Her career started as a classroom teacher in elementary and middle schools in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. She has been an integral part of instructional leadership teams for school improvement and served in various leadership roles serving Title I schools for 11 years. Mrs. Warburton-Barnes has written grants for student achievement, developed curriculum, and created and facilitated numerous professional development sessions for teachers. Her work with teachers as an instructional support coach led the way to her current role as the Mentor Program Lead for Baltimore City Schools. For the last 7 years, she has been working toward creating a sustainable a mentor program designed to support and advocate for mentors as teacher leaders and accelerate beginning teacher effectiveness within a comprehensive system of development for educators. In her current role, she manages public relations, marketing, employee engagement and internal communications for PM Consulting Group.
Ms. Warburton-Barnes is a Towson University alumni and was on the Women's Tennis Team during part of her tenure at the school.
Ms. Warburton-Barnes earned a BS degree in Elementary Education from Towson University and Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from The Johns Hopkins University.
Ex-Officio Members
Melanie Perreault, Ph.D.
Interim President, Towson University
Benjamin Lowenthal
Vice President for Administration and Finance & Chief Fiscal Officer
As CFO, Ben Lowenthal oversees Towson University’s financial, technological and physical resources, including its $540 million operating budget and $700 million capital construction plan. Since assuming the role in July of 2018, Ben has rallied the division around a unified mission and vision while leading efforts to simplify, standardize and automate business processes. He has also assumed leadership over TU’s anchor work in Greater Towson. These initiatives have been informed by his 30-plus years of experience in higher education, including 26 years within the University System of Maryland. Ben previously served as the Associate Vice President of Financial Services at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the Assistant Vice President of Finance at University of Maryland Global Campus.
Ben is a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA in Finance from the University of Baltimore. He holds an M.A. and B.A. in Talmudic Law from the Ner Israel Rabbinical College.
Ben serves on the board of directors for CCCS of Maryland and Towson University Public Media (TUPM). He is also a past President of the Shearith Israel Congregation. In his spare time, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
John J. Mease, Jr.
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Towson University Foundation
John J. Mease, Jr., C.P.A., graduated from Shippensburg University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a focus in accounting.
Mr. Mease has been with Towson University Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation since March 1999. He was named vice president / chief financial officer of the foundation by the board of directors. He is responsible for the day to day operations of the foundation, as well as for the preparation of the annual operating budget, management of the relationship with the foundation’s the investment advisor, and coordination of all aspects of the annual financial statement audit.
Among his many duties, he also acts as liaison to the board of directors and is responsible for the implementation of board approved policies and procedures.
Mr. Mease passed his C.P.A. exam in May 1986. He is married with three children, two of whom graduated from Towson University.
Brian J. DeFilippis
Vice President, University Advancement
Executive Vice President, Towson University Foundation
Mr. DeFilippis joined Towson University on January 16, 2017 as the vice president of University Advancement and as executive vice president of the Towson University Foundation.
Mr. DeFilippis served as the associate dean and the chief development officer of the University of Maryland School of Medicine for Development. In this role, Mr. DeFilippis led a 32-person fundraising team and directed the last four years of the capital campaign. He also served as special assistant to the dean, assistant vice chancellor, medical alumni and development programs and as executive director of development and campaign programs.
Todd Langenberg
Associate Vice President for Development
Mr. Langenberg is the associate vice president for development of Towson University. He is responsible for all annual and capital fundraising programs including individual giving, corporate and foundation relations and planned giving. This includes the management of the staff to engage donors to support Towson University’s annual giving programs, athletic initiatives, and the educational offerings within the eight colleges. Mr. Langenberg has 21 years’ experience in educational and non-profit fundraising, as well as business development and risk management. He currently serves as president of the Hampden Family Center, vice-president of the Towson Recreation Council and a board member of Leadership Baltimore County. Mr. Langenberg and his family have resided in Towson for over twenty years.
Jonas Jacobson
President, Towson University Alumni Association Board of Directors
Jordan Colquitt
Desiree Rowe, Ph.D.
Heather Sorensen '95