The Towson University Foundation board of directors has primary fiduciary responsibility for the foundation. The men and women who serve on the foundation board are volunteers who have extensive experience and expertise in the field of investing and business operations. Our board of directors govern the Towson University Foundation with integrity and fiscal responsibility.
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Board of Directors
Officers
J. William Murray
President
After a 35 year career in commercial banking in Baltimore and Chicago, Bill Murray decided to change direction and pursue his passion in jazz along with being a community volunteer. Before the banking career, he obtained a B.S. (Bus) with Special Honors from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an MBA with Honors from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In his banking career, Bill was a recognized national expert in the areas of cash management, treasury management, electronic commerce, U.S. payment systems, and Internet banking.
In pursuing his music passion, Bill enrolled at Towson University to study jazz piano and received a B.S. (Music) in 2008 and a M.M. (Music) in 2011. He and his late wife established an endowment to bring jazz artists to campus and support a jazz residency program. Bill received the distinguished alumni award from TU’s College of Fine Arts and Communication. While studying music, he also taught e-Marketing in TU’s College of Business and Economics. Bill has been a member of the Towson University Foundation for over 10 years and currently serves as President of this organization.
An active community volunteer, Bill has been a trustee of Baltimore Center Stage for over 30 years, the president of the Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society, and past president of the GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary. Currently at GBMC, he serves on several committees which raise funds for the health care organization. In pursuing his passion for jazz, he plays several times a week as a volunteer pianist in GBMC’s main lobby, is part of several jazz ensembles, and composes music. He has recorded four CDs of his own music. He lives in Timonium where he enjoys playing music, adding to his collections of miniature pianos, jazz books and jazz CDs, gardening, walking, and visiting with children, grandchildren, and friends.
Kim Fabian
Vice President
Kim Fabian is executive director for the Greenville Center for Creative Arts in South Carolina. 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. 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. Prior to this role, she served as director of the Maryland Metabolic Institute at St. Agnes Hospital.
For much of her career, Kim operated a consulting 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.
John A. Hayden, III
Vice President
Mr. Hayden is a partner resident in the Towson office of the law firm of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, L.L.P., where he concentrates in corporate law and succession planning, estate planning and business organization, sales, mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Hayden’s professional career includes service as an adjunct faculty member at Essex Community College and Stevenson University (then Villa Julie College), where he taught courses on the legal aspects of the formation and operation of small business enterprises and business organizations to paralegal students.
He currently serves on the boards of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, the Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center, Leadership-Baltimore County and on other community and regional non-profit boards and committees.
Edna Primrose
Vice President
Ms. Primrose is the deputy administrator for Operations and Management at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency. As deputy administrator, Ms. Primrose is responsible for all administrative programs for nearly 5,000 employees nationwide. With 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. She is a recipient of multiple United States Secretary Honor Awards.
Ms. Primrose credits her extensive labor expertise to the International Union of Operating Engineers, where she held senior positions. She is also founder and president of Differenza, an education and training consulting firm. Ms. Primrose is a member of the DC Chapter of the Society for International Development and 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.
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.
Christopher Evans
Treasurer
Mr. Evans is the business banking manager and Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo for Greater Baltimore. Mr. Evans is responsible for managing, coaching and developing a team of tenured business banking relationship managers. 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. Mr. Evans networks with centers of influence to develop business, including accountants, attorneys and other referral sources. His career in banking and finance spans 22 years.
He serves as a board member for the Academy of Finance Advisory Board and the Towson University Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Towson University in May 1993.
He and his family reside in Forest Hill, MD.
Salvatore Correnti
Secretary
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.
Directors
Raymond J. Brusca
Director
Mr. Brusca is retired from Techtronic Co. Ltd., a Hong Kong based $4 billion global manufacturer of power tools, outdoor equipment and floor care products where he served as Group Vice President Human Resources for. Mr. Brusca had responsibility for all human resources functions globally covering 20,000 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 family reside in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
Christopher J. Cavallaro
Director
Christopher Cavallaro is the Senior Manager, Business Banking at SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union. Bringing 19 years of experience in both retail and small business banking, Christopher leads the efforts of a team of Business Relationship Managers who develop relationships with business members and prospects within the state of Maryland.
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.
Thomas Coard
Director
Ira W. Cox
Director
Mr. Cox is a consultant with Morgan Stanley where he builds trust with investment advisor partners. Relationships take time and ongoing communication. His goal is to understand an advisors business model and team structure in order to address current opportunities and concerns to help deliver consistent outcomes for retail clients.
Morgan Stanley is a globally diversified investment manager that has been redefining the meaning of financial services since our founding in 1935. The Morgan Stanley Investment Management Division was established in 1975 and has over $600 Billion in AUM across 17 countries (combined worldwide AUM as of June 2014).
Mr. Cox received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from Towson University in 1998.
Douglas Erdman
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.
Paul-Sean Gray
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.
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
Director
Eric Kruk
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.
Theresa A. Lawler
Director
Theresa Lawler served as a judge on the Orphan’s Court for Baltimore County from 1998 through 2014 (Chief Judge from 1999 to 2007).
Judge Lawler was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1978 and is a member of the Maryland Association of Judges of the Orphans’ Courts (having served as president, treasurer and board member), the National College of Probate Judges, and the National Association of Women Judges. She also served as chair and vice-chair of the Conference of Orphans’ Court Judges and on the boards of the Judicial Institute and St. Thomas More Society.
She received her B.A. from Northwestern University and J.D. with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law.
She has received numerous awards and honors including the Daily Record’s “Leadership in Law” award and was selected three times by the Daily Record as one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” resulting in her induction into the “Circle of Excellence” in 2013.
Judge Lawler’s community service encompasses the Boards of Downtown Baltimore Child Care, Inc., Hunt Ridge Community Association, and the Towson University Foundation.
Rosemary Meyer
Director
Ms. Meyer is a partner with KPMG LLP, serving as a regional leader for in its higher education and other not for profit practice. She has more than 20 years of experience providing audit, financial reporting, and other related services to institutions of all sizes and public and private companies. Her experience includes assisting clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues, investments, improving internal controls, assisting with tax-exempt bond issuances, assisting with acquisitions and dispositions, providing single audit compliance audit services, and sharing industry-related topics and developments.
Ms. Meyer is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as a Finance Committee Member for United Way Worldwide and coaching volunteer for the Bel Air, Maryland youth sports programs.
Ms. Meyer earned her BS degree from West Virginia University, Summa Cum Laude, and is a licensed CPA in Maryland.
Kelly A. Powers
Director
Howard J. Rosen
Director
Howard J. Rosen, CPA, is a shareholder and president of Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander, Chartered, a certified public accounting and management consulting firm. Mr. Rosen is in charge of the firm’s management consulting division. Throughout his career, Mr. Rosen has been responsible for developing many successful business plans for companies throughout the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. His responsibilities include strategic business plans, merger and acquisitions, marketing studies, capital formation, human resource studies, organizational structure, and operation reviews.
Mr. Rosen’s primary area of expertise is consulting to middle market commercial businesses. Throughout his career, Mr. Rosen has been active in consulting with growth oriented concerns, identifying strategic alternatives which ultimately enhance asset value. He has consulted with many companies that ultimately positioned themselves for purchase by publicly traded companies. In the area of capital formation, Mr. Rosen also is active in helping clients prepare forecasted projections for the purpose of raising capital through private placement memorandum.
Mr. Rosen received his undergraduate degree from the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore. He also earned a certificate as a Certified Valuation Analyst from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analyst.
Mr. Rosen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and CPA Associates International, Inc.
He is currently involved with the following: Associated Jewish Charities, The Dyslexia Tutoring Foundation’ Jewish National Fund Executive Committee, Beth Tfiloh Community High School Academic Support Program, Associated Jewish Charities and is a Board Member for Maryland Public Television.
Mary F. Shock
Director
Mary (Molly) Fulton Shock grew up in Salisbury, Maryland. Following her graduation from James M. Bennett Senior High School in Salisbury, she enrolled in Towson State University. She received a BS in Elementary Education from Towson State.
Molly and her sons, William and Richard established the Stephen K. Shock Memorial Scholarship at Towson University after Stephen’s death in January 2002. This scholarship is awarded by the College of Business and Economics. In 2007, she established the Catherine O’Malley Scholarship, which is awarded by the College of Liberal Arts at Towson University.
Molly currently serves as director for the Towson University Foundation Board of Directors. She is a member of the Towson University Board of Visitors and was the working chair of the recently completed Capital Campaign. She is also the secretary for the Baltimore County Public Schools Education Foundation. She and her sons have established two scholarships through the BCPSEF. She is the immediate past Chair of the Central Scholarship Bureau Board of Directors where she has endowed a scholarship in her sons’ names.
She has also endowed two scholarships at the Gilman School to honor William and Richard’s advisors.
In 2008, Molly was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women.
Jeffrey J. Smith
Director
Mr. Smith is currently the Greater Washington Complex manager and a financial advisor for Janney Montgomery Scott. He is responsible for approximately 40 financial advisors and staff and has a goal of growing the Janney “footprint” in the greater Washington D.C. area. His career in the finance arena spans 24 years. Mr. Smith is responsible for over $2bb in assets under management and revenue of over $10mm.
He serves as a board member for the Towson University Foundation. Mr. Smith earned an economics degree from Towson University in January 1990. He and his family reside in Frederick, MD.
Bryan M. Thaler
Director
Mr. Thaler is an investment counselor with the fee-only firm of Van Sant & Mewshaw, Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. He is responsible for helping families protect and grow their financial assets as well as providing assistance with various financial planning and estate planning techniques. Mr. Thaler holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Towson University. He is married with three children, a son and twin daughters.
Shanna N. Warburton-Barnes
Director
Ex-Officio Members
Kim E. Schatzel
President, Towson University
The University System of Maryland Board of Regents appointed Kim E. Schatzel as the 14th president of Towson University in December 2015. Dr. Schatzel officially began her term on January 25, 2016.
Prior to joining Towson University, Schatzel served as interim president for six months at Eastern Michigan University while continuing her responsibilities as provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs, a position she held since 2012. President Schatzel began her career in higher education in 2000 and held several positions in the College of Business at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, beginning as an assistant professor of marketing and rising to interim dean and dean. President Schatzel also brings more than 20 years of corporate, new venture, and start-up experience to the Towson University presidency, including serving as founding president and chief operating officer, and later as chief executive officer of a multinational industrial firm employing more than 1,500 people on four continents.
Shohreh Kaynama
Dean, College of Business & Economics
Since 2002, Shohreh A. Kaynama has been Dean of the Towson University College of Business and Economics. In her position, she oversees six departments offering undergraduate majors in accounting, business administration, e-business, and economics as well as graduate programs including the M.S. in Accounting and Business Advisory Services, the UB/Towson MBA, and the M.S. in Supply Chain Management. As the chief academic and administrative officer of the college, Dr. Kaynama manages two outreach and research centers, more than 100 full-time and part-time faculty, and 20 staff members. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining AACSB accreditation for both the accounting and business administration programs, establishing the vision and strategic direction for the college, working with faculty and staff on programs and curriculum, managing the budget, and developing and fostering external relations with the community, alumni, and other constituents of the college.
Dr. Kaynama holds a Ph.D. in marketing and decision support systems from The George Washington University, an MBA in marketing from the University of Baltimore, and a B.S. in marketing from Towson University.
Benjamin Lowenthal
Vice President for Administration and Finance & Chief Fiscal Officer
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.