Mount Saint Mary College's School of Business hosted a pair of powerful panels during the Fall 2021 semester, featuring local business and healthcare leaders.
Both were offered in virtual and in-person formats.
The first panel, "Hospitality and Event Management in the Age of COVID and Beyond," featured leaders in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Panelists discussed topics including the impacts of COVID-19 on their industry, efforts to move forward, and exciting opportunities that present themselves for future growth and activity across the Hudson Valley. The panel was moderated by Michael L. Fox, assistant professor of Business Law and MBA Coordinator.
The panel members were:
- Rob Affuso, president, Soulsystem Orchestras; former drummer, Skid Row, 1987-1998
- Susan Eisma, director of Human Resources, Legoland New York Resort
- J'Rod Lang, owner, Blacc Vanilla Coffee Shop & Roasters
- Bob Provost, president and CEO, New York State Tourism Industry Association
- R. Scott Russell, assistant professor of Sports Management
- Rick Zolzer, vice president, Hudson Valley Renegades
- Stephen Vittoria, marketing director, Turk Hospitality Group
The second panel featured industry professionals discussing important topics from Healthy People 2030, the Health and Human Services' national 10-year plan for addressing our most critical public health priorities and challenges. It was moderated by Cathy Rehfus-Wilsek, associate professor of Healthcare Management and MBA practicum coordinator.
Hospital presidents, healthcare executives, academic professionals, and community leaders discussed topics ranging from how to increase the interprofessional education of health professions through curriculum development and what Mount students can do to provide prevention services within the community.
Panel members were:
- Dan Maughan, president and COO, Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital
- Christine Berté, dean of the Mount's School of Nursing
- Christian Plaza and Kyle Russo, owner and manager respectively, Cross Valley Health and Medicine
- Steven Kelley, president and CEO, Ellenville Regional Hospital
- Col. Alicia A. Madore, deputy commander of Nursing & Health Services, Keller Army Community Hospital