NUAA board of directors - Bios

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Executive Committee

• Colm K. Walker ’05 - President

  
  
  

  Life has been full, interesting, and an adventure. Colm Walker commissioned in the Army from Norwich in 2005. Assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, he spent a year and a half in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After exiting the military post commitment, Mr. Walker joined the mega yacht industry. This experience took him throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and New England racing with different sailing programs. Over the last decade, he has worked in various roles from process improvement as a Six Sigma Black Belt, marketing and brand management in the Canadian and Caribbean market, sales management over a team spread throughout the Southeastern United States and most recently in technical consulting with Salesforce.com. He currently calls Alexandria, Virginia home.
  Degrees Held: BS, Economics, Norwich University; MBA, International Business, Loyola University
  
  Degree Held: BS, electrical engineering
  What Norwich means to me: Norwich is part of the foundation of his life and his career. The University has played and continues to play a critical role in the development of his values, character, and his approach to life. At Norwich, he learned what he was capable of doing in life. He learned how important values are. He learned that anything is possible with hard work, commitment, and perseverance. Today, Norwich represents an opportunity for him to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and give back to the University so that new students can benefit from the lessons he learned.  

• Brian Dunne ’13 - Vice President

  
  
  

  Born and raised in Massachusetts, Brian Dunne graduated from Norwich University in 2013 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Active in the Corps of Cadets, Brian served as a Rook cadre member, and served on and chaired the Corps Honor Committee. Following Norwich, Brian attended Vermont Law School, graduated in 2016, and returned to Vermont through a role with National Life Group. Brian continues to actively volunteer at Norwich, and in addition to Board of Directors responsibilities, Brian works as a club officer with both the NU Club of Burlington and the NU Law and Legal Professionals Association.

• Brian Gibbons ’99 – Vice President

  
  
  

   

• MaryAnne Burke ’86 & P’18 - Secretary

  
  
  

  MaryAnne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Norwich University, Northfield, VT. MaryAnne received her Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter designation in 1996. MaryAnne has also been a Norwich University Alumni Association Board of Directors member since 2016. She is the Secretary and on the Executive Committee since 2020.

  MaryAnne is the Retail Practice Leader and responsible for managing Aon’s experience and expertise to provide services and intellectual capital to the Retail clients including Retail Regional Round Tables, the Annual Retail Symposium, Email Forums, WebEx Meetings, LinkedIn exclusive site for Aon clients, and other related forums.

  Additionally, MaryAnne is a Strategic Account Executive at Aon. Her current responsibilities include the strategizing of renewal programs, white boarding, Client Promise methodology, and overseeing the daily maintenance of her retail clients, while offering the best risk solutions of Aon her clients. MaryAnne joined Aon in October 2009 as an Account Executive in the Stamford, CT office. She has 30 years’ experience in the industry and has worked with a varied group of domestic and global clients.

  Prior to joining Aon, MaryAnne was in the Property and International practice at Marsh, leading a division and was appointed Managing Director in 2006. She has worked closely with a wide variety of large clients assisting them to implement and maintain comprehensive risk management programs.

  MaryAnne is committed to providing excellent service to clients using every resource available. Her strengths include strong organizational skills, client advocacy, Risk Management account coordination.

• Eddie Habeck ’99 & M’10 - Staff Liaison

  
  
  

  Email the Alumni Office

Board Members

• Cherylene Caddy ’90

  
  
  Ms. Caddy currently manages a cybersecurity public-private partnership program at the Department of Defense. In this position, she convenes technical experts from across the government and the technology industry to jointly develop solutions to cyber-based risks and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. 
  
  Prior to DoD, Ms. Caddy served as the Director for Cybersecurity Policy at the National Security Council within the White House for two and one-half years.  In this capacity, she shaped national policies related to improving cyber protections among a broad set of stakeholders including federal agencies, state governments, the private sector, and foreign partners.  In particular, Ms. Caddy led efforts on advancing cyber protections for state and local governments, representing the White House at the Council of Governors and the National Governors Association.  Ms. Caddy contributed to the development of major strategic policies including the 2015 National Security Strategy, National Initiative for Cyber Education, the National Strategy for Information Sharing and Safeguarding, the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace, and numerous executive orders.  Ms. Caddy also led engagement efforts with the private sector on cybersecurity, and directed the work of the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee and other federal advisory committees. 
  
  Prior to her assignment to the White House, Ms. Caddy worked for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on achieving assured sharing of classified counterterrorism information using interoperable security standards and shared processes.  In this role, Ms. Caddy led interagency teams in solving complex policy and technical issues related to secure information sharing among federal and state government partners. Ms. Caddy has also held a variety of positions within the Foreign Service community.
  
  Ms. Caddy is in her twenty-fifth year of federal service and holds Master’s degrees in Foreign Policy and Public Administration from the University of Virginia and the American University, respectively.  Ms. Caddy is also a graduate of Norwich University, Military College of Vermont, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies in 1990.    She is a graduate of the Army War College’s Senior Leadership Program, and is now serving as a Senior Fellow for Cybersecurity at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at the George Washington University in Washington, DC.

• Terrance Cole ’12 & M’14

  
  
  Terry was born and raised in the Bay Area (Oakland/Hayward) of California. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army, and retired after 23 years of service. He currently supports DoD assets out at Ft Bragg N.C. While teaching at the Special Warfare School, Fort Bragg, Terry made a commitment to upgrade his academic background, where he learned the tradition, history and academic excellence of Norwich University. Norwich seemed a natural fit and Terry has been a supporter of our fine institution of learning ever since. 
  
  Terry looks forward to giving more of himself than just though monetary means, and is excited to be a part of the NUAA Board of Directors, and serving wherever he can be of value.
  
  Dee, his wife of 36 years, and Terry are the proud parents of two sons, one daughter and four grandchildren (2 and 2). He enjoys a number of fitness-related activities but his passion remains Judo/Ju-Jitsu – a big part of his life for decades.
  
  Degrees Held: BS-SSDA & MA-Diplomacy with a minor in terrorism studies; Secondary Education Teaching Certification
  
  What Norwich Means to Me: Norwich has meant a lot of different things to me over the years. It gave me a renewed sense of focus and drive when I thought much of that went away with my departure from the military. It has given me academic validation to supplement continued support of our nation's SOF units. The history and continued service of the Cadets is something we as NU alumni can all take pride in. I hope that any success I enjoy now and into the future is owed in large part to my academic experience with Norwich University. I hope the privilege I have been given to serve and work on the Board of Directors will allow me to return to Norwich what it provided me. Keeping the history, tradition and future intact of Norwich for our nation in the years to come. “I will try”.

• James DiGiacomo ’89

  
  
  Jim DiGiacomo, has been with Medline for 28 years. He began his career as a sales representative in Boston and in the New England Region in 1991 and spent 8 years in this territory. Subsequently, he spent 9 years managing the target business in the New England sales region for the company. 
  
  During the 9 years Jim had responsibilities for Field Training new reps and held a dual position of Operating Room Specialist. In 1999, Jim moved to the Sr. Account Management position. In this position, his responsibilities include managing 7 reps and one full time IDN specialist to manage target accounts for operations, GPO compliance and product conversions. In 2011 was promoted to Division Vice President for the Northeast Division. In 2014 I accepted a promotion to Vice President of Integrated Health networks for the Northeast Region. In 2018 I accepted the position of Vice President of Sales for the North East Division. Currently managing 85 acute care sales reps, managers and clinical specialists throughout the NY/NJ/Conn/New England Area.
  
  Education:
  • Norwich University 1989 BS Biology
  • American International College MBA 1991 
  
  Membership and Awards:
  • Norwich University Military College of Vermont
  • Alumni Club of Boston – President for 8 years
  • Partridge Society – Lifetime Level
  • Nucleus Participant
  • 2009 New Leadership Achievement Award
  • Novation Sales Rep of the Year (1998); Division Manager of the year 2013
  
  Personal: Married for 28 years to wife Gloria
  Three Daughters – Gabriella (25), Katrina (22), Gina Rose (21)
  Special Interests: Hunting

• Joey Mac Dizon ’11

  
  
  Joey Mac Dizon '11 is a member of the Norwich University Alumni Association board and graduated Norwich in 2011 with a degree in History. He is a United States Marine Corps Iraqi War Veteran, works for a Veteran nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors, and is the CEO and cofounder of The Mobile Cigar Lounge and Belleau Wood Cigars in New Jersey.

• Patrick “Gene” Enriquez ’07

  
  
  Major Patrick “Gene” Enriquez started his undergraduate studies at Norwich University in AY 2000. Enriquez left NU in 2004 to enlist as an infantryman in the Vermont Army National Guard deploying to Ramadi, Iraq in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following Iraq, he immediately returned to NU and completed his BA in History in 2007. Enriquez then attended Officer Candidate School, and received a commission as an Infantry Officer in the Vermont Army National Guard. Enriquez was assigned to the 86th Infantry Brigade, and served in Paktia, Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. 
  
  Later, he served as Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Fifth Army and returned to Vermont to serve as a Company Commander again in the 86th Brigade. In 2017, Enriquez was selected for an assignment to North Macedonia to serve at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje as the Deputy Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation. In three years in North Macedonia, Enriquez helped contributed to some historic events for the country’s military including the country’s accession into NATO in March 2020. In September 2020, Enriquez returned to Vermont and is now the Executive Officer for the 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in St. Albans, Vermont and preparing for another deployment to Europe. 
  
  Gene maintained his NU ties throughout his career, serving as the head of the NU Club of Burlington, member of the board of the Sullivan Museum, and a sponsor for NU cadets on exchange in the Balkans. He was selected to be a member of the NUAA board in 2020. 

• Robert Forrester ’84 & M’08

  
  
  Robert Forrester is an attorney-advisor with the Legal Information Services Directorate of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency (AFLOA), Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. AFLOA is a field-operating agency of the Office of The Judge Advocate General (JAG). In this capacity, he provides legal research support to Air Force personnel, DoD and other federal agencies. Bob also provides direct operational support to approximately 200 attorneys and paralegals within the Medical Cost Reimbursement Program, the Office of the Airman’s Counsel, and the Special Victim’s Counsel Division.
  
  Originally entering the military as an officer within the United States Army Reserve for 23 years, Bob held a myriad of leadership assignments in the Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York and Alaska Army National Guards, as well as an eight-year tour of active federal service which encompassed troop leading assignments in Korea, Germany, Fort Bragg NC, and Alaska. A notable highlight of his active duty service was his selection to command an airborne signal company while deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Shield. He would lead this company 110 miles into Iraq during Desert Storm on a mission known as the Node 31 Task Force. This mission provided communications links to allied forces as they performed a large scale flanking maneuver to encircle enemy positions in Kuwait.
  
  Following the war, then Major Forrester voluntarily entered the individual ready reserves to pursue a civilian career in the private sector. Initially, he worked as a field engineer and project manager for North Slope Telecom in Anchorage Alaska installing voice and data communication systems on oil exploration rigs operating in the Beauforte Sea and Cook Inlet. He eventually returned to his home state of New York and was hired by Cabletron Systems Inc. then a strategic partner of another small internet startup company known as Cisco Systems. For the next three years he was a program manager in charge of the design and installation of local area networks within Fortune 500 corporations operating in the New York Metropolitan Area. In the late 1990s, Mr. Forrester accepted a long term consulting contract as a senior data network analyst with Merrill Lynch Inc. to support their corporate headquarters in the World Financial Center. This facility housed, amongst other things, 6,000 traders who were organized on five trading floors, conducting real-time, global transactions on every major stock exchange, with over one trillion dollars in equity assets.
  
  But for the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001, which was directly connected by glass tunnels to World Financial Center in lower Manhattan, Bob would probably have finished his adult working career as a Merrill employee. However, after working for several months as a recovery worker at ground zero, he was inspired to re-enter public service.
  
  At the age of 41, he joined the New York City Police Department as a patrolman. After six months of arduous training, he graduated in the top ten percent of his police academy class. He was subsequently assigned to the Manhattan Task Force within the Transit Bureau which targeted street crime and gang activity throughout the borough of Manhattan.
  
  Through his peers in law enforcement, Mr. Forrester learned of an opportunity to serve in the Air Force reserves as an explosive ordinance disposal technician. From 2006 through 2017, he pursued a second, part-time career within the Air Force which included a series of successful assignments within the Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Network Integration, Legal, and Contracting career fields. For the vast majority of his service, he was assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach, New York. During these years, four out of five of his children eventually joined this unit to serve alongside their father. On June 10th, 2017 Major Robert Forrester retired, from the United States Air Force.
  
  In the interim, Mr. Forrester was eventually recruited away from the New York City Police Department by a senior member of Citi. He accepted a position within the firm’s Global Information Security group and was assigned a myriad of managerial responsibilities in the years that followed. In recognition of his job performance, Citi subsidized his attendance of two graduate degree programs and allowed him to work from a remote office while he attended law school at night.
  
  In June 2012, Mr. Forrester was admitted to the New York State Bar as an attorney at law and quickly leveraged his years of experience in finance, contracting, and cyber law, as well as corporate governance, to build a strong legal consulting practice amongst major corporations operating in the New York metropolitan area.
  
  Bob currently lives with his wife Gabriele on a 28-acre horse farm outside of Prattville, Alabama where he looks forward to many happy years of country living with his children and grandchildren.
  
  Education:
  • 1982 Associate of Science in General Engineering, Valley Forge Military College (Cum Laude) Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program - DMG
  • 1984 Bachelor of Arts in History, Norwich University (Cum Laude)
  • 2006 Master of Science in Information Assurance, Norwich University (Cum Laude)
  • 2008 Master of Business Administration, Norwich University
  • 2012 Doctorate of Jurisprudence, Jacob Fuchsberg Law Center, New York
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – since 2004 from (ISC)2
  • Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) – since 2007 from ISACA
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) - since 2006 from ISACA
  
  What Norwich Means to Me: The values and organizational skill set which I learned in Vermont became the baseline for my future success in life. For example, the ability to multi-task and deal with stress which my corps of cadet experience imparted enabled me to hold two full-time corporate jobs for almost eight years while simultaneously completing two graduate and one professional degree. It was the leadership that I learned at Norwich which emboldened me to literally reinvent myself at various points in life. I believe in the potential for personal growth which this institution offers every student.

• Jennifer Goudreau ’90

  
  
  Jenny is a multi-faceted facilitator, coach, and educator, with 25+ years of leadership experience, as well as persistence and positivity, to the design and delivery of employee and organizational development initiatives. She currently serves as a faculty member for the Girard School of Business at Merrimack College, and supports non-profit organizations as a consultant and trainer with Empower Success Corps New England. Jenny holds a B.A. in Psychology, a M.A. in Human Behavior, and is a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership.

• Walt Gunning ’70

  
  
  Upon Graduation from Norwich in 1970, Walt worked for the University as the business manager and ski patrol director for the newly open ski area on campus. At the end of the ski season Walt reported to the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox, KY to begin a 29-year career. He has served in command and staff positions from Lieutenant to Colonel and served in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th Infantry Divisions, I Corps and Human Resources Command. His professional military education includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course, Defense Information School, Command and General Staff College, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University and a Master’s of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
  
  Following active duty Walt joined the EDS Corporation as a Client Delivery Executive having P&L responsibility for $120 million in Army IT operations and software development contracts. Upon retirement from EDS he joined the consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton and helped direct the Army in its largest HR Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in the United States. Presently he semi-retired and the owner of Gunning Group LLC assisting firms with business development activities and client strategy.
  
  In addition to serving on the board of directors of the Norwich University Alumni Association he is on the board of the Army Women’s Foundation. He is a lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol, the Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association, and the American Legion. He and his wife Kathy currently reside in Fairfax, VA.

• Alex Kwmuntis ’16
  
  
  

• Shawn LoPorto ’88 & P’18

  
  
  
  
  Shawn LoPorto grew up in East Weymouth, MA on the South Shore of Boston as a multi-sport athlete. His last few years of high school he served with the US Naval Sea Cadets which ignited his military passion along with the many family military stories and the long history of family members proudly serving in the military across all the branches of service; so it was only natural to pursue "the road less traveled" and challenge himself. Shawn entered Norwich in '84 and switched to the Army program due to his love of ground tactics. While at Norwich, Shawn proudly served all four years with Ceremonial Company on the Drill Team where he spent one year on the precision platoon, three years on the Trick Squad and Two-Man Trick team, served as Trick Squad Commander for 3 years, was on the Color Guard and Honor Detail. Additionally, Shawn was a radio DJ for WNUB and also served on the National Ski Patrol for 4 years. Shawn commissioned in the Army where he was a Tactical Intel Officer in the Light Infantry rising to the rank of Captain and serving 8 years and traveling to places like Iceland and England. Assignments were exciting, challenging and memorable. Today Shawn applies both his leadership skills and degree in managing software development teams in technology companies.
  
  Shawn continues to give of himself serving on the NUAA Board of Directors, serves as the Assistant Adjutant and Webmaster for the Norwich University American Legion Post 1819 and is a High School Lacrosse Coach.
  
  Shawn is a proud father of both his son Tyler who is attending Norwich and his daughter Kylie who is attending UNC - Charlotte.
  
  Degree Held: BS, Computer Science - Business
  
  What Norwich means to me: Norwich means everything to me. It provided the foundation of who I am today. Norwich is in my blood and taught me leadership, discipline, integrity, confidence, loyalty and honor. It created friendships that are like no others. The Norwich motto "Essayons" is the basis for everything I take on. My success today is due to the lessons and principles I learned at Norwich and the Army. My time at Norwich was incredible and I'd do it all over again. Being able to serve on the Board of Directors and give back to the University that gave me so much and help keep the spirit alive in the Norwich Alumni community is an honor!

• John Manning ’81 & M’14

  
  
  John “Archie” Manning grew up in South Weymouth, MA where he was a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. With a desire to experience a military environment and continue playing college sports John came to Norwich in the Fall of 1977. He was a member of the varsity football and baseball team during his years at Norwich as well as a member of the Honor Committee his senior year. John has continued his support of Norwich being actively involved in reunion gatherings and fundraising since his graduation in 1981.
  
  John and his wife Jennifer reside in Marshfield Hills MA and are the proud parents of their son Liam who is currently attending Norwich. Mr. Manning is currently employed with Eversource Energy in Boston, MA. 
  
  Degrees Held: BS, Secondary Education - Mathematics '81. MS, Organizational Leadership '14
  
  What Norwich means to me: Everything!!  Honor, integrity, trust and most importantly friendship. The special bond that we share is unmatched and something I hold in the highest regard. I am very proud to be a member of the Norwich family.

• Meaghan McGrath ’18

  
  
  Born and raised in Vermont, Meaghan studied at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) in Business and worked as a part-time high school varsity lacrosse coach and as a coach for youth teams. After earning an Associate Degree at CCV, she transferred to Norwich. Meaghan graduated from Norwich University in 2018 with a B.A in Business Management and a concentration in Leadership.
  
  While at Norwich, she was very active in the honor committee, Student Government Association, and the women's lacrosse team. Following Norwich, Meaghan continued her education by getting an M.A in Information Technology Systems, with a focus on Cyber Security, at Forbs University. Currently, she works at National Life Group in the Human Resources Department as Talent Acquisition Coordinator. Meaghan continues to volunteer at many Norwich alumni events while serving on the Board of the NUAA.

• Rick Mullen ’79 & P’13

  
  
  Rick is number 5 of 14, and proud parent of Derek '13 number 12, of the extended Mullen Family that have attended and/or graduated from Norwich University over 3 generations. 
  
  After graduation, Rick following in the footsteps of the family and entered into the housing industry.  Working a few years with his Dad (Dick '58) prior to going off to Graduate School.  Rick earned his MBA from the University of Southern New Hampshire in 1984. Upon graduation from SNHU, he purchased a Sales Agency in Farmington, Connecticut, where he currently resides. 
  
  In addition, to the NUAA, Rick also serves as an Admissions Ambassador, attending college fairs in Connecticut. 
  
  Rick and his wife Ann, love the visits to Norwich for Alumni Weekends, or visiting Derek '13 while he was there swimming for the Cadets.  Rick and Ann also have a 2nd son Monte, the former captain of the golf team and graduate of Central Connecticut State University. 
  
  In his free time, Rick plays golf, tennis and hockey.

• Robert Parisi ’67

  
  
  Robert E. Parisi is originally from West Orange, New Jersey. He became involved in leadership positions throughout his youth and served as Vice President of his high school’s Student Council and Captain of his high school football team. He was enrolled in a scientific academic program designed to prepare him for a career in the Biological Sciences.
  
  In 1963, Bob received a Congressional appointment to attend the Naval Academy as an alternate candidate; however, the primary candidate was selected to the appointment. Not one to give up his on his goals, this led Bob to pursue another avenue to becoming a commissioned officer in the armed forces; he took the “Norwich path” and was accepted into the University’s Biology curriculum. Bob entered Norwich during very turbulent times. There was great change in our country and we were in the midst of a war that challenged our mettle as a nation.
  
  While at Norwich, Bob served as a Class Agent for the Honor Committee and became a member of the Corps Honor Committee. He was also a member of the Skull & Swords. Throughout his four years, he was a member of various other committees and participated in football and track for four years. His years of attendance were 1963-1967 and recently, Bob and his classmates were honored as they became members of the Norwich “Old Guard” upon their 50th Anniversary. Bob is also listed in the “Who’s Who of American Colleges & Universities”, 1967.
  
  Bob received his commission into the U.S. Army upon graduation and entered the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps from 1969 to 1971. He served two years in the 1st Infantry Division as a company commander and at the U.S. Army Hospital, Seoul, Korea as a detachment commander. And, finally, he was an assistant to the Chief of Professional Services for the hospital.
  
  Upon entering the private sector, Bob gained employment at Hoffmann La-Roche, a major pharmaceutical company. He worked his way up the ranks of Roche over a 33-year career where he held positions culminating in being appointed Vice President of Operations for Roche’s field sales force and managed over 1100 sales professionals of varying status.
  
  Along the way, Bob held positions in sales, training, line management, managed care marketing and executive leadership. He retired from Roche is 2001. He then joined Dendrite International, market leaders in Sales Force automation software tools for pharmaceutical representatives. He remained at Dendrite five years, retiring (for good this time!) in 2006 as Group Senior Vice President.
  
  Bob has expectations that through his training and experience he can provide training, advice, coaching and counseling to Norwich students to assist in their preparation for the future. Bob and his wife, Linda, are now Florida residents, spending his time in Juno Beach Florida and summers in Sea Girt, New Jersey. He is married, has two children and five grandchildren.
  
  What Norwich Means to Me: Norwich University allowed me to mature to adulthood by teaching me that role modeling; honesty, integrity and persistence are the backbone of leadership. Norwich values and teaching helped us reach our potential and emerge as leaders in our community, our armed forces and in managing our careers and vocations. Academics were very important. However, interpersonal skills, maturity, courage and tenacity taught there prepared us for our journey through life. Norwich’s motto, I WILL TRY, became an inner feeling of how to conduct ourselves in times of difficulty, tragedy and challenge.

• (Jonathan) Sam Philbrook ’13

  
  
  Sam Philbrook graduated from Norwich University in 2013 with a B.A. in History. During his time at Norwich, he was captain of the baseball team, served on the Regimental Staff as the Cadet Athletic Liaison, and was a member of the Senior Honor Committee. After Norwich, Sam commissioned into the Vermont Army National Guard as an Infantry Officer and currently serves as the HHC Executive Officer for the MTN Battalion. Sam is a staunch supporter of the Norwich University alumni community as a club officer for the Burlington, VT chapter. He owns his own financial practice in Burlington, Vermont and is a partner at Commonwealth Financial Group. Currently, Sam resides with his fiancée Sarah Dupont NU ’13 and their son Abel.

• Joseph Reagan ’04

  
  
  Joe Reagan grew up in Swampscott, MA. Joe's path to Norwich started at the kitchen table of Norwich Alumni Charlie Lyons (NU'75) and Wendy Williams (VC'74) who encouraged him to challenge himself by taking the road less traveled. During Joe's first visit to Norwich he attended the "Colby Military Writers Symposium" and immediately fell in love will everything Norwich had to offer. Joe started as a Rook in Bravo Company in August 2000, majoring in Political Science and enrolling in Army ROTC. While at Norwich Joe served all four years with the Mountain Cold Weather Company earning a spot on the Rescue Team for his junior and senior year. Additionally, Joe was active in the Maroon and Gold Key club and the Political Science club serving as the president and vice-president of both groups. Joe commissioned into the U.S. Army serving two tours in Afghanistan. During his 8 years of active service Joe served in a variety of roles ranging from Infantry Platoon Leader, to Watch Officer. Since leaving the Military in 2012 Joe has developed deep experience working collaboratively with senior management and functional leaders within government, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations to drive consensus, and realize sustainable solutions to his client’s toughest problems.
  
  Joe lives with his wife and two sons in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In addition to his work on the NUAA board, Joe is a vocal advocate for our Service Members, Veterans, and their families, he is also an active Rotarian.
  
  Joe graduated Norwich with a BA in Political Science and earned an MBA from the University of Virginia.
  
  What Norwich Means to Me: Norwich brought it all together for me. Norwich taught me the skills I needed to lead on the battlefield and in the boardroom. My path to success started the day I stepped foot on the hill, but it's the life-long friendships that make Norwich truly special for me. Choosing Norwich was choosing the harder path - but I'd do it all over again. It's an honor to serve alongside so many amazing member of our alumni community on the Board of Directors working together on behalf of the entire Norwich community. Norwich Forever!

• Brendan Recchia ’08

  
  
  Brendan graduated from Norwich University in 2008 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. While at Norwich, Brendan studied communications and was a two-sport athlete in both football and baseball. Upon entry into the US Army Brendan became an infantry officer attending infantry school, Airborne School and Ranger school. After spending time with the 3rd Infantry Division and the 1st Calvary Division in both Iraq and Afghanistan Brendan decided to leave the Army. In December 2013 he began his business career with Winsupply. Since then Brendan has been an owner and operator in multiple distribution companies. Brendan married his wife Kathryn in October 2017 and they had a daughter Cameron Ann in November 2019.

• Kelsey Savage ’13

  
  
  Born and raised in Henniker New Hampshire, Kelsey Savage (McComish) graduated from Norwich University in 2013 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. As a student Kelsey served on the Civilian Honor Committee, chaired the Jr. Ring Committee of 2013, and worked as the Student Clubs Coordinator 2011-2013. Following Norwich, Kelsey earned her New Hampshire insurance broker licenses and currently works in her hometown as a Commercial Accounts Manager. Currently, Kelsey resides with her husband Jason Savage, and their three dogs Gryffin, Rhaegar and, Tucker.

• Timothy Strong M ’19

  
  
  Timothy J. Strong (Tim), MASS '19, was raised in the Granite State of New Hampshire, enlisted as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant in the United States Army in 1981. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major in 2008. He currently works for The Department of the Army as a Civilian at Fort Bragg, NC.
  
  During 27 years of active duty military service, Tim and his family lived and traveled the world. Transiting and residing in five of seven continents of the world, to include: Fort Bragg, NC, Bad Toelz, Germany, Northfield, VT, and Colorado Springs, CO. During this tenure Tim supported various operations from RESTORE HOPE, Operation PROVIDE PROMISE, Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, DENIED FLIGHT/ DELIBERATE FORCE, to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM- Philippines. Over this period, Tim accumulated 42 months in hostile/combat zones from Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Philippines. Recognized with many numerous medals and awards from the Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal w/arrowhead, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal w/arrowhead, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NATO Medal (3rd Award) Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and HALO Jump Master Parachutist Badge and Special Force Tab.
  
  Degrees held: B.S. Business Management, Excelsior '07. Master of Arts in Strategic Studies, Norwich University '19. Doctorate Candidate at Liberty University's Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Christian Ministry Leadership.
  
  What Norwich Means to Me: Serving with and in Combat with Norwich Officers was one of the highpoints of my life and military career — assigned as an Army ROTC Instructor at Norwich University's Pioneer Battalion in 2000, this short 8-month tenure, with responsibilities to the N.U. Military Science I Class, promoted passion, drive, desire, and motivation for the pursuant in education. Focusing on the ROTC Norwich program, enrollment increased between semesters to 136, retention remained at 99%, and an additional 40 Army ROTC 4-year scholarships valued over $3.4 million awarded. The ability to transform students to Officers in the U.S. Army, serve with them, is something that not many get the opportunity to do. Tim continued to participate in the development of N.U. Online Bachelors of Science in Strategic Study Defense Analysis (BSSDA) Program in 2009, with currently over 750 enrolled, graduating over 2000, since inception, capturing leaders, needing challenging quality education from our SOF Community. To work with active duty and retiring Soldiers and Veterans through the VFW, BDD program Norwich, Tim helps them transition to civilian life to include ALL education opportunities.
  
  Tim is married to the former Ms. Susan Hoskins from Orono, Maine, a Simmons College '82 Graduate, one son, Appalachian State '13, a financial advisor, where they reside in North Carolina. When time is available, they read (study), fly fish, and try to get away to either the beach or mountains in their 1972 Airstream.

• Barry Wright ’70

  
  
  Barry Wright was raised in Northampton, Massachusetts and attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Upon graduation in 1970 he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army from the Norwich ROTC program. His technical qualifications were enhanced in 1975 with a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering (Operations Research) from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
  
  He entered the Army in April of 1971 embarking on a 47-year career of leadership and management assignments that reflect significant growth of responsibility and professional skill. In the Army he successfully commanded units through Brigade level. His Level III Army Acquisition Corps Certification made an easy transition into the private sector upon his retirement from the Army. While working in the defense sector he displayed experience and expertise in all aspects of business; marketing, business development, bid and proposal, operational management, and customer relations as a Fortune 500 Company Business Unit Vice President.
  
  Barry points to the values, skills and education he received at Norwich as the basis for the successes he has enjoyed in strategic planning while working continuity of government programs at the White House, public policy during his Congressional Fellowship, and operational implementation in all phases of his career.
  
  Barry has retired from full time employment and now dedicates his time to select consulting and advisory initiatives involving education and government contracting, tutoring and fly fishing. He makes himself approachable and enjoys mentoring anyone who seeks counsel or will listen to unsolicited advice.

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