July 7, 2021
Nine Named to Centenary University Board of Trustees
Area business leaders have been appointed to four-year terms on the governing body of the University, the intellectual and cultural heart of the Skylands Region.
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., July 7, 2021—Nine outstanding business leaders were recently named to four-year terms on the Centenary University Board of Trustees, Board Chair Rochelle Makela-Goodman announced. As the governing body of Centenary, the board is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the University.
“This is an exciting time for Centenary University, which is experiencing growth in academic areas such as the health sciences and business,” Ms. Makela-Goodman said. “We are thrilled to welcome these new trustees, who are all recognized leaders in their fields. Their depth of experience and shared dedication to Centenary’s mission will play a critical role in expanding educational opportunities to students from the Skylands Region, and beyond.”
The new trustees are:
Dale G. Caldwell, Ed.D.—New Brunswick, N.J.
Dale G. Caldwell, Ed.D., is Executive Director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Silberman College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University. An experienced educator, he also currently serves as President of the board of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey and president of the New Brunswick Board of Education. In addition, he is the CEO of Strategic Influence, LLC, a coaching, consulting, and training firm that provides a proven approach to corporate strategy, operational improvement, leadership development, conflict resolution, staff recruitment, and staff maximization. A graduate of Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Dr. Caldwell earned an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctor of Education Administration from Seton Hall University.
Joyce M. Hansen—Montgomery, N.J.
Joyce M. Hansen is Vice President, Microbiological Quality and Sterility Assurance, for Johnson & Johnson. Through this role, Ms. Hansen is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and governance for sterility assurance E2E lifecycle management for sterile products, and the microbial control for non-sterile products across Johnson & Johnson. A recognized industry leader, she has more than 42 years of experience in the field, including holding leadership positions at Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Sherwood Davis & Geck, Isomedix, and Becton Dickinson & Company. Ms. Hansen holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from South Dakota State University and an M.B.A. in Management from the Kellogg Executive Management Program at Northwestern University.
John Johnson—Hackettstown, N.J.
John Johnson is a respected professional in the retail automotive sector, founding and holding leadership roles at several dealerships in northwestern New Jersey. Mr. Johnson is the Dealer Principle/Operating Partner of John Johnson Auto Group in Hackettstown, Secretary Treasurer/Partner of Johnson Dodge Chrysler Jeep Inc. in Budd Lake, Dealer Principle/Operating Partner of Johnson Buick GMC Cadillac in Budd Lake, and Principle/Partner of John Johnson Select Used Cars in Hackettstown. In addition, he is the Principle/Operating Partner of John Johnson Insurance Services LLC in Budd Lake. A graduate of Northwood University, Mr. Johnson has served on a number of boards for nonprofits and community organizations in the Skylands Region, and is First Vice President and former Board Chair for the Foundation of Hackettstown Medical Center.
Lynn Moran— Cave Creek, AZ
Lynn Moran is the CEO of Arizona Coaching and Consulting and Sonoran Life Transition and Performance Coaching. In addition, she owns Sonoran Gift. A professionally trained executive coach, she serves as a leadership coach and business advisor to senior level executives and professionals. Ms. Moran previously served as President of Ethel M® Chocolates, the retail, B2B, and direct-to-consumer confectionary and gift business within Mars, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies. In her 26 years with Mars, she also held leadership positions in human resources, sales, and licensing. Ms. Moran earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors from Centenary University, where she is the former President and member of the President’s Advisory Council and a former Adjunct Professor of Business. She also holds an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Darlene Panzitta—Montclair, N.J.
Darlene Panzitta is President and Founder of DSP Clinical Research, LLC, a leading contract research organization (CRO) specializing in the management and execution of women’s health and infertility clinical studies for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device companies. Prior to founding DSP, she served in leadership roles at some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical firms. She brings keen insights from the scientific industry to the Centenary Board of Trustees, along with a proven spirit of giving back: She serves on the Board of the Zoological Society of New Jersey and is a former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization New Jersey Chapter. Ms. Panzitta earned a Bachelor of Science in Science and a Master of Science in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Esther A. Poulsen—Lake Hopatcong, N.J.
Esther A. Poulsen is the Founder and CEO of Raare Solutions LLC, an award-winning leader in CRM and marketing operations for the premium and luxury automotive industry, including brands such as BMW North America, Rolls Royce Motor Cars NA, Mini USA, and Ferrari North America. The firm’s client portfolio continues to expand with high profile clients in expedition travel, education, insurance, healthcare technology, and nonprofits. Prior to founding Raare Solutions LLC, Ms. Poulsen’s three-decade career included roles in enterprise architecture, IT management, public relations, and business analysis for multinational companies including Lucent Technologies, Cummins Engine, and Search Optics. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Temple University and is a graduate of the Babson College IT Leadership Development Program.
Sunita A. Pradhan—Jersey City, N.J.
Sunita A. Pradhan is Vice President Customer Success, Hospitals & Health Systems, for ELLKAY, LLC, ensuring growth in direct-to-hospital sales and vendor sales channels for data archiving and data migration services. The company’s mission is to make interoperability in healthcare IT happen in order to empower better patient outcomes. Ms. Pradhan is responsible for relationships with key customers such as Westchester Medical Center, Geisinger Health, and University of Wisconsin Health. During her decade with ELLKAY LLC, Ms. Pradhan has also served as Director of Strategic Alliances. As Co-founder of Guru New York, which manufactures and retails eco-friendly designer label resort wear, she was responsible for IT and technology advances essential to operations, cost containment, and inventory and production process control. Ms. Pradhan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Wendy E. Ross, D.V.M.—Tewksbury Township, N.J.
Wendy E. Ross, D.V.M., is Founder, CEO and a Small Animal Surgeon at Crown Veterinary Specialists & Associates in Lebanon, N.J. A native of Montclair, N.J., she is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ross completed her residency at the University of Tennessee. A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. Ross is also a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, and Metropolitan New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association.
Vicki S. Sylvain—Westbury, N.Y.
Vicki S. Sylvain is a Family and Community Engagement Liaison with the Westbury Union Free School District in Westbury, N.Y., and a Corporate and Community Instructor at the Center for Workforce Development at Nassau Community College. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to the professional development of future leaders through education and community service. Ms. Sylvain has over 15 years of experience in program design, implementation, coaching, and management in the field of education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Policy from Stony Brook University and is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs and Higher Education from the City University of New York at Baruch College.
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.