Alumni Updates & Recognitions

Denise Napier ‘81 is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson Health Plans. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience and manages a $2 billion care organization with operations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, focusing on Medicare Advantage plans, individual and family plans, and a nationally recognized Medicaid plan. Under Napier's leadership, the health plan puts members first, develops innovative programs to benefit communities, and creates tremendous business growth.

Napier received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Widener University and her Master of Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University. She is also a registered nurse in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Grace Cavanaugh '09 was recently promoted to Director of Event Services and Catering at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. In this role, Cavanaugh oversees the planning of 1,400 events annually, with responsibilities that include menu creation, event decor and design, and leading a team of service and catering managers. 

Since joining the museum in 2015, she has served in many positions, most recently as Associate Director of Event Services and Catering Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Widener University.

Ken Byerly ’68 recently published Paid in Full: Tales of Bravery and Sacrifice, which chronicles the heroism, bravery, and sacrifice of eight Pennsylvania Military College graduates during the Vietnam War. Byerly explores their time at PMC, graduation, commissioning, entering the service and for some, starting a family. 

Paid in Full: Tales of Bravery and Sacrifice examines a time in our recent history when serving in the military, and especially in Vietnam, was not looked upon favorably by the American public. These eight men, answered their country’s call and served with honor and pride, and continue the PMC legacy. Paid in Full can be purchased on Barnes & Noble.com. 

Vietnam War veteran, Larry Liss '63, was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action for his heroic service. A captain in the U.S. Army, Liss was recognized for flying his rescue helicopter into combat six times to save his fellow soldiers; and leaving the cockpit twice with no body armor, engaging with the enemy soldiers using his personal weapons, and aiding the civilian irregular unit in getting to the helicopter for extraction – historically known as the Rescue at Cau Song Be. He received his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1966 and served as a combat pilot until 1968. He flew 650 combat missions. 

In addition to the Silver Star, Liss' awards include 25 Air Medals including one for valor, a bronze star, three Purple Hearts, the Valorous Unit Award for Extraordinary Heroism, the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valor. He was also awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for valor twice and received the Order of St. George Medallion. 

After completing his military service, Liss founded the Flightways Corporation, a regional air carrier. He later became president of the Diversified Environmental Corporation. Liss holds a degree in English literature from Pennsylvania Military College.

The photo was taken during Liss' Silver Star ceremony and includes Widener University President Stacey Robertson, Widener University Professor of Military Science LTC James R. Pasco, Larry Liss '63 and his brother and fellow PMC alumnus, Arthur "Art" Liss '67.

Malcolm J. Yates ’20 was recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal with a 2024 Diversity in Business award. Yates was inspired to become an agent of change when his 5-year-old brother was a victim of gun violence in Philadelphia. Yates is dedicated to advocating for gun and drug control, and comprehensive health care. 

Yates serves as the Director of Government Relations for Public Health Management Corp., the Philadelphia nonprofit health institute that serves 350,000 individuals annually. Yates works with local, state and federal officials to support the organization's mission of improving community health through outreach, education, planning and direct services.

Yates holds a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University in Virginia, and two master’s degrees; from Neumann University and Widener University.

Matthew Schwiter '16 was named the 2024 Engineer of the Year at Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control Archbald. This award, presented during Engineering Week, recognizes his ingenuity, leadership and passion for engineering. 

Schwiter currently works as a Senior Manufacturing & Tooling Engineer at Lockheed Martin and holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Widener University.

Colleen Galanis '89 has been named vice president of budget and financial analysis at the Roanoke, Virginia based Retirement Unlimited Inc. Galanis will oversee budgeting along with financial summaries and reporting for all properties. Previously, she worked at Brandywine Living for more than 25 years as the director of financial analysis. 

She earned her undergraduate degree in business administration from Widener University and her MBA from La Salle University.

Exelon recently announced that Mike Innocenzo '88, who is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelon subsidiary PECO, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Exelon. Innocenzo will oversee all utility operations and will be responsible for the Cyber & Information Security Services, Corporate Physical Security, IT, Safety, Supply, Training and Transmission Strategy & Compliance organizations. Innocenzo joined Exelon in 1988 and has served in a range of roles of increasing responsibility in electric and gas distribution operations. 

Innocenzo holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Widener University and an MBA from Villanova University.

Sheilah Yohn '96, assistant teaching professor of nursing at Penn State University, received the Sheila Gealey Award at the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners Conference. The award annually recognizes a nurse practitioner who is actively involved in safeguarding and improving the professional standing of nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania.

Yohn obtained her registered nurse diploma from York Hospital School of Nursing, her bachelor of science in nursing at Penn State, and her master of science in nursing from Widener University. After completing her schooling, she began work as a nurse practitioner and became part of Penn State Health in 2011, later rising to assistant teaching professor at the university.

Tifphane Riley, Ph.D. '15 '21 has been named deputy Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, a resource focused on empowering and advocating for youth in the LGBTQ+ community. Prior to this, Riley was the Deputy Chief of Programs at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, an organization dedicated to providing services to youths in Washington DC. Riley was also the clinical director of GenPsych, providing individual and group therapy to youth in an inpatient setting. 

Riley earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and African American studies, from Temple University and a master's and Ph.D. in Human Sexuality from Widener University. 

On February 3, 2024, Widener University Director of Athletics, Jack Shafer, and Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Chris Carideo ’96, welcomed back former players from many eras for the team’s annual Alumni Day game. The group had a chance to meet the 2023-2024 team during a pre-game reception and several of the alumni basketball players provided a pep talk to the current team. 

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson '75, Houston Oilers legend, was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor.

Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time first-team All-Pro selection during his NFL career with the Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins. He was named to the NFL’s 75th and 100th anniversary teams. Johnson was one of the top return specialists during his career and still ranks seventh in NFL history in punt return yardage (3,317). 

Devon Kay ’17 recently married fellow Widener graduate, William O’Rangers ‘18 on November 4, 2023 at Union Trust in Philadelphia, PA. They are pictured with their dog Rudy, who also attended the ceremony. 

Kay and O’Rangers met while students at Widener and both participated in fraternity and sorority life, with Kay as a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma and O’Rangers a brother of Alpha Tau Omega. Kay earned a bachelor’s of science in nursing while O’Rangers earned a degree in civil engineering. Kay currently works as a psychiatric RN while O’Rangers is a structural engineer. 

Joanne Stevens Hoertz ’94 was recently appointed to the Florida Center for Nursing Board of Directors. Stevens Hoertz has been practicing nursing for 35 years and has worked extensively in the specialty area of rehabilitation nursing. She is currently the Senior Vice President for Nursing at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville Florida, where she provides clinical, financial and administrative oversight and leadership.

Stevens Hoertz is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, the National Association of Directors of Nursing, and the Florida Association of Directors of Nursing Administration.She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in nursing from Widener University.

Herbein + Company, Inc., a leading accounting advisory firm, recently announced that Scott Buck ’93 has joined its Allentown, PA office as a small business department partner. Buck, an accountant for more than 25 years, has focused on accounting strategies and analyses for medical and dental practices, and ancillary medical services such as surgery centers. 

Buck earned his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Albright College, and a Master’s of Science in taxation from Widener University. A licensed certified public accountant, he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 

Stacey Rose, EdD, MEd, MSW '18, has joined the University of Maryland Baltimore as the inaugural core values program director. Rose comes to the University from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where she was the acting lead sexual assault response coordinator. Among her achievements, she has been the recipient of the Civilian Service Commendation Medal in 2023 and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 2022.

Rose holds a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Wells College, a Master of Education in Human Sexuality and a Master of Social Work from Widener University, and a Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation from New York University.

The inspiring story of Chester native Walker “Baby” Carter, Jr. was highlighted in New York City’s bustling Times Square district on January 14, 2024 as part of the promotional launch for the book Walker’s Way: How Are You Walking in Your Life?, written by his wife, Claudette Carter ‘85.

Walker Carter graduated Chester High School in 1974 and was a star multi-sport athlete at Chester High School and Widener University. He became the first African American football and track & field coach at Widener University and worked for over 30 years as a dedicated Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO) lineman before suffering a fatal accident on the job in 2017.

Walker's Way is an inspiring book that brings to life all that Walker did to pave the way for his family, friends, neighbors and students, as well as demonstrate the influence he had as a bright light in the city of Chester. Walker's Way can be found at Amazon.com.

Pictured: Muhammad and Wanisha Bey, Claudette Carter '85, and Jaleesa Carter in front of the billboard in Times Square.

Darren Lipscomb, DEd ’18 was recently named as an honoree to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Veterans in Business list, which recognizes the region’s veterans who have had equally impactful careers in business. Lipscomb served for eight years with the Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard and currently works as Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP).

Lipscomb, a West Philadelphia native, joined CCP after a decade at Delaware County Community College, where he worked with faculty and staff to address barriers around recruitment and enrollment. Lipscomb also oversaw the College’s Veterans’ Services and International Student Services. 

Lipscomb graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Science in Counselor Education. He received his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University. Most recently, Lipscomb completed a Juris Doctorate at Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law. 

Mid Penn Bank recently appointed Jeffrey Steigerwalt '98 as Regional President and Senior Vice President. Steigerwalt has more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry, serving most recently at Malvern Bank as executive vice president and managing director of the Private Bank. Additionally, Steigerwalt served as regional president of ESSA Bank & Trust and as a senior vice president focused on commercial real estate at First Niagara/Key Bank. In his new position, he will enhance the footprint of Mid Penn Bank throughout southern New Jersey and will focus on further developing Mid Penn as a competitive presence in the region.

Steigerwalt holds a degree in history from Widener University and a masters from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Mathew Tierney '00 is the Global Insurance Practice leader for Grant Thornton and was recently named to The Consulting Report's List of Top Insurance Consultants. Tierney also serves on the Global Business Consulting Leadership team for Grant Thornton International, one of the world's leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Tierney oversees Grant Thornton's market strategy for the insurance sector, which includes the creation of industry solutions, related service delivery teams and quality execution for global accounts.

Tierney received his Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Widener University and is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Program.