Alumni Updates & Recognitions

Frank Garrido ’93 BS in hospitality management was named Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at Domino’s. Domino's Pizza announced that Frank Garrido '93 was promoted to executive vice president of U.S. operations and support. Garrido most recently served as senior vice president, overseeing Domino’s nearly 400 company-owned stores. He joined Domino’s in 2017 as a regional vice president.

Prior to Domino’s, Garrido was vice president of operations for Focus Brands’ McAlister’s Deli, part of Focus Brands’ more than 4,500 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes worldwide. Garrido also served as executive vice president of operations, training and concept development for Edible Arrangements International. Garrido holds a degree in hospitality management from Widener University.

Frank Garrido graduated with the class of 1993 and a degree in hospitality management before going on to serve as VP for Focus Brands' McAlister's Deli. Most recently, Garrido has been named Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations at Domino's.

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/frank-garrido-named-executive-vp-us-dominos-operations

Fredrick Jones, MS, management-human resources, Bishop Malooly announced April 7 the appointment of Frederick “Fritz” Jones as executive director of Catholic Charities Inc. of the Diocese of Wilmington. Jones has served in management jobs at Catholic Charities for 43 years, most recently as director of program operations. He has been serving as interim executive director since March 4. “I am very pleased to appoint Fritz Jones to this important position,” said Bishop Malooly. “For decades, Fritz has been a leader in our efforts to serve the people of God, especially families and individuals in need. He is committed to our mission to provide critical social services to the people of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.” Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University and a master’s of science in human resource management from Widener University in Chester, Pa.

During his time at Catholic Charities, he has managed all Catholic Charities programs for the diocese. His accomplishments include the reorganization of the behavioral health program resulting in increased productivity, and the integration of the residential maternity home into a Catholic Charities program adding services to new mothers. Jones has served the community in many ways including as a member of the Counsel of United Way Executives Designee for Catholic Charities, the Wilmington Planning Commission, and the City of Wilmington Economic Development Committee. Other community groups include the Clarence Fraim Boys and Girls Club, Rockwood Museum, and as an adjunct instructor at Delaware Technical and Community College.

Fredrick Jones graduated with the class of 1992 and with a master's in Human Resource Management. After earning his master's education, Jones went on to serve his community through his exceptional work at Catholic Charities. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/fredrick-jones-appointed-executive-director-catholic-charities

Gregory Dudkin, MBA, business administration, PPL Corporation announced that Gregory N. Dudkin, PPL Electric Utilities president since 2012, has been elected executive vice president and chief operating officer of PPL. Under Dudkin's leadership over the past decade, He brings four decades of experience in energy and telecommunications operations to his new role as COO. In addition, he will oversee the process to secure regulatory approval of PPL's planned acquisition of The Narragansett Electric Company in Rhode Island and to integrate this electricity and gas delivery business into PPL. Dudkin, who joined PPL Electric Utilities in 2009 as senior vice president of Operations, was named president of the company in 2012. Prior to joining PPL, he served as Comcast's senior vice president of technical operations and fulfillment and as a regional senior vice president for the telecommunications company. In addition, he has 24 years of wide-ranging electric and gas utility experience at subsidiaries of Exelon Corporation, where he served in a variety of leadership positions.

He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Delaware and a master's in business administration from Widener University of Chester, Pennsylvania. Dudkin serves on the board of directors of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania and serves on a number of other industry and community boards, including the Southeast Electric Exchange and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. He is also a member of the Smithsonian Science Education Center National Advisory Board and PPL Foundation's board of directors.

Gregory Dudkin graduated with the class of 1985 with a master's in business administration and would go on to serve on the board of directors of the Energy Exchange and Light Valley Economic Development Corporation. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/gregory-dudkin-elected-executive-vice-president

Jordan A. Casey Esq., JD, law will serve as the director for the new Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE) as announced by The Foundation for Delaware County.  HOPE was recently established to provide assistance with case management, placement, tenant rights education, financial literacy, referral services, and direct financial relief. The program will also conduct housing policy advocacy. Casey previously served as staff attorney for the Health, Education & Legal Assistance Project: A Medical-Legal Partnership (HELP: MLP), and at Widener University School of Law.  According to a Generocity profile written in February of this year by Markita Morris-Louis, "since 2016, he has been providing free civil legal services to women who are either pregnant or parenting a child under the age of two and enrolled into either Healthy Start and/or the Nurse-Family Partnership under The Foundation for Delaware County." Casey is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh's Affordable Housing Advisory Council; Delaware County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition; the governing board of Delaware County Continuum of Care; and is vice president of the board of directors of Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania.

Jordan A. Casey graduated with the class of 2013 and prioritizes serving the community through his work in housing, civil services, and loan banking. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/jordan-casey-elected-director-hope

Joseph McGrory, JD, law, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin is pleased to announce that Mark F. Himsworth has been selected to the 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list in the area of Land Use/Zoning.

Joseph McGrory graduated with his 1983 class before going on to make his name in Pennsylvania law. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/joseph-mcgrory-listed-2021-pa-super-lawyers-list

Joseph Padasak, EdD, school administration, Joseph O. Padasak has been appointed the new president of St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School near Hagerstown. Padasak most recently served as superintendent for the Chambersburg Area School District in Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2019. “It is a great honor for me to join the Goretti family at this critical and exciting time in Catholic education," he said in the news release. "Goretti’s mission to educate and form productive members of society in the Catholic faith is so important now, not only for the region, but also for the country." Padasak received a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Education degree from Western Maryland College and a Doctor of Education degree from Widener University.

Joseph Padasak graduated with the class of 1999 and a Doctorate in Education. Padasak was known for his work in the educational sphere and his role as superintendent for the Chambersburg Area School District. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/joseph-padasak-appointed-new-president-st-maria-goretti-catholic-high-school

Kathleen Hetherington, EdD, higher education, Dr. Kathleen Hetherington, president of Howard Community College, announced her plans to retire on October 1, 2021. She has served as president for 14 years – the first in the college's history to be a community college graduate. Dr. Hetherington has dedicated her career in higher education to advancing the mission of community colleges. Dr. Hetherington has served as president of HCC since 2007, leading an institution nationally recognized for its strong academic programs and innovative approaches to instruction. Under her leadership, Howard Community College has grown to more than 26,000 credit and noncredit students. In total, she has worked at Howard Community College for 22 years, previously as executive vice president, capital campaign manager, and vice president of student services. During her tenure as president, Howard Community College has achieved recognition as a "Great College to Work For" from the Chronicle of Higher Education and ModernThink for 12 consecutive years. HCC is the only community college to be recognized every year that community colleges have been eligible for the award. Equally impressive, HCC has been named a 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winner in the category of education. This award is the nation's only presidential-level honor for performance excellence in organizations.

Well respected by her peers in higher education, the Association of Community College Trustees named Dr. Hetherington as its recipient of the 2014 Chief Executive Officer Award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions and leadership of a community college president. The Daily Record recognized Dr. Hetherington three times as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women and named her to the Circle of Excellence. She also was recognized by The Daily Record with its 2018 Influential Marylander Award and as a Most Admired CEO in 2016 and 2020. Leadership Howard County honored Dr. Hetherington as a Distinguished Alumni for 2021. In spring 2019, she and the college's board of trustees were the recipients of the American Association of Community College's national Exemplary CEO/Board Award. Before joining HCC, she held progressively responsible positions at the Community College of Philadelphia, including dean of student systems. She was an adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania. Dr. Hetherington holds an Ed.D. from Widener University, a M.S. from Villanova University, a B.S.S. from Pennsylvania State University, and an A.A.S. from the Community College of Philadelphia.

Kathleen Hetherington graduated with the class of 1995 and earned her Ed.D from Widener University. Since graduation, Dr. Hetherington has dedicated her professional career to advancing community in higher education. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/kathleen-hetherington-announced-retirement-howard-community-college

Kenneth Lordy, BS, electrical engineering, True Influence®, the technology leader of data-driven sales and marketing solutions, announced that Ken Lordy has joined the company as senior vice president, product management. Lordy brings 20 years of product management and strategic partnership experience to True Influence where he will be responsible for the company’s product roadmaps and strategic direction, as well as helping keep True Influence at the forefront of revenue technology.

Lordy is an accomplished executive with a track record of leading products and teams in telecom, data, and MarTech to profitable growth with companies such as Dun & Bradstreet and Alcatel-Lucent (now Nokia). Most recently at Dun & Bradstreet, Lordy was vice president where he was responsible for product ownership and partnerships, as well as the overall strategy for the Sales & Marketing Business Unit. Prior to Dun & Bradstreet, Lordy spent 10 years at Alcatel-Lucent where he was the director of product management. Lordy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Widener University and a Master of Business Administration from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Kenneth Lordy graduated with the class of 2001 and a BS in electrical engineering before going on to earn his MBA from NYU and start his career in technological management. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/kenneth-lordy-announced-senior-vp-true-influencer

Kevil McNeil has retired after 40 years of law practice as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Kevin will now be residing in Melbourne Beach, FL. 

Kevin McNeil graduated with the class of 1976 with a degree in government and politics. After graduating, Kevin had a prolific 40 year career as an attorney and prosecutor. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/kevin-mcneil-has-retired-after-40-years-law-practice

Kevin O’Connell, JD, law, Kevin O'Connell officially became the fourth Chief Defender in the history of Delaware. O’Connell was sworn in as Chief Defender of the Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) during a small ceremony at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington. O'Connell was appointed to the position by Governor John Carney and confirmed by the Delaware Senate in May. He replaces Brendan O’Neill, who retired on May 31.

He has been with the ODS since 2005, most recently as the head of the New Castle County Division and head of the office’s Superior Court Unit. Prior to that, O’Connell was in private practice. O’Connell is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a founding member of the Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Widener University Delaware Law School.

Kevin O'Connell graduated with the class of 1984 and a degree in Law before going on to privately practice law and eventually serve as founding member of the Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/kevin-oconnell-became-delawares-fourth-chief-defender

Linda Bownik-Panasuk class of 1982, BA English, published "Returned to Cattail Marsh." Recent release “Return to Cattail Marsh” from Newman Springs Publishing author Linda Panasuk is the story of a woman’s return home and rekindling old relationships while uncovering old secrets. Linda Panasuk has completed her new book “Return to Cattail Marsh”: a gripping story of Paige Thompson’s return home after the devastating end of a five year relationship and the loss of her father, with the circumstances surrounding her father’s death leading her to dig into long buried secrets.

Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Linda Panasuk’s chilling tale has Paige threading the needle between right and wrong as she begins to unveil more and more truths, all the while her formerly closed heart begins to open to the possibility of love again as two men enter her life just  as entangled in the mystery as she is.

Linda Bownik-Panasuk graduated with the class of 1982 with a degree in English. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/linda-bownik-panasuk-published-fiction-book
 

Lisa A. Beeman, MSW ’97 will take on the role as the new Cecil County DSS Director, and the DHS family is all the richer for her enthusiastic embrace of this role. Lisa brings a wealth of experience with her to Cecil County DSS, and in many ways, this event represents a homecoming of sorts. She worked previously as a Cross Functional Supervisor/CHESSIE Coordinator for Cecil County DSS, for seven years. Her leadership skills were honed there, managing and working shoulder-to-shoulder with social workers, aides, foster care teams, and other staff.

In addition, Lisa worked directly with families with vulnerable adults and children at risk of abuse and neglect. Most recently, she worked as a Social Service Administrator III/Licensing Specialist for the Office of Licensing and Monitoring/Department of Human Services. She has performed this role as a rigorous overseer and champion for youth in foster care, both in terms of maintaining adherence to COMAR requirements and in ensuring best practices training among staff. We are gratified that the capable chain of Cecil County DSS staff expertise will continue to be seamlessly linked with Lisa Beeman as the leader. The vulnerable citizens of Cecil County will continue to be most assuredly in the caring hands of a leader who understands and lives the principles of public service. 

Lisa Beeman graduated with the class of 1997 and would serve as a prominent figure for Cross Functional Supervisor for Cecil County DSS, working alongside social workers and foster care teams, amongst others

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/lisa-beeman-assumes-role-cecil-county-dss-director

Lisa Shearman, JD, law, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, PC is pleased to announce that attorney Lisa A. Shearman, a partner with the firm, has recently been elected a Fellow to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel(ACTEC).“Established in 1949, The College is a national, nonprofit association of approximately 2,500 lawyers and law professors from throughout the United States and abroad. ACTEC members (Fellows) are peer-elected on the basis of professional reputation and expertise in the preparation of wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, trust administration and related practice areas. Lisa Shearman is a principal in the firm and an extremely accomplished trust and estates and business lawyer. She has over 25 years of experience advising and implementing sophisticated estate plans for clients that focus on business continuity, succession and aim to reduce taxes and preserve wealth in the way her clients desire. Her practice includes estate administration and post-mortem planning along with trust administration and the preparation of Inheritance tax, Federal Estate and Gift Tax and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns. In addition, Lisa assists clients with the formation and operation of tax-exempt organizations including private foundations. Lisa serves as Treasurer of the Montgomery Bar Association, Chair of its Probate and Tax Section, Chair of the Law Reporter Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee. She is a Fellow of the Montgomery Bar Foundation. In addition, Lisa serves as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Section Council and is a Zone 9 Delegate to the PBA. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council and the Wills for Heroes Foundation, for which she also serves as Vice President. Among other awards, Lisa is the 2015 recipient of the Pennsylvania Bar Association President’s Special Achievement Award and the 2014 Recipient of Milton O. Moss Community Service Award, presented by the Montgomery Bar Foundation. A graduate of the University of Scranton (B.S. 1989), Lisa received her law degree from Widener University in 1992 and her LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law in 1994.

Lisa Shearman graduated with the class of 1992 and a degree in law before going on to become an accomplished trust and estates and business lawyer. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/lisa-shearman-elected-fellow-american-college-trust-and-estate-counsel

Malcolm Yates ’20 MPA, was named director of government relations at PHMC. Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) has named Malcolm Yates as the organization's first director of government relations. Yates comes to PHMC after serving more than two years as the district outreach and community affairs director for U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon. Prior to working with Scanlon, he served as chief of staff at the PA House of Representatives for two years. Yates holds two bachelor’s degrees, from University of Phoenix and Norfolk State University, and two master’s degrees, from Neumann University and Widener University.

Malcom Yates graduated with the class of 2020 and a master's degree and would work as community affairs director for U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scalon. Malcom now works as director of government relations at Public Health Management Corporation. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/malcom-yates-named-director-government-relations-phmc

Matthew Murphy, JD, law, Richards, Layton & Finger announced that attorney Matthew W. Murphy has been elected as a director of the firm. “We are very proud to promote Matt to director,” said Doneene Damon, president of Richards Layton. “He has the skill, experience, and commitment to excellence to provide our clients with the superior legal services they expect from us. Matt joins his colleagues at the firm in offering innovative counsel, practical solutions, and exceptional client service.” Matt focuses his practice on litigation in the Delaware Court of Chancery involving fiduciary duties, corporate governance and control, contractual issues, and other commercial disputes. He also advises on transactional matters involving Delaware limited liability companies, partnerships, corporations, and special committees. Matt earned a JD, summa cum laude, from Widener University School of Law and a BA from St. Joseph’s University. He clerked for the Honorable Paul R. Wallace in the Delaware Superior Court. This year Matt was named on The Best Lawyers in America“Ones to Watch” list.

Matthew Murphy graduated with the class of 2013 and would go on to serve the Delaware Court of Chancery, where he took on fiduciary duties, corporate governance, and contractual issues, among other duties. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/matthew-murphy-has-been-elected-director-richards-layton-finger-firm

Nancy Hacker, EdD, school administration, the Cheltenham School Board appointed a temporary replacement during a virtual meeting ahead of Superintendent Wagner Marseille’s departure, the school district announced in a statement. The nine-member board selected Nancy Hacker, former Springfield Township School District superintendent, to fill the position on an interim basis. “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Hacker as interim superintendent as we search for our next superintendent. Dr. Hacker brings an enormous amount of experience, expertise and wisdom to this role, and we are grateful to her for her service,” said School Board President Joel I. Fishbein in a May 5 statement. Hacker received a bachelor’s degree in French from Cornell University, according to a school district spokesperson. She went on to earn a master’s degree in educational administration from Villanova University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University. Hacker previously worked as a superintendent at school districts in Delaware County and New Jersey.

Hacker retired from her post in December 2020 after serving as superintendent at Springfield Township School District, according to a Cheltenham School District spokesperson. She held that position since 2012.

Nancy Hacker graduated with the class of 1999 and a doctorate in educational leadership. Before assuming her role as board member, Hacker was superintendent of multiple school districts in Delaware County and New Jersey. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/nancy-hacker-appointed-temporary-board-member-cheltenham-school-board

Paul Beideman ’79 MBA and ’14 honorary doctorate in public service, received the King Award for College and University Trustee Leadership. Paul Beideman, chairman of Widener’s Board of Trustees, whose dedication to excellence at Widener is reflected in the outstanding student experience the university provides, was named the 2021 recipient of the King Award for College and University Trustee Leadership. The award, recognizes a college or university board member whose service exemplifies commitment to higher education, and who demonstrates the highest ethical standards in providing leadership from the trustee level.

Paul Beideman graduated with the class of 1979 and would go on to receive his doctorate in public service in 2014. Paul continues to serve as chairman of Widener's Board of Trustees.

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/paul-biedeman-received-king-award

Renee Robeson, JD, law, awaiting final New Jersey Senate confirmation as prosecutor, was sworn in as acting Hunterdon County prosecutor. The ceremony in the Historic Courthouse was presided by Superior Court Judge Thomas Miller, the Vicinage 13 assignment judge for Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties. “We are at a moment in America’s history when those of us entrusted with the administration of justice, at every level, must do more in every way to establish and maintain the trust of those we serve," Robeson said after being sworn in. "This requires renewed diligence, transparency, and effort. I understand that great trust comes with my office and I look forward to exerting every ounce of my energy to serving justice, our state, our county, the team I lead and the public I work to protect.”

Renee Robeson graduated with the class 1992 and a degree in law before going on to pursue a career in New Jersey's politics. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/renee-robeson-sworn-acting-hunterdon-county-prosecutor

Rob Dowd, BA, accounting, ’17 MS, taxation and financial planning, TGS is proud to announce a significant addition to their professional team, Robert Dowd, MSTFP, CFP®, CSLP®. With years of substantive experience in financial planning, Rob has joined the TGS team as Senior Planner. Rob is an alumnus of Widener University, where he received his BA in 2013 and master’s in taxation and financial planning in 2017. He is a Certified Student Loan Professional and has held the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification since 2018. As Senior Planner, Rob is responsible for overseeing and improving planning processes. He will be key in helping to further develop our reporting to clients. Rob’s career in financial planning began the first time he handed over his lawn-mowing earnings to help with family finances. He quickly realized he’d need more education to truly make a difference in helping others. Today, Rob finds great reward in easing the stress of financial complexities with efficacious action plans. He currently resides in Folsom with his wife, Kelly, his daughters, Molly and Maddie, and their black lab, Bo. In his free time, Rob enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and acting Rob can be reached at Rob@TGSfin.com, Tel: 610-892-9900.

Rob Dowd graduated with the class of 2013 before going on to become a Certified Student Loan Professional and Certified Financial Planner. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/rob-dowd-joined-tgs-team-senior-planner

Robert Hallman was president of his class of 1956 for more than one year and started his career as an admissions employee for PMC, just 5 days following his graduation in 1956.  Dr. Moll called Robert to come back to help the college and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Robert Hallman was part of the group that encouraged the change from Military College to Civilian College. The pressure to change was difficult and to continue as a college, this was the only decision that had a chance. Hallman still feels close to his education and experience he had while at PMC as a student and graduate. {6 years as Student and 4 years as an Employee.

Hallman was part of the PMC Film effort, of which film is still available. The Seventeen Magazine Project that was a great hit for the Cadets and the good-looking girls. Despite its reputation as a rough and rigorous school, the Military College still a place of fun and down time for students like Hallman. Hallman could go on for hours and tell stories and experiences that would make everyone feel proud of this college's rich history.

Robert Hallman graduated with the class of 1956 and would go on to work in the admissions department after his time at the school. Hallman was also a key member in transitioning PMC from a military college to a civilian college. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/robert-hallman-honored-contributions-pmc