Pittsburgh Young Professionals Announces 2014 Board Members, Executive Committee and Committee Chairs

PRESS RELEASE CONTACT: Kimberly Mouser p: 814-242-2148 January 20, 2014 e: pr@pyp.org

Pittsburgh Young Professionals Announces 2014 Board Members, Executive

Committee and Committee Chairs

PITTSBURGH, PA – Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP), an organization dedicated to providing diverse networking opportunities to young professionals throughout Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities, announces the election and appointments of its 2014 Board

members, Executive Committee and Committee Chairs.

“I am excited to take on the role as PYP’s president and to be working with the group of newly elected 2014 PYP board members who represent the hardworking young professionals from many different background and industries in Pittsburgh,” says John Oliverio, President, PYP. “Over the past year, we’ve been able to grow our membership by 20 percent, becoming the go-to group for organizations looking go-to outreach go-to young professionals and for young

professionals interested in diverse networking opportunities.”

The 2014 Pittsburgh Young Professionals Board (pictured here) includes

:

President

Chief Human Resources Director, GAI Consultants john.oliverio@pyp.org

John has been a member of PYP since 1999. He joined the board in 2012 to help PYP evolve as “Pittsburgh’s original social networking organization.” He is the Chief Human Resources Director for GAI Consultants where he leads the HR function for over 900 national employees.

John holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.

He is currently a board member and HR Committee Chair for the Animal Rescue League. He previously held the position of President for both Pittsburgh Cares (2006-2008) and Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (2005) and was a board member for PUMP. John is one of Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40 winners and named one of the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Fast Trackers. He also spends his time volunteering for Pittsburgh Cares, Pitt Alumni Association, Pittsburgh's Promise, and Girls Hope. From Pittsburgh, he grew up in South Park and resides in Crafton.

Melissa Evans Vice President

Assistant Manager, Massage Envy

melissa.evans@pyp.org

Melissa has been an active member of PYP for over three years, previously serving as the Signature Event Co-Chair. Now in her second year as a board member, she will be the Vice President for the organization. She is currently employed as an assistant manager of Massage Envy.

Melissa holds a B.A. in Communications from St. Vincent College, with additional studies in Business Management and Operational Excellence. She also completed a Wedding and Event Planning Certificate from the QC School of Learning. She has previous experience as a

Relationship Management Specialist at Philips Respironics and a Special Events Coordinator at accessAbilities, Inc.

She became involved with PYP in search of a career change and was also looking for a fun networking opportunity to get to know the city better. She enjoys PYP because of the endless opportunities it provides. She looks forward to expanding her board membership to help others enjoy the experience as much as she has.

Michael Hall Treasurer

Senior Financial Accountant, KDL Freight Management michael.hall@pyp.org

Michael joined PYP in 2013 and quickly became a contributing member of the organization. He is the lead Accountant at KDL Freight Management and has been with his company since 2009. In the past, he has served in a variety of roles on a number of professional boards and is

excited to be utilizing that experience once again.

Michael holds a B.S. in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University with a focus in

information reporting. Originally from the Pittsburgh region, Michael returned after spending a number of years away from the region and currently resides in Bloomfield.

Christopher Driscoll Recording Secretary

Director of Information Technology, Duquesne University School of Law christopher.driscoll@pyp.org

Christopher has served as a PYP member since 2012 and previously served as Treasurer. He is currently the Director of Information Technology for Duquesne University's School of Law.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Millersville University of PA, a Masters of Public Administration from Villanova University, and a certificate in Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.

Recently re-locating from the Philadelphia area, Chris lives in the Bellevue section of Pittsburgh and also serves on the boards of Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh, Newtown Square Historical Society and Get Involved, Inc.

Ryan Richardson

Administrative Secretary/Membership Advisor

Campaign Performance Analyst, American Eagle ryan.richardson@pyp.org

Ryan has been an active member of PYP since joining the organization in 2013. With his role of serving on the PYP Board, he aims to combine a strategic and analytical approach to enhance the organization’s member engagement.

Ryan currently works as an analyst in American Eagle’s Performance Marketing

department. His responsibilities include performing predictive analysis and hindsighting around American Eagle’s targeted marketing campaigns and promotional offers. These channels include Direct Mail, Credit and Loyalty Programs, Social Media, Email/Mobile, and various Online and In-store events.

Ryan holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Pittsburgh where he majored in Finance with additional concentrations in Statistics and Economics. He currently resides in Robinson Township and will soon be relocating to the Shadyside area in the Spring.

Kevin Carter

Board Member, Scholarship Board Advisor

Chief Executive Officer, Adonai Center for Black Males ryan.richardson@pyp.org

Kevin is an innovating social entrepreneur and thought leader, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Adonai Center.

A staunch communicator and connector with proven ability to develop relationships domestically and internationally, Kevin an experienced public affairs professional with diversified experience in community relations, special events, marketing, and relationship management, grant and fund development. This hearty combination of skills and experience, in conjunction with his education in economics, finance, and public administration at Point Park University, has made him a notable figure and rising star in promoting the advancement and achievement of black males and mentoring in the region.

Kevin has received numerous awards for his efforts in community service as well as the distinguished Eagle Scout honor, the Pittsburgh Couriers FAB 40, and the Talk Magazine Minority Achievement Award. Kevin has been a delegate to the Conference on National Affairs in North Carolina and the One Young World Global Leadership Summit in Zurich, Switzerland. He currently serves on several Pittsburgh boards.

Thomas Dufour

Board Member, Web/Technology Advisor

Principal, We Are Carpentry – A Digital Agency

thomas.dufour@pyp.org

Thomas is a new member of the PYP Board of Directors. Previously, Thomas was employed as a Senior Front-End Developer with 3PC Media and Celerity before leaving to start his own business at the end of 2013.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Interactive Multimedia and Website Development from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has in the past worked with several notable clients around Pittsburgh such as The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The University of Pittsburgh and others.

Thomas also served on the Pittsburgh mayoral transition teams in late 2013 and was previously involved in managing social media for Coffee Party USA, a trans-partisan political organization dedicated to returning civility to political discourse.

Qun Gu (Trin)

Board Member, Professional Development Advisor

Senior Strategic Business Planner, Siemens Industry Inc. trin.gu@pyp.org

Trin has been an active member of PYP since 2012. She served as the Board Advisor for Professional Development Committee in 2013 and will continue this role into 2014. She is currently employed as a Senior Strategic Business Planner at Siemens Industry Inc.

Originally from Shanghai, China, Trin came to the United States in 2004 for her graduate study. She holds a Master Degree in Industrial Engineering from Wright State University and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Relocating to Pittsburgh area five years ago, Trin currently resides in Monroeville, PA. She enjoys PYP for the excellent opportunities it offers to know the city and other young

professionals. She looks forward to continually contributing to the community as well as sharpening her leadership skills.

Sam Mudrick

Board Member, Community Outreach Advisor

sam.mudrick@pyp.org

Sam has been a PYP member since 2013. Currently in his role as board member, he hopes to help the organization build its connections within the Pittsburgh region by generating

partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and scholarship fund sponsorship.

Graduating from Point Park University with his B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations, Sam has worked for a social good tech start-up, as well as both small and large advertising agencies in the city with both agency and client-side experience.

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh region, Sam is excited to help others discover what an amazing city Pittsburgh can be through the PYP.

Monica O’Donnell

Board Member, Social Advisor

Marketing & Events Professional

monica.odonnell@pyp.org

Monica has been an active member of PYP for two years, and she was the 2013 Social Chair. Monica will serve as the Social Committee Board Advisor for 2014. She is looking forward to planning exciting events at some of Pittsburgh’s newest venues.

Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University. She was previously employed as a Marketing & Events Assistant for the AMPD Group in Pittsburgh, and she has also worked in social media and inbound marketing communications. During her time as the Communications & Social Media Specialist for Future POS, Inc. in Butler, Pa, Monica represented the company as an active member of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

Aaron Plitt

Past President, Nominating Advisor

Trader, Tube City IMS aaron.plitt@pyp.org

Aaron has served on the PYP Board for the past three years, and most recently served as the PYP President. He is a Trader with Tube City IMS, a steel services company headquartered in Pittsburgh where he has been employed for six years, and has worked in the metals recycling industry for eight years.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Boston University School of Management and attended Suffolk University Law School. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Aaron relocated to Pittsburgh four years ago in conjunction with a promotion from Tube City IMS.

He is also a Board Member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, and serves as Western Pennsylvania Regional President for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Aaron resides in Pittsburgh’s South Side.

John Quayle

Board Member, Public Relations Advisor

Design & Brand Image Consultant, Quayle Creative

john.quayle@pyp.org

John joined PYP in 2013 and has been an active member ever since. He currently works as a graphic design and business consultant through his own firm, Quayle Creative. As a new board member, John will oversee the management of the PYP Scholarship Fund.

John holds a B.S. in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. A native to the greater Pittsburgh area, he also serves as the Business Developer for the annual TEDxGrandvewAve speaker series event, he founded the networking group Pittsburgh Geek Breakfast, co-founded the student entrepreneur networking group, Entreburgh, and is a logistics volunteer for

Pittsburgh Startup Weekend. John is deeply committed to seeing Pittsburgh startup businesses thrive and is known for organizing various events for entrepreneurs.

Jessica Stickle

Board Member, Special Events Advisor

Sales Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Green Tree jessica.stickle@pyp.org

Jessica has been an active member of PYP for the past three years, participating as the Social Committee chair in 2011, Board Member 2012, Board Member - Adviser of Social Events 2013 and was recently appointed the Board Member - Adviser of Special Events for 2014. She is a Sales Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Green Tree which recently completed a $22 Million Complete Hotel Renovation.

Jessica holds a B.S. in Business Administration with focuses in Marketing Management and Advertising/Public Relations from Youngstown State University. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Jessica relocated to Pittsburgh in 2011. Pittsburgh Young Professionals has helped her build her career through networking, meeting new friends and acquaintances from the

Pittsburgh area, and strengthening her personal goals.

The 2014 Pittsburgh Young Professionals Committee Chairs are:

Magali Rhein, Professional Development Heidi Milne, Community Outreach

Morgan Whiteley, Social Kim Mouser, Public Relations

Jessica Conner, Special Events (Signature Event) Kaitlyn McGoldrick, Special Events (All Others)

ABOUT PITTSBURGH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (PYP)

PYP was formed in 1988 by a group of six individuals who returned to the Pittsburgh region looking to give back to the Pittsburgh community. It is one of the oldest Young Professionals organizations in the country and continues to be a strong not-for-profit and 100% volunteer-run organization dedicated to providing career-minded individuals with opportunities to develop socially, professionally and civically. Now in its twenty-six year, PYP is forging ahead with a membership of more than 350 young professionals of diverse professional and personal backgrounds.

Connect with us on Facebook (The Official PYP Page), Twitter (PghYP) and LinkedIn (Pittsburgh Young Professionals).