Current Issue Previous Issues Subscribe for FREE
Biz 20 Under 40
A New Generation of Leaders

by Liz Hunter

With every generation comes a shift in the way business is conducted, and millennials are no exception. This age group has been able to forge a path that embraces technology, builds relationships and gives back to the community—an integral balancing act that equates to consumer confidence and business success. This year’s inspiring honorees in our 20 Under 40 have already made their mark in the professional landscape of South Jersey with no plans to rest on their laurels.

Avani Bharucha
Associate Partner, Baratz & Associates, P.A.
Age: 33

Bharucha immigrated to America from India as a teenager, an experience that has influenced her commitment to hard work. She obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Rutgers University and joined Baratz & Associates in her last year of studies, becoming a full-time staff accountant in 2009. Bharucha also earned both a master’s of business administration degree from Widener University and her CPA license in 2013. In 2017 she enrolled in the Emerging Leader Academy—a three-year program designed to strengthen the skills needed for partners in public accounting firms. Upon completion, Bharucha was named associate partner in 2020—the first woman to hold the position. In her role, she actively takes interest in hiring, training and mentoring the junior accountants at the firm. This summer, Bharucha and her husband, who is also a CPA at B&A, are expecting their first child.

Chris Tait
Vice President, B.Tait Builders
Age: 33

Tait started working in his father’s general contracting business back in 2002 as a part-time employee while still in high school. He took on various roles in the company, from carpenter to project superintendent and shadowed his father, Brian, along the way. He now serves as vice president and co-owner of the company, which is now a full-time construction management firm—a direction largely influenced by Tait—with a nationwide reach of partnerships with Planet Fitness, Ikea and Aramark, to name a few. Tait is also an accomplished professional ATV racer who has competed across the U.S. and is married with one son.

Dan Kukainis
Managing Partner, Schwartz Financial Services
Age: 29

After obtaining his bachelor’s in economics and history from Rutgers University, Kukainis managed an AT&T store and was ranked in the top 5% of the company’s leadership development program. He followed that with a role as a financial services representative at a TD Bank branch, which was also ranked No. 1 in financial product and retail deposit sales in the South Jersey region. In his current position at Schwartz Financial Services, Kukainis is among the top 5% production ranked under Registered Investment Advisor out of over 150 financial advisors. He is an active member of the South Jersey Young Professionals Association and the Jewish Federation Young Adult Division, and also devotes philanthropic efforts to the Animal Welfare Association.

Brian McGroarty
VP of Business Development, CORE Title
Age: 39

One of the original five at CoreTitle since 2017, McGroarty helped build, train and grow the sales team and develop the Core brand. He has cultivated relationships with residential and commercial realtors, investors, builders, loan officers and more, and his extensive network has helped them increase business by hundreds of thousands of dollars. He deploys these same talents for the benefit of various nonprofit organizations as well. He played a key role in establishing CoreCares, a division of CoreTitle that supports dozens of organizations, including Homes for Heroes, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Philabundance. In 2020, McGroarty received an official commendation from Philadelphia Treats For Troops for his “outstanding support of American troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other dangerous parts of the world along with Wounded Warriors at home,” in recognition of donating his own commissions (which were matched by CoreTitle) to the organization. As the father of a son, McGroarty hopes to pass these philanthropic values to the next generation.

Vincent M. Primavera, AWMA, RICP
Financial Advisor, Principal Financial Group
Age: 32

Primavera’s experience spans more than 15 years in the financial services industry. He holds two bachelor of science degrees in both management and marketing from Rutgers University. At Principal Financial Group, Primavera specializes in building, protecting and preserving the wealth of families and business owners alike. Primavera has earned designations such as Accredited Wealth Management Advisor and Retirement Income Certified Professional to best serve these clients. He is also a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the premier association of financial professionals. As a Washington Township resident with his wife and daughter, Primavera is active in the community, not only as a member of various local chambers of commerce, but also through the nonprofit JR’s Angels and as a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Erika L. Goldberg, Esq.
Senior Associate, Charny, Karpousis, Altieri & Donoian, P.A.
Age: 38

Goldberg joined Charny, Karpousis, Altieri & Donoian in 2008 and has been practicing family law exclusively since then. She currently serves as a Matrimonial Early Settlement Panelist in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties and is a Master in the Thomas S. Forkin Family Law Inns of Court where she serves as co-chair of its Programming Committee. Goldberg is also a member of the Camden and Gloucester county bar associations. Her athleticism earned her a full athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh where she competed on its gymnastics team for four years and she continues to mentor student-athletes at her alma mater. Locally, Goldberg participates in the mentoring program at the Alice Paul Institute, provides pro bono services through South Jersey Legal Services and is a CASA volunteer in Burlington County, working in the best interest of abused and neglected children.

Kevin Pustizzi
President/CEO, Clearbridge Branding Agency
Age: 32

Pustizzi double majored in marketing and management at La Salle University, an education that launched his professional career in sales and marketing. At age 24 he co-founded SNJ Today, and a couple of years later he formed Clearbridge Branding Agency, which serves the marketing needs of local, regional, national and international clients. The firm has three locations including South Jersey, Philadelphia and Chicago. Pustizzi, who is an Eagle Scout, remains committed to the organization and serves on the executive board and as vice president of marketing for The Garden State Council, Boy Scouts of America. He lives in Medford with his wife and two sons.

John J. Mulholland Jr.
Director, Office of Constituent Relations for Gov. Phil Murphy
Age: 36

Mulholland has always been dedicated to public service. He obtained his law degree from Temple University School of Law and was named a fellow in the Rubin Public Interest Law Honor Society for his commitment to public service and volunteerism. He has held positions for several South Jersey legislators, and now works in the governor’s office. Mulholland has been involved in significant legislation, including the recent enactment of a law that ensures firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders would be able to have easier access to accidental disability and accidental death benefits after a severe case of COVID-19. He is a member of the Cherry Hill Board of Fire Commissioners and currently helps facilitate programs and coaches for New Leaders Council, and is an advisor to the GPK Foundation America Chapter.

Amy Ferris
IT Cybersecurity Account Manager, PCH Technologies
Age: 34

Ferris’ account management experience spans 13 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer and network security from Wilmington University with a focus in digital forensics, as well as certificates in digital evidence discovery and investigation. At PCH Technologies, she builds relationships with local, national and international clients to provide IT and cybersecurity solutions to keep their organizations protected from threats. In the community, Ferris is a committee member within the Southern NJ Development Council and the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce. She is a Washington Township native who enjoys camping, riding ATVs, traveling and cooking with her family.

Matthew Barnum
Sr. Director of Operations, CenterPoint Group
Age: 36

Barnum’s career path initially went the route of public interest and law after graduating from Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, however, six years ago he moved into a role with the group-purchasing business CenterPoint Group as a marketing operations analyst. He is now senior director of operations and is responsible for overseeing data analytics and partner relations, sales and account management support, as well as the expansion of the company’s offerings as it grows in a competitive market. Barnum and his family support various local nonprofits, including Bancroft Neurohealth, Urban Promise and Legacy Treatment Services, in addition to community-based agricultural programs that focus on overcoming food insecurity.

Anastasia Hendrickson
Vice President, Legend Medical
Age: 36

Fifteen years ago Hendrickson did something unusual. Not only did she graduate from Rowan University with a bachelor’s in health and exercise science, but just days later she began work as a sales rep for Legend Medical, not knowing she would rise through the ranks to sales director and become the company’s vice president. She was one of only a handful of employees in the early days and has witnessed it grow from servicing one large orthopedic customer to 150 employees servicing 21 orthopedic customers and hundreds of long-term care customers. Legend has been named one of Inc.’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies three years in a row. Hendrickson, who credits Legend’s owner Chuck Rollins as someone who pushes her daily to be better, says her husband of 10 years and their three children provide balance to her life.

Deandra Turchi
Tax Manager and Consultant, CLM Advisors
Age: 29

Turchi holds a bachelor’s in both business management and business marketing from Rowan University, where she also obtained her MBA with an accounting specialization. Her time with CLM began as an intern in the marketing department where she helped revamp the company brand, followed by time in a tax management role. After a stint at KPMG, she returned to CLM as the firm’s tax manager and fiscal management consultant, working directly with clients on profitability strategies and building value. Turchi is the vice president of the Rohrer College of Business Alumni Advisory Council and an accounting mentor at Rowan. She is a three-year participant in the MS: City to Shore bike ride and a former star soccer player who was named to Rowan’s All-Decade team. Turchi hopes to share her passion and coach youth soccer in the future.

Kelly Trimble
Vice President, 1st Colonial Community Bank
Age: 39

Trimble’s career spans 15 years in the retail and commercial divisions of the banking industry. After graduating from Gettysburg College in 2004 she worked at Beneficial Bank as a commercial loan officer. Later, she held the position of VP of commercial lending at TD Bank and Royal Bank America, followed by VP of Bryn Mawr Trust. In 2019 she joined 1st Colonial as VP, specializing in commercial real estate lending, including the acquisition, development and construction of both residential and commercial properties. For the past 25 years, Trimble has helped run a monthly soup kitchen in Camden. She lives in Haddon Township with her husband and three children and enjoys spending time at the beach and visiting wineries with friends.

Richard DeRose
Senior Government Affairs and Public Policy Specialist, South Jersey Industries
Age: 35

DeRose is a graduate of Rutgers University and a veteran of the Iraq War. In his role at South Jersey Industries (SJI) DeRose handles local and state affairs throughout the South Jersey Gas service area and is the liaison to business and community organizations for SJI. He is the junior vice commander of the Absecon American Legion, and in his free time, he gives back to the community in which he works and lives by helping those in need, including veterans. DeRose feels passionate about working with children with disabilities and devotes time to coaching baseball with the South Jersey Field of Dreams program and basketball with the Hoops for All program, helping to ensure those with special needs get to enjoy the excitement of team sports.

Sam S. Dhaliwal
Managing Attorney, Dhaliwal Law Firm; Co-Founder of Global Gavel Marketing
Age: 32

Dhaliwal is a graduate of Drexel’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law where he was a business and entrepreneurship honors graduate and rising advocate scholar. He also holds an MBA from McMaster University in Canada. As an attorney who specializes in the fields of real estate, business and litigation, he has assisted numerous businesses and individuals in the aforementioned fields, closing over 100 real estate and business transactions in the last two years. Outside of the courtroom, Dhaliwal dedicates his time to supporting the growth of his emerging digital marketing firm, Global Gavel. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, watching sports, traveling and reading.

William C. Morlok
Associate, Parker McCay, P.A.
Age: 37

Morlok is licensed to practice law in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has been certified as an arbitrator and mediator. He received his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law-Camden in 2009 and that same year was recognized with the Rutgers Pro Bono Award for Significant Service and the James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy from Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. At Parker McCay, Morlok’s practice areas concentrate on public schools and education, assisting school districts with a wide range of legal issues, including special education, employment disputes and unfunded mandates, among others. He is a member of the Burlington County Bar Association and lives in Philadelphia with his wife, son and pit bull rescue.

Dave Koehler, CFP
Branch Operations Manager, Janney Montgomery Scott
Age: 30

A graduate of Towson University, Koehler is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and the branch operations manager at Janney Montgomery Scott. In addition to running the branch operations, he works with a team of advisors to develop comprehensive financial plans outlining retirement, tax, college savings and estate planning strategies for clients. Koehler grew up in Stratford and now resides in Marlton with his wife. He is active in the community he loves, serving on the board of trustees for the South Jersey Young Professionals Association, as treasurer for the White Horse Rotary Club and sat on the Sleep Out Camden event committee for the Covenant House New Jersey.

Chelsea Carter, CPA
Partner, Morgenstern Waxman Ellershaw
Age: 38

Carter has been with Morgenstern Waxman Ellershaw since 2004 after obtaining her bachelor’s in accounting from Rowan University. She received her Pennsylvania CPA certification in 2010 and was named partner at the firm in 2017. Carter’s expertise is handling a variety of business tax and accounting matters for clients across various industries, as well as serving small business owners, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals with personal tax matters. She previously served as treasurer for the National Association of Women Business Owners, South Jersey chapter, and is now the co-treasurer/secretary on the board of trustees for Oaks Integrated Care, an organization with which she has been involved since 2012. Carter resides in Philadelphia with her finance and his son and during down time they enjoy hiking, running and traveling.

Monica Walsh
Director of Client Services, Vantage Commercial
Age: 34

After spending some years teaching, Walsh’s background in fine arts led her to working for a small commercial real estate firm as a graphic designer and marketing manager. She learned the ins and outs of the business and transitioned to the brokerage side, and joined Vantage in 2017. Since then, the company has grown exponentially and added an office in Pennsylvania. Walsh negotiates deals for office, medical, retail and industrial users, and assists with asset acquisition to selling and transitioning. Walsh serves on the board of trustees for the Camden County Historical Society and the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Burlington and Mercer counties, aiming to give others a safe place to call home.

Sarah Cohen
Business Attorney, Lauletta Birnbaum
Age: 33

Cohen concentrates her practice on business litigation, guiding corporations, start-ups and individuals through every stage of litigation, whether it’s initiating suits and pursuing discovery to summary judgment and mediation. She has extensive experience with complex disputes involving minority shareholder and member oppression, fraud and employment issues. Cohen obtained her juris doctor from Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, and currently gives her time as co-director of advocacy for National Association of Women Business Owners, South Jersey, and as an advisory board member for South Jersey Young Professionals Association.

Click here to subscribe to the free digital editions of South Jersey Biz.
To read the digital edition of South Jersey Biz
click here.
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 11, Issue 5 (May 2021).

For more info on South Jersey Biz
click here.
To subscribe to South Jersey Biz
click here.
To advertise in South Jersey Biz
click here.