You probably know their companies, their logos and their services, but our annual Executives of the Year is a yearly opportunity to get to know the founders, executives, leaders and visionaries steering their respective ships toward success. This year’s installment is no different, and we’re once again thrilled to showcase 18 local leaders who are empowering their teams and spearheading the missions that come together to benefit their South Jersey neighbors.
Michael Munoz, SVP & Market President, AmeriHealth
Munoz, who brings more than 25 years of health-insurance industry experience to his role, is responsible for profit-and-loss management and business operations. He assumed his current role in 2017 after leading the company’s sales and marketing organization for over a decade; his leadership resulted in enhanced product offerings, better broker engagement community and heightened statewide brand awareness. An active local leader, Munoz sits on the boards of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, Camden Community Partnership, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, Special Olympics New Jersey, and United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey.
On impactful leadership lessons…
Don’t ask anyone to do something you couldn’t do yourself and always equip your team with resources, training, and support to have the best opportunity to succeed. When processes need to be changed, have a contingency plan in place. Leaders also need to inspire the team to reach their fullest potential, to be bold and humble. Through professional development, you will grow as a leader and so will your team.
Robyn Oresto, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial & Compliance Officer, First Harvest Credit Union
After graduating summa cum laude with an MBA from Georgian Court College, Oresto has become an accomplished leader who always champions the credit union movement. She thrives in a challenging work environment and has supported the vision, mission and goals of numerous credit unions throughout her 25-year career in finance, accounting, asset recovery and compliance. She has a proven track record of enhancing balance sheets, improving ALM, building CUSOs, and remediating regulatory issues. She is a dedicated believer in First Harvest’s ability to deliver the very best financial products and services to its underserved communities.
On impactful leadership lessons…
My love for credit unions began in 1999 when I answered a local credit union’s newspaper ad for an accountant. That CEO became my mentor for the next 21 years, who encouraged my professional growth and empowered my curiosity. He taught me how to surround myself with a strong, impassioned team and to be present at all times, both at work and at home.
Frank Olivio, CEO, Sagapixel
Olivo founded Sagapixel, a digital marketing agency, in 2017. Under his leadership, Sagapixel has grown by more than 250% in the past three years. Through data-driven digital marketing campaigns, Sagapixel helps health care providers throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada to get discovered through Google and social media. His company is one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies in the region; Sagapixel has been recognized as a Philadelphia 100 Forum winner in 2023 and 2024, and secured a spot on the Inc. Regionals 2024: Northeast list. The company’s commitment to delivering data-driven results has helped health care brands thrive in competitive markets.
Advice for those trying to break into his/her industry…
I would recommend you begin learning as much as you possibly can about digital marketing. The great thing about it is that 80% of what you need to know is already available for free online. There is a lack of talent in the marketplace as well, which means that companies will hire you if you know what you’re doing.
Isaac Manning, Executive Director, OTC Services
Since graduating from the University of Tampa in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in business management with a dual major in psychology, Manning has spent decades working with individuals with disabilities: He knew this was the field for him since his high school job as a camp counselor for disabled youth. He joined the OTC in 1983 as a vocational case manager and held many titles since then. Motivated by the opportunity to provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Manning is always excited to make use of his passion and unique perspective to assist others and take charge.
On impactful leadership lessons…
It was a simple question involving a picture of a train moving forward through mountainous terrain with steam billowing from its stack: “As a leader, where is your place in the picture?” Many answers were given [but] the correct answer is that the leader isn’t in the picture at all. An effective leader is ahead of the train, planning its directions and looking out for potential obstacles along the course.
Joseph F. Betley, Partner, Capehart Scatchard
In addition to serving as board of directors president and a member of Capehart Scatchard’s executive committee, Betley is co-chair of the firm’s school law group and a shareholder in its labor and employment group. He has 40 years’ experience representing school districts in various legal matters—including general school law matters, special education, public sector collective bargaining and employment law. Betley advises clients daily about employment matters including tenure acquisition and dismissal, interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, ADA accommodations, employee discipline, labor grievances and more.
On impactful leadership lessons…
When I was a law clerk for a superior court judge many years ago, the most important lesson I learned was to be respectful of your coworkers, especially the judge’s assistant. Showing respect, civility and following “The Golden Rule”—treating others as you would want to be treated—with the people you work with sets the right tone in any professional environment. I learned early on that leadership means setting the right example in your interactions with people in any setting.
Michael Boches, CEO, Geoscape Solar
Boches started in the solar business in 1985; after a 20-year interlude receiving his MBA and working on Wall Street, he returned to the industry when a conference had him looking around a room of nodding heads and thinking, “The difference between these people and me is that they are going to leave this conference saying they heard a really cool idea; I am going to leave this conference and start a company.” He came back and created Geoscape Solar, which has sold more than $100 million worth of solar systems.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
When your company is a startup, you have to do everything; as the company grows, you need to rely on other people to get the job done. A strong team is critical for that, or else things constantly fall through the cracks. Having an impassioned team is a good head start to having a strong team. Impassioned people do what they do, not just for a paycheck or to “get ahead,” but because they derive great satisfaction in pursuing a common mission.
Michael R. Regan, CCM, SVP, New Jersey Operations, T&M Associates
Regan brings more than two decades of experience in construction and program management to the 350-person firm. Under his leadership, T&M has been named a Best Place to Work in New Jersey. Regan also serves on the firm’s board of directors, its charitable arm T&M Foundation and T&M’s Vision 2030 committee, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for employees, clients and the communities T&M serves. He has consistently supported partner organizations through volunteerism, STEM education and charitable giving with his efforts to address societal challenges through community-based activities, which include outreach in cooperation with the NextGen Group and leadership of the T&M Associates Program.
Advice for those trying to break into his industry…
Be adaptable, stay humble, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. You will never know everything, and there will come a point at which some of the things you thought you knew don’t apply any more. Stay open-minded and grow every day.
Sandra Richtermeyer, Ph.D., Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Rutgers–Camden
Richtermeyer’s research and teaching interests are in accounting information systems, corporate governance and professional issues for accountants. She has served as president of both Beta Alpha Psi International and two sections of the American Accounting Association. Richtermeyer currently serves on the board of the Ph.D. Project and the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting. Before joining Rutgers, Richtermeyer served as the Rist Family Endowed Dean of the Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has held faculty and academic leadership roles at Xavier University and the University of Wyoming.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
Leaders in higher education must create a positive culture across our institutions to effectively serve students in every aspect of their educational journeys. A big component of a healthy culture includes having strong and impassioned leaders, staff and faculty working collaboratively as a team to solve problems, innovate and enable the continuous improvement of the ever-changing landscape in which we serve.
Michelle Shirey, Executive Director, Gloucester County Workforce Development Board
Shirey has more than 20 years of experience in economic and workforce development, driving initiatives that boosted economic investment and enhanced workforce services in Gloucester County. She has played a role in developing impactful workforce programs for residents and businesses. Shirey also volunteers on several boards, including the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, the South Jersey Technology Park Board, and the Gloucester County Human Services Advisory Board. A lifelong resident of Gloucester County, she is dedicated to her career in public service.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
I believe attitudes are contagious in a team setting. Being surrounded by strong, passionate individuals can improve the team’s outputs significantly.
On impactful leadership lessons…
I have recently learned how important it is to actively listen with the intent to understand, rather than only to respond. This simple shift has completely changed my perspective on what genuinely requires my input and what does not.
Ed Malandro, Chief Administrative Officer, Borough of Glassboro
As a Glassboro resident for over three decades, Malandro has actively contributed to the community by serving as a councilman for the borough from 2001 until 2019, when he assumed the role of borough administrator. Throughout his tenure, Malandro has played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Downtown Glassboro, with an impressive $45 million in additional development still in the pipeline. With 20,000 residents and an additional 23,000 Rowan University students, Malandro has demonstrated his commitment to public safety by increasing the police training budget and hiring to expand the police force & firefighters.
On impactful leadership lessons…
Growing up in South Philly, I was blessed to have mentors on and off the playing field. My most impactful leadership lesson was when a former Notre Dame football player gave me a desktop plaque with a quote that basically says, no matter your struggles or accomplishments, there is only one person that you need to impress: the person looking at you in the mirror. If that person is good, you are good.
Devon Perry, Executive Director, Garden State Wine Growers Association
Perry loves New Jersey and the wine industry, making her role a dream job. She has maintained leadership roles and positions within the New Jersey tourism industry, like being the executive director of Visit South Jersey, a board member of the New Jersey Tourism Industry Association, and has served on the executive committee of the New Jersey Destination Marketing Organization Association. Moreover, working with exceptionally supportive and talented people behind the vines and in the classrooms continues to grow her love for keeping the “garden” in the Garden State. Cheers to New Jersey wine!
Another career she considered…
I love working with the retired community. If my path were to change, I could daydream about creating a beautiful environment for people to enjoy traveling, learning, and savoring different cuisines together. Once upon a time, I thought about opening a catering company of grandparents, from chefs to waitstaff.
On impactful leadership lessons…
Pay people what they deserve. It is important to value everyone at the table on every level of every company.
Shawn Abner-Purnell, Chief Diversity Officer, SJI
As South Jersey Industry’s first chief diversity officer, Abner-Purnell builds human capital strategies to create a culture of inclusion and belonging for all—where employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work each day. She oversees the full scope of SJI's diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategy, which includes employee engagement and employee experience practices, to name a few. In addition, she partners with the diversity council to drive advocacy and adoption of business strategies that address talent, diversity, and inclusion gaps in all areas of the company. She also drives the organizational capabilities of SJI's workforce through culture transformation and total rewards initiatives.
The first thing she wanted to be…
As I contemplated my college major, I initially aspired to become an executive secretary and chose to pursue a degree in business. During the summers, I took on administrative assistant roles through a temp agency. That experience provided my first glimpse into various leadership styles, corporate culture, and team dynamics.
Richard St. Maur, Managing Partner, Coordinated Project Solutions
Having spent more than five decades in an array of advancing roles throughout the consulting and construction-management industries that have helped him cultivate a thorough understanding of what each position needs to succeed, St. Maur’s professional experience includes a number of leadership, strategic and relationship-development roles—but he’s just as proud of the personal philosophies and principles that have encouraged him to lift up others across his career. He credits his parents for all their early lessons exemplifying the importance of character development, as well as a deep-seated love for hockey that reinforced the imperative of being surrounded by a great team.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
In the movie “Miracle on Ice”, the USA Team beat the favored Russian team for the Olympic gold medal. Coach Herb Brooks passed up many of the players considered to be the best amateur ice hockey players in the entire country: When challenged about his decisions, Coach Brooks answered “It’s not about getting the best players, it’s about choosing the players who play best together.”
Larry Banks, Director, Workforce Development & Training, New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP)
Banks develops comprehensive training programs that equip the workforce with essential skills for success. With experience in government affairs and policy roles, Banks has a proven track record of developing programs and building strong relationships. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from William Paterson University.
On impactful leadership lessons…
The importance of nurturing relationships and understanding individual challenges. By fostering open communication and tailoring training programs to meet diverse needs, I empowered team members and created an inclusive environment that increased engagement, morale and productivity throughout the organization.
Susan Bonfield, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Deborah Heart and Lung Center
Bonfield, a New Jersey-licensed attorney, has over 30 years of experience in health care law, an understanding of health care and provider matters and the state’s political and regulatory climate. She provides counsel, participates in hospital strategy, manages legal risk and more.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
A strong, passionate team is essential to carrying out the strategic mission of any organization. I have a team of leaders who ensure that our team members have the support they need to provide essential care to our patients [and] support each other.
Dan McKay, Vice President of Systems Integration, Starlite
An AV-industry veteran, McKay thrives in challenging, fast-paced environments. In his role, he manages and motivates a passionate team delivering best-in-class AV and lighting solutions. His approach is to inspire team growth while developing proper metrics to measure and improve efficiency and success.
On impactful leadership lessons…
Of all the lessons you learn running a business and managing people, I think the most valuable lesson for me is to be of service to the people you lead: If you can motivate them and remove obstacles, they will thrive and the business will be successful.
Brian Riggs, Executive Director, The Joseph Fund
Riggs joined the nonprofit community in 1997. He continues to give his time to charitable endeavors through volunteer work, serving as a leader and member for the likes of the Association Management Company Institute, the ASAE Research Committee, the ASAE Annual Conference Design and Review Committee, and the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer.
Another career he/she would have considered…
A historian. I started my career at the National Constitution Center as a research historian and it was my dream job.
The importance of hiring a strong team…
When you have a passionate team, they teach you as much or more as you teach them.
Chandreyi Das, Director of Operations, Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice
Chowdhury is a seasoned business operations strategist focused on enhancing productivity, reducing costs and improving team performance. With experience in women-owned small businesses and health care publishing, she implements impactful strategies across various industries and is dedicated to leveraging her expertise and passion for gender equality.
On impactful leadership lessons…
Throughout my career in various industries and under the guidance of exceptional leaders, I discovered that active listening is an essential, invaluable skill. A great leader takes the time to truly hear their team members, which fosters trust and opens up communication channels, leading to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 14, Issue 11 (November 2024).
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