South Jersey BIZ - Issue #2 (February 2021)

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SJBiz_WomenToWatch_0221_V2FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 2 / 19 / 21 3 : 11 PM Page 3 Women toWatch Amy Leis Megan Knowlton Balne Partner , Owner , Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP Juno Wealth Management Balne leads her firm’s employment Leis is the owner of Juno Wealth practice group and also serves as Management , a financial services the chair of the legal / legislative firm specializing in sudden wealth committee for the Human Re - primarily through inheritance , sources Association of Southern divorce and legal settlements . New Jersey . She further serves the Additionally , she serves as the business community by sitting on grant finance chair on the board the board of the South Jersey of Impact100 South Jersey , is the chapter of the National Association founder of Working Moms of of Women Business Owners . South Jersey and is a nationally ranked pro - am ballroom dancer . How did you first get into your profession ? I decided to attend law school directly after finishing college . What is your personal motto ? I double majored in history and theater and the law presented My personal motto , is “ Be the change you wish to see in the a unique way to combine both my love of research and my world . ” — Mahatma Gandhi love of performing . Not surprisingly , I enjoy trials , presenting my case to a jury and oral argument . What do you love about your industry ? I love helping people realize their financial goals and secure Which female role models have made an impact their future . on your life ? I have been fortunate to have many strong female role models If you could meet any woman in the world , past , in my life . My mother , Regina Knowlton , has been an incredible present or future , who would it be ? influence . She had a successful career as a cancer research sci - I would love to meet Tina Fey and Amy Poehler because entist and transitioned to teaching , and has been a role model they are brilliant at combining intellect and humor . Imagine not just to me , but to countless students for the past three the laughs we would have at lunch ! decades . She has always pushed me to strive for the top and to pursue my passions . I also had a very invested professor in What do you want your legacy to be ? college , Karen O’Brien , who taught me the invaluable lesson I’d like to inspire others to continue challenging themselves that you need to be your own advocate , and you need to own and achieving their dreams at any age . your accomplishments and your ambitions . In terms of the law , the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has always been my inspi - ration . As a Rutgers Camden - Law student , I stumbled upon a paper Justice Ginsburg wrote while a professor , and her words Rebecca D . Lynch on women in the law still inspire me to this day . Senior Vice President and COO , Virtua Medical Group Lynch oversees the management and finance functions of Virtua Jackie Needleman Medical Group , a network of Virtua Health physicians that includes more Principal , than 150 medical and surgical physi - Needleman Management cian practices in 200 locations . In ad - Needleman has proudly served dition , she serves as the operational in her family’s commercial real lead for Virtua’s COVID - 19 testing and estate business for the last decade vaccine clinics — representing thou - and presently oversees all tenant sands of patient encounters each day . relationships , leasing and con - struction for the firm . Before What do you love about your industry ? joining Needleman Management , The health care industry is full of resourceful , committed individ - she held various positions uals who are fearless . During the COVID - 19 pandemic , I wit - including with her own internet nessed creative and courageous acts across the Virtua Health marketing firm and as an executive system . When your goal as an organization is to be “ Here for at iVillage / NBC Universal . Good , ” how can you not be energized to go into work each day ? We make a difference in people’s lives , which is something I can What is your personal motto ? really get my arms around . Try to “ do good ” each day , whether that’s offering con - sulting , philanthropic dollars , volunteer time or simply a What is your proudest accomplishment ? random act of kindness . This past year has allowed me to see the culmination of many of my prior roles into one “ mega ” leadership role . I am humbled by What do you love about your industry ? the responsibilities I have been given . I am proud that my experi - Along with carrying on my father’s professional legacy , it’s ence and collaborative style have helped Virtua successfully care having the chance to meet new people , learn about their for our community during this very difficult and challenging time . businesses and help solve space and financial problems . 26 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2 | SouthJerseyBiz.net

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SJBiz_WomenToWatch_0221_V2FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 2 / 22 / 21 3 : 48 PM Page 4 Dr . Robin Wilson - Smith Nicole Donoian - Pody Partner , Charny Karpousis Medical Director of Altieri & Donoian , P.A . Gynecologic Oncology Serv - Donoian - Pody has 20 years of expe - ices , Sidney Kimmel Cancer rience in all aspects of family law with Center - Washington Township a particular focus of her practice on A native of South Jersey , Dr . Wilson - complex divorce matters involving mith specializes in the diagnosis S unique issues . A popular speaker and treatment of cancers of the and published legal author , she is female reproductive system , using passionate about supporting the the most advanced treatment community , volunteering with South options available . This February , the Jersey Legal Services , Food Bank of board - certified OB / GYN reached South Jersey and Ronald McDonald the milestone of having performed House Southern New Jersey . her 1,000th da Vinci robotic surgical procedure , which can result in quicker recovery times for What do you love about your industry ? patients . I like helping others in need and , as a family law attorney , I am fortunate to have the ability to make a difference when couples What is your proudest accomplishment ? and children are going through what can be one of the most I am most proud of my four children . I was blessed to have my difficult times in their lives . It may be assisting parents with eldest daughter during my residency , and a set of triplets that custody disputes or securing an order of protection for do - I delivered full - term during my fellowship . They are wonderful mestic violence abuse . In each case I am working to effectuate caring human beings with much to contribute to the world . change and help people move ahead in the best possible way . If you could meet any woman in the world , past , How do you approach work / life balance ? present or future , who would it be ? This is the reason I left a large law firm in search of a smaller dedi - I would want to meet Ms . Dorothy Height . She was an cated practice where I could still make a difference in my clients ’ American civil rights and women’s rights activist who felt lives yet do so without negatively impacting my family . Don’t get strongly that addressing inequalities for women , as well me wrong , the hours are still as long as ever and maybe more so as African - Americans , is equally significant . now as a practice owner plus my full caseload , but I am afforded flexibility in my schedule . I can spend time at the dinner table with my family then work into the evening . I am fortunate . Denise Venuti Free Director of Communications Liz Bechtel & External Affairs , Eastern Division , American Water Owner , Bechtel CPA Venuti Free is responsible for over - Bechtel founded her business on the seeing communications and external principle of helping women entrepre - affairs across American Water’s New neurs know their numbers and grow Jersey , New York , Virginia and Maryland their business all while being able to subsidiaries , including customer educa - enjoy life outside of work . With tion , media relations , issues manage - more than a decade of experience , she ment and community outreach . She has mastered the complexity of taxes joined American Water in 2009 and was and explaining financials in a way promoted to her current position in anyone can understand them . 2016 . How do you approach work / How do you approach work / life balance ? life balance ? It’s challenging but I do try to make time for myself because I know Being a mom of two young boys , I must be intentional with my that makes me a better mom , wife and employee . I make exercise time . I’ve learned over the years to prioritize , delegate and a regular part of my day , from walking the dog to getting on the always make time for family each day . treadmill . I also love to cook healthy meals , often with my teenage daughter , and we try to have dinner as a family every night . As hard Which female role models have made an impact on your life ? as the pandemic has been on everyone , it has enabled us to have On a personal level , I would have to say my mom . She taught me more family time which is helpful in these stressful times . to go for my dreams , give generously , put faith and family first , and show love in all aspects of life . Professionally , Marie Forleo Which female role models have made an impact on your life ? and Jill Salzman show me that no matter what industry you are in My female role models are the women who champion equality , to make it fun , to educate others is a gift , and you should sur - not just for women but for all people . If I had to pick one , it round yourself with a tribe that encourages , supports and even would be the incomparable Ruth Bader Ginsburg . And my mom challenges you . was really my most important role model because she taught me hard work and resilience ; that you can’t control everything What is your personal motto ? that happens in life , but you can control how you respond and “ Be a Fruit Loop in a world of Cheerios . ” move forward . SouthJerseyBiz.net | VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | 27

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