Delaware Valley University Creates a President's Advisory Council

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) has created a President’s Advisory Council (PAC), a non-governing group that supports the University’s historical commitment to experiential learning to prepare students to meet the challenges of a complex global environment, engage in life-long learning, acquire requisite skills, and exhibit a spirit of inquiry that enriches and informs their lives, thus preparing them to pursue meaningful careers and to fulfill societal, community and family responsibilities.

PAC members serve as DelVal community champions in service to the University’s mission by sharing ideas, feedback, and valuable engagement opportunities with DelVal leadership; providing professional expertise and diverse knowledge of constituent perspectives; leveraging their connections to resources at all levels; and providing other forms of needed assistance.

“We are fortunate to have such an accomplished group of professionals to serve on the President’s Advisory Council,” said DelVal President Benjamin E. Rusiloski. “Each member brings their unique experience and point of view to the table, and I look forward to their ideas and input.”

Eight volunteer members have been appointed to the PAC, each serving a three-year, renewable term. The PAC is co-chaired by Joy Levy, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, and Joe Fiochetta, Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs. The PAC members are:

Ronald (Ron) Alexander ’84 - Principal of R. Alexander Associates, Inc., a leading environmental consulting company, specializing in composting, organics recycling, and product market research and development. He has more than 40 years’ experience in compost, biosolids-based, and other organic recycled product manufacturing, marketing, and utilization.

George Ball - Chairman of W. Atlee Burpee Company, the nation’s largest home garden seed and plant company, and founder of The Burpee Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports national and international horticultural and agricultural education and relief projects.

Lisa Caperelli ’09 - Vice President of Investor Relations at Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, a virology-focused biotech company working to treat patients with hepatitis B virus. Lisa has more than 20 years of demonstrated experience in leading investor relations and corporate communications strategies for publicly traded biotechnology companies. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in advising executives, securing capital through various types of financings, and concisely communicating the company’s strategy, growth opportunities and business initiatives to key stakeholders. Lisa is a board member of NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations and Advisors and immediate past President of the NIRI Philadelphia Chapter, where she currently serves as an advisor.

Neil Clover ’89 - Chief Technology Officer at SDI, a firm that provides digital supply chain solutions and services. He has more than 30 years’ experience in information technology, including C-level positions in Research, Engineering and Global Manufacturing firms. Neil served as DelVal’s Watson Executive in Residence in 2011, and was previously an adjunct faculty member at DelVal, teaching macroeconomics and microeconomics.

Marlene De la Cruz - Global President, Adelphi Research Franchise, a group of leading global healthcare market research consultancies. Marlene has more than 25 years’ experience in research. She served as DelVal’s Watson Executive in Residence in 2015 and is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Jerry Fritz ’88 - Owner of both Jerry Fritz Garden Design, Inc. (a design/build landscape company) and Linden Hill Gardens (a farmstead, specialty retail nursery, and destination garden). A noted horticulture expert, he has made four appearances on Martha Stewart’s television show and has been a guest on several radio shows/podcasts. Jerry is the author of the book Lessons from Linden Hill: Design Tips and Planning Pointers, and articles by and about him have appeared in several national gardening magazines. He is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Dorothy Prisco - Named DelVal’s Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Emerita in 2014, having served as VPAA and Dean of the Faculty from 2006-2011. During her time at DelVal, Dorothy focused on strengthening academic leadership, developing faculty, providing support for the student research course, complying with Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) standards, and reinvigorating adult programs. Following her retirement from the VPAA position, Dorothy worked at DelVal as Special Assistant to the President, providing campus-wide leadership in DelVal’s MSCHE self-study and re-accreditation process.

Jeane M. Vidoni - As President and CEO of Penn Community Bank – the largest independent, mutual bank in eastern Pennsylvania – Jeane leads and inspires its dynamic team of more than 300 employees to fulfill the bank’s mission to act as a catalyst for growth in every community it serves. She serves as president of the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) and Pennsylvania Member Director on the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Jeane is a member of the Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development Board, past president of the board of directors of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and member of the advisory council of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.