__________________

2009-2015

George Rodriguez

__________________

2006-2009

Regis W. Schultis, Jr.

__________________

2000 – 2005

Joseph M. Marasco

__________________

1992 – 1999

Joseph Pilaro

__________________

1991
Donald Spangler
__________________

1990
Robert Vaughn
__________________

1989
Les Cline
__________________

1987-1988
Robert Manley
__________________

1986
Robert Titus
__________________

1985

David Deutsch

__________________

1984
Bill Kopulsky
__________________

...

__________________

1954-1957
Carl Sears
__________________

 

Organizers and Student Volunteers
Meet the CME members and students who help advance leadership development and STEM education

BIOGRAPHIES

 

Karin Bartels, PhD

Karin Bartels is Managing Partner at Ipintech LLC. She advises multinational corporations and small companies on IP strategy, IP portfolio management and technology commercialization.  The application areas include nanomaterials, specialty chemicals, chemical and bio-catalysis, and polymers. Her industrial career spans 24 years with the global specialty chemicals company, Degussa (now Evonik Industry) both in Germany and in the US. She specialized in IP and innovation management, external technology and business development.

Karin is recognized for her ability to generate new business through her broad external networks, practical approach to open innovation, and commercial assessment of in/out-licensing opportunities. She has extensive experience in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, precious metal catalysis, inorganic nanoparticles, peroxide-based chemical oxidations, and polymers. Karin served on the Board of Directors of the Council of Chemical Research, on the IRI's External Directors' Network and on ACS Corporation Associates Committee.  Dr. Bartels earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and a M.S. in chemistry at Technical University Braunschweig, Germany. She is also a registered US patent agent.

Neil Burns

Neil Burns is managing partner of Neil A Burns LLC, a private equity investment and strategic advisory firm focused on the chemical industry. Neil A Burns LLC invests private equity capital in mid-market chemical companies to support growth, recapitalizations and management buyouts. Target EV’s are in the range $50 Million to $1.5 Billion.  The firm also provides advisory services on strategic matters affecting chemical companies and their owners, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and major investments. As part of the advisory practice, Neil A Burns LLC manages the surfactant technology business of Desmet Ballestra sPa in North America. Mr. Burns sits on the board of SiVance LLC and the operating boards of GenNx360 Capital Partners and Linley Capital. Previously, Mr. Burns was CEO of Oxiteno USA and VP US Operations of VVF Ltd. He holds a BS in Chemistry from the University of York and an MBA from the Wharton School.

 

Adam Closson, PhD

Dr. Closson has worked as a researcher at International Flavors and Fragrances for the last nine years. Dr. Closson holds numerous patents in the fragrance field and he has had several inventions selected for commercialization. His experiences in the fragrance industry have developed into an interest in the commercial and practical aspects of the chemical industry in general. Before working in the fragrance industry Dr. Closson was an American Society for Engineering Education fellow at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Ridgrecrest, California, where he worked on novel conducting polymers for use in modern power storage devices. Throughout his research career catalysis has always remained an area of interest due to his doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego, involving the synthesis and behavior of organoiridium complexes.

 

Marios Hatzikyrikou

Mr. Marios Hatzikyriakou has nearly 9 years of transaction support, techno-economic analysis, strategic planning, business development, design, construction, and operations experience across the value chain of energy and chemicals. He has created significant value combining engineering judgment and financial expertise to advise multi-billion dollar investments from inception until completion in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. 

Marios is a Nexant Senior Consultant performing commercial and technical due diligence into the issues which will drive value from a transaction for: Three project financed $1.5B+ USA natural gas reforming to methanol projects, Project financed $300M+ USA biomass derived chemical manufacturing project, Private equity acquisition of a leading global specialty chemicals producer of organic acid salts, Base olefins complex and pipeline assets in USA, Biomass, waste, solar, and wind power IPO listing on the main board of an Asian stock exchange. Before joining Nexant, he served at Chicago Bridge & Iron. Marios has an MBA from Cornell University, a BS in chemical engineering from Columbia University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in New Jersey.. 

 

Owen Jappen

Owen P. Jappen is a Senior Process Engineer with the Process Optimization and Digitization group of Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH in Krefeld, Germany. Formerly, Jappen worked under Innovation Management with Evonik in North Carolina and was an adjunct faculty member at NC Agricultural and Technical University. In 2017 he was named to AIChE’s inaugural “35 Under 35” list. He is a volunteer with organizations interfacing with European Union policy development and organization. As a past CME student volunteer, Owen has distinguished himself as an organizer of innovative global events and an excellent networking facilitator. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

 

Brian Orkin

Mr. Orkin is an Operating Director at Arsenal Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity fund, where he is a member of the Fund’s Specialty Industrials/Chemicals team. Prior to joining Arsenal, Mr. Orkin was a principal with The Anderson Group, LLC, a private equity investment firm focusing on buyouts and control investments in lower middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service businesses. Prior to joining The Anderson Group, Mr. Orkin co-founded a bank holding company which acquired a national bank in Florida. Prior to that, Mr. Orkin was a corporate finance attorney for seven years with law firms in California and Pennsylvania. Mr. Orkin has a B.A. from the University of Michigan, a J.D. from California Western School of Law and an M.B.A. from the Executive Program at the University of Pittsburgh.

 

Guy Penard

Guy is the CEO of SyntheZyme LLC. He has worked in leadership positions on the interface between technology and business. He has a degree in Chemical Engineer (BSc) and MBA of the University of Twente in the Netherlands. He is an experienced leader in both petro- and oleo chemicals for commodities and specialty product businesses. Guy has lived and worked around the world working in the plastics, fine particles (pigments, minerals), advanced composite materials for aerospace, specialty compounds, oleo chemicals, color/additive concentrate and the renewable energy industries.

He has an extensive experience in development and execution of strategy as well as creating customer value, new business growth by collaborating closely with customers and by bringing together the complementary skill sets of companies in business consortia and partnerships. Guy has worked more than 25 years around the world in various leadership and executive positions for companies such as blank1DSM, Mobil Chemicals, Cognis and Cabot Corporation. He currently serves on the board of start-up companies such as Bridging Competencies, BeGreen Energy BV and SyntheZyme LLC.

 

Paul Pospisil, PhD

Paul Pospisil’s primary focus is to assist biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies in recruiting for positions such as chief executive officer, chief business officer, head of research and development and other key executives. With over fifteen years in the industry as a successful executive and investor, Mr. Pospisil brings a thoughtful perspective to executive search, shaped by a breath of experiences in new product development, business development, M&A, financings, strategy, company building, operational leadership and board functions from start-up, growth to mature biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies.

Prior to joining Korn/Ferry, Mr. Pospisil was a co-founder of both Aduro Capital LLC, and Aduro Partners LLC, focused on helping venture-backed and public life science companies assess, evaluate, partner opportunities and build businesses. Previously, he was a partner in life science investments at Atlas Venture and earlier was with Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where his last position was director, strategy leadership. Earlier, he worked at Altus Biologics. Mr. Pospisil holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Harvard University and a BS in biochemistry from NYU. He also attended Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development (PMD).

 

George Rodriguez

A forward-looking chemical engineer with executive business experience at global firms such as Nagase, Pfizer, Asahi Glass and Union Carbide, he serves as STEM program producer and sustainable innovation advisor. He worked at Nagase as head of business development for 7 years scouting adjacent markets, screening ventures and licensing opportunities. He has served a broad range of industries including chemicals, construction, plastics, electronics and health care. For 11 years at Pfizer, he played key roles in business unit management, strategic marketing and M&A teams. Highest honors in both BS in Chemical Engineering, and MS in Industrial Management.

CME Chair for six years (2009-2015) and turned it into the leading ACS business group, the largest topical group and top supporter of STEM programs such as free business luncheons, ACS Scholars and K-12 Chemistry Festivals. The number of students who benefited from CME activities went from one to over 6,000. CME took ACS NY from 6th in 2011 to 2nd largest Section at ACS. Co-Founded the highly successful (800 attendees) ACS NASA Space Symposium at ACS National Meetings and is the Founder of the Leadership Awards event that won three ChemLuminary Awards including two for Global Engagement (2012 and 2014). He was the NY Section nominee for the "2013 Award for ACS Volunteer Service" and received the ACS NY "2015 Award for Outstanding Service."

 

Paloma Narciso

Paloma holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Energy Systems Planning at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP). She is pursuing an Executive Master of Science degree in Management of Technology at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering, and attends classes at Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Her specialty areas includes research, market analysis, project management and valuation of energy assets. She loves to learn languages and connect with professionals from all over the world. She would like to pursue opportunities in Consulting, Private Equity and Ventures Capital and help them grow by reaching new clients, organizing events, and analyzing new business opportunities. She developed a methodology for wind energy pricing and commercialization at the spot and regulated markets and led a team of eight people, planned a project to increase 25% in profits for the Prom Committee (Class of 2013), raised over $170,000 and delivered a Graduation event for 2,000 people. Paloma was awarded two fully funded scholarships for Master’s studies.

 

Allegra Mondillo

Allegra is a B.S. Student of Chemistry at NYU. In addition to a fine scholastic record, Allegra is a remarkable organizer and communicator. She played the central role in the organization of two dozen students who volunteered to support the 2014 Leadership Awards (TM) event at the Yale Club in New York. Her qualities as a leader and personal warmth embody the character of the student volunteers of CM&E. "I thank CM&E and the Leadership Awards attendees and sponsors for giving me such a great opportunity to coordinate the support of student volunteers. I feel so lucky to have experienced firsthand such an amazing celebration of industry and student leaders. The wise words of such renowned speakers and esteemed guests will be with me after I graduate in the spring. I look forward to becoming part of this great industry and helping organize future meetings in any way that I can."

 

Anna Powers

Anna holds a Ph.D.in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry at NYU. Anna is the recipient of the 2014 Global STEM Student LeaderAward for her outstanidng effort in advancing chemistry through Festivals in Peru that helped 2,000 students and for her pivotal role in the formation of the ACS International Chemical Sciences Chapter in Peru, one of the first two Chapters in Latin America in ACS’s 138-year history. She holds a BS degree in Chemistry from NYU. She graduated Cum Laude. For her research work she got the Margaret Strauss Kramer Fellowship. Anna received the 2011 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award at NYU. She teaches the Energy and the Environment class showing non-STEM students the magic of science. Anna’s leadership in advancing STEM education throughout the world in particular for women, embodies the mission of CM&E. Anna said, "Congratulations to CME on great leadership and fantastic work in organizing such a successful Leadership Awards event! I am excited to take part in this organization under its Leadership Development Program and learn from its terrific Board of Directors in the coming years.”

 

Debra Rooker

Debra is a Ph.D. Student of Chemistry at NYU and an outstanding student volunteer of CM&E. Dedication, responsiveness and performance are her trademarks. She has been supporting the CM&E meetings and the Leadership Awards (TM) since 2013.

 

 

 

 

Cicely Schillingford

Cicely is a PhD student of Chemistry at NYU. She has been an active volunteer and gave the opening remarks at the Leadership Awards (TM) of December 5, 2017. Cicely is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow working at the Weck Research Group at NYU’s Molecular Design Institute. Her research focuses on materials chemistry, specifically the synthesis and assembly of complex colloidal architectures.

"As an inspired academic with a knack for innovative research and learning new skills to make to impact society, CME has been a perfect professional home for me. Through CME’s stimulating networking and cutting edge programming I had the opportunity to meet with professionals at the intersection of business and technology. One example of the pioneering CME programming was the first ACS NASA Mars Symposium held in Washington last August. I met with Dr. J. Craig Venter, a biologist renowned for historic contributions in genomics such as sequencing the first complete diploid human genome, and the construction of the first synthetic bacterial cell. Meeting Dr. Venter an incredible honour that I will never forget. I deeply appreciate the inspirational and courageous leadership of CME. The words “celebrate the leaders of today and enable those of tomorrow” are not a slogan, they represent the real passion and operational culture of CME. On behalf of all the student volunteers and scholars supported by CME, I would like to thank the CME Group for such extraordinary opportunities afforded to us."

 

Anahit Stepanyan

Anahit is a B.S. student of Chemistry at NYU. Anahit is part of the CM&E leadership development program. Her spirit of service and organizational skills have been demonstrated by her support of CM&E meetings including the Leadership Awards (TM) of December 4, 2014.

"My classmates and I were thrilled to hear such insightful views of industry leaders and watch the recognition of Anna, my mentor and role model. As a STEM student myself, meeting with experienced business professionals as well as doctorate and high school students filled me with completely new perspectives. I feel happy for participating in the leadership program so that I can help others. I am really grateful to the generous sponsors that make the CM&E programs possible. Joining CM&E has been the highlight of my semester. I wish everyone a Prosperous New Year."

 

Xiao Zhong

Xiao Zhong is a Ph.D. Student of Chemistry at New York University. His specialties include crystallization, polymorphism, organic synthesis, miroarray fabrication and colloid packing.

Under the advice of Dr. Michael Ward since September 2012 he has conducted research on the role of self-assembled monolayer on crystal polymorphism and the fabrication of micro-corrals for crystallization by Polymer Pen Lithography. Previously, under the guidance of Dr. Adam Braunschweig (September 2011-August 2012) he investigated the critical role of polymer stiffness in Polymer Pen Lithography, developed a new nanolithographic tool (Nanosizer) for preparing combinatorial arrays in situ and multiplex lectin arrays printing, investigated optical properties of chiral structures printed by Polymer Pen Lithography and performed radical thiol-ene chemistry on hydrogel substrate for microarray fabrication.

 

David Ferber

"I was blessed to be a part of CM&E’sLeadership Development Program. Not only was I learning important interpersonal, management, and organizational skills, I got to work with a team of enthusiastic individuals with a passion for business and STEM education. Over two years I gained invaluable career advice from CM&E Board Members and had many stimulating conversations with leading professionals in the Chemicals Industry."

David Ferber graduated from Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Earth and Environmental Engineering. Currently a Junior High and High School Tutor at Ivy League Tutors Network, he is recognized for his excellent communications with students, parents and educators. As a previous intern in the Consumer Electronics and Engineering Lab at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, he conducted performance tests on various consumer products, toys and home improvement tools. While there he also represented the company at press events and product launches and met with key decision makers in the industry, including CEOs and CTOs.