Anthony A. Vecchio

All-Ways Advertising Company 

Dr.Anthony P. Cavanna

West Orange Schools Superintendent

Dr. Cavanna brings an extensive background in K-12 education to his position. Most recently, he was a principal research scientist and vice-president of the American Institutes for Research in Washington D.C., a firm committed to school reform and education systems design. In this role he guided design systems that would assist educators in meeting the needs of all students by providing customized tools to improve student learning.

In his first year as Superintendent, he has developed a five-year strategic plan to increase student performance while operating under fiscal constraints.

In New York, Dr. Cavanna served as a deputy superintendent of schools in New York City and superintendent of schools in the Old Bethpage Public School District, Plainview, NY where the district was named one of the top 100 school districts in the nation. In New Jersey, Dr. Cavanna was superintendent in Fort Lee and Rahway, where he continued to lead reform efforts to raise student achievement and foster excellence in culturally and language diverse school districts.

Early on, he began his career as a mathematics teacher, ultimately becoming the founding principal of the Mott Hall School of Mathematics, Science and Technology on the campus of City College in New York City. This magnet school is cited as a model of excellence and continues to be replicated in states throughout the nation.

Dr. Cavanna holds a Doctorate of Education and a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership from Fordham University, as well as a Masters of Science Degree in Educational Technology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics and Education from the City University of New York.

His wife and he have two children and four grandchildren.
 

Bonnie A. Evans

Chief Executive Officer

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation - West Orange Campus

Bonnie A. Evans is Chief Executive Officer for Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation- West Orange Campus, the nation’s largest provider of in-patient physical rehabilitation.  In collaboration with the President, she sets strategic direction aimed at enhancing care, providing a positive work environment and improving profitability at Kessler’s West Orange campus.  In her 36-year career at the Institute, Ms. Evans held a variety of clinical and administrative positions before assuming the role of senior vice president.  Her background comprises both physical therapy and administration.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy cum laude from Northeastern University and a master’ in health administration from Seton Hall University.  Ms. Evans holds positions on four not for profit boards Friends Health Connection, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Brain Injury Association, and the Executive Women of New Jersey.  She has been honored for her contributions and achievements by the Executive Women of New Jersey, the Community Health Law Project, and the Friends Health Connection, Select Medical Corporation, and NJBIZ Top 50 Women in Business.  Mentoring young professional women is a particular passion for Ms. Evans, and allows her countless opportunities to share her expertise.

Tekeste (Cass) Ghebremicael

Cass Realtors, Inc.

Tekeste (Cass) Ghebremicael is the founder, owner and Broker of Record of Cass Inc., Realtors, a successful real estate firm located in West Orange, New Jersey. Tekeste started Cass Inc., Realtors in 1990 and has continuously triumphed as a respectful businessman in the community. He also holds a certified public account certification for over 25 years.

He is an active Trustee of the North Central Jersey Board of Realtors, an association of member real estate professionals that adhere to the Realtors Code of Ethics. The NCJAR provides valuable services to members while enhancing education, training and integrity to all its members.

Tekeste (Cass) has served as a member of the Planning Board for the Township of West Orange since 2004. He is also actively involved as one of the Board of Directors of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Tekeste (Cass) has also served as a Rotarian with the West Orange Rotary Club since 2002.This worthy organization supports and focuses on helping in so many ways those in our community as well as supporting projects that are global in scope.

He is the Co-founder and Vice Chairperson of Amanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church in West Orange.  Tekeste is a longtime resident of West Orange married to his lovely wife Ayalnesh (Hanna) and the father of five children.

Kevin H. Kruse, ChFC, CLTC

Senior Consultant

Capital Benefits, LLC

Kevin advises clients in the areas of retirement planning, employee group benefits, investments and estate conservation.  Special emphasis is placed on working with business owners and management in the design and implementation of tax efficient pension and retirement plans, low-cost health insurance and strategies for transferring wealth. 

Prior to joining Capital Benefits, Kevin was President of Kruse Management Consulting, where he worked with Private Equity firms and mid-sized companies in employee benefits and retirement plan design. Previously, Kevin had over 20 years experience working for FORTUNE companies such as Korn/Ferry International,  RH Macy & Co. and The Limited Inc. where he was Vice President of Human Resources, as well as, a leading Swiss technology company where he was Chief Administrative Officer for its North American subsidiary.  Kevin’s background as a Corporate Executive and Business consultant lends itself well to clients looking for recommendations based on sound judgment and experience. 

Education/Professional Designations 

• Chartered Financial Consultant, The American College, 2007

• MetLife’s Advanced Markets Tax Institute, 2006

• Certified in Long Term Care Planning, 2005

• Bachelor of Science, Bowling Green State University, 1979

• SEC Series 6, 63, 65

Matthew Schwartz, CPA/CFF, CFE, CIRA, MBA

As a Partner in the Insolvency and Litigation Services Department of Bederson & Company LLP, Matt is responsible for overseeing, reviewing and testifying regarding all aspects of forensic engagements, including bankruptcy, insolvency, fraud, damages and tax matters. He has appeared and testified in Bankruptcy and State Courts in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In this capacity, he has represented Trustees, Secured Creditors, Creditors' Committees and Debtors and served as Liquidating Agent. He has also investigated and uncovered numerous defalcations, leading to recoveries and arrests. Matt also chairs the Firm's Information Technology Committee, which is responsible for monitoring, advising and training within the Firm for emerging technologies.

Matt has lectured on insolvency and tax matters for the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (including various chapters), the Hunterdon Medical Center, the Essex County Bar Association, Lorman Education Services, AGN (an international affiliation of accounting firms), the Association of Commercial Finance Attorneys law firms, publicly held companies and the Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, a national group of accountants focusing on insolvency and bankruptcy matters. He has also developed and taught a variety of courses in the areas of tax, EDP investigations and insolvency matters as well as a wide range of college level courses at Warren County Community College and Kean University.

Matt is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he previously chaired the Bankruptcy Task Force; New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants; The Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, where he serves as a member of the executive committee and is developing a new series of advanced seminars; the Association of Fraud Examiners, The Turnaround Management Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute, where he is an associate editor of the "Cracking the Code" Editorial Board. Recent publications include "IRS Access to Pension Funds," published by the American Bankruptcy Institute and "Where'd the Money Go? Restructuring Cash Flow," published by the American Bankruptcy Institute Journal.

2010 President of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and President of the Lions Club, Matt majored in economics at the University of Virginia where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction. He obtained his MBA in accounting from Rutgers.

Ira M. Sonet, DMD, FAGD,PA.

Dr. Sonet graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ (1978), and received his dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1982).  He has maintained a private dental practice in West Orange for over 26 years. Since graduating from dental school, he has taken extensive post graduate dental courses in all phases of general and cosmetic dentistry, receiving a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2001.  Dr. Sonet was recently named to the list of  “America’s Top Dentists”, 2010.

Michele Sutton

Personal Solutions

Michele Sutton established Personal Solutions to assist individuals and small businesses with the management of their medical bills and financial affairs as well as the organization of their paperwork.  She specializes in resolving issues with Medicare/Medigap and Medicare D. she is experienced in working with seniors and acting as liaison to families at a distance. 

Michele received her BS Degree from NYU, graduating with highest honors. She spent over twenty years working for D&B, holding various positions. Due to her customer focus and problem solving skills, she was awarded three Customer Focus Awards and two Corporate Leadership awards. 

In 1996 she started work as a Vision Volunteer for Essex County, assisting blind and visually impaired senior clients with their banking, paperwork and obtaining resources.  She continues to work as a volunteer for the SCILS program and in 2003 was appointed to their Advisory Board. 

In 2003, Michele decided it was time to change careers and start a business doing what she does best – helping people. She takes a heartfelt interest in making her clients’ lives easier by relieving them of the highly detailed tasks of their private and professional lives.

Michele is insured and bonded. She serves on the Board of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. She is also on the Executive Board of NJAWBO (New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners).

Susan McCartney

First Mountain Preschool

Chamber of Commerce member Susan McCartney, is the founder and owner of First Mountain Preschool established on Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange in 1997.

With a Bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and a Master's from Kean University, Susan's graduate thesis was published by HarperCollins.  The book was reviewed by the President of the prestigious National Association for the Education of Young Children, whereby the educational theories researched evolved into the present literature-based curriculum of First Mountain Preschool.  Susan has designed state-wide curriculum models and served as an adjunct professor in Education and Administration at Seton Hall University and Montclair State University.

Susan's long-term commitment to the West Orange community secured the Town Council election in  2002 and 2006.  Susan currently serves as the West Orange Town Council President and Council liaison to the Chamber of Commerce and the West Orange Planning Board. 

In 2009, Susan's leadership skills were channeled and acknowledged with an appointment as the West Orange Sustainable Jersey Coordinator.

Susan and her childhood sweetheart Joe McCartney have been married for 35 years.  They have three children Joseph (27) married to Candace Tremaine of Rhode Island; Kate (24) & Hannah (20) and two beautiful grandchildren Joseph Oliver (4) and Madison Margaret (1).

Constitution & By-Laws:  To meet review and propose amendments to the by-laws on an annual basis.  Submit written report, with or without recommendations, for board to approve at the May meeting each year. 

            Chair                 Michele Sutton

            Members           Joe Vena

                                    Roger Schneider

Budget and Finance:  Meet annually after elections to discuss and create budget for upcoming fiscal year.  The budget should be submitted to the board for approval at the first meeting after the elections.  The chair of the committee should be the VP of Finance, with support from the VP, and one additional member.

            Chair                 Kevin Kruse

            Members           Matt Schwartz

                                   Tekeste Ghebremicael

Events Planning Committee:  Meet quarterly to review all events for the year. The members of this committee will consist of the chair people of the six sub-committees. The sub-committees will be the following:  

                                    Networking Breakfast                 Fishing Trip

                                    Awards Dinner                           Golf Outing

                                    Thanksgiving Luncheon               Mayor’s Breakfast

            Chair                                         Matt Schwartz

            Sub-Committees

Networking Breakfast                 Chair                 Rick Brill

            Fishing Trip                               Chair                 Vic Amoruso    

                                                           Members           Bonnie Evans

                                                                                   Ira Sonet

Awards Dinner                           Chair                 Rick Brill

                                               Members           Roger Schneider

                                                                      Matt Schwartz

                                                                      Jerry Tarnoff

Golf Outing                                Chair                Joe Vena

Thanksgiving Luncheon                Chair                 Ira Sonet

                                                Members           Matt Schwartz

                                                                       Jerry Tarnoff

Mayor’s Breakfast                      Chair                 Tony Vecchio

                                                           Member            Susan McCartney

Nominations:  Meet annually before elections to propose new slate.  This committee should consist of the current President, the immediate past President and a member at large.

            Chair                Roger Schneider

            Members           Ira Sonet