Patrice Connolly Pantello '76 has spent more than 25 years in the book publishing industry. She began her career with Meredith Corporation's Better Homes & Gardens Book Clubs as an editorial assistant. She quickly became a book selection editor and then book rights manager, overseeing the editors. In 1985, she was hired by Doubleday's Literary Guild and Book Club division as managing editor, overseeing editorial operations for 14 book clubs as well as the publication of Nelson Doubleday Books.
In 1987, she established Connolly & Associates, a literary rights agency in both domestic and international markets, to provide sales and marketing services to Readers Digest, Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Meredith Corporation, and Sterling Publishing, among others. In 2001 she semi-retired.
Pat served as vice president of Marist's Alumni Association from 1987 to 1992 and alumni chair of the 1990 Marist Fund Campaign. She currently serves on the Marist Board of Trustees.
Pat is proudly affiliated with the American Cancer Society's "Road to Recovery" program, providing transportation for patients to their chemotherapy. Pat is married to Ron Pantello, Chairman and CEO of Euro RSCG Life Worldwide. She enjoys golf and spending time with her step-children and grandchildren. Pat and Ron split their time residing in Park Ridge, NJ and Longboat Key, FL.
Nella Licari '94 is the manager of special projects at ABC-TV. She works with all ABCNews broadcasts, special events, breaking news, and political coverage as well as ABC entertainment specials with behind-the-scenes production work. Nella is a member of the Directors Guild of America. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nephew Matthew. Nella resides in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
Maria Licari-Cohen '93 is a producer at Good Morning America/ABC News. She primarily produces cooking and lifestyle segments. Maria produces GMA family member chefs Emeril Lagasse, Sara Moulton, and Wolfgang Puck, as well as other celebrity chefs, for their appearances on the show. She has received a number of awards for her work.
She and her husband, David, have a son, Matthew Jack, born October 25, 2006. As the mother of a young energetic son and with a very long commute to New York City, Maria does not have much free time. She enjoys reading, cooking, and most important, spending time with Matthew and David. Maria misses her theatre days and once in awhile makes an appearance singing the National Anthem at a Marist homecoming game. Maria and her family reside in Peekskill, New York.
Peter Ferrigno recently became the vice president of sales and service for Becton Dickinson Bioscience Business in San Jose, CA. Peter's prior responsibility was the position of vice president general manager for the Becton Dickinson Diabetes/Home Healthcare business in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Peter serves as a senior executive for the BD University Leadership Development Program. He has been an active member of the board of the Franciscans Sisters for the Poor and has also been active with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Barbara is a homemaker and registered nurse. She is busy with numerous activities and volunteer organizations throughout Bernard's Township, NJ.
Peter graduated from Niagara University in Niagara Falls, NY in 1977. Barbara graduated from Niagara University in 1978.
The Ferrignos have three wonderful children (Michael, Kristen '10 and Robert) and live in Basking Ridge, NJ.
Richard K. Whalen, DDS, has been practicing dentistry in the Hudson Valley for 13 years. Achieving a bachelor's degree in pre-professional studies at the University of Notre Dame in 1988 and a doctor of dental surgery degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook - School of Dental Medicine in 1992, Dr. Whalen is committed to providing patients with complete comprehensive oral care. Dr. Whalen established Dental Design Studio in 1993 and has been a prominent figure within the dental industry ever since. He is a part of several renowned Dental Associations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies.
When he is not caring for his patients, Dr. Whalen finds his greatest joy in spending time with his family. Dr. Whalen is happily married to Lisa and they have two beautiful children, Zoe and Luke. He also has a passion for sports.
Maureen Cairl has worked in the financial industry for over 30 years. She joined Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union in 1981 where she has held a variety of management positions before transferring to the Marketing Department in 2002. Maureen currently holds the position of Sales Department Associate. In that capacity she assists in directing and reinforcing the training, and sales and service efforts to insure exceptional levels of members sales and service are achieved.
Maureen serves on the board of directors of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, is chairperson of the Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador committee, and volunteers for various local organizations. In 1992 she was a YWCA Salute to Women and Industry Honoree, a 1997 graduate of the Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, and a 2005 recipient of the "Make a Difference Award."
