2024 WSAA Executive Council Elections

As a proud Criminal Justice major and a leader of the Criminal Justice Club during my on-campus years, I spent the next 30 years working as a a law enforcement professional. I worked for 10 years running halfway houses for returning Federal inmates and the next 20 years as a U.S. Probation Officer. I had positions as a sentencing specialist and as a supervisor of multiple supervision and court units. I took everything I learned at WSU and used it for 30+ years. I had mentors, especially Dr. Victor Ascolillo and Dr. Joseph Hanrahan, who guided and championed me. I would like to do that for others who are excited to pursue a law enforcement career (or any field that is of service to others). 

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the WSAA Executive Council. With my background in communications, I am confident in my ability to leverage my experience and expertise to elevate the efforts of the WSAA Executive Council and drive impactful results. 

As a Strategic Initiative Administrator, Public Relations and Marketing professional, I have managed a variety of campaigns, railroad quiet zones, and grand openings with much success. All of which was possible because of my earlier career in broadcast media that began with my enrollment in Westfield State College. 

I am confident that my strong communications skills, strategic mindset, and passion for learning help to make me an ideal candidate for the WSAA Executive Council. 

I believe that I would be a valuable asset to the committee because of my love for WSU and my desire to move the school forward. I have a unique career as a US Capitol Police Officer and the leadership skills I have learned will make me a unique member of the board with a diverse set of ideas and a voice.

Sherard Johnson is a proud WSU owl who volunteer's his team to participate in any WSU event or committee because of his passion for the university and commitment to seeing it grow. Currently, he is a staff member in the Social Work Department and find opportunities to keep our social work alum engaged and the department with the rest of the university campus. He is very organized, driven, and loves to serve his community.

Nominated by Tyrese Tillman

Brian is a member of the Class of 2012 (BA Political Science). He was an active member of the University community during his tenure, serving on the Student Government Association and as a three-season athlete with the Men's Cross-Country, Indoor Track & Field, and Outdoor Track & Field teams. In Student Government, Brian helped lead a focus group to assess proposed changes to the University's on-campus tobacco policy and developed a proposal that the University later adopted. With the aid of his Westfield education, Brian attended law school and has worked as a licensed attorney in New York City since 2015, where he regularly advises executives and boards in navigating complex legal and regulatory disputes. Brian maintains a steady connection to Westfield through annual giving to the University and providing informal mentoring to current students and junior alumni interested in pursuing legal careers.

Brian strikes the right balance between seeing the forest through the trees and pressing a meticulous attention to detail. This mindset, coupled with his ability to effectively process complex issues and identify practical solutions, will allow him to make valuable contributions to the University. His commitment and skillset will allow the Executive Council to better pursue its mission to foster and fortify existing relationships and build new connections.

Nominated by Anthony Iozzo

Dennis attributes his career success to his outstanding education from Westfield State. After graduating Dennis taught in Springfield for 4 years. He was then recruited by the Australian government to teach in the Melbourne Public School System. Dennis then continued to teach internationally is Japan and Korea for 28 years, teaching math and physics. Dennis still maintains a friendship with George Psychas, his geography teacher at WSU. Dennis taught George's grandchild when Dennis taught in Accra, Ghana. After returning to MA, Dennis has been teaching math and physics at Sturgis in Hyannis for 8 years. Dennis recently joined our Cape Cod Club Steering Committee. He has been involved in great discussions on the Steering Committee. He is truly a team player. I feel he would be a geat addition to the Executive Council.

Nominated by Arlene Tierney

Michael Quesnel would be an excellent candidate for the WSAA Executive Council. He is married to former Gayle Boyington, WSU Class of 1984. They have 2 adult children--a son who is a manager for Boeing aviation software and a daughter who is a 2nd grade teacher. Michael retired after 37 successful years as a software engineer and manager in Research and Development of healthcare clinical and financial software for the largest healthcare corporation in the health care field. Michael is a respected leader having served as a past member of the Board of Directors for South Hadley Childcare, served 15 years as a member of the Granby School Committee including 5 years as Chairperson and served as Chairperson for the Granby School Building Committee.  He has, also, been an assistant coach for the Granby Athletic Association and for Destination Imagination. Michael is a past marathon runner participating in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC and in multiple races supporting epilepsy. Michael has supported and attended our first two Cape Cod Club events. He and his wife Gayle were extremely helpful cleaning up after our August CCC event. It is with great enthusiasm that I support Michael Quesnel for a position on the WSAA Executive Council.

Nominated by Arlene Tierney

Karina spent her tenure at WSU as an active student leader who made connections with faculty, staff, and students alike. She served as a member of the Courtney Hall Council before serving a two-year term as the Executive Secretary on the SGA Executive Council - because of SGA she was a member of many different governance committee and was a key student voice in early discussions about the recently completed Parenzo Hall renovations. Karina was also a member of acaOWLETTES and spent her final year at WSU as a member of the Executive Council for that group as well.

Since graduating, Karina has worked in the Communications field for both the Norton Public Schools in Norton, MA and Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA.

Her connections with alumni and campus contacts are a huge asset to the council - and her experience in Communications and Media should only serve to help the expansion of the Alumni Council!

Nominated by Jacob Lotter