Tell us about yourself.
I am from just south of Pittsburgh, in Washington, Pennsylvania. While at West Virginia University, I earned a bachelor’s degree as a finance major. I was a member of the WVU football team as a kicker/punter until I medically retired in August of 2018. Subsequently, I served as a student assistant special teams coach for the 2018-2019 season. Under the new coaching staff, I worked in player personnel and recruiting, assisting our director of player personnel with day-to-day operations. Prior to experience working with football, I spent a summer interning at my father’s energy company, gaining first-hand experience with the natural gas industry. I chose to pursue the MBA-SBP degree from Duquesne in order to further my problem-solving skills and to learn more about sustainable business practices, specifically in the energy sector. After the culmination of this program, I plan to work in the energy industry, hopefully using both my financial background and education in sustainability to help a business. Additionally, I plan to take my SIE, Series 7, and 66 exams in order to have the ability to trade financial securities and offer advice to others.
What is one of your favorite things to do in Pittsburgh?
As an avid sports fan, and native yinzer, I love attending Steeler games. I have been going to games ever since I can remember, and there is nothing quite like tailgating outside the stadium with a bunch of family and friends. Once inside the stadium, I love getting rowdy and cheering on the “Lers”.
What skill would you like to master?
If I could master any skill, it would have to be the ability to cook. Growing up in a large Italian family, my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles developed their own recipes to all types of foods. I really need to step-up and learn how to make my own sauces and other family recipes sooner rather than later.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
In 2012, my club soccer team was able to play several games overseas in England against several British teams. During this experience, we visited beautiful and historic sites such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. We were also fortunate to be able to tour Stamford Bridge, home of the professional soccer club, Chelsea FC.
What is the best way to start the day?
There is no better way to start every morning than with a quick workout session. It helps get my blood flowing and my mind clear for the day.
What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
If I had to give a 30-minute presentation off the cuff on any topic, and have it be successful, it would probably be about the NFL. I consider myself a football nerd, with an unhealthy amount of knowledge about the sport’s history, players, games, and rules. Every year, I even make a mock draft predicting which team will select which up-and-coming rookies.
One-Year MBA 