Board of Trustees

Se-Min Sohn, Chair
Trustee since: 2008
Serving On: Committee on Trusteeship - Chair, Economic and Strategic Development Committee

“It is truly an honor serving on the Board of Trustees at Goodwin University for this tremendously vibrant and entrepreneurial institution. I hope to help support our mission, and actively assist in continuing to cultivate an environment of support, sharing, and trust as we create opportunities and career paths for our students.”

Se-Min Sohn’s career spans over thirty years in diverse industries, with leadership positions in both public and private sectors. He is currently overseeing the US Sales team for Staples’ B2B division, as Vice President of Business Development.

Previously, he was VP Business Development at GenNx360 Capital Partners, a private equity group based in NYC. Within this role, he helped lead sales efforts toward a successful exit of the Precinmac portfolio, a group of world class advanced manufacturing companies based in the US and Canada. Prior to this role, Se-Min was Senior Vice-President of Sales at WMG, a leader in retail marketing and print solutions.

Se-Min’s career started with UPS. Initially starting as a part-time package handler while in college, he was promoted through various functions including Human Resources, Operations Management, Technology Solutions, and Sales. He ended this chapter of his career in Los Angeles as Director of Business Development, successfully leading sales efforts for a $2B, 15,000 employee district.

Actively engaged in the community, he is President of the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Council of CT, a member of the largest international affairs non-profit in the US founded in 1924; and Board member at the Open Hearth, a Hartford-based non-profit helping homeless men assimilate back into society since 1884.

Se-Min has been recognized by the Asian American Business Development Center of NYC for his contributions to business and the community. In addition, he has received public praise through the Korea Times as an influential business leader in Los Angeles.

Judith Resnick Vice Chair
Trustee since: 2016

Mark Scheinberg, Secretary
Trustee since: 1999

Mark E. Scheinberg is the founding president of Goodwin University in East Hartford, Connecticut, where he has provided the foresight, inspiration, and leadership that have transformed a small, career-focused business school into a nationally recognized, community-based, nonprofit organization of higher education, dedicated to serving those whom he calls “the undiscovered students” — working adults, first-generation college students, and learners from diverse backgrounds pursuing emerging careers.

A native of West Babylon, New York, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Elementary Education from Vassar College (1978), and attended graduate education courses at Dowling College (1979) and the University of Hartford (1986).

President Scheinberg has dedicated himself to enriching the broader community through a number of leadership roles. He has served on leadership committees of the Accrediting Commission of Independent Colleges and Schools (1997 Evaluator of the Year Award); the Capital Region Workforce Development Board; the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission; the Legislative Task Force on Allied Health; the Legislative Task Force on Teachers’ Professional Standards; the MetroHartford Alliance; and the Standing Advisory Committee to the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education.

He has served on the boards of the Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges (executive board and treasurer); Connecticut Hospice (member); the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce (president); the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education (chair); Hartford Promise (member); the New England Board of Higher Education (member); ReadyCT (secretary and treasurer); the Young Presidents Organization’s International Board, (International Forum chair). In 2018, he was appointed by the State of Connecticut to the New England Board of Higher Education. President Scheinberg has organized and presented at international leadership seminars in Johannesburg, London, Paris, Tibet, and Washington.

President Scheinberg’s work has been recognized by a wide range of community, educational, and entrepreneurial organizations. Among the honors he has received are (1997) East Hartford Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award; (2007) East Hartford Rotary Club Vocational Service Award; (2008) Brazilian Alliance recognition for outreach to the Brazilian American community; (2009) Hartford Magazine Greater Hartford’s 50 Most Influential People (also 2010), My Sister’s Place Dream Makers Award, Young Presidents Organization International Legacy Honor Award; (2011) East Hartford Rotary Club Paul Harris Award; (2012) East Hartford Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award; Hartford Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award; (2013) Connecticut Conference on Natural Resources Outstanding Environmental Leadership Award, Urban League of Greater Hartford Business Excellence Award; (2014) Connecticut Building Trades Public Service Award, National Conference for Community and Justice Human Relations Award; (2016) East Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Committee Irishman of the Year, Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate; (2017) Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, Hartford Courant Top Workplaces Outstanding Leadership Award; (2019) Center for Children’s Advocacy Champion of Children Award, Charter Oak Cultural Center Jewish Heritage Award; (2020 and 2021) Hartford Business Journal Power 50 Leader.

President Scheinberg has five children and 10 grandchildren, who together form the center of his life.

Frank Amodio
Trustee since: 2003
Serving On: Executive Committee

Frank has over 40 years of experience in the Commercial Real Estate field as a property owner, broker and developer. He is a partner in the Amodio & Co Real Estate brokerage firm and a licensed broker in CT and MA.

His expertise includes industrial, multifamily, office, investment and retail. Focus areas are investment sales, landlord representation, tenant representation and consulting services.

He has re-developed over 600,000 square feet of industrial space and converted single tenant buildings to multi tenant use. His development experience includes ground up and build-out of industrial, commercial and retail projects.

Extensive experience in leasing to such tenants as United Technologies Corporation, Iron Mountain, The State of Connecticut, Day Berry and Howard, General Electric and Hospital of Central Connecticut.

Property management experience includes multifamily, industrial, self storage, office and retail properties.

Frank’s career has included 30 years of experience in the transportation and warehousing fields as well as the records management industry.

Ron Angelo
Trustee since: 2018

Ron Angelo is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), where he is responsible for all operations. CCAT is a nonprofit that creates and implements bold ideas for applied technologies, export and cyber services, energy solutions, STEM education and career development. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., CCAT leads state, regional and national partnerships and helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations to excel.

He is formerly Principal of Great River Advisors, which developed and delivered innovative solutions to growth-driven domestic and international corporations with an emphasis on late-stage venture companies. Ron also advised and assisted organizations across a range of industries to drive top-line revenue and provide strategic capital introductions by identifying and leveraging synergies through strategic partnership development.

Prior to establishing Great River Advisors, Ron served as Deputy Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic Development, (DECD) appointed in 2004 by then-Governor M. Jodi Rell. He was responsible for administering business development programs totaling more than $3 billion that targeted retention and expansion of in-state businesses as well as state and federal programs focused on building strong neighborhoods and communities. Prior to his DECD appointment, he served as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Consumer Protection and Vice President for Fleet Financial Group.

Ron has extensive experience developing, negotiating and executing complex public financing transactions with small, mid-sized and large cap companies. Over the course of his career, he has worked with many global industry leading companies, including General Dynamics, United Technologies, Deloitte, Cigna, Aetna, Bridgewater Associates, Voya, RBS, Starwood Hotels, Pfizer and Alexion. Ron’s work has also included projects involving municipal, state, federal, and Department of Commerce and Department of Defense platforms.

Ron has extensive foreign/direct investment experience and has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce domestically and throughout Europe and Asia and maintains an active global network of business and governmental entities. He has dealt directly with several U.S. Ambassadors and represented various U.S. governmental entities before foreign governments. He also worked extensively with the U. S. Small Business Administration to develop an enhanced program to assist small businesses.

Ron also has extensive experience directing large-scale urban and industrial development and re-development projects involving significantly challenged sites including decommissioned airports, active water ports, blighted urban properties and highly contaminated properties.

He has over 25 years of management experience in both the public and private sector including complex union environments. He also has experience working with Universities and institutions of higher education and with several successful not for profit organizations.

Ron is a board advisor for several corporations and has held numerous boards of director’s seats and professional designations and memberships.

Michele Bush
Trustee since: 2013
Serving on: Trusteeship, liason from the Foundation Board for Audit Committee, and Special Task Force - By-Laws Revision

Ed Casares
Trustee since: 2010
Serving on: Audit Committee, Student Affairs Committee

“The experience of being a graduate of Goodwin University provides me with a unique perspective of Goodwin’s commitment to student success.”

Edward Casares, Jr., former Hartford fire chief, was a 33-year member of the Hartford Fire Department, retiring in 2010. He was a founding member of the Society of Latin American Firefighters, the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters, and the International Association of Hispanic Firefighters. He was a member of the Latin American and Metro Fire Chiefs sections of the National Fire Protection Association, the Connecticut Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Capitol Region Fire Marshals Association, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Chief Casares served as a peer assessor for the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the Center for Accreditation International. He was an instructor at the Dr. Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute held at Clark Atlanta University and Dillard University, New Orleans.

He has served as commissioner and chairman of the Hartford Redevelopment Agency and as a member of the Hartford Democratic Town Committee in the Sixth District, the Lozada Park renewal project, the Hartford Juvenile Review Board Advisory Council, and the Goodwin University Board of Trustees.

Chief Casares is currently employed by the Community Renewal Team (CRT) in Hartford as a safety officer/inspector. He has been awarded the 2006 Maria C. Sanchez Leadership award and has received proclamations from Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and the mayors of Hartford and Miami.

Chief Casares is a 2008 graduate of the Dr. Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI). He graduated from Goodwin University with an associate degree in Homeland Security and a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. Edward lives in Hartford with his wife of 44 years, Ines.

Merilee DeJohn
Trustee since: 2008
Serving On: Alumni Committee - Chair

“As teachers, we instruct our children to always “put back what they take out.” As a 2007 member of the first graduating class of Early Childhood Education from Goodwin University, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees to also “put back what I took out” — and that is knowledge, gainful experiences, positive role models, professional contacts and lasting friendships.”

Merilee DeJohn received an associate degree in early childhood education from Goodwin University in 2007, a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in early childhood education from the University of Hartford in 2010 and a master’s degree in special education from Saint Joseph’s University in 2014. She currently teaches second grade at Highcrest School in Wethersfield, CT where she also serves on the Safe School Climate Committee.

Since graduating from Goodwin University, DeJohn has remained connected to the University by serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Student Affairs subcommittee and the Chair of the Alumni Leadership Committee. She regularly supports and attends Goodwin University activities and programs, some of which have included observing capstone project presentations and student and alumni networking events.

Since graduating from Goodwin University, DeJohn has remained connected to the University by serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, the Student Affairs subcommittee and the Chair of the Alumni Leadership Committee. She regularly supports and attends Goodwin University activities and programs, some of which have included observing capstone project presentations and student and alumni networking events.

As a non-traditional learner, DeJohn encourages students of all ages to further their education and says that Goodwin University gave her the foundation and structure to build her future and will always have her support.

DeJohn resides in Rocky Hill with her daughter Hope and husband Gene, who serves on the Goodwin University Golf Committee. Her family also includes a son, Benjamin, his wife, Lindsey and grandson, Colby.

Ethan Foxman, MD, Ph.D.
Trustee since: 2010
Serving On: Academic and Faculty Affairs

“I am inspired by the mission of Goodwin University. In my personal and professional life I have seen time and time again that education opens the way for individual opportunity and the betterment of society. Goodwin University consciously strives to link education and opportunity while challenging all of us to seek lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a member of the board of trustees, I will always be mindful of the responsibilities and privileges of being part of the Goodwin University community.”

Ethan B. Foxman, MD, Ph.D. is a physician and educator. He currently serves as President and CEO of Jefferson Radiology, a provider of radiology services and medical informatics. He is a practicing neuroradiologist and participates in the education of physicians at Hartford Hospital, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California where he is an adjunct clinical faculty member.

Larry Goldberg
Trustee since: 2019

Larry Goldberg is a Connecticut native and graduate of the University of Connecticut. For over 30 years, Larry has worked in financial services helping clients achieve financial security for themselves, their families and businesses. Larry is a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. He is married with three children.

Mary Ann Hanley
Trustee since: 2018

“I have always considered Goodwin University to be “special.” I have watched this institution evolve into a welcoming environment, one that helps every student who walks through their door to get a good education and find a career that leads to self-sufficiency and true empowerment.”

Mary Ann Hanley has been employed by St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center for the past 15 years having worked a decade in state government, both as a consultant and a government official. Her career at St. Francis spans a number of areas from the St. Francis Hospital Foundation to hospital administration where she currently focuses on projects and programs that positively impact the hospital, the community and the region as the Liaison for Advocacy and Community Relations at Trinity Health Of New England.

Throughout her career she has been an active member on many Boards and Governmental entities including:

• The Oak Hill School - a community based residential day and education program for people with disabilities serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.
• The Connecticut Water Company - a business that is dedicated to providing customers with high-quality drinking water and reliable service with a product that is essential to sustain life, our economy and our communities and a Board member and Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.
• Goodwin University as a Board member and member of the Economic and Strategic Development Committee.
• The Capital City Economic Development Authority (CCEDA — now CRDA) overseeing the redevelopment of downtown Hartford as Secretary/Treasurer for 12 years.
• The Connecticut Employment and Training Commission — the statewide workforce board responsible for recommending policy and planning guidance to the Governor and the legislature on workforce related strategies, investments and programs.
• The Governor’s Prevention Partnership - a public / private partnership dedicated to keeping Connecticut’s youth safe, successful and drug-free, serving as Board Chair.
• The SBI Advisory Council (Small Business Innovation) which fosters partnerships between small businesses and university or research institutions.

Her mission is helping others by supporting and promoting programs that help those such as at-risk youth, people with disabilities, small businesses or anyone who seeks her advice. Her enthusiasm, energy and humor provide the foundation needed to motivate and encourage others to improve their situation.

In addition, she has received a number of awards and commendations from ADRC — Alcohol Drug Recovery Center, National Conference for Community and Justice Human Relations (NCCJ) Award, and the William A. O’Neill Community Recognition Award of which she is most proud.

Mary Ann resides in Bristol with her husband, Michael.

Jeffrey S. Hoffman

“It is important to me to give people the opportunity to get an excellent higher education so they can lead productive and fulfilling lives. Goodwin University does that.”

Jeffrey S. Hoffman is Co-Chairman of the Hoffman Auto Group. Founded in 1921, Hoffman Auto Group currently employs approximately 400 dedicated employees and is comprised of ten automobile dealerships in four locations (East Hartford, Avon/Simsbury, New London, & Waterbury). Mr. Hoffman is involved in numerous professional associations and sits on the Boards of several Greater Hartford organizations, including The Bushnell, Hartford Stage Company, Mandell Jewish Community Center, Connecticut Public Broadcasting, MetroHartford Alliance, Goodwin University and University of Hartford. He is a major supporter of the arts, education and medical organizations in the Greater Hartford Community.

Lee Housley
Trustee since: 2020

Lee Housley graduated from Goodwin University in 2013 with an A.S. in Business Administration and again in 2015 with a B.S. in Management and Leadership, summa cum laude and as the class valedictorian. Since graduating from Goodwin University, Lee has continued her education, receiving a M.S. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Hartford.

Lee is currently the Learning and Development Leader at SCA Pharmaceuticals, an FDA recognized 503B compounding pharmacy, specializing in providing the highest quality sterile admixture services and pre-filled syringes to hospitals and health-care facility pharmacies.

Lee serves on the Goodwin Foundation Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees. She has been a valued member of the Alumni Leadership Committee since 2013 and began serving as president in 2016.

Lee resides in Berlin with her husband, Alan, and enjoys traveling, shopping, and hiking with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Sam.

Jacqueline Jacoby
Trustee since: 2007
Serving On: Executive Committee and the Chair of the Development Committee

“Goodwin University is a place where hope shapes and guides the lives of tomorrow’s citizens. Goodwin staff believes that every student, no matter what their circumstance, has the opportunity to succeed in the world of college and jobs. Students learn to work hard at academic gains within a support system which reveals new choices and expectations, provides social capital, all while holding students accountable and opening doors to new experiences.

My beliefs and life’s work as an educator coincide with the Goodwin mission, for together we agree that education for all is the cornerstone of democracy, particularly as our nation faces complexities and challenges unlike any in our history. As a Trustee, I look forward to contributing to the mission of Goodwin University.”

Jacqueline Jacoby is an educator who served as both an energetic and creative school superintendent in Glastonbury, CT for eleven years. This was followed on two occasions, serving as Interim Superintendent in the public schools of Hartford, CT, the third poorest city in the United States. Currently she is an educational consultant working with public schools and nonprofit organizations. She has held many leadership positions in professional organizations, and received numerous awards including the Presidential Award from the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and the Connecticut Educational Leadership Award from the University of Connecticut.

Megan Mehr
Trustee since: 2013
Serving On: Student Affairs Committee and Magnet Schools Committee

“I’m humbled and honored to be part of an institution with a mission as unique and compelling as Goodwin’s. The passion, dedication, and commitment of the Goodwin administration, faculty, staff, and students is truly inspiring. Everyone here thinks outside the box and dreams big. That’s why there is no limit to what the Goodwin community can (and will!) continue to achieve in the years to come.”

Megan Mehr is an education consultant for the Internationals Network for Public Schools, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education of English Language Learners across the United States. Prior to joining Internationals, Megan served as a teacher and school leader in New York City and Boston in innovative middle and high schools focused on closing the achievement gap and institutionalizing and sharing best practices that other schools and communities can replicate in order to better serve their own students. Megan has a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College, an M.S. in Education from the New School University, an Administration and Supervision degree from Hunter College, and an M.A. in American Studies from Columbia University.

Dr. Wilfredo Nieves
Trustee since: 2020

Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, President Emeritus of Capital Community College, retired after 18 years of service as a community college president in Connecticut, eight of them at Capital. Dr. Nieves came to Capital in July 2010 after serving as President of Middlesex Community College in Middletown. He also served as Interim President of Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury.

Dr. Nieves has been active in the community and region with service on the boards of the National Coalition of Advocates for Students, the Middlesex United Way, Capital Workforce Partners, the Community Renewal Team, the Hartford Stage, Leadership Greater Hartford, Latino Community Services, the Village for Family and Children and the Bradley Home. He serves as a Director for Liberty Bank and it’s Foundation, a Corporator for Middlesex Health and is a Past President of the Middletown Rotary Club. He was recognized by the Middlesex United Way and awarded its highest and most prestigious volunteer award, the Community Service Award.

In higher education, Dr. Nieves has served as Chair of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, been a Commissioner for the New England Commission on Higher Education and has served as an evaluator for it as well as for the Commission on Higher Education for the Middle States Association. He has been a Director on the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges and has chaired the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, the Committee on Directors and Membership Services and the Committee on Program Initiatives and Workforce Training.

Wilfredo Nieves received his Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and a Master of Education degree in Applied Human Development from Columbia University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Keane University of New Jersey.

Wilfredo is married to Iris Rivas-Nieves and has two sons, Adrian who also resides in Middletown and Davian who is an eighth grader at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.

Judge Alvin Thompson
Trustee since: 2019

Alvin W. Thompson is a United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut. He was appointed by President Clinton in October of 1994 and served as Chief Judge from 2009 to 2013.

Judge Thompson earned his B.A. degree from Princeton University in 1975 and his J.D. degree from Yale Law School in 1978. Upon completing his legal education, he was engaged in private practice with Robinson & Cole in Hartford, where he was elected Managing Partner in 1991 and remained until he was appointed to the Bench.

Judge Thompson is very active in the American Bar Association. His involvement has included serving as Chair of the Section of Business Law and serving on the Scholarship Committee for the ABA Legal Opportunities Scholarship Fund. In his local community, he has been very actively involved for many years in The First Church of Christ in Hartford and numerous other civic and professional organizations, including the Salvation Army.

John Walters
Trustee since: 2010
Serving On: Academic and Faculty Affairs Committee

“It is not your part to finish the task, yet you are not free to desist from it.”
— Rabbi Tarfon

Lisa Wisniewski, Ed.D.

Dr. Lisa Wisniewski is a Professor of Sociology at Goodwin University. Lisa completed her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focused on Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford in 2017. Her research has focused on immigrant students, first-generation college students, and effective teaching practices using Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Wisniewski presents regionally, nationally, and internationally. Most recently she served as the State Chair for the Connecticut American Council on Education Women’s Network. Her work in the community focused on the immigrant experience has led to invitations to the White House and the Polish Consulate of New York City. As an advocate for college access for first-generation students, she has worked with several groups and organizations throughout Connecticut to support students navigate the college process. Lisa created and hosts a lecture series called Community Conversations that began the conversation on the war in Ukraine and presents lectures on immigration, citizenship, democracy, social issues, and globalization that has garnered a national and international audience. In addition, she serves as the host of Goodwin Teaches: Universal Design for Learning Stories in Higher Education podcast.