The team of industry leaders continues to grow as it gives the school unparalleled real-world support and guidance.

In an effort to offer students unparalleled access to industry professionals as it helps guide the direction of the Murray Koppelman School of Business, Brooklyn College has announced the members of its Dean’s Advisory Council.

Launched in spring 2021 by Koppelman Dean Qing Hu, the council is chaired by Martin D. Sass ’63. Sass, vice-chair of the Brooklyn College Foundation board and chair of the foundation’s Investment Committee, and chair and CEO of M.D. Sass, one of the nation’s leading independent registered investment management firms.

The council’s mission is to engage industry leaders to:

  • offer their expertise and feedback on what is happening in the business world,
  • assist with Koppelman’s strategic initiatives and help with new curriculum and program development,
  • serve as mentors to Koppelman students,
  • help establish internships and engaging their companies in recruitment efforts, and
  • assist the dean in the solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship of external financial support for the school.

“Our advisory council comprises an incredibly knowledgeable and successful team of diverse industry leaders with a variety of experience in accounting, marketing, finance, technology, strategic management, and other arenas in the business world,” said Dean Hu. “We are happy to welcome our newest member, Robert Westreich, the senior vice president, treasurer and chief tax officer at Newell Brands, as we look forward to connecting more alums and executives to our school and our students.”

For full bios of the members of the council, listed below, visit the Koppelman website.

  • Martin D. Sass, M.D. Sass, Chair
  • Richard Barry Jr., EY
  • Anthony Castellanos, KPMG
  • Gladstone Edwards, EY
  • Jerome Hayden, UBS
  • Shikshya Khatiwada, Avanade Northeast
  • Lori Kloper, PWC
  • Rina Koshkina, Executive Coach and Talent Development Professional
  • Frank Lavadera, KPMG (Retired), MIGA
  • Shanna Midelton, First Deputy Mayor’s Office, NYC
  • Giuseppe Riso, Con Edison
  • Farjana Rohman, Citi
  • Barry Salzberg, Deloitte (Retired)
  • Elliot Tannenbaum, EY (Retired)
  • Robert Westreich, Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Tax Officer, Newell Brands
  • Qing Hu, Dean, Koppelman School of Business