Mark Crist has been promoted to the position of chief technology officer at Herbein + Co. Inc. In his new role, Crist will join the executive leadership team and oversee the firm’s technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
Mark Crist (Courtesy Herbein + Co.)
Crist joined Herbein in 2002, and most recently served as director of information technology. During his tenure, he has successfully led major initiatives in IT infrastructure management, system implementation, cybersecurity enhancement, and strategic advisory services. As chief technology officer, Crist will lead technology development and implementation across the organization, focusing on digital transformation, cybersecurity advancement, client-facing solutions, and innovative service delivery platforms.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching our firm grow and evolve, seeing firsthand how technology has transformed the accounting and advisory space,” Crist said in a statement. “Herbein has consistently demonstrated leadership in embracing innovation, and I’m looking forward to continue working with our outstanding team to drive future growth and digital transformation.”
Penn State Berks
The Crop Science Society of America recently presented Michael A. Fidanza, professor of horticulture at Penn State Berks, with the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award. The annual awards are presented for outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research.
Michael A. Fidanza (Courtesy Penn State Berks)
Fidanza teaches undergraduate courses in turfgrass science, soil science, botany, plant biology, and pesticide education, as well as a graduate course in turfgrass physiology. He conducts research in turfgrass ecology, turfgrass integrated pest management with an emphasis on diseases and weeds, plant health and soil ecology, seed germination biology and ecology, evaluation of mushroom compost for agricultural crops and ornamental horticulture, the biology and management of fairy ring in turfgrass ecosystems, soil surfactants and the rhizosphere, and teaching and learning technology.
In addition, he has served as the editor of “Achieving Sustainable Turfgrass Management” and as editor-in-chief of the “International Turfgrass Society Research Journal.” He was also president of Northeastern Branch ASA-CSSA-SSSA from 2013-2017, and is a fellow in the American Society of Agronomy.
The Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award is presented in recognition of significant career contributions in turfgrass science during the most recent 15 years. It is based on the significance and originality of basic and/or applied research, teaching ability and effectiveness, planning and implementation of extension programs, development and implementation of significant industrial programs, administrative ability and effectiveness, total impact of contributions on turfgrass science, nationally and internationally.
Phoebe Ministries
Jason Shott has been named chief operating officer for Phoebe Ministries. Shott recently relocated to Pennsylvania from New York, where he was regional vice president of operations for Atria Senior Living.
Jason Shott (Courtesy Phoebe Ministries)
As a member of the executive leadership team, Shott oversees Phoebe’s overall operations, sales, and marketing efforts. With a career spanning 24 years in healthcare and 16 years specifically in the senior living sector, he is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors and driving innovation in care services.
Shott is replacing Robert Richards as chief operating offier, who retired in December. Shott started at Phoebe in October, working closely with Richards and Phoebe’s leadership team during the transition. In addition to his role at Phoebe, Shott served on the board of directors for both the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association.
Shott received his master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America. He has been licensed in Clinical Social Work since June 2011.
Saxton and Stump
Saxton & Stump has announced the hiring of senior counsel attorney Laura Bailey Gallagher, an employment lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience serving local and national clients. Gallagher counsels business leaders and human resources professionals on complicated legal issues of workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability, employment contracts, unions, unfair labor practices, and more.
Laura Bailey Gallagher (Courtesy Saxton and Stump)
Gallagher is part of the law firm’s Labor and Employment, Business and Corporate, and Construction groups. She is also part of the team at human resources consulting company and Saxton & Stump affiliate TREW HR. She will work in the firm’s Lancaster office.
Gallagher defends litigation in federal and state courts and administrative charges with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal agencies. She has handled litigation defense and administrative charges in 30 states and worked as outside employment law counsel for a global confectionery, pet food, and food manufacturer for over 25 years.
Gallagher is the former president and current member of Lancaster’s Occupational Development Center board of directors. She also serves in current and former leadership positions at the Lancaster Society of Human Resource Management, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Lancaster Bar Association.
Prior to earning her law degree at Widener University School of Law, Gallagher received her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University. Before pursuing a legal career, she worked in marketing positions in central Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region.
Email your news to money@readingeagle.com and attach a recent (high-resolution) photo. Include a contact name and phone number with your submission. Deadline is the Tuesday prior to publication.
