Building Empowered Strategic Talent
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About

Passion. Experience. Diligence.

How we became the B.E.S.T.

Our experience and success working with top firms and with Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries has confirmed the need to strategically, efficiently, and consistently consummate, develop and manage business and personal relationships at all levels in order to maintain optimum efficiency in the workplace and in life.  These skills are critically important in business success and personal growth.  We have been strong developers, observers, advocates and practitioners of these important competencies for companies, organizations, teams and individuals for over 35 years.  We strategically focused on how people properly manage relationships between, and in business and personal settings.  Emerging markets, technology, communication, and globalization continue to reform the world reflecting the contributions and needs of diverse workforces, consumers, and communities.  

B.E.S.T can provide comprehensive business strategies on business vision, planning, research, start-up, administration, operations, marketing, sales, customer service, motivation, staffing, retention, employee assistance, and financing to organizations of any size.  We have provided services to all size companies in many different industries including healthcare, insurance, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, financial services, education, telecommunications, real estate, sports & entertainment, travel, hospitality, construction, non-profit, retail, and government. 

our executive conference center
plaza one - suite 304

 

Get in touch

We at B.E.S.T. know that finding the right employees and managing yourself is important. We can set up a consultation to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

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United States Law Enforcement Coalition
Internship Program

 
 

Who we are...

 
 

President & Chief Executive officer

L. Greg Smith

L. Greg Smith’s background combines extensive business management, leadership development, executive coaching, consulting, recruiting, training, human resources, sales, and marketing experience. He develops and implements the strategic plan of B.E.S.T. and oversees its business operations.

As a senior sales & marketing executive, he also advises client organizations on leadership development solutions, talent strategies, sales methodologies, marketing initiatives, business strategies, career management, and outplacement services. He has marketed a full range of sales and leadership development programs and services to clients and has delivered these programs to C-Level executives, senior executives, front-line leadership, managers, occupational employees, graduate and undergraduate students, and group level participants. He has also presented and lectured on these topics. Greg has lectured at Seton Hall University, New York University, Rutgers University, Penn State University, Columbia University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also currently conducts individual and cohort coaching for executives at all levels and entrepreneurs.

In an effort to provide a larger and more significant contribution in the Diversity and Inclusion area within corporations and have an enhanced beneficial impact on their client population and on a global basis, Greg has recently strategically enhanced B.E.S.T.’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion curriculum working with Senior Leadership at Fortune 500 companies on developing and improving their key DEI strategies and initiatives. As part of prudent leadership development, he helps clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance and works with organizations to design their structures, policies, roles, and responsibilities.  His team helps them hire the right people to bring their strategy to life and positively impact profitability.

Previously, Greg consistently exceeded sales performance standards at Xerox Corporation, AT&T, Dun & Bradstreet, Lee Hecht Harrison, and Korn Ferry, while managing major accounts and leading account teams that managed national, and global accounts.

Education

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing

Certification

Over 85 Business Training Certifications from top industry training & development companies including Korn Ferry, Learning International, Wilson Learning, Miller Heiman, and Blessing White.

Multiple Xerox, AT&T, Skytel, Dun & Bradstreet, and LHH  (Lee Hecht Harrison) President’s Club Awards

Activities & Affiliations

  • Author and co-author of twelve books and publications

  • American Society of Training & Development (ASTD)

  • Free & Accepted Masons

  • Shriners

  • Various youth groups

  • AAU Basketball Coach & Mentor

  • Lifetime Martial Artist

  • Instructor & General Manager - Martial Strength Training Academy

  • Motivational Speaker and Author


 

MANAGING Director

Chuck Berger

As Managing Director, Chuck Berger plans, manages, and oversees all day-to-day business operations of the firm. He also markets a full range of sales, outplacement, leadership development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion services to clients, and has delivered these to executives, middle managers, and group level participants. Chuck’s background includes extensive experience and a successful proven track record in Information Technology, procurement, process improvement and strategic solution implementation. He has administered, supported, or implemented numerous system hardware and software products in business and personal environments, and has strategically managed company and individual budgets to meet high performance requirements. He supports all areas of information technology operations including strategic activity requests of C-Level Executives.

Education

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Management

Activities & Affiliations

  • Coached and administrated AAU & travel basketball

  • Rutgers University Alumni Band

  • Pickleball

 

 

senior Vice President, director of professional services

Rod Williams

Rodney E. (Rod) Williams is the co-founder and managing principal of B.E.S.T. Talent Management Solutions, (BEST), a firm specializing in human resources consulting focusing on Career Management & Transition along with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Belonging (DEIAB) since 2011.  He develops and delivers content for an array of organizations and individuals across the corporate and non-profit sectors including Fortune 500, medium, and small business.

At BEST, he also provides individual consultative services such as leadership development, executive coaching, business management including entrepreneurial development, and personal branding.

 

Education

NEWBURGH SEMINARY
Master of Divinity
Bachelor of Theology
THOMAS EDISON STATE COLLEGE

FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Certification

Certified in over 30 career management, assessment, and training tools including Myers Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory, Miller Heiman, and Salesforce.

Activities & Affiliations

  • Summit Interfaith Council Anti-Racism Committee

  • Board of Directors for Eleven+

  • Associate Minister, Fountain Baptist Church, Summit, NJ



 

Senior Vice President, Executive Search Practice

David J. Byrd

In March 2023, David J. Byrd was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer services. As a Certified Professional Life Skills Coach, Mr. Byrd coached and mentored young men in juvenile detention and homeless families and individuals in Washington, DC’s largest shelter.

From 2021-2023, he served as Senior Principal at Korn Ferry Professional Search where he leveraged his 19 years of leadership and economic development experience to help clients achieve their strategic goals and optimize their performance.

Prior to that, he served as the 18th National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, which is located within the U.S. Department of Commerce. His previous federal service included stints as at: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the U.S. Department of Education (DoEd); the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); and the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress.

 

Education

Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College)
Master of Arts, Public Relations
Ohio Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Arts, English

Activities & Affiliations

  • Trade missions to South Africa, Namibia, and Ethiopia

  • Toastmaster’s International

  • Public Relations Society of America

 

Certification

Professional Life Skills Coach


 

senior vice president, law enforcement & military advisory services

Anthony P. Jennings

Anthony P. Jennings is a Senior Law Enforcement and Military Advisory Executive with over 30 years of experience in strategic leadership and planning supporting a diverse and inclusive full-cycle recruitment to increase workplace statistics.

As the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Staff Coordinator/Supervisory Special Agent, he was responsible for supervision of Personnel Security Specialists/Unit Chiefs overseeing the Suitability/Adjudication process for Top Secret Security Clearances relative to all new Core Series DEA employees, contractor's and PATCO civilian personnel. Anthony also sat on all HR Hiring Panels for all positions throughout DEA at the Suitability Section (Office of Security Programs).

He was a subject matter expert in Diversity Recruitment and Hiring, EEO & Affirmative Action, Strategic Planning, Operations Management, State, County, and Federal Law Enforcement Investigations, Military Operations, and Global & Physical Security. 

Mr. Jennings is a strategic and innovative Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [DE&I] leader, dedicated EEO/Affirmative Action Professional, and Decorated Disabled Military Veteran Executive, skilled in training and development.

 

Activities & Affiliations

Author and co-author of twelve books and publications

  • Trusted Advisor - Law Enforcement Services

  • Military Senior Leader/Army Trainer

  • Leadership Development Advisor

  • Author - Appendix L, Army Regulation 220-1 Installation Status Reporting (Headquarters Department of Army (PENTAGON)

  • Motivational and Keynote Speaker

  • Korean Law Enforcement Association

  • Asian American Law Enforcement Association

  • National Organization Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)

  • Hispanic Law Enforcement Association (HALEA)

  • Muslim American Law Enforcement Association

  • Women’s and Family Ascending Association (WAFAA)

  • United States Law Enforcement Association (USLEC)

  • Mentor students at Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School

  • Mentor to various youth groups

  • Veteran’s Affiliations

    • GI Go Fund

    • Fort Dix Army Base

    • McGuire Air Force Base

    • Lakehurst Naval Station

    • Disabled Veterans Community

Education

NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE
Associate of Arts Degree
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Criminal Justice



 

Vice President, leadership development

Victoria Hobbs

Victoria (Vicki) Hobbs is a talent acquisition and talent management professional bringing over 15 years of corporate talent acquisition, advisement, and development to B.E.S.T.  She has extensive experience in recruiting and talent process improvement with global business leaders across all functions. She is relied upon as the “go-to” for process improvement, competency selection, creation of interview guides, interview training, recruiter training, talent development support, and employer branding.

Helping individuals to innovate and improve their roles and their quality of work (intrapreneur), Vicki constantly finds new ways to improve work systems, quality and productivity. Well-known as a change management champion, Vicki excels at helping organizations drive business growth by innovating and leveraging existing talent processes and operations that increase engagement, productivity and effectiveness.

 

Education

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY'S TISCH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

Certification

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (HRCI)

Qualified Diversity Recruiter (JTD Consulting)

Diversity and Inclusion in a Global Enterprise (HRCI)

Activities & Affiliations

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

  • New Jersey Human Resource Planning Group (NJHRPG)

  • Shades of Recovery Inc. – Board Member and Retreat Leader


 

Vice president, organizational and talent strategist

Vanessa D. Smith

Vanessa is an organizational and talent strategist, business partner who has played a vital role as a Chief Human Resources Officer, propelling the organization in the areas of talent management, employee experience and engagement, culture, talent acquisition, organizational and leadership development, team building, diversity and inclusion, collaborative partnerships,patient-experience centered training and leadership coaching.

With a career in human resources spanning over 26 years, Vanessa is a visionary and has driven results that align with the business objectives. She demonstrates expertise in assessing, proposing, and facilitating organizational changes, guiding corporate journeys in diverse business environments.

 

Education Activities & Affiliations

 

PARK UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science Degree
STRAYER UNIVERSITY
Master of Business Administration

Certification

Certified Master Coach
Certified Organizational Coach
Certified Change Management Coach
Senior Professional in Human Resources (HRCI)
Senior Certified Professional (SHRM)

  • New Jersey Chapter President for the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

  • Catchafire.org Volunteer

  • Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (HRCI)

  • Forbes Human Resource Council

  • United States Air Force (USAF)


 

Vice President, organizational development

Alicia Scott

Alicia Scott is a Global Organizational Development and Talent Management Leader with Program Management, Business Operations and Engineering expertise. In her you will find a transformational leader that has driven a people-focused agenda that helped shape the culture at a Fortune 500 brand bringing double digit revenue growth in varied economic cycles. Alicia has had success using her strategic mindset and operational efficiency to influence stakeholders and achieve goals for repositioning the business. She is an effective collaborator that has interfaced with the C-Suite and Board level using interpersonal skills to develop relationships resulting in business alignment.

 

Education

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
W.P. CAREY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Master of Arts Degree in
Business Administration
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Microelectronic Engineering

Activities & Affiliations

  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

  • Valley of the Sun YMCA - Board of Directors

  • Kate Gleason College of Engineering at R.I.T. - National Council Member

  • Arizona HR Executive Forum (AzHREF)


 

SENIOR Vice President, career management

Joe Quinn

Joe Quinn has over 20 years of experience serving clients across multiple industries, including: international trade, private wealth management, human capital consulting, not-for-profit, and healthcare. Joe has helped clients and individuals as a coach and advisor with influential communication, leadership skills, and workplace trends. He has facilitated hundreds of meetings and trained clients in all areas of peak performance.

 

Education

PACE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, International Management
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
Master of Social Work Degree

Activities & Affiliations

  • Seton Hall University Leadership Advisory Board Member

  • Adjunct for New York University School of Continuing And Professional Studies Master of Science in Leadership and Human Capital Management

  • Graduate of multiple Dale Carnegie courses


 

senior Vice President, veterans affairs

Al Smith

Al Smith is a United States Military Veteran, having served three years in the U.S. Army. After the conclusion of his military service, Al transitioned to a successful long-term career in the private sector working at such companies as Shell Oil, Avon, and CEL Communications. His last 17 years were with Lee Hecht Harrison, a global career transition and coaching firm. He remains passionate about supporting all veterans in job search, career transition, and veteran initiatives, along with volunteering with a few organizations committed to reducing the polarization in government and fostering civil discourse in society and the workplace.

 

 

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics

Certification

Multiple Lee Hecht Harrison President’s Club Awards

Activities & Affiliations

  • Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty’s (CT, District #5) Veterans Affairs Panel

  • Community Training & Employment Resources (CTER) Veteran Program Advisory Committee

  • Western Connecticut Military Officers Association

  • 15-year member of the Society for Human Resources Management where he chaired several committees and was President of the New York City Chapter.

  • Co-Chair, CT Alliance of Braver Angels involved in bridging the partisan divide and fostering civility in all works of life

  • A recent Author


 

senior consultant, Leadership Development & career Coach

Essie Mason-Purnell

Essie Mason-Purnell is a Career Development and Transition Coach with over 20 years of experience partnering with individuals in Career Development and Career Transition at all levels in diverse environments. She has also managed Career Centers for Fortune 500 Companies where she assists clients to utilize their skills, strengths, interests, and values to establish professional goals and create career plans to transform their lives and career aspirations. She has also assisted clients in developing business plans that depict their goals and has designed marketing strategies to ensure profitability.

 

Education

ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
Master of Science \
Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management
CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science in Education

Certification

Management Notification Training,
ChangeMap, Career Focus, Road to Entrepreneurship, What’s Next, Personal Resilience, LinkedIn, Interviewing and Negotiating.

Activities & Affiliations

  • National Vice President, National Black MBA Association, 1992-1995, Lifetime member and Legacy leader

  • Network \ Relationship Building

  • Workshop Facilitation



 
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Director, Multi-ethnic initiatives

Tony Ceaser

Tony Ceaser is the Founder and CEO of M.E. Enterprises. He is a former Wall Street Executive who is highly regarded for his ability to challenge convention and collaborate with high-level stakeholders to achieve win-win solutions.

Tony has a proven record of success developing strategies, new products, building key relationships, and generating new creative ideas. He has vast professional experience in service-based environments with an understanding in media and content driven projects.

 

Activities and Affiliations

  • Basketball

  • Coaching Basketball

  • Volunteer - Somerset Hills YMCA

Education

FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON
UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Arts in
Business Management


 

Director, Web Development and Digital Media

Michael D'Aloia

Mike D’Aloia has a vast background in graphic design. His expertise spans over six years of extensive website design, logo design, and retail marketing display design.  With customer specifications and goals in mind, Mike has successfully delivered countless professional websites and designs on time and on budget.

Mike’s skill set includes extensive expertise in the Adobe Suite, HTML5, CSS, and photography.  He also has expert experience with Squarespace Websites.  He has demonstrated his skills as the Art Director of Sneakers Plus, Innovative Product Design, Barn Party Productions, Plainfield Public Schools, and Sign Services and Banners.

Education

PHILADELPHIA  UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Arts

Activities & Affiliations

  • Flemington Car Show Board Committee Member

  • Slowpitch Softball

  • Snowboarding



 

Vice President, behavioral health

Dr. Benjamin Thomason

Dr. Benjamin Thomason, a behavioral health professional and specialist, brings over 30 years of Clinical, Personal and Executive Coaching services to B.E.S.T. He also serves as a Student Assistance Coordinator and School Psychologist for several public and private institutions. Additionally, Dr. Thomason is a Psychologist for students and staff at Rutgers University.

Education

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Doctorate in Learning Theory and Psychology

Certification

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Activities & Affiliations

  • Served as President of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists.


 

senior consultant, DEI strategies

David V. Ciliberto

Dave Ciliberto provides strategic consulting, coaching, and training services around Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement for the past seventeen + years. With more than 30 years of Human Resources experience, specializing in the areas of Diversity Equity & Inclusion developing integrated strategies, collaborating with Executive Councils, Employee Resource Group leaders, focus group facilitation, data analysis and related training. He works across many industries / organizations through his firm and in conjunction with Cornell University ILR, Icarus Consulting and other DEI Partnerships. The Cornell University ILR partnership started 15 years ago, some of the workshops include Conscious Inclusion/Allyship content, Emerging Trends in DEI, Effective DEI Councils, Effective Employee Resource Groups, DEI Education & Training,  Competencies that Drive DEI Strategies & LGBTQ+ content. The impact of leading with inclusion is a choice knowing that diversity is a fact. We choose to include or exclude knowing that difference/diversity also connects us through experiential similarities. Dave served as SVP of Career Transition in a former role with Partners in Human Resources International.

 

Education Activities & Affiliations

 


LYNCHBURG COLLEGE
Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Business Administration

SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL
AND LABOR RELATIONS
AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY CCDP
Advanced Certification in Diversity Management

  • DEI Councils, Strategies, and Training


 

Senior Consultant, Leadership Development and Career Coach

Megan Tobin

Megan Tobin is a highly accomplished Executive Coach, leveraging 30+ years of experience in progressive career roles to partner successfully with senior and mid-level management from multiple industry verticals on business development and career transition assignments. She brings broad business acumen, business ownership experience, and coaching expertise to her engagements, helping professionals expand their own business and career visions, then develop and execute strategies to evolve their lives and professions.

Megan’s coaching and training clients have included corporate Fortune 500, smaller businesses, nonprofit, and educational entities, as well as referred international professionals, in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.  Clients’ industries have included Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, TMT, Financial Services and many more. Working with Board, C-suite, leadership and middle management team members, Megan provides one-on-one and group coaching, training and consulting on business, professional and personal strategy, change management, job transition, leadership development, and technology awareness. Some of her favorite client feedback includes ". . . you really helped me think differently about life and business. Honestly, life has never been better.", from a CTO, and "You inspired me most.", from a Global CEO and industry leader.

 

Education

Fielding Graduate University
(ICF accredited), Coaching and change management
CoachU
(ICF accredited),Core Essentials Program Graduate
New York University
School of Continued and Professional Studies
University of California Berkeley
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Certification

International Coach Federation - PCC Designation

DiSC (2024 certification), MBTI Type II (2013 certification), 360 feedback interview and debriefs, partner with practitioners on additional assessments, including Hogan

Boardroom Bound - Pipeline Training

LHH Certified Executive and Career Transition Coach, Facilitator and co-facilitator for career workshops, ChangeMap, Resilience, Accountable Manager and Elevating Women in Leadership programs.

Activities & Affiliations

  • International Coaching Federation (ICF) Global, PCC credentialed

  • ICF Florida Chapters, Member Central Florida, 2023-Present, Membership Director NE FL and Board Director, 2021-2022, Member, 2019-2022.

  • Association for Talent Development (ATD) Member, National, 2007-Present, Northeast FL, 2017-2020. Chair and co-chair, Coaching Special Interest Group, NY chapter, 2007-2012, Board Member, NY chapter, 2011.

  • UC Berkeley Haas Alumni Network (HAN) – Career advisor referral for alumni, 2011-Present. Board member, HAN Orange County, 2011-2017. Volunteer, HAN NYC, 2007-2010.

  • New York Human Resources Planning Society, Member 2007-2008

  • New York City Partnership Investment Fund for 9/11 recovery, CEO Mentor, 2001-2002


 

senior Consultant, Leadership Development and Career Coach

Ann Ferrero

Ann Ferrero is a Consultant with expertise across all points of the employment continuum, from recruiting and hiring through career management, internal communications, employee engagement, and career transition services. Currently, Ann is a Communications Consultant/Freelance Writer, helping companies launch Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and other culture-shaping programs while engaging their workforces around the same. She also serves as a Career Transition Consultant, working with individual clients largely in the FDA-regulated industries (pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, and human nutrition).

 

Education

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts, Labor Studies


 

Creative Director of Media and career coach

Gregg Suskin

As Creative Director Gregg oversees the content being produced in one of the most innovative film programs in the country. He was designated a High Impact Teacher by the Florida Department of Education during his time at the G-Star School of The Arts. Gregg Suskin's professional career spans over 40 years in the film and advertising community. His experience in production and post production derives from both a client and vendor perspective. He has vast experience in commercial advertising; flourished in the documentary, feature film, reality television, IMAX and political arenas as an award-winning filmmaker.

 

Education

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts, English and History

Activities and Affiliations

  • 40 year Martial Arts practitioner and certified instructor

  • Inosanto Lineage continual 35years

  • 2003-2007 Owner AZAMA- Arizona Academy of Martial Arts

  • Jeet Kune Do Certified Instructor Level 3 Bruce Lee’s original art

  • Muay Thai Lineage Arjan Chai and World Muay Thai Council  champion Asa Ten Pow Coach,Fighter, Fight trainer

  • Tae Kwon Do -World Tae Kwon Do Association 2nd Degree Black Belt 

  •  Kali-Eskrima Weapons based Filipino Martial Arts

  • Wing Chun 

  • Women's Self Defense  Created and conducts Seminars

  • Adult Martial Wellness Co Creator of Adult non contact motion based Martial Arts Program designed for advanced cognition, flexibility and health utilizing martial arts attributes.


 

Director Of Martial Strength Training Initiatives

Michael Wolhfert

Mike Wolhfert is an instructor in multiple disciplines of self-defense, leadership development, and coaching with expertise in presenting workshops, seminars, and classes to business and corporate learning environments.

Mike’s 20+ years of instructional experience consist of a broad range of audiences and learning environments including corporate on-site and off-site meetings, staff training sessions, and classroom workshops. He uses his diverse background as a martial artist, law enforcement officer, academy instructor, leadership coach, small business owner, and his role as a husband and father to inspire and educate all who seek his knowledge and experience of self-improvement, leadership, mindfulness and well-being.


 

Director, telecommunications solutions

William E. Henry

William E. Henry is a Bronx, New York native with over forty years experience as an IT / telecommunications professional and senior industry consultant. His career highlights include working for fourteen years at AT&T in positions of increasing responsibility within the engineering, operations, sales and marketing departments. As director of corporate telecommunications at Bristol- Myers Squibb Company, he was responsible for formulating strategies for all of the company's voice, data, video and image applications, systems, services and networking capabilities in 135 countries. Mr. Henry also held the position of vice president of business development and marketing at DCC Systems.

Education

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Activities & Affiliations

  • Chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center New York Support Group

  • Trustee for the Catholic Big Sisters and Big Brothers of New York.


 
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Vice President, empowerment programs

Neil Torino

Neil has over 45 years of professional experience in the Public and Private sectors focusing on Business and Human Development. He is a team oriented individual with high Integrity and is committed and willing to go the distance to make a difference in personal performance and business productivity. He is sincerely committed to producing for himself and his clients. Neil’s professional career includes sixteen years as the Director of Student Activities, Athletics, School Safety, and Discipline for the Morris County Vocational School District and three years as Corporate Director Of Human Resources for Enzon Pharmaceuticals.

 

Activities & Affiliations

  • New Jersey Healthy American Fitness Leaders Award

  • Author and co-author of several books and publications

Education


MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Arts, Human Resources
Management and Services
Bachelor of Arts, Educational and
Instructional Technology
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Doctor of Education, Human Resources
and Technical Education

Certification

 

NJEXCEL
CSA and Principal Certification Completion
Educational, Leadership and Administration
KEAN UNIVERSITY
Supervisor Certification
Educational Leadership and Administration


 

VICE PRESIDENT

Ralph Dalton

Prior to Ralph Dalton’s successful Wall Street banking and sales career, he was a star member of the infamous Georgetown Hoyas basketball team in the early 1980’s playing for the legendary John Thompson, II. After sustaining a devastating season ending knee injury (which was studied in medical journals) in an intra-squad game prior to the start of his first season, Dalton persevered through a nine month recovery to play alongside with his close friend Patrick Ewing including routes to the NCAA FINAL FOUR and becoming the 1984 NCAA Tournament Champions and the1985 NCAA Tournament runner-up. In the 1985 Eastern Region Final where Ewing was in serious late foul trouble, Ralph stepped up to lead the Hoyas to victory (Named CBS player of the game). After graduating in the Spring of 1985, Ralph stayed on for his fourth year of varsity play and became the first basketball player ever at Georgetown University to earn an MBA. He has enjoyed a long and successful career on Wall Street in fixed income and emerging markets sales, with posts at The Bank of New York, Prudential Securities, before working in leadership positions at Merrill Lynch and Scotia Bank. From 2014 to 2018 he served as President and Chief Compliant Officer at Barclay Investments. While at Merrill Lynch, Ralph played a key role in college recruiting, mentoring, executive coaching, and employee development. Ralph will continue to perform these duties at B.E.S.T.

 

Education

 

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Certification

Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP), Life and health, Series 7, 24 and 63 qualified

 

 

Senior Consultant,  Human Resources and Process Improvement

Teresa A. Austin

Teresa Austin’s extensive experience includes over fifteen years of supporting organization Managers and Project Leads towards successful implementations and goal achievements.  She is highly skilled in budget and resource tracking, forecasting, and business information technology.

Throughout her career, Teresa has developed and led teams to improve business profitability and efficiency through process and technology change. Over the years, Teresa has demonstrated her talent as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch (Bank of America), a Leader of Global Talent Management at MetLife, and as a Senior Consultant to Human Resources at University Hospital.

 

Education

HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance and Accounting

Certification

Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People, Project Management Institute

Activities & Affiliations

  • Movies

  • Gardening


 

Consultant

Rasna Sethi

Rasna Sethi brings expertise to B.E.S.T. in the area of Nonprofit Management as a macro- thinker who aims to diligently strategize, masterfully multitask, and leave a positive and equitable impact.

 

Education

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Communications
BARUCH COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Master of Public Administration Degree with Concentration in Community Development

Activities & Affiliations

  • Database management

  • Relationship management

  • Strategic knowledge of social media

  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) proficiency


 
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certified public accountant

Robert C. Barnett, CPA

Robert C. Barnett, CPA has over 20 years of financial services experience including a Big Four Accounting Firm and Fortune 100 Company at the Director level. Prior experiences include areas of financial management, reporting and analysis, audit and taxation. Robert has leveraged that experience and has been able to to have many successes in working with Small Business Owners and other Professionals in helping them being prepared to excel at the next level. His services include Tax Planning and Preparation, Tax Resolution Services, Small Business Consultation, Accounting Services, Financial Statement Compilation & Review Services. These services are for both individuals and small businesses as Robert’s motto is Client Focused / Solution Oriented. Contact B.E.S.T. at the contact information below for an introductory meeting with Robert.


 

Executive consultant

Jes Huttig

Jessica Huttig’s background combines a career in Medical Technology where she learned meticulous attention to detail in managing workflow, reporting and verification of results, and managing procedures to meet state and federal compliance requirements. As an educator, Jessica found a niche where she became a successful mentor and coach for new teachers. She developed and implemented onboarding plans to guide teachers in their initial success and to ensure that they met state certification requirements. In addition to mentoring teachers, she was instrumental in writing curriculum to maintain compliance with changing national standards and best practices in education. Jessica credits her success in the workplace to the strong mentorship she has received in her career. It is her belief that each individual has their own unique abilities, talents, and skill sets that provide value in their professional environments. She is committed to assisting people in articulating and marketing those attributes.

 

Education

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Bachelor of Science, Medical Technology

Certification

Activities & Affiliations

  • Musician, Plainville Wind Ensemble

  • Volunteer, Winsted Land Trust

  • Vice President, American Kettlebell Alliance

Connecticut Professional Educator Certification
TEAM Mentor
Master TEFL Certification, Bridge TEFL
Medical Technologist, American Society of Clinical Pathology


 

director of administration

Ginny Tumolo

Ginny Tumolo is a Senior Administration Operations Director with extensive experience in managing office operations, project procedures and coordinating logistics. She has successfully worked in this capacity for over 30 years with several organizations during her long tenure career.

Currently, Ginny implements general administration procedures for B.E.S.T. with extreme confidence and innovation, and demonstrates flexibility and agility to perpetual process improvements in order to ensure optimal administrative solutions.