Kristen Conti has been involved with our Chapter since 2010 and currently serves as our President and Executive Director of the Blue White Ball. She earned a degree in Media Studies in 2001, having attended the Greater Allegheny and University Park campuses.
She works in the beer & malt beverage industry as the Marketing Assistant to the Anheuser-Busch Division at Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale, and in addition to her work with the Chapter she serves as Secretary of the PSU Greater Allegheny Alumni Society, sits on the PSU Greater Allegheny Campus Advisory Council and is an elected member of Alumni Council.
“My involvement with our Chapter and other Alumni Volunteer Organizations has allowed me to meet wonderful people from all over the country who have become my extended family, and I’ve made memories that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life. Leading our
Chapter has been the highlight of my Alumni Volunteer career; we have opportunities for Penn Staters in Pittsburgh to get involved at any level, and I invite everyone to join us in our service to Dear Old State!”
Frank Speicher graduated from Penn State Behrend in 2011 with a degree in Accounting, and currently works as a controller at Hy-Tech Engineered Solutions and is also a licensed CPA. In addition to his role as Chapter Treasurer, he participates in Accounting Career Day at Behrend, helping students with their transition to a career after graduation. He is also the Treasurer of the Young Non-Profit Professionals of Pittsburgh and enjoys giving back to the community by assisting the professional development of non-profit leaders in the Pittsburgh area.
“My favorite Chapter memory is also the first Chapter event I attended, when I took my son, Frankie VI, to his first hockey game! Penn State crushed Robert Morris 6-2 at PPG Paints Arena. It was a great night and he loved the game!!”
Julie Pichora earned her MBA from the Smeal Business College through the Penn State World Campus in 2017 and currently works as a Loan Officer Assistant with Movement Mortgage. In addition to her role as Chapter Secretary, she is also the Secretary for the World Campus Alumni Society Board. She overflows with Penn State Pride and loves to travel.
“I attended the Pitt vs. PSU Mixer at the Hard Rock Café shortly after moving to Pittsburgh and it was such a great welcome to the great city of Pittsburgh and the PSU culture in this area!”
Kathy Kasperik has been involved with our Chapter since 2008. She served as our President from 2015-2019 and now sits on our Board as our Immediate Past President. She earned a degree in Health Policy & Administration in 1992, having attended the University Park campus.
She is a Contracting Specialist in the Correctional Medicine industry, and in addition to her work with the Chapter she served as an elected member of Alumni Council for one term and has been an Alumni Admissions volunteer. She also extends her service into the community; she has worked with Tedy’s Team since 2014 to raise awareness and funds for stroke survivors as well as supporting the Special Olympics and the Komen Race for the Cure in Pittsburgh.
“Even with Pittsburgh being so close to University Park, the Chapter has helped me maintain family and network locally. So many Penn Staters live here! I have met so many awesome people through my involvement with
the PSAA and GPC, including lauded scholars and athletes & coaches, many who have become great supporters of the Chapter. I’m blessed and lucky to have a wide circle of friends, locally and all over the country, who are now my family by choice.”
Brittany Lesko earned a degree in Psychology from the Greater Allegheny campus in 2018, and her Masters of Education in Higher Education from the PSU World Campus in 2024. Her service to Penn State’s Alumni began as a student; as the President of the campus’ Blue & White Society, she volunteered with Chapter and Alumni Society events and community service projects. In addition to Charing our Young Alumni Committee, she sits on the PSU Greater Allegheny Alumni Society Board of Directors and is the Volunteer Coordinator and Small Events Coordinator for the Blue White Ball.
“I knew when I graduated I wanted to be part of the Chapter in some way. I love having an opportunity to show my support for Penn State as well as continuing to grow my Penn State family. My favorite thing about the Chapter is that first as a student and then as a recent graduate, they made me feel like I was part of their Penn
State community which made my transition to Alumni life a lot easier.”
Shelby Schneider Wherry became involved with our Chapter in 1999 and serves as our Communications Manager. She earned a degree in Speech Communications with a focus on Business Communication from the University Park campus, including some summer coursework at Penn State Greater Allegheny. She is a Relationship Marketing Specialist with SendOut Cards and a Stay-At-Home Mom, and she extends her volunteerism out into the community in volunteer roles with Boy Scout Troop 366, Christ Church, and the Upper St. Clair school district where her children attend.
“There are so many great memories, but the best story is probably that the Chapter is directly responsible for introducing me to my husband – we met at a Chapter holiday social back in 1999. Also, I did don the Lion costume at a Freshman Sendoff one year and had a blast playing that role…without the one-armed pushups!”
Alex Goodstein joined our Chapter in 2023 as our Social Media Director. He earned a degree in Information Science & Technology in 2009, having attended the University Park campus.
He currently works for PNC as a Senior Digital Product Manager. In addition to his work with the Chapter, he maintains a popular local food blog & social media presence as AlexEatsTooMuch.
“It might sound corny, (but) my first night at University Park my Freshman year I got to meet so many people, see campus at night and visit the Diner at 2 AM. I could tell that night I picked the right place to go to college.”
Sarah Kutchko joined our Chapter leadership in late 2021. She earned a degree in Corporate Communications in 2014 from the New Kensington campus, where she also spent all four years as their softball team’s starting second baseman.
She is an Internal Auditor Senior at PNC Bank, and in addition to her work with the Chapter she serves as the Chair of Community Advertising for Community Mutt Strut, which supports Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
“My favorite PSU memory is attending the 2016 White Out game and beating OSU by three points after Marcus Allen blocked the punt! I got involved with the Chapter for the passion I have for Penn State and wanting to support the mission of THON.”
Stefanie Santo graduated from the Smeal College of Business at University Park in 2014 with a degree in Accounting, where she also managed the Women’s Basketball team. She currently works as the Associate Director of Athletics for Business Operations and Strategic Initiatives for Carnegie Mellon University Athletics, and earned a Master of Public Management degree there in 2022. In addition to her work with the Chapter, Stefanie is the Director of Finance for the Blue Whtie Ball and is the Treasurer & Co-chair of the CMU Women’s Association Service Club.
“Since graduating, I continue to network with other Penn Staters. It’s great to share stories and our passion for Penn State. I look forward to working with the Chapter to help Penn Staters all over Western PA connect.”
Ben graduated from University Park in 2006 with a degree in Information Science and Technology. He is the Technology Assurance Director for KPMG and will serve the Board as our Chapter Webmaster. He is also on the Board of the IST Alumni Society and is the Webmaster for the Penn State Wrestling Club.
“The PSU football season during my senior year of 2005-06 will always be especially memorable to me. I’ll never forget the electrifying win over Ohio State followed by a road trip with friends to Ann Arbor to witness the heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the final second of the game, and traveling to the Orange Bowl in Miami to celebrate the New Year with a win over Florida State. I am excited to serve as Webmaster for the Chapter, and I look forward to connecting with many members!”
Computer Science (1982), having attended the Greater Allegheny and University Park campuses. He is
currently a lecturer of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State Greater Allegheny and The Penn State World Campus. Before starting his career as an educator, he retired from positions at IBM and AT&T
after working in various positions for 33 years.
Larry is a passionate Penn Stater and a dedicated educator, spending many volunteer hours on helping
students and improving programs at Penn State Greater Allegheny. He is proud to have been inducted as a
Penn State Alumni Pioneer during We Are Weekend 2024.
“I am joining the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Board to help build a greater synergy between Penn State Greater
Allegheny Campus, World Campus, and our Chapter.”
in 2018. He currently works as a Financial Analyst for PPG. In addition to his work with our Chapter, he is a
member of the Smeal Mentoring Program where he provides guidance, professional insight, and career
guidance to undergraduate business students at University Park.
“Like many of us Penn Staters, I grew up surrounded by Alumni in my family and always had dreams of
attending myself. Along the way I met my best friends on campus and continue to make trips back to Happy
Valley every football season.”
She currently works as a Senior Inventory Planner for American Eagle Outfitters. In addition to her role
with our Chapter, she is a mentor for students in the Smeal College of Business, sits on the Advisory Board for
Penn State Prime (a marketing organization in Smeal), and is the Membership Experience Advisor for
University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.
“I wanted to be on this Board to help alumni continue to celebrate their love for Penn State and connect with
other Penn Staters. My favorite PSU memory is being in the student section and storming the field during the
2016 Ohio State upset!”
degree in Security and Risk Analysis, and currently works as the Director of Information Security at Equinox
Holdings LLC, a global health and wellness brand, where he develops, implements, and manages a robust
information security program.
“Penn State has a remarkable alumni community, and I’m excited to help others engage with this wonderful
network while fostering meaningful connections. My favorite PSU memories include forming lifelong
friendships, the exhilarating atmosphere of football games, and the unforgettable experience of participating in THON.”
the University Park campus in 2008. He is currently a Senior Construction Manager for Raymond James, and
also works as a realtor for Coldwell Banker. He played football under Coach Joe Paterno, and remains a
dedicated PSU football season ticket holder who loves to tailgate.
“My most favorite Penn State memory was when, as a Penn State football player, I was able to introduce my
dad to Joe Paterno and watch him light up like a little kid.”