HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER STAFF PROFILES
Lenny Pollack, Ph.D. (Manager)
Leadership Areas:
- Division Management
- Organizational Development
- Curriculum Development
Lenny Pollack manages Penn State's Human Resource Development Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Pollack has been committed to improving the performance of individuals and organizations.
Lenny's prior work includes accomplishments in all phases of instructional design, including needs assessment, job analysis, course design and development, program evaluation, and the creation of professional development systems. He also consults in the areas of organizational development, performance evaluation, survey development, change management, and strategic planning. Dr. Pollack currently teaches courses for the Human Resource Development Center in communications, change management, leadership, management development, and planning.
Lenny has developed and delivered educational products for a variety of professionals from a broad range of businesses and industries. Instructional programs and performance assessment tools authored by Dr. Pollack have been delivered via classroom instruction, print materials, conferences, self-study, clinical instruction in the workplace, audiotape, and instructional video.
Dr. Pollack has a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and an M.Ed.in Counselor Education from The Pennsylvania State University, and a B.A. in Psychology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is an affiliate faculty member in Penn State's College of Education.
Diane Brown (Human Resource Development Associate)
Leadership Areas:
- Career Development
- Women's Leadership Conference
- Office Professional Certificate
- New Employee Orientation
- Requested/Customized Programs and Services
Diane Brown, Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) Associate, strives to make a difference. When she works with participants, they leave with concrete tools and techniques to apply in the workplace.
In her role, Diane is responsible for the design and delivery of programming in the area of Career Development. Diane also oversees the Office Professional Certificate Program, the Women's Leadership Conference, and New Employee Orientation.
Prior to joining HRDC, Diane was the Director of Admissions for South Hills School of Business & Technology. Her career includes working for Eastern College as the Director of Marketing & Recruitment for the School of Professional Studies and as an Assistant Vice President/Accounting Manager for Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated. Since 2002 she has been an affiliate for HRDC. Diane has also been an adjunct instructor for Saint Francis University, Eastern College, South Hills School, and Penn State Continuing Education.
Diane is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Centre County, holds the Bronze Advanced Level with the State College Toastmasters Club 1219, and is active in her community.
Rick Capozzi (Human Resource Development Associate)
Leadership Areas:
- Client Development
- Fall Conference
- Personal Effectiveness
- Professional Skills
- The Penn State Management Institute
Rick Capozzi, Human Resource Development Center Associate, has been developing and presenting personal growth and development seminars professionally since 1991. At the same time, he has been an international marketing consultant doing business throughout the globe. He brings a wealth of real world experiences into his presentations.
Rick started his relationship with Penn State University in 1997 as an independent contractor presenting staff development workshops; and then in 2003, he joined the Human Resource Development Center team as an Affiliate prior to becoming a full-time Associate in Spring 2005.
Rick orchestrates and delivers the Personal Effectiveness and many of the Professional Growth areas of the Human Resource Development Center curriculum in addition to heading-up the Penn State Management Institute and Client Development.
He has extensive experience in staff and student development in educational environments including work with several of the state universities, Penn State campuses, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, as well as numerous public and private schools.
Rick's sense of humor and interactive style enable him to fully engage learners by integrating fun in the classroom while emphasizing workplace skills.
His recent publications include, "Collected Thoughts-and Some Poignant Ramblings Volume1 & 2" which are motivational and inspirational.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.
Anne Christo-Baker (Human Resource Development Associate)
Leadership Areas:
- Leadership and Management Curriculum
- Communication
- Individual, Group, and Organizational Assessments
Dr. Anne Christo-Baker, Human Resource Development Associate, designs, develops, and delivers courses in the areas of communication, and leadership. She provides leadership for the Mastering SuperVision, Beyond Mastering SuperVision, and the Leadership Academy certificate programs.
Ann also brings organization development consulting experience and college teaching experience to the position. Other activities in which she is engaged include service in professional and academic organizations as a reviewer, writer, and presenter.
Throughout her professional life, her focus has been on helping individuals, groups and organizations become more effective in their processes with the result of improved performance.
Dr. Christo-Baker holds a Doctorate in Leadership Studies, a Masters in Organization Development and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Social Studies.
Brynn Rousselin (Human Resource Development Associate)
Leadership Areas:
- Customer Service
- Facilitation Services
- Penn State Leader
- Teams and Teambuilding
Brynn, an Associate with the Human Resource Development (HRDC), is responsible for the design and delivery of programs within Customer Service, Teams and Teambuilding, Facilitation Services, and the Penn State Leader. Additionally, she provides customized consulting and development assistance in customer relations for units interested in measuring, monitoring, and improving customer service.
Bynn's training and development background includes experience in various industries ranging from facility management to retail and customer service organizations. In terms of management development and customer service training, Brynn has delivered training on abroad scope of topics to all levels of employees. Most recently, Brynn managed the Training and Development Department for Safeway, serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Brynn has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a concentration in Education from The College of Wooster and a Masters of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology from Temple University. Brynn has also coached at the collegiate level for both The College of Wooster and Susquehanna University as the Woman's Lacrosse Assistant Coach.
Kerrie Ferchalk (Human Resource Development Specialist)
Leadership Areas:
- Program Development
- Program Evaluation and Analysis
Kerrie is a Human Resource Development Specialist in HRDC. She is responsible for the development and revision of HRDC materials. She is also responsible for program analysis and evaluation. Kerrie joined the HRDC team in April 2008.
Kerrie spent six years working with text and software for middle school through college educational mathematics programs. Kerrie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Edinboro University of PA.
Kathleen Wolfhope (Human Resource Development Specialist)
Leadership Areas:
- Marketing Communications
- Express Seminars
- Book-Based Seminars
- Leadership and Management Resource Center (LMRC)
- Web Operations and Office Technology
Kathleen E. Wolfhope, an entrepreneur at heart, develops, and implements marketing and communication strategies for the Human Resource Development Center. She is also the division's technology support specialist and coordinates efforts involving web technology.
Prior to joining Penn State in 1999, Kathleen served as a training assistant in industry and held management positions in culinary arts. She has taught computer software training as an Adult Education Instructor for the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology (CPI).
Kathleen is currently a Master's Degree Candidate in Workforce Education Learning and Performance with a focus on Organization Development. She has a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development with an emphasis in Training and Development and a Minor in IST from Penn State.
Nancy Brown (Human Resource Development Staff Assistant)
Responsibility Areas:
- Scheduled Programs
- Management Institute
- Office Professional Certificate
- Leadership Academy
Nancy is a staff assistant at the Human Resource Development Center for Penn State University. In this position, she provides support to the Leadership Academy, Management Institute, Office Professional Excellence, and scheduled programs. Prior to joining the Human Resource Development Center, Nancy was a staff assistant for the Office of Health Promotion and Education at Penn State for four years.
Alesha Drapcho-Gavlock (Human Resource Development Staff Assistant)
Responsibility Areas:
- Program Support
- University-Wide New Employee Orientation
- Library Operations
Alesha Drapcho-Gavlock joined the Human Resource Development Center in February 2008. She is a graduate of South Hills School of Business & Technology with a focus on Business Administration, Management and Marketing. Alesha provides support for University-Wide New Employee Orientation and is the HRDC Library Administrator. In addition, she registers participants for HRDC programs and processes program evaluations. She also coordinates program logistics and audio/visual services for the Human Resource Development Center training room in the James M. Elliott Building. Alesha maintains office equipment and is responsible for ordering supplies for the department.
Dan Liberg (Human Resource Development Staff Assistant)
Responsibility Areas:
- Requested Programs
- Program Support
- A/V Equipment
Dan is a staff assistant at the Human Resource Development Center for Penn State University. In this position, he provides support for all requested programs, as well as several scheduled programs. Dan also assists with program evaluations and summaries. Dan maintains and is responsible for the audio/visual equipment for the department.
Prior to joining the Human Resource Development Center, Dan was a student at Penn State., He graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.
Trish Ripka (Human Resource Development Staff Assistant)
Responsibility Areas:
- Program Scheduling
- Office Operations
- Financial Operations
Trish joined the Human Resource Development Center as a wage payroll working on the support for the development of the Leadership and Management Resource Center. Over the years Trish has joined the staff as a staff assistant and began supporting large scale programs such as the Management Institute and the Office Professional Certificate Program.
Currently Trisha's responsibilities include scheduling all the Human Resource Development Center programs that are offered in the annual catalog of Professional Development Opportunities for Faculty and Staff. She is also responsible for financial and office operations of the division.
In addition Trish is responsible for assisting in the development and delivery of large scale projects such as the Women's Leadership Conference. Trish holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.