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This Year’s Nominees
Shelley Bankard-Weaver, BS ’06
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Director of Experiential Marketing and Events | ParetoHealth
Elkins Park, PA
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Shelley Bankard-Weaver is a hospitality and events professional who loves creating experiences that bring people together. She began her career at The Walt Disney Company and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, where she built a strong foundation in guest service. Today, as Director of Experiential Marketing and Events at ParetoHealth, she leads large scale conferences focused on connection and impact. Her career includes leadership roles with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, JW Marriott Nashville, and Omni Hotels, along with co-founding Nashville Running Tours. Shelley values relationships, creativity, and mentorship, and is excited to support the STHM community.
James Birrane, BS ’22
Sport & Recreation Management
CRM Specialist, Business Strategy & Analytics | Comcast Spectacor / Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia, PA
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I am originally from Bloomsburg, PA and enrolled at Temple University in the fall of 2018. After graduation in 2022 I was fortunate enough to land a job with the Philadelphia Flyers in Inside Sales. Two seasons and a promotion later, I decided to explore a new path in Business Strategy & Analytics. In my current role of CRM Specialist, I am the sole Administrator of our Salesforce and have taken responsibility for a variety of business operations. Outside of work, I have returned to Temple’s campus for multiple career fairs and spoke to an STHM class about my professional journey.
Michael Chernow, BS ’16
Sport & Recreation Management
Director, Coaching & Player Development | Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh, PA
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Michael Chernow is the Farm Director for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he leads Coaching & Player Development across all levels of the minor leagues. His career includes experience with the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia 76ers and spans roles from entry-level positions to leading a large department as the key decision-maker. That range has shaped his perspective on building aligned, high-performing organizations centered on development and collaboration. A graduate of Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Chernow is committed to supporting the continued growth of the STHM community and helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders.
Michael English, M. Ed. ’81
Recreation/Leisure Tourism and Hospitality Management
Retired
Bry Mawr, PA
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I earned my master’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies in 1981 and have a long history of alumni leadership. I served as an officer and President of the HPERD Alumni Association, then as the first President of the STHM Alumni Association, and later spent eight years on the Temple General Alumni Association Board. Throughout my service, I emphasized inclusive outreach to alumni across all generations.
Professionally, I began as Ridley Township’s first Parks and Recreation Director and later served as Director of the Lower Merion Township Recreation Department, where I expanded youth and special needs programming. In 1996, I transitioned into municipal management, serving as Assistant Township Manager and Borough Manager in three municipalities until my retirement in 2024.
Andrea Gaudini, BS ’14
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Assistant Vice President of Strategy, Insights and Operations | Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
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Andrea began her career in the food and beverage industry before transitioning into marketing and communications. She has spent over a decade at Temple University, where she currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Strategy, Insights and Operations within the Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications.
In her role, Andrea is on the front lines of advancing the university’s marketing and communications strategy—working to both enhance and protect Temple’s brand while fostering pride, spirit and engagement. Most recently, she contributed to the relaunch of the iconic Temple Made campaign and served on the steering committee for the university’s strategic plan, Forward with Purpose.
Breanna Johnson, BS ’16
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Executive Assistant & Office Manager | Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia
Drexel Hill, PA
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Breanna Johnson is the Executive Assistant & Office Manager at Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia, where she provides strategic support to senior leadership. She is a recipient of the Achiever Award from The Admin Awards of Philadelphia. She served as a Resident Assistant, President of Eta Sigma Delta, an executive board member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association student chapter, and a member of the Temple University Young Alumni Association Board. Breanna remains involved through alumni events and is passionate about mentorship. She holds a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University and an MBA in Organizational Management from Eastern University.
Frantzer LeBlanc, BS ’05
Sport & Recreation Management
Vice President of Operations | Moody Center
Leander, TX
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Frantzer LeBlanc is a senior operations executive specializing in large-scale sports and entertainment venues, with a track record of driving operational excellence and
organizational performance. As Vice President for Operations, he oversees multidisciplinary functions including engineering, sustainability, IT/AV, and custodial services, delivering measurable results through efficiency initiatives, leadership development, and multimillion-dollar capital projects. Previously, he held executive roles with OVG, contributing to major venue openings and corporate strategy, including pandemic response and NHL operations. A recognized industry leader, Frantzer holds an MBA from Wagner College and a BS from Temple University, and is a Certified Venue Professional, actively shaping governance and best practices.
Leon Nelson, BS ’23
Sport & Recreation Management
Jr. Strategist | Octagon
New York, NY
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Leon Nelson is a binational French-American sports business professional specializing in sponsorship strategy and event operations. He currently works at Octagon, one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment agencies, where he advises brands on sponsorship strategy in sports. A graduate of Temple STHM program and NYU’s Master of Science in Sports Business, Leon has experience with organizations including the Paris 2024 Olympics, the US Open(Tennis), the Eagles, The Philadelphia Union, and Temple Athletics. He is passionate about strengthening alumni connections and creating impactful opportunities for the STHM community.
Anna Tsang, BS ’14
Tourism & Hospitality Management
Senior Meeting and Event Planner | CNA Corporation
Alexandria, VA
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With over a decade of experience in corporate and hospitality event planning, I currently serve as a Senior Event Planner at CNA Corporation, leading high-profile conferences and engagements for government and corporate clients. Previously, I managed large-scale, revenue-generating industry events at the American Petroleum Institute and executed strategic programs at WilmerHale. My background spans end-to-end event operations, stakeholder collaboration, and delivering impactful experiences across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. As a Temple University STHM alum, I am passionate about giving back and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals through alumni engagement and leadership.