Alumni Board of Directors Elects New President, Members

Bayaan Oluyadi ’13 was elected president of the Monmouth University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Bayaan Oluyadi ’13 was elected president of the Monmouth University Alumni Association Board of Directors. His term begins July 1.  

Oluyadi, who has served on the board since 2017, most recently as treasurer, will succeed Karyn Cusanelli ’89, who served as president for eight years. He is the principal and founder of KTB Services LLC, an accounting firm based in Cranford, New Jersey. Oluyadi started KTB in 2021 after two years at PwC and six years at CohnReznick LLP and, in addition to tax planning and compliance tax accruals, provides strategic business planning; financial statement preparation; bookkeeping and software support; state, local and international tax guidance; and other services designed to help individuals and business owners manage and grow their companies. He also sits on the corporate advisory board of a New Jersey chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Oluyadi earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting from Monmouth, during which time he was a member of the men’s track and field team, the Accounting Society, and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. He earned his M.S.L. in Taxation from Georgetown University.

Four new members and two incumbents were elected to three-year terms on the board during voting this spring. Read on to learn more about each of them.

Leslie Fornino ’96 (incumbent)

photo of Leslie Fornino

Business: Vice President, Strategy & Design at Michael Simon Interiors Inc.

Degree: B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing

Monmouth Activities: As a part-time night student, I participated in musical theater productions at the University. Because of our passion in music and theater, my husband, Martin Grubman ’77, ’81M, and I sponsor an annual performing arts scholarship that enables two Monmouth students financial assistance to pursue Bachelor of Arts degrees in the Department of Music and Theatre Arts.

Why I Serve:  I have been a member of the Alumni Board for the last year in a non-voting capacity. I would like to join as a voting member for a three-year term to provide a greater impact. The board is doing remarkable work, and I believe my skills and experience will add value to the efforts of the current amazing team of Monmouth ambassadors. 

Jason Gmitter ’98

photo of Jason Gmitter

Business:  Director of Technical Marketing at AMD Pensando

Degree:  B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing

Monmouth Activities:  I played football and have remained connected through the Athletic Hall of Fame and fundraising with Coach Kevin Callahan for the stadium and scoreboard.

Why I Serve:  I wish to use my knowledge and abilities to support the University’s expansion and the best interests of its students. I can benefit the board by bringing new ideas and fresh views to advance the University’s and the Alumni Association’s missions. I look forward to connecting and collaborating with alumni to build a robust and active network.

Jessica Kavanagh ’16, ’20M

photo of Jessica Kavanagh

Business:  Director of Membership and Marketing at Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck

Degree:  B.A. in Communication; M.B.A.

Monmouth Activities:  I was on the women’s golf team and worked with Monmouth Digital Network.

Why I Serve:   Monmouth has become my second home. It all started my freshman year and continued with my first job out of college: ticketing and development assistant in the athletics department. During the next six years, I completed my M.B.A. while moving up in the department before departing this past June. Having the opportunity to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors will continue my residency with the Monmouth University community.

Cesar A. Monterroso ’19, ’20M

photo of Cesar A. Monterroso

Business:  Executive Protection Specialist at Wells Fargo

Degree:  B.A. and M.A. in Criminal Justice

Monmouth Activities: I was vice president of the Criminal Justice/Homeland Security Program, vice president of the Sigma Pi fraternity, and a member of the Student Veteran Association. I also was employed with the Monmouth University Fitness Center.

Why I Serve:  I believe that I will bring a valuable perspective and experiences to the Alumni Association Board of Directors as a veteran and military member of eight-plus years. I am highly motivated to enhance the alumni program and give back to the University community.

Marissa (Cusanelli) Purdy ’14 (incumbent)

photo of Marissa (Cusanelli) Purdy

Business:  Senior Client Account Manager, Patient Access and Affordability Solutions at IQVIA

Degree:  B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing

Monmouth Activities:  I was founder and president of the American Marketing Association, vice president of Circle K, vice president of marketing for the International Business Network, founding father of Alpha Kappa Psi, and a committee member of the Human Relations Advisory Council.

Why I Serve:  Being an involved member of the Monmouth University community has been important to me my entire life. My parents and my sister are alumni, so I have been a part of the Monmouth family since the day I was born. Giving back and helping to enhance a place so special to me is a significant part of my life.

Andre Renaudo ’11

photo of Andre Renaudo

Business:  Relationship Director, Financial Institutions Group at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank

Degree:  B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance

Monmouth Activities:  I was finance chair for the Student Government Association, president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, editor of the Shadows yearbook, and a student in the Honors School.

Why I Serve:  Since I received my acceptance letter, Monmouth has been my second home and has provided me the opportunity to see the University through various lenses over the years as a student leader and active alumnus. I would like to further promote networking and career development opportunities for both alumni and current students.