James Barrood is a dynamic innovator who leads collaborative teams in incubating ideas and executing plans to achieve vision. 

He has developed, fundraised for and managed many of the Institute’s innovative academic and outreach programs since 1997. James is active in the regional entrepreneurial and business communities and was recognized recently as a Small Business Advocate (NY Enterprise Report) and as among the state’s ‘Forty Under 40 Business Achievers’ by NJBIZ business journal. In addition, Mr. Barrood frequently speak at regional business events on topics including innovation, entrepreneurship and family business and has appeared on MSNBC, ABC, My9, NJTV (Voices of Innovation) and News12 NJ. James is the editor of the multimedia book, Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Global Insights from 24 Leaders and the co-author of the book, Lessons from the Great Recession.

Ethne Swartz is the Chair of the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Ethne conducts research in entrepreneurship and teach at graduate and undergraduate levels. She participated in search, selection and appointment of faculty and staff. Chaired strategic planning committee that developed strategic plan for the Silberman College Business. Participated in outcomes assessment and curriculum development, including the creation and implementation of digital teaching initiatives for business courses. Ethne Swartz is also responsible for coordination of publications team at USASBE

Dr. Marsha Firestone is the Founder and President of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), which began in 1997 as a peer advisory organization for women who own multi million dollar businesses. She is also the Founder and President of the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization, dedicated to increasing access to business opportunities for women’s business enterprises Dr. Firestone previously served as Vice President of Women Incorporated and as Vice President of Training and Counseling at the American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation. Her career also includes positions as President of a for-profit educational institution; National Executive Director of Women’s American ORT, a volunteer organization; and a faculty member at the American Management Association Competency-Based Management Development Program, at City University of New York, and at Adelphi University. Dr. Firestone is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Successful Self-Employment and has published research in business and educational journals on adult learning theory, nonverbal communication, and managerial competency.