Advisors are an informal, non-governing body of Catholics who are the best in their field. They inform the Institute through their experience and example. Advisors can mentor Scholars, teach short courses, lecture, visit our beautiful campus, and take Scholars on industry field trips.
Executive Director, Chesterton Academy; VP Sales and Marketing, Vocal Laboratories Inc.
Emily de Rotstein was a Board member and the founding Executive Director of the first Chesterton Academy from 2011 to 2018. In 2013, she helped launch the Chesterton Schools Network, a global network of Catholic classical high schools. Her career began in fundraising for higher education, with roles at Amherst College, Trinity College, and the consulting firm Grenzebach Glier and Associates. Before Chesterton, she was VP of Marketing at an electronics display company she co-founded. Emily and her husband, Nes, live in Ave Maria, Florida, and are active in Legatus (Naples chapter) and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Strategic Planning Manager, Empresas Dialum S.A.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Fernando Diez Vidal is a maxillofacial surgeon and business leader. Over the years, Dr. Diez Vidal has contributed to various research studies, publications, and conferences related to maxillofacial surgery. Currently, Fernando serves as the CEO of Dialum. He holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a specialization in Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology from Universidad de Los Andes.
CEO, Matt Birk and Company; Commissioner of Sports, React LLC
Harvard University
Matt Birk is the CEO of Matthews Building Solutions. In addition to leading Matthews Building Solutions, Matt is actively involved in other entrepreneurial ventures, including Heritage Gear and Matt Birk and Company, LLC, where he delivers keynotes, advisory services, and leadership coaching. A former NFL player, Matt enjoyed a successful football career, highlighted by winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens. He holds a degree in Economics from Harvard University.
Delegate and Special Advisor on Human Trafficking, United Nations
Boston College, Northeastern University
Deborah has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and the private sector. She is the Special Advisor on Human Trafficking for the Order of Malta’s Mission to the United Nations and founded Global Strategic Operatives (GSO) to train healthcare systems globally on identifying trafficking victims.
Deborah founded Nurses with Global Impact, Inc. to honor nurses making a global difference and hosts the International Nurses Day at the UN. Deb resides in New York and Massachusetts with her husband, Steve.
Associate Director, Barclays Capital; Analyst, Merrill Lynch
Princeton University
Geoff Gentile is a finance professional with over 18 years of experience as the Managing Partner at Abdiel Capital. Prior to this, he worked as an Analyst at Merrill Lynch and an Associate Director at Barclays Capital. Geoff holds an A.B. in Economics from Princeton University.
Analyst, Gleacher Partners
University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
John is a Partner at The Jordan Company, L.P., where he has been driving investment strategies and growth for over 16 years. Prior to this, he worked as an Analyst at Gleacher Partners and gained early experience as a summer analyst at Morgan Stanley in the Equity International group. He holds a BS degree from The Wharton School and has also studied at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Staff Accountant II, Arthrex
Ave Maria University
Dustin Roberts has extensive experience in financial reporting, reconciliation, and trust accounting. Currently, Dustin is a Senior Accountant at River Bend Administration, LLC. He previously worked at Arthrex, Inc., where he managed financial statements and fixed asset functions for multiple entities. Dustin holds a BA in Accounting and an MBA from Ave Maria University and was the Co-Captain of the university's varsity football team.
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist in Private Practice
Franciscan University, Divine Mercy
Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist and founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, where he has developed the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP) to integrate Catholic philosophy and theology with psychology. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, he is committed to establishing a Catholic standard for mental health. Prior to his career in psychology, Dr. Bottaro discerned a religious vocation with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and his experiences with spirituality and discernment continue to inform his work. He resides in Connecticut with his wife Barbra and their seven children. Dr. Greg guides The Institute’s personal development curriculum.
Board Member, Uncountable Inc; VP of Business Development, MasterStreet
Yale University
With over a decade as a Partner at Teamworthy Ventures, Stephen has guided investments in notable companies such as Toast, OpenGov, and Ibotta. He currently serves on the boards of several companies including Uncountable Inc., Dendi, Hunt Club, and User Interviews, focusing on advancing technology and service solutions across various sectors. Stephen holds a BA in History from Yale University, where he was a member of its Ivy League Championship football team.
CEO, Abide; Finance and BD Manager, Google
Princeton University
Neil is a leader in technology and faith, serving as a partner at 1Flourish Capital, an early-stage deep-tech venture firm focused on high-character founders advancing human flourishing. He is also a venture advisor for the Impact Foundation. Previously at Google, Neil led commercial and investment efforts for products like Android handsets, Google Maps, and submarine cables. He later founded Abide Christian Meditation and the Amen Catholic Meditation app. Neil holds a master’s in public affairs and quantitative economics from Princeton and a BA from UC Berkeley. He has been married for 18 years and has four children, two adopted from Congo.
CEO, Blockbuster, Inc.
College of the Holy Cross
James Keyes is a business leader and philanthropist known for his leadership as CEO of Fortune 500 companies 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His diverse business interests span multiple industries, including retail, technology, and healthcare, and he actively contributes to several public company boards and start-ups. Keyes is deeply involved in philanthropy and education, with significant roles in organizations like the American Red Cross, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Education Is Freedom Foundation, reflecting his commitment to both community and personal growth. Keyes is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy.
VP & Director of Disability Income and Long Term Care, Fifth Avenue Financial & Lenox Advisors; Regional Director, MassMutual Financial Group
University of Richmond
Todd is a Partner at Lenox Advisors, overseeing key client relationships and financial management. With a career spanning over two decades, he has previously served as Regional Director at Mass Mutual Financial Group and Sales Representative at Cigna, focusing on insurance and financial solutions. Todd holds a BS in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Richmond were he was D1 collegiate tennis player.
Television Host, Fox News; Correspondent, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
University of Massachusetts
Tom Shillue is a comedian and TV host who regularly appears on The Greg Gutfeld Show on Fox News. He’s made over 20 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and his memoir "Mean Dads for a Better America" was an Amazon bestseller. Tom is currently touring with his solo show Spontaneous Combustion, named “Best One Man Show” at the United Solo Festival. He has also appeared in his own Comedy Central Special, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and the film Mystery Team.
Franciscan University
Justin Schneir is founder of Tractor Beverage Co. He sold his first company when he was 37 and has consulted with hundreds of executives nationwide. With a MA in counseling, 20 years of high-profile business experience, and a passion for holistic health, he advocates building c-suite teams that capitalize upon the strengths of individuals. Justin is a graduate of Franciscan University.
Real Estate Analyst, J.P. Morgan; Research Partner, Ave Maria University
Ave Maria University
John Paul Klucik works as an Associate at Silvercrest Asset Management, a publicly traded multi-family office based in New York Citiy. Previously, he worked as a Real Estate Analyst at J.P. Morgan and as a commercial salmon fisherman in Kodiak, Alaska. John Paul also served as a Research Partner at Ave Maria University, contributing to academic research while balancing a unique career path. He is a graduate of Ave Maria University.
CFO, Cortland; MD, Morgan Stanley
Williams College
Ned Stiker is a senior manager partner at Cortland, a leading multifamily real estate investment, development, and management company. Mr. Stiker has over 30 years of experience on Wall Street, having held prominent roles at Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Bankers Trust. Mr. Stiker is a graduate of Williams College and serves on non-profit boards including the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund.
MD, Morgan Stanley; MD, Credit Suisse; Partner, Stone Tower Capital
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; Oriel College, University of Oxford
Frank Hagar is the co-founder of OppCAP Group, an alternative investment management consultancy. Previously, he was a Partner at Stone Tower Capital and an MD at Morgan Stanley. Frank holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School and an M.Phil. in Economics from Oxford. He serves on the US Advisory Council for IESE Business School and the boards of the Collegium Institute and Delbarton School. He has also served on multiple boards at Seton Hall University and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Sculptural contributions, including the Baldacchino at the Church of St. Michael in midtown Manhattan, with a diverse portfolio spanning small-scale portraits, architectural sculpture, and monumental figurative works
Apprenticeships with Dony MacManus and Tomasz Miszeal
Christopher Alles is a New York-based sculptor who began his artistic journey at the age of two. He apprenticed with sculptor Dony MacManus in Florence, Italy, gaining a deep appreciation for the Italian Renaissance masters. Back in Portland, Oregon, he refined his craft under Polish sculptor Tomasz Misztal, creating works that blend historical influences with contemporary themes, including a monumental sculpture of St. Charles Borromeo.
Associate, Kirkland & Ellis; Articles Editor, National Review
Andrew Oliver graduated from HarvardUniversity and the University of Chicago School of Law. He is the founder andCEO of Giantmicrobes and previously worked at National Review. Mr. Oliver is agentleman farmer, writer, and a dedicated citizen of Greenwich, CT.
Songwriter for Kenny Chesney, Cody Johnson, and Carrie Underwood
LIL Technical College
From Vancouver, Canada, Kat Higginsgrew up performing Irish folk music and eventually touring full-time as asuccessful Canadian country family band. Now based in Nashville, she has pennedhits for artists like Kenny Chesney, Cody Johnson, and Carrie Underwood. Withher song “Knowing You” and “The Painter” both reaching number one on countryradio and earning ACM and NSAI accolades, Kat is also preparing her own album,produced by Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon, set for release in 2025.
Professional, Bridgepoint Investment Banking; Associate, Calusa Capital Partners
Ave Maria University
Andrew Nussbaum is Managing Director at Golden Circle Advisors, specializing in M&A and capital raising. He previously worked at Bridgepoint Investment Banking, Calusa Capital Partners, and Federated Hermes. Andrew holds a BA in Business Administration from Ave Maria University.
CIO, Hitachi Nuclear Energy, GE
An IT executive with over 30 years of experience, Tim integrates resources and technology with business strategy to enhance productivity and profitability. His career includes leading global teams at General Electric in various roles, including Vice President of IT for Record to Report and FP&A, and Chief Information Officer for GE Power and GE Appliances. Skilled in driving business transformation, implementing SixSigma/Lean practices, and building high-performance teams, Tim has a proven track record of optimizing financial and operational systems across diverse industries. He is a graduate of Marist College and received an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
CEO, The Merry Beggars; Acting and Humanities Teacher, Rhodora J. Donahue Academy
Ave Maria University, Columbia University
Peter Atkinson is a multi faceted entrepreneur, actor, and Canadian immigrant with a rich background in education and the arts. He studied Classics at Ave Maria University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and received The President’s Award, before earning his MFA in Acting from Columbia University. Peter founded The Merry Beggars, an entertainment production company now part of Relevant Radio, and has achieved significant success with the company, while also engaging in diverse activities including walking across America for the Pro-Life movement and teaching rock climbing in Switzerland.
Board Member, Defense Science Board; Founder, James Carlini Consulting; Co-Founder and Senior Advisor, Zeteo Tech
Johns Hopkins University, Drexel University
Jim Carlini has over 30 years of experience in national defense and intelligence and is the CTO at Leidos, a leading national security technology company. Previously, he held senior roles at Northrop Grumman and DARPA. Carlini is a member of the Defense Science Board and a former member of both the Air Force and Army Science Boards. He has received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding and Exceptional Public Service. Carlini holds a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor's from Drexel University.
Senior Vice President, Procter & Gamble Global Baby Care
Universidad de Los Andes
With over 30 years of experience at Procter & Gamble, Maria Gomez specializes in developing and innovating consumer and retailer-centric growth strategies. She is passionate about accelerating growth for next-gen programs and integration strategies while advocating for workplace equality and diverse talent representation. Over the past decade, she has led P&G's Baby & Feminine Care Analytics & Insights.
Global VP Sales -Industrial, Newell Brands
DePaul Driehaus, College of Business
Craig Vogel is an executive with over 25 years of experience in business development, sales leadership, and change management across major manufacturing and industrial firms. He has held key roles, including Vice President of Industrial Sales at Stanley Black & Decker and Vice President at Newell Brands, where he drove revenue growth and built high-performing teams. Vogel excels in cultivating strategic alliances, managing multi-channel sales, and leading global teams to exceed goals in the Americas and Europe. He is a graduate of DePaul Driehaus College of Business.
CEO, Cafe Joyeux; Director of Strategy and Operations, McKinsey
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Katie Friend LeLarge has extensive experience in strategy, innovation, and investment management, currently serving as Managing Director and Founder of Nash Impact LLC. Her past roles include leading innovation strategies at McKinsey, and managing high-net-worth client relationships at UBS AG. Katie holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina and has contributed to influential publications and initiatives in innovation and technology.
Model, Select Chicago
A placekicker for Tulane, Bart began his career in content creation and production as an on-camera talent (model and tv host). After 15 years working in front of the camera, Bart expanded his business into working behind the camera as a writer, creative director and producer. Bart’s clients range from Fortune 100 companies to luxury brands to some of the most highly acclaimed travel destinations in the world. Bart lives in New York with his wife Jessica and their five kids.
Fund Manager, World Business Lenders; Associate Director of Major Gifts, UF
University of Florida, Princeton, Oxford
Derrick Chambers is a financial services professional, most recently serving as a Financial Service Advisor at Prudential Financial. He has also been a Fund Manager at World Business Lenders and Associate Director of Major Gifts at University Athletic Association Inc. After his NFL career, Derrick studied Medieval Theology and Philosophy at the University of Oxford, where he also played rugby for St. Peter's College. He later studied at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he served as a Princeton Academic-Athletic Fellow, mentoring student-athletes.
You've been there. You've been where our Scholars are now, and through prayer, hard work, and practical skills you have excelled. Let your example and experience help the Scholars in the Institute at Ave Maria University excel in their paths. Teach short courses, lecture, or bring Scholars on industry visits.
5050 Ave Maria Boulevard
Ave Maria, FL 34142
(239) 304 -7140
theinstitute@avemaria.edu