Spring 2011 - The University of Akron

AlUmNI NewS
The Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Awards 2011
The College of Business Administration Alumni Association
established this honor in 1987 to recognize distinguished alumni
in the name of a fellow alumnus, dedicated professor, friend and
a legend in the College of Business Administration. Dr. Simonetti
is remembered for his outstanding contributions to the city of
Akron, the University, his students and colleagues.
The 2011 Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni winners are:
Tom DeBord, president of Summa
Barberton and Summa Wadsworth-
Rittman Hospitals. Tom received a
bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1985
and an MBA in finance in 1992, both from
The University of Akron. Tom began his
hospital administration career at Barberton
Citizens Hospital in 1988 as director of general accounting. He
was named COO in 2002 and became COO for both Summa
Barberton and Summa Wadsworth-Rittman hospitals in 2008.
Tom was named president of Summa Barberton Hospital and
Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital in 2010. Tom and his
wife, Diane, provide support for scholarships in UA’s College of
Business Administration.
Dominic “Nick” Gonnella, partner, tax
management consulting at Deloitte Tax,
LLP. Nick received his B.S. in accounting in
1982 and his Master of Taxation degree in
1991, both from The University of Akron.
He is a tax partner with Deloitte and
currently serves as Deloitte’s US and Global
Tax Management Consultant Leader. He is a former member of
the School of Accountancy Advisory Board and with his wife,
Kathy, has supported the Deloitte Touche Scholarship through
the College of Business Administration.
Sean P. Hennessy, senior vice president,
finance & CFO of The Sherwin-
Williams Company. Sean earned his B.S.
in accounting from The University of
Akron in 1980. He began his career with
Sherwin-Williams in 1984 and has been
instrumental in the development of the
strategies and global growth platforms that have helped make
Sherwin-Williams the global success it is today. Prior to holding
this position, Sean served as treasurer of Sherwin-Williams
Company from August 2001 to August 2002. He and his wife,
Becky, support the College of Business Administration.
Robert G. Nemer, retired senior vice
president of Society Corp. Robert earned
his B.S.B.A. in management from The
University of Akron in 1953. While at
the University, he was a member of the
baseball team, Pi Kappa Epsilon fraternity,
and Army ROTC. He was a student of
Dr. Simonetti.
Robert joined Firestone in 1963 in Industrial Relations and
was later named corporate director of personnel in 1974. In
1978, he became vice president of personnel administration
for the Financial Services Holding Company. He retired from
Society Corp. in 1989 as executive vice president after serving
in that capacity since 1982. Upon retirement in 1989, Robert
taught night classes in the College of Business Administration
alongside Dr. Frank Simonetti.
Robert served on The University of Akron National Alumni
Board of Directors and was a member of the College of Business
Administration Advancement Council. He was a charter
member of the College of Business Alumni Board and developed
the vision of the annual Simonetti breakfast to recognize alumni
and raise funds for scholarships for CBA students. A charter
member of Varsity A, he and his wife, Marion, support the
University, particularly in the area of Athletics and the College
of Business Administration.
Laura K. Thompson, vice president finance,
North American Tire, The Goodyear Tire
& Rubber Company. Laura graduated with
her B.S. in accounting in 1987 and her
MBA in finance in 1992, both from The
University of Akron.
Laura began her career with
Goodyear in 1983 while still in undergraduate school at the
University. She served in financial and accounting capacities
until being named finance manager for Research and
Development in 1997. In 2000, she became director of Investor
Relations and in 2002, the finance director for North America
Tire’s Consumer tire business. In 2003, she was named director
of Business Development for North American Tire and in 2005
was appointed vice president of Business Development. In 2008,
she was named an officer of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company. Laura is a current member of the College of Business
Administration’s Advancement Council.
| 22 |