Lukenda School of Business Professional Advisory Board
LSB Professional Advisory Board Objective
The primary objective of the Professional Advisory Board is to support the following goals and policies of the Lukenda School of Business:
1. Preparing students through course work and related experiential education for
success in their careers and in life.
2. Providing internships for students.
3. Providing professional development growth opportunities for faculty.
4. Providing and soliciting assistance from the business community in funding
Lukenda School of Business initiatives.
5. Assisting with development and evaluation of curriculum, scholarships, and
internship opportunities.
6. Advocating on behalf of the Lukenda School of Business.
More about Timothy Ayres
- Graduated from LSSU in December 1990
- Graduated with B.S. in Business Administration
- President of Fluid Chillers, Inc. located in Lansing, MI
- Lives in Mason, MI
More About Mr. James Brogan III
- Graduated LSSU in 1989
- Has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology
- President, Chief Executive and a member of the Board of Directors of Hiawatha Communications Inc. located in Munising, MI
- Vice President and Managing Partner of Peninsula Fiber Network LLC, located in Marquette, MI
More About Ms. Patricia L. Caruso
- Received a B.A. in political science and sociology from LSSU
- Graduated from the University of Michigan with a Master of Arts in comprehensive occupational education
- Spent 23 years with Michigan Department of Corrections
- Nine years as a warden
- Seven plus years as the Director of the Department
- Served as a cabinet member to Governor Jennifer Granholm
- Retired January 1, 2011
- Married to her husband Stan for 40 years and has 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren
More About Ms. Cathy Mason
- Graduated LSSU in 1980
- Joined the LSSU Professional Advisory Board in 2012
- Started career at Central Savings Bank in 1978
- Began as clerk-typist and worked her way up to Sr. Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Directors
- Member of the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
- Enjoys volunteering, traveling, certified in scuba diving, and loves to garden.
- Lives in Brimley, MI
- Married to her husband Steve for 39 years and has two children
More About Ms. Katie Pepin
- Graduated LSSU in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with honors
- Controller of Precision Edge Surgical Products Company LLC
- Certified Public Accountant in August of 1991
- Over 30 years of diverse experience in Public, Tax, Non-Profit, ERP system, and Manufacturing Accounting
- Board of Control Distinguished Scholarship Recipient for LSSU
More About Mr. Peter Petainen
- Graduated LSSU with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- The General Manager of the International Bridge Administrative
- Administrative entity within the Michigan Department of Transportation
- Became IBA General Manager in 2016
- Has experience as an independent auditor, a licensed commercial pilot, and served as an officer in the Canadian Forces
- Lives in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario with his wife and kids
More About Ms. Emily Jacques
- Bachelors in Accounting and Associates in Technical Accounting from Lake Superior State University University in 2014
- Currently a licensed CPA in the State of Michigan
- Serves as Adjunct Accounting Professor at Lake Superior State University
- In 2019, became Chief Financial Officer for the International Bridge Administration
- Served as Shared Services Business Manager for the Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD in 2015-2019
- Served as an Accountant for Precision Edge Surgical Products in 2014-2015
- Masters in Administration and Leadership from Northern Michigan University in 2020
More About Mr. Ron Spironello
- Graduated from University of Windsor in 1991 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Graduated from Lake Superior State University in 1993 with an MBA
- Hired by Gisborne Group as a Site Project Engineer in May 1995
- Became shareholder for Gisborne Group in 1998 and became the majority shareholder in 2023
- Became the President of Gisborne in 2017 and added the CEO title in 2019
- Currently the President and CEO of Gisborne
More About Ms. Tracy West
- Graduated from LSSU in 1986 with a B.S. Finance & Economics
- Masters Business Administration (marketing concentration) from Michigan State University 1988
- Currently co-founder and EVP – PGA TOUR division, Pro Links Sports
- Oversee 3 PGA TOUR events: Valspar Championship, Wells Fargo Championship, 3M Open
- Tournament director of Valspar Championship & assistant executive director of the Wells and 3M tournaments
