GLADYS KEITH President, FSB Agency Inc. Page 56 FIVE TIPS TO ESTABLISH REALISTIC FINANCIAL GOALS Page 31 HOW TO RESPONSIBLY IMPLEMENT ETHICAL AI IN BUSINESS Page 92 MILLENNIUM HONORING THE LEGACIES OF PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Twenty-fourth Edition
Important Dates in History 1898 On June 17, 1950, the very first successful kidney transplant operation was performed by Dr. Richard Lawler in Evergreen Park, Illinois. “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again,” a fantasy novel by J. R. R. Tolkien, was published and went on to sell millions of copies worldwide. Albert Nelson Marquis established Marquis Who’s Who. 1937 1950
Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, killing 1,400 people and leaving around 80% of New Orleans submerged under up to 20 feet of water. 2005 Cable television channel MTV was launched, and its first music video, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, aired on television for the first time. 1981 2026 The NASA-led Artemis program’s first crewed mission carried out a 10day lunar flyby, marking the first crewed flight below low Earth orbit in over 50 years.
TABLE OF 8 Worldwide Biographies Meet our listees, distinguished professionals from around the world who have dedicated their lives to providing monumental services across all industries. 7Editor’s Letter An introduction to the Twenty-fourth edition of Millennium Magazine, a reflection of our prestigious listees whose perseverance has garnered inspiration worldwide. CONTENTS 31 Five Tips to Establish Realistic Financial Goals in Your Career Many professionals may measure their success through financial management, so establishing sensible and realistic financial goals can prove highly influential. Here are some tips to consider. 4
114 Emotional Intelligence at Work: Practical Skills for Success Emotional intelligence, a set of soft skills that involves handling relationships and stress management, is essential for success. Here’s how you can enhance your social awareness at work. 92 Ethical AI in Business: A Framework for Responsible Implementation Responsible implementation of AI is crucial to maintaining the trust of clients, colleagues and the public. As AI-driven tools increase in relevance, we must ensure frameworks are transparent, fair and accountable. 140 Seven Leadership Strategies to Strengthen Company Values Company values are core principles that define the company’s identity and guide its actions. Within, peruse seven strategies that help executive professionals lead with purpose. 5
MILLENNIUM BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Chief Executive Officer Erica Lee Chief Marketing Officer Kristine McCarthy Executive Vice President, HR and Organizational Development Deborah A. Morrissey Director of Recruitment Fran Bardio Vice President, Sales and Training Michael Swinarski Senior Sales Manager Nikki Masih Customer Service and Compliancy Director Iris Cannetti EDITORIAL Director, Editorial Services Renée Dutcher-Pryer Production Director John Sartoris Media Production, Biographical Profiles Charles Varriale Senior Editor Lisa Diamond Staff Writer Erin Cogswell CREATIVE SERVICES Senior Graphic Designer Carlton Ramsey Millennium Magazine is a registered trademark published by Marquis Who’s Who Ventures LLC 350 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 Copyright 2026 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – including, but not limited to, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – or used for any commercial purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher and, if the publisher deems necessary, execution of a formal license agreement with the publisher. Manufactured in the United States of America. ISSN: 2577-6991 (Online) ISSN: 2577-7009 (Print)
Dear Readers, The journey down one’s career path can feel monumental, especially in today’s professional climate. The full scope of possibilities may seem limitless and overwhelming. As external influences riddle the path, such as political extremes, economic disparities and technological advancements, the way forward may seem particularly daunting. Understanding that our treks diverge and are inherently unique means that, regardless of the challenges we face, our contributions are poised to have a lasting effect on the world at large. To combat the forces that stand in our way, it is crucial to learn from the experiences of industry leaders who have come before, drawing insight into the persistence of the collective workforce, driven by the shared values of collaboration, resilience and forward thinking. The listees highlighted in the 24th edition of Millennium Magazine exemplify such determination, articulating their needs in ways that benefit not only the individual but also the workforce. Whether involved in academic and scholarly achievement, business ownership, healthcare, government and politics, legal services and law enforcement, technological and scientific research, or the creative arts, the human experience requires healthy interpersonal relationships and a sense of life equilibrium. In addition to our listees’ biographical narratives, we invite you to peruse several editorial pieces that address current industry developments. These include “Ethical AI in Business: A Framework for Responsible Implementation” (p. 92), which explores how to uphold ethics and trust among clients, employees and the public while leveraging artificial intelligence systems. Likewise, “Seven Leadership Strategies to Strengthen Company Values” (p. 140) outlines ways to lead with purpose and ensure that company values remain a driving force behind long-term success. The rigor required to excel in professional environments is nurtured over time, coalescing into the understanding that we can foster a positive work-life balance and flourish. As you thumb through this edition of Millennium Magazine, we hope you glean inspiration from the stories featured within and wish you success in your own endeavors. With best wishes for continued success, Lisa Diamond Lisa Diamond Senior Editor, Millennium Magazine EDITOR’S LETTER
8 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES JIMMY EDWARDS FOUNDER, PRESIDENT CAREvolution, CAREducation Foundation Manassas, VA The COVID-19 pandemic exposed numerous systemic challenges, but few were larger than those in education. Following the forced closure and then reopening of schools, it seemed a different way might be possible. It was the moment Jimmy Edwards had been preparing for. Mr. Edwards has established himself as a visionary in education and leadership. As the founder and president of CAREvolution and its fundraising arm, the CAREducation Foundation, he is challenging the status quo with a studentcentered, project-based learning environment developed to reimagine educational standards. CAREvolution aims to be a global education initiative built upon self-directed learning and inclusive community design. Currently uniting multiple microschools within a shared physical campus, the organization is also piloting a comprehensive online platform that enables homeschooled and geographically dispersed students to participate in a full academic program offering courses, workshops, mentors and student-led clubs. Grounded in Mr. Edwards’ doctoral research at the University of Virginia and his decade-long work in the Prince William County Public School System, CAREvolution challenges the historical foundations of standardized education. Mr. Edwards asserts that traditional assessment systems evolved from industrial-era models that do not equitably serve today’s diverse learners, particularly students of color, those with disabilities and those for whom English is a second language. In response, Mr. Edwards has developed a human-centered curriculum shaped by diverse religious, cultural and socioeconomic perspectives, inspired by the Montessori system but collectively owned, rather than tied to a single founder. The program actively supports students with disabilities and neurodivergent learners who often struggle in conventional systems but thrive in self-directed environments. Mr. Edwards points to an 11-year-old student who had previously disengaged from formal schooling as an example. After shifting to a personalized, passion-driven education, the student successfully launched a nonprofit initiative repurposing stuffed animals to support other children.
9 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES microschool programs while advocating for the adoption of their project-based learning model across both existing and newly established educational initiatives. Mr. Edwards’ goal is to collaborate with schools, families, educators, businesses and others to advance revolution in education through the CARE Learning Framework. He is also developing a membership and accreditation network to certify educators and accredit programs aligned with its learner-centered model. This will enable alternative education founders, homeschooling cooperatives and other communities worldwide to establish CARE cohorts in their own cities. Within the next five years, Mr. Edwards and his team intend to advocate for a global education state of emergency, underscoring the urgency of reform while preparing to expand their pilot programs. Drawing parallels to the sweeping educational shifts that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, he is committed to mobilizing public support for transformative change. An experienced educator, instructional coach and advocate for innovative learning approaches, Mr. Edwards began his career as a mathematics and music teacher in Prince William County Public Schools. He then relocated to Lima, Peru, to teach upper-level mathematics at the American International School while pursuing his doctorate at the University of Virginia. In 2022, he returned to the public school system to assume an instructional coaching role. During this time, Mr. Edwards dedicated his efforts to dissertation research focused on reimagining education. This work led to the founding of CAREvolution and the launch of an alternative school system that challenges conventional standards. He is driven by a passion for working with students and teachers to create systemic change. Mr. Edwards’ most significant accomplishment has been leading school improvement initiatives that produced unprecedented gains in student achievement, particularly among students with disabilities. At one school, students with disabilities saw their standardized mathematics proficiency increase from 54% to 100%, effectively closing the longstanding gap. In another instance, accreditation status was preserved due to outstanding performance, earning the highest Level 1 categorization among all student groups in mathematics. By implementing his research-based CARE Learning framework, Mr. Edwards also helped transform an alternative school, reducing chronic absenteeism to 0% despite serving a population that included many students assigned for disciplinary reasons. CAREvolution aims to build on these results with educational standards shaped by community input rather than external mandates or partisan interests. Looking to the future, Mr. Edwards and his team plan to expand their pilot
10 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES learning their names, asking about their lives and building trust within the school environment. Earlier in her career, Dr. Murphy Natoli served as an assistant principal in the New York City Department of Education. Her professional success stems from her extensive educational background, including an EdD in school leadership from St. John’s University, which she earned in 2016. She also holds an MS in reading education from Brooklyn College, an MS in administration and supervision from Touro University, and a BA in history from Fordham University. Beyond academia, Dr. Murphy Natoli coaches a girls’ basketball team and volunteers with an Irish step-dancing program that one of her daughters participates in. She has received citations from members of the U.S. Congress for her efforts to improve student test scores. Looking forward, she aims to delve into instructional coaching to aid teachers and administrators seeking career success. Dr. Mary E. Murphy Natoli is distinguished in the academic community for her commitment to student success and professional growth. Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience, she most recently served as principal in the Elmont Union Free School District, a role she accepted in 2012. Under her leadership, the school was transformed into one of the district’s top- performing institutions, due in part to her efforts to facilitate collaboration between educators and students. Having fostered an environment that encourages open communication, humility and lifelong learning, Dr. Murphy Natoli is widely recognized for her achievements. Among her myriad of accomplishments, Dr. Murphy Natoli was celebrated for launching a student book club focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, through which she addressed topics such as race, special education and families from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The initiative began with only seven members and expanded to include over 35 individuals. Throughout her career, Dr. Murphy Natoli implemented instructional practices tailored to each student's unique needs, championing small-group instruction to both connect with students and alleviate educators' stress. Directly engaging in each student’s academic success has been a cornerstone of her career, and she has derived much pride from DR. MARY E. MURPHY NATOLI PRINCIPAL, COVERT AVENUE SCHOOL Elmont Union Free School District Elmont, NY
11 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES this background, she gained a profound understanding of the challenges children in the juvenile court system face. Dr. Sayers developed a deep desire to help others. However, she got into trouble as a teenager, but refused to let it be the end of her story. Tired of relying on the welfare system, Dr. Sayers decided to take control of her life. She passed the GED and enrolled in Blackhawk Technical College to pursue a degree in legal secretary science. Ranking high on the civil service exam for a position with the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, she accepted the role and found fulfillment in the court environment. Dr. Sayers was with the office for five years before joining the Office of the General Counsel at Milwaukee Area Technical College as an administrative assistant. It was here that she realized a passion for education. She transitioned to the coordinator of legal services before becoming a faculty member in the college’s business division. With expertise spanning both legal and business education, Dr. Sayers established a successful 17-year career as an instructor. She has taught various legal and business courses, served as a scholarship application reviewer and chaired the Office of Technology Department. Most notably, she initiated an accelerated program for working administrative and legal assistants, allowing them to attend classes one night per week to complete their studies. Dr. Sayers left her teaching role in 2020 and has been working on a memoir. Having recently faced health issues and surgeries, she is also exploring new career options, such as remote college-level teaching positions, academic advisory roles and mobile notary work. Regardless of her next steps, she has shown incredible determination to achieve her goals. It is no accident that Dr. Sharolyn Sayers began her profession in the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office as a senior legal secretary; her upbringing directly influenced her career choice. At an early age, she moved between multiple foster placements and endured several challenging years in an abusive home. Through DR. SHAROLYN SAYERS RETIRED FACULTY, BUSINESS DIVISION Milwaukee Area Technical College Maricopa, AZ
12 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Millennium Magazine Featured Listee ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES RESEARCH PROFESSOR George Mason University Bethesda, MD As an assistant professor of engineering and physics, Dr. Jaime Thissen prepares students to move beyond the information age and into the emerging space age. His work is well aligned with this mission, as his collaborations with academia and government agencies connect to future aerospace and aeronautical missions involving the Moon, Mars and beyond. Dr. Thissen’s research focuses on agrobiology, astro-agriculture, life-support engineering, and safety systems for aerospace and aeronautical applications. His work explores how engineered biological and agricultural systems can help sustain life in extreme environments while also addressing the safety, reliability, and riskmanagement challenges required for advanced flight systems and long-duration missions. While astronaut training remains a visible part of space preparation, Dr. Thissen emphasizes that building a spacecapable society requires contributions from many fields, including engineering, science, agriculture, safety, education and culture. A versatile academic, Dr. Thissen has taught or co-taught in eight academic departments, a rare accomplishment. He is also a strong advocate for autism awareness, neurodiversity and greater inclusion in STEM fields. Work in demography – which encompasses population statistics, policy and dynamics – is regaining attention as populations age and decline and as migration patterns shift. However, for Dr. John May, it has always been a critical field that has shaped his career, spanning policymaking and academia. Dr. May is a research professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. He is a highly accomplished and sought-after analyst and presenter in the field of demography, having reviewed, authored, co-authored or contributed to numerous reports, articles, books, chapters, blogs and podcasts throughout his career. Additionally, Dr. May serves on the Scientific Advisory Councils for POPDEVINTER in Paris and the Berlin Institute for Population and Development in Germany. He is also a board member of the Association Alfred Sauvy in Paris. These appointments, which date back to 2013, demonstrate his 50 years of leadership in the field. Throughout his career, Dr. May has aimed to highlight the critical importance of demography and persuade economists to recognize its significance. He spent many years working with the World Bank and has helped several countries develop policies to better serve their changing populations. VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS School of Engineering, Sciences and Innovation, Monmouth College Monmouth, IL Millennium Magazine Featured Listee JAIME THISSEN, PHD, MIET, MINSTP DR. JOHN MAY
13 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ACADEMIA, EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES PROFESSOR EMERITUS University of Florida Fulton, MO Dr. Wayne Wanta’s talent for writing and love of sports initially led him to a career as a sportswriter. Finding success, he decided to teach, launching a celebrated decades-long career in higher education. Recently retired, he is a professor emeritus in the Department of Journalism at the University of Florida. Dr. Wanta held college-level teaching positions in Texas, Oregon, Missouri and Oklahoma before joining the University of Florida. His academic career has enabled him to pursue his two passions: mentoring others and traveling. He has given lectures and presented research in 65 countries and visited 22 others. With connections worldwide, Dr. Wanta’s reach is extensive. Whether through conferences or the classroom, he has worked with approximately 200 graduate students and countless co-authors and colleagues. He has also contributed to numerous academic articles, eight books and at least 200 concept papers, journals and articles. Dr. Wanta has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Paul J. Deutschmann Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2024. He also received the organization’s Krieghbaum Under 40 Award early in his career, which remains a notable achievement. DR. WAYNE WANTA
14 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE JOSEPH SCERBO (IN MEMORIAM) MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER Olde York LP Fort Lauderdale, FL Joseph Scerbo can trace his family’s European legacy back 600 years, beginning with three Swiss brothers who moved to Italy and whose records were preserved through the Catholic Church. Some of his ancestors traveled from Italy to Russia to help Catherine the Great build her palaces. This heritage was an inspiration to Mr. Scerbo, and he attributed much of his success to his family history and upbringing. He also credited his father’s teachings, which emphasized accomplishing things independently rather than relying on handouts. These lessons shaped the values that guided his achievements. They remained as meaningful and important as ever until his death in 2026. Mr. Scerbo’s engineering career spanned five decades across companies that have touched some of humanity’s most advanced triumphs, including the space race and the atomic bomb. It followed seven years of service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, from 1958 to 1965. In his retirement, Mr. Scerbo managed real estate properties and industrial buildings as the managing general partner of Olde York LP, a role he held for 22 years. He partnered with NVR, one of the largest residential builders in the country, to develop housing in York, Pennsylvania. Building a personal care facility on about 10 acres of land was his final project. Mr. Scerbo began his career at American Machine and Foundry (AMF), which was once one of the country’s largest recreational equipment companies. The Brooklyn plant, where he worked, was known for manufacturing cigarette and cigar machines, though it later expanded into government aerospace work. This included building equipment for handling the original atomic bomb. Mr. Scerbo quickly advanced through the company as it was designing launch equipment for Cape Canaveral in the early space race. NASA had contacted his company about a faulty escapeplatform bridge. As a young engineer, Mr. Scerbo helped design a device to stabilize the bridge. He then personally transported the device to Florida, oversaw its installation and testing, and remained on site at NASA’s request until the launch.
15 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE lesson that success can come from starting with nothing. Following this experience, Mr. Scerbo acquired one of Milwaukee’s oldest companies. He expanded its workforce to 500 employees and participated in major government programs before selling it. Upon the expiration of a noncompete clause in 1989, he acquired and developed Bloom City USA, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which distributed cologne and recreational products. He sold this company in the early 2000s and entered real estate development full-time. Mr. Scerbo’s career took him across various industries. He attributed his success to the example set by his father, who apprenticed as a custom tailor, immigrated to the United States, and built a men’s and women’s clothing business from scratch with strong determination and drive. His father insisted that none of his sons join the business and instead wanted them to build their own paths, a decision that pushed them to become independent and responsible. Mr. Scerbo’s professional legacy included seven patents. He was involved with his local Rotary Club for 30 years. Recalling the humility he felt at this moment, Mr. Scerbo said the experience encouraged him to make sound decisions throughout his career. He was proud that most of the choices he made turned out to be the right ones and led to successful outcomes. AMF later evolved into a recreational company with divisions that developed air-cargo loader rail systems, bowling equipment, Hatteras Yachts, Harley-Davidson motorcycles and other brands. At the time, Mr. Scerbo was in his 30s and managing about 50 professionals in the engineering division. When his division was spun off and ultimately acquired, he was instrumental in growing the new company, York Industries, in the hydraulic field. With a small team, he built the business into multiple locations before selling it in his 50s. Mr. Scerbo considered this one of his most notable achievements. He was tasked with building a manufacturing operation from scratch, starting only with an engineering department and relying on subcontracted designs. He and his team purchased equipment at auctions, trained machine operators and grew alongside their partners. It served as a
16 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE The deep knowledge that has led to Robert Donahoe’s successful 47-year mining career did not come from a classroom; it was developed over decades of hands-on experience, hard work and dedication. With humble beginnings as a “red hat” shoveling coal, he has advanced to the highest tiers of leadership. Mr. Donahoe is vice president of safety for Ramaco Resources Inc., a position he has held since 2025. He oversees the 10-employee safety department, interacts with state and federal agencies, and addresses any problems or issues related to conditions in the coal mine. He also conducts training for all company employees and initiates additional safety programs. Prior to his current role, Mr. Donahoe served as superintendent of Ramaco Resources from 2017 to 2025, helping the company grow from 23 employees to approximately 1,000. This tenure followed stints as a superintendent with Alpha Natural Resources and Massey Energy’s Double Diamond Mine. He previously worked as an equipment operator, section foreman and mine foreman with Massey Energy. He began his career as an equipment operator for U.S. Steel’s Old Ben Coal Company. Mr. Donahoe attributes his success to a strong work ethic and an unfailing commitment to do things right. His most notable professional achievement has been successfully managing coal mines in a notoriously dangerous field. He and his team recently accepted safety awards for four of their operations in which he is directly involved in safety management. Ultimately, the most important aspect of his work is ensuring all jobs are performed safely. Throughout his career, Mr. Donahoe has sought to learn from everyone with whom he has worked, whether peers or supervisors. He believes that everyone has insights and experiences that can teach invaluable lessons for his future endeavors. He also emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, particularly in avoiding others' mistakes. Ultimately, Mr. Donahoe hopes to be remembered for his fairness across every position he has held. Regardless of the circumstances, he has prioritized treating everyone equally and without favoritism – and has sought to provide equal opportunities for all. ROBERT DONAHOE VICE PRESIDENT OF SAFETY Ramaco Resources Inc. Chapmanville, WV
17 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE Distinguished for his exceptional drive, determination and dedication, Norman Young is a leading figure in construction. Since 2012, he has served as chief executive officer of DCMC Construction LLC., specializing in state and federal government contracts and boasting offices in Albany and Brooklyn, New York, with an expansion into Miami currently underway. Since the company’s inception, Mr. Young and his team have bid on multimillion-dollar projects. Under his leadership, DCMC Construction has undertaken several projects, including the new 911 Call Center at the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the renovation of the Guild House, part of the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. Furthermore, Mr. Young lent his expertise to the reconstruction of numerous bridges, buildings and centers. Participating in projects such as the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, the John F. Kennedy Airport, the Montreign Casino in Monticello, New York, and the Albany Nanotech of Science, among others, he also completed significant work at SUNY Albany, the Albany Convention Center and Albany High School. Mr. Young has been featured in articles by the Albany Business Review and in the Capital Region Kings and Queens Royal Gala, honoring him as the Top General Minority Contractor. Due to his industry prowess, Mr. Young has served as a mentor and guest speaker at New York University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He commenced his career in the 1980s, working as a union mason on bridges across the five New York City boroughs, advancing to foreman, then superintendent and then project manager. Subsequently, he graduated from a Pilot Program for Minority Business Enterprises, ranking first among more than 670 participants. This inspired him to establish multiple divisions within his company, including commercial construction, bridge-building, highway-building, road and citystreet construction, construction management and commercial cleaning, collectively generating over $10 million in revenue. Attributing his success to the support and guidance from his family, Mr. Young was honored as the #1 Minority Contractor from 2019 to 2025. He aims to venture into real estate development in the coming years. NORMAN YOUNG CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DCMC Construction LLC. Brooklyn, NY
18 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT POLLY LEONARD KEENER FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR Akron, OH For more than 50 years, Polly Leonard Keener has been a leading figure in the illustration industry, working as a freelance illustrator since 1969. She is the creative force behind the cartoon strip “Hamster Alley” and the puzzle/cartoon features “Mystery Mosaic” and “Sudoku Happi,” all of which were nationally syndicated to approximately 450 newspapers. Mrs. Keener wrote the book “Cartooning" in 1992, with a foreword by “Garfield” creator Jim Davis. She also created “Toon Appetit: Recipes and Cartoons,” a cookbook produced by the Great Lakes chapter of the National Cartoonists Society, and has illustrated various books by other authors. Art was an early part of Mrs. Keener's life. Her older sister was an artist, and her mother was a teacher who often brought home school supplies. Mrs. Keener drew pictures to entertain herself, which helped her learn how to improve her craft. She completed coursework at Kent State University and Princeton University before earning a bachelor's degree at Connecticut College in 1968. Mrs. Keener began her professional career as a soft sculpture instructor from 1976 to 1978. During this time, she also established Keener Corporation, which became known for its creative output and dedication to artistic excellence. She served as president until 2007, enabling her to oversee both the business and creative sides of her work in the industry. In 1979, Mrs. Keener stepped into the classroom as an instructor of cartooning at the University of Akron, a position she held until 2004. She also taught cartooning at the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine from 1992 to 1994. Countless students were mentored and inspired by her expertise and hands-on instruction. Additionally, Mrs. Keener served as a cartoon text writer for Prentice Hall Publications from 1985 to 2006. This work involved crafting engaging content for educational materials and publications used in elementary schools, high schools and colleges. The position enabled her to further support and educate the next generation of cartoonists and artists. She has also judged various arts-and-crafts competitions throughout Akron, Ohio.
19 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT commitment to producing a comic strip for 20 years and two puzzle features for nearly as long. She has enjoyed her work and felt fulfilled by her various projects, yet above all, she considers her children her greatest achievement. Mrs. Keener has been a longstanding member of the National Cartoonists Society throughout most of her career, receiving the Tim Rosenthal Award in 2006. She served as a trustee and vice regent of the Cuyahoga-Portage chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution for nearly a decade and as the national vice chairman of the organization’s magazine for three years. She is also a member of the Society of Illustrators. Mrs. Keener’s civic engagement is as extensive as her professional career. She is currently a trustee for the Stan Hywet Hall Foundation and was a member of the women’s board at the Blossom Music Center. She is a founding member of the Toonseum in Pittsburgh and served on its board of trustees for two years. For three years, Mrs. Keener also volunteered for National Cartoonists Day and the Cartoon Appreciation Week Celebration, serving as a national representative on the board of directors and co-chairing the event. She was affiliated with the Women’s History Project in Akron, the Junior League, the Women’s Board of the Western Reserve Academy and the Akron Art Institute. Mrs. Keener earned numerous awards for her civic engagement, including being named Woman of the Year by the Women’s History Project in 1989. The Junior League of Akron recognized her with its Unsung Hero Award in 1998. For her professional achievements, she was named Visiting Artist of the Year in Heidelberg University’s Honors Program. Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Keener wants to be remembered as a good person and a capable artist. She is currently working on a book titled “Hamster Rally” for the 20th anniversary of the “Hamster Alley” cartoon strip. It will be published in August 2026. Mrs. Keener has been a dedicated artist for nearly six decades. While she has accomplished much during her profession, she is proud of her CARTOON STRIP BOOKS
20 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ELIZA TAN SENIOR PARTNER MANAGER, ADOBE ANGEL INVESTOR San Francisco, CA At 27 years old, Eliza Tan has established herself at the intersection of technology, media and creative innovation. As a senior partner manager at Adobe, she leads an ecosystem of more than 400 strategic partnerships that help shape the workflows used by creators, studios and production teams worldwide. Since joining Adobe in 2022, she has driven the expansion of the partner ecosystem for Adobe’s Creative Cloud video and audio applications, driving product adoption and go-to market strategy across the company’s professional creative tools. Although her career is centered on technology, Ms. Tan’s passion has always been storytelling. Born in Singapore and raised in Malaysia, she grew up in a family that valued achievement and encouraged her to think ambitiously. While there were expectations that she would pursue a traditional profession such as engineering or law, she found herself drawn instead to filmmaking, often creating homemade movies with her sister and cousins. Determined to follow that passion, she moved to the United States at 17 to pursue higher education in media and international studies, becoming the first member of her family to attend college in America. That decision became a defining moment in Ms. Tan’s life. Living in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the United States broadened her worldview and cultivated a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Having traveled extensively across more than 45 countries and lived in eight American cities, she has developed an ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Fluent in six languages, she credits this global perspective with helping her build meaningful relationships and identify opportunities where others may see barriers. Ms. Tan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Asbury University before completing a Master of Arts in new media photojournalism at George Washington University. While still early in her career, she photographed both the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, gaining firsthand experience covering events of global significance and witnessing the complexities of international broadcasting. Her creative work has been recognized through
21 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ing and advising early-stage technology startups. Throughout her career, Ms. Tan has intentionally built experience across broadcasting, journalism, documentaries, education and technology. Rather than viewing these fields as separate disciplines, she sees them as interconnected ways of telling stories, solving problems and bringing people together. Whether photographing the Olympic Games, teaching students, mentoring founders, or building Adobe’s partner ecosystem, she has been driven by the same belief: the best ideas emerge when people with different backgrounds and perspectives come together. Looking ahead, Ms. Tan hopes to continue building cross-industry partnerships that empower creative professionals while eventually producing visual stories that highlight multicultural experiences and underrepresented voices through her creative work. She believes the most meaningful innovation happens when technology amplifies rather than replaces human creativity, and she hopes her own unconventional journey encourages others to pursue paths defined by curiosity instead of convention. exhibitions at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, publication in Photographer’s Forum Magazine, and inclusion in Sohonet’s 2026 International Women’s Day series, celebrating women across the media industry. Beyond her work in photography and journalism, Ms. Tan has become increasingly involved in emerging creative technologies. She has won and judged multiple Silicon Valley hackathons and has served as an honorable judge for Project Odyssey Season 2 and the Chroma Awards, film festivals dedicated to AIdriven storytelling. These experiences have strengthened her belief that generative AI will fundamentally transform filmmaking while reinforcing the importance of preserving authentic human creativity. Outside Adobe, Ms. Tan serves as an adjunct professor at Asbury University, where she teaches the next generation of media professionals. She also co-chairs the Innovation Zone for the Hollywood Professional Association, mentors entrepreneurs and young professionals through Swissnex and Rise Women in Broadcast, and is an angel investor through The Council, support-
22 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Ms. Bushman has performed across the U.S., Europe, South America and Asia. As a member of the Portsmouth Chamber Ensemble, she won the Artists International Competition, leading to a Carnegie Hall performance. This is among her most notable achievements, alongside presenting works by women composers with the Crescent Quartet in France, Germany and Mexico for the International Congress on Women in Music. This underscores Ms. Bushman’s commitment to both classical music and contemporary works by women composers. Ms. Bushman has maintained flexibility, working across opera, ballet, contemporary, baroque and jazz. She emphasizes the importance of trying fresh approaches and continually developing in a changing world. With this philosophy, she intends to keep playing for many more years. Ms. Bushman is happily married to Dr. Robert Fried, professor emeritus and member of the doctoral faculty at City University of New York. Robin Bushman’s musical career has spanned nearly 50 years and taken her around the world, but it all began at home. Music was a natural part of her life – her father, Cantor Irvin Bushman, served at Temple Emanu El and was on the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). Her mother, Pauline, a gifted pianist, also played organ at Temple Emanu El. Ms. Bushman studied violin at CIM’s preparatory department under Margaret Randall and Kurt Loebel. She pursued formal education at Oberlin Conservatory in 1973 and earned a master’s degree from The Juilliard School in 1975 as a student of Oscar Shumsky. This training set the foundation for performances in orchestral concerts, ballet productions, chamber music and solo recitals. She also teaches privately. Ms. Bushman’s long and storied career began in 1978, when she joined the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. She has performed with the New York Philharmonic and the American Ballet Theater since 1982, and the Westchester Philharmonic. Additionally, she has performed with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera and the Portsmouth Chamber Ensemble. She was a member of the Crescent Quartet, performed regularly as a substitute with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and is a member of the American Composers Orchestra. ROBIN BUSHMAN ASSISTANT CONCERTMASTER Westchester Philharmonic New York, NY
23 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT five different genres simultaneously, a feat that few others, if any, have achieved. Mr. Daniels is the chief executive officer of Ball90 Productions, Songflight SSAAR Productions and Songflight SSAAR, all based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also the supervisor of Songflight R.A.D. Productions and worked for 19 years with the U.S. Postal Service. In producing his albums, he records the vocals and plays various instruments, including the drums, bass guitar and keyboard. Dedicated to learning new techniques, he uses AI-generated music to fill in the background. Music is in Mr. Daniels’ blood. His mother sang with The Platters, while his father played drums and traveled with such legendary musicians as Quincy Jones, Donald Byrd and Miles Davis. From childhood through 1980, Mr. Daniels performed intermittently with members of Parliament-Funkadelic. In fact, founders Eddie Hazle and Tawl Ross taught him how to play the guitar at age 8. He also learned the drums and clarinet in elementary school. In sixth grade, Mr. Daniels was invited to play bass in a band called The Soul Emotions. After this group disbanded, he established Emotional Sounds of Funk, a band that played throughout New Jersey and along the East Coast from 1973 to 1976. Mr. Daniels then joined with three others to found Black Pearl, another musical mainstay in the region that performed at The Apollo, the Boston Coliseum and other venues from 1976 through 1981. Mr. Daniels left music behind when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1983 to provide for his family. This move changed everything for him, opening doors to new experiences, including travel and collaboration with musicians from diverse backgrounds. These experiences significantly reshaped his perspective on music, marking one of the most transformative phases of his life and career. Music was a significant part of Ronald Daniels’ life since childhood, though at one point, after founding multiple bands, he decided he would no longer pursue it. However, his sister’s request at her passing that he share his music with the world reignited his passion. He is now on a mission to release five albums across RONALD DANIELS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ball-90 Productions Virginia Beach, VA
24 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Following the death of his sister in 2019 to cancer, Mr. Holesworth was prompted to begin writing his memoir. His first book, “Life and How to Live It: Volume One: Begin the Begin,” was published in 2024 and re-released in 2025 through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble Booksellers Inc. and IngramSpark. He published the second volume, “Near Wild Heaven,” in 2026. The books are inspired by the band R.E.M., drawing their title and subtitles from the band’s songs. This reflects the influence of music on Mr. Holesworth’s life. It is a source of personal strength, and he plans to honor the artistic works that sustained him during difficult times through a six- or seven-volume series. Mr. Holesworth is also the author of “Poetry Book,” which he self-published in 2025. His works have received several Global Book Awards for biography, survival and poetry. A natural optimist, he is deeply driven to bring his books to a broader audience. For nearly 20 years, Chaz Holesworth has been a friendly face along his mail route in Glenside, Pennsylvania, greeting the residents and business owners he has come to know throughout his career. However, his path to this profession has not been straightforward. It is a journey he is documenting in his memoir series. Mr. Holesworth persevered amid a difficult childhood, which included growing up in poverty, navigating his father’s addiction and witnessing his mother’s born-again Christian influence. Rock music was the one thing that often brought him comfort during this tumultuous time, though he was expelled from his Christian high school for listening to it. He earned his General Educational Development certificate but struggled in community college because his earlier education prioritized the Bible over academic subjects like science and English. Despite these challenges, Mr. Holesworth passed the postal service exam in 2005 and began a stable, rewarding career in 2006. For the last four years, he has served as his branch’s union steward, advocating for workers’ rights. He is also a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and has served as a shop steward since 2015. CHAZ HOLESWORTH AUTHOR OF POETRY AND MEMOIRS Willow Grove, PA
25 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Ms. Jones-Nelson is the author of the “Tyler City Trail Adventures” book series, featuring the titles, “Tyler City Trail Adventures: The Trail Begins” and “Tyler City Trail Adventures: The Haunted Woods.” She first wrote the works earlier in her career and has re-released them through the self-publishing company iUniverse. Her forthcoming entry in the series, “The Creator’s Call,” will be available soon. Ms. Jones-Nelson’s first book, “Adventures in God’s Little Meadow,” was published in 1992. She also wrote the acclaimed book “Habititus Fever: Infected with a Desire to Help Others,” published by Habitat for Humanity, with study questions by a Habitat employee. Available through the Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity or Amazon, the book is set to be re-released under a new name. Beginning her career as a receptionist at GTE Airfone Inc. in 1989, Ms. Jones-Nelson found herself needing work when the company closed due to the rise of cell phones. She found a silver lining, though, as the closure enabled her to establish her own business, Wanda’s Piano Studio, in 1995. Music has been a significant part of Ms. Jones-Nelson’s life, as she has served as a pianist at every church she attended. Through her studio, she has shared her expertise with students of all ages for more than 30 years. She and her son, Bryan, are currently building a recording studio at home. Ms. Jones-Nelson is now focused on expanding the reach of her books and the ministry she supports. Her son, a singer-songwriter, biker evangelist and ordained minister, has a bold vision for the ministry’s future. They aim to build momentum close to home through local outreach to the large churches and faith communities in their region. From there, they hope to grow steadily and eventually travel across the country. While working at a bookstore in Tennessee more than two decades ago, Wanda Jones-Nelson noticed that among all the children’s books, there was little Christian literature for young readers. This inspired her to write faith-based books to fill a market gap, and she has since been creating valuable resources to nurture young readers’ faith. WANDA JONES-NELSON AUTHOR Aurora, IL
26 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Ms. McIntire received a Bachelor of Music in voice performance from Florida Southern College and a Master of Music in voice performance from Ithaca College. Subsequently, she earned a second Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of MissouriKansas City and holds lifetime professional teaching certifications in K-12 vocal and instrumental music in Missouri. In November 2019, Ms. McIntire sustained a massive stroke, which required her to relearn how to walk, use her left side, and try to play the piano and sing. However, she did not let her situation deter her – she has been motivated by her love for music and care for her students, rebuilding her life during her recovery and exemplifying an unwavering dedication to herself and others. Looking ahead, she intends to continue expressing her love for music through education and performance. Michelle Allen McIntire is a distinguished music educator and performer, and the owner of McIntire Studios, which she established in 2024 and has since used to guide students on their journeys to becoming skilled musicians and vocalists. Throughout her career, she has mentored young musical artists in mastering their craft, stressing the importance of communication and connecting with audiences. Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience, Ms. McIntire began teaching voice and piano privately in 1992 after spending several years as an artistic director for numerous organizations affiliated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, including the Kansas City Children’s Choir and Canta Filia. She was also the artistic director for the GALA Choruses Youth Member Choir as part of PerformOUTKC, pioneering LGBTQ+ youth engagement in the choral arts. Similarly, she served as the director of music at St. Teresa’s Academy and an artistic director of Crescendo: The Tampa Bay Women’s Choir. Concurrently, in 2012, she was the director of choirs at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, where she led choral ensembles and the church’s musical programming. She has also led music direction for several congregations, including various Methodist, Presbyterian, A.M.E, Unitarian, Lutheran, Baptist, Episcopalian and Catholic churches. MICHELLE ALLEN MCINTIRE OWNER, TEACHER McIntire Studios Penfield, NY
27 Millennium - Twenty-fourth Edition ARTS, MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Ms. Stahlecker explores handmade paper as a medium for a broad range of artwork, from large, 3D installations assembled at the exhibition site to artists’ books, sculptural forms that open to suggest architectural forms and altar pieces. A rich collection of experimental papers was developed, exploring a range of plant fibers and inclusions. Ms. Stahlecker’s medium and craft is hand papermaking, a material that dates back centuries. She has spent 50 years researching papermaking worldwide through fellowships from academic institutions, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, corporate support, grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Fulbright fellowship. Many of Ms. Stahlecker’s creative pieces are 3D installations made of handmade paper. Her expertise encompasses traditional European and Japanese hand papermaking. She has contributed to the art form’s development, blending history from Eastern and Western traditions into inventive original studio practices. Ms. Stahlecker has held teaching positions throughout her career, most recently as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Fine Arts in Tucson in 1999. Previously, she was an adjunct professor in the department of fine arts at the University of Alaska Anchorage and a visiting artist in the fiber department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Earlier, Ms. Stahlecker served in a prestigious arts administrative role at the Visual Art Center of Alaska in Anchorage. The state’s breathtaking beauty and her upbringing on a farm with nature-loving parents have inspired advocacy against global warming and other environmental issues, a recurring theme in her art. Ms. Stahlecker is now compiling and annotating her extensive research on hand-papermaking while also organizing her published and unpublished work. Karen Stahlecker has built her artistic career on one of the most fragile mediums: paper. She recalls how a summer spent recycling paper sparked her curiosity. Then, as part of the printmaking department at Washington University, she became engaged with the sculptural properties of handmade paper and possibilities for deep, rich embossed textures. Her interest launched a journey to discover, learn and document historical papermaking tools, materials and traditions around Western Europe and Japan. KAREN STAHLECKER OWNER WillOaksStudio Woodstock, IL
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