Leadership Team | Partnering Facilities Management Team | Panther Central
Leadership Team
Matthew Sterne - Vice Chancellor for Business Services
Email: matthew.sterne@pitt.edu
Matthew Sterne is the Vice Chancellor for Business Services at the University of Pittsburgh. In this role, he oversees all auxiliary operations for the University, which includes housing, dining, Panther Central, conference services, University Club, campus stores operations, parking and transportation services, mailing, printing and copy services, and surplus property. Matthew manages a staff of over 300 employees in multiple facilities on campus including 20 residence halls, 18 dining locations, and four stores.
Matthew’s prior experience includes more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, including other senior leadership roles. He has managed Fairmont properties in Boston; Scottsdale; Sonoma; and Mont-Tremblant, Canada. He also has experience managing Sheraton Hotels in Montreal and San Diego.
Matthew holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, an MBA from Queen’s University, and graduated from the Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. program. He served on the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors and as vice chair of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Julie Bannister – Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services
Email: jmd1003@pitt.edu
As the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services, Julie Bannister oversees and provides strategic guidance to the Housing Assignments and Leasing, Panther Central, Mobility, and Dining Services units of Business, Hospitality, and Auxiliary Services. She also supervises the support units of Marketing and Communications and Business Systems, and oversees the Director of Housing and Dining Facilities. Julie’s duties include oversight of all on-campus housing assignments and University-owned off-campus leasing, the direction of Panther Central’s 24-7 customer care center, management of over twenty on-campus dining locations, oversight of all campus parking, shuttles, and sustainable transportation initiatives, direction of student Arrival, review of marketing materials, development, and implementation of departmental business systems, and supervision of staff.
Partnering Facilities Management Team
Mark Adrian – Facilities Manager
Email: madrian@pc.pitt.edu
Buildings: Brackenridge Hall, Bruce Hall, Centre Plaza Apartments, College Garden Apartments, Forbes-Craig Apartments, Mayflower Apartments, Ruskin Hall
Mark is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the respective buildings listed above. He ensures that his buildings are in an efficient and operable manner, including all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems. He helps to schedule routine and preventative maintenance. Additional responsibilities include ordering of parts, supplies, and services for assigned buildings, and special projects, overseeing renovations from implementation to completion, assisting with budgeting for building costs, and establishing close relationships with outside contractors.
Residents, if you have a question or concern regarding a maintenance issue in a building listed above, please contact Mark or submit a maintenance request!
Melissa Anesin - Housekeeping Coordinator
Email: mea125@pitt.edu
Melissa assists in the supervision of the housekeepers assigned to residence halls and apartment-style on-campus housing. Her responsibilities include: inspecting buildings, processing and assigning housekeeping work requests, and ordering supplies and equipment. She also conducts training of new employees and creates daily job assignments for employees.
Mitch Cholewinski – Facilities Manager
Email: mcc231@pitt.edu
Buildings: Amos Hall, McCormick Hall, Tower A, Tower B, Tower C, University Club/Hall
Mitch is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the respective buildings listed above. He ensures that his buildings are in an efficient and operable manner, including all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems. He helps to schedule routine and preventative maintenance. Additional responsibilities include the ordering of parts, supplies, and services for assigned buildings, and special projects, overseeing renovations from implementation to completion, assisting with budgeting for building costs, and establishing close relationships with outside contractors.
Residents, if you have questions or concerns regarding maintenance issues in a building listed above, feel free to contact Mitch or submit a maintenance request!
William Heller - Senior Facilities Manager
Buildings: Bouquet Gardens, Forbes Hall, Franklin Apartments, Hyacinth Apartments, Lothrop Hall, Oakwood Apartments, Strand, Holland Hall, Nordenberg Hall
William has been with facilities management for 23 years and oversees and supports five facilities managers. He oversees the passenger elevator work in all residence halls, including emergency testing, and many other special projects. He also coordinates day to day activities with managers of the housekeeping and maintenance teams.
Residents, if you have questions or concerns regarding maintenance issues in your building, please fill out the maintenance request form for your building.
James Hines - Housekeeping Coordinator
Email: JFH49@pitt.edu
James assists in the supervision of the housekeepers assigned to residence halls and apartment-style on-campus housing. His responsibilities include: inspecting buildings, processing and assigning housekeeping work requests, and ordering supplies and equipment. He also conducts training of new employees and creates daily job assignments for employees.
Markeita Johnson - Housekeeping Coordinator
Email: mmj37@pitt.edu
Markeita assists in the supervision of the housekeepers assigned to residence halls and apartment-style on-campus housing. Her responsibilities include: inspecting buildings, processing and assigning housekeeping work requests, and ordering supplies and equipment. She also conducts training of new employees and creates daily job assignments for employees.
TaRay Kelly - Housekeeping Manager
Email: tlk38@pitt.edu
TaRay manages the supervision of the housekeepers assigned to residence halls and apartment-style on-campus housing. Her responsibilities include: inspecting buildings, processing and assigning housekeeping work requests, and ordering supplies and equipment. She also conducts training of new employees and creates daily job assignments for employees.
Steve Wilson – Facilities Manager
Email: swilson@bc.pitt.edu
Buildings: Darragh Street Apartments, Fraternity Complex, Irvis Hall, Panther Hall, Sutherland Hall, Residences on Bigelow
Steve is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the respective buildings listed above. He ensures that his buildings are in an efficient and operable manner, including all electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC systems. He helps to schedule routine and preventative maintenance. Additional responsibilities include the ordering of parts, supplies, and services for assigned buildings, and special projects, overseeing renovations from implementation to completion, assisting with budgeting for building costs, and establishing close relationships with outside contractors.
Residents, if you have questions or concerns regarding maintenance issues in a building listed above, feel free to contact Steve or submit a maintenance request!
Auxiliary Services
Melissa Adams - Customer Care Specialist
Melissa is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Gabriel Aoki - Business Systems Analyst
Gabe is a Business Systems Analyst for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services systems. His responsibilities include responding to service requests for various systems and troubleshooting while providing excellent customer service and support.
Julie Bannister – Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services
Email: jmd1003@pitt.edu
As Assistant Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services, Julie Bannister oversees and provides strategic guidance to the Housing Assignments and Leasing, Panther Central, Dining Services, and Conference Services units of Business and Auxiliary Services. She also supervises the support units of Marketing and Communications and Business Systems. Julie’s duties include oversight of all on-campus housing assignments and University-owned off-campus leasing, direction of Panther Central’s 24-7 customer care center, management of over twenty on-campus dining locations, detailed execution of conferences and events, review of marketing materials, development and implementation of departmental business systems, and staff supervision.
Michael Barker – Assignments and Leasing Coordinator
Email: mbarker@pc.pitt.edu
As an Assignments and Leasing Coordinator, Mike assists in overseeing all aspects of the University-owned off-campus housing application process. This process includes apartment viewings/tours, leasing, and renewals. He also manages the off-campus living portal, and assists with community outreach and marketing. If you are interested in University-owned off-campus housing, please reach out to Mike!
Sandra Barsotti - Director of Marketing and Communications
Email: sab290@pitt.edu
As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Sandy lends her expertise to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating both internal and external marketing and communications strategies. Sandy oversees her Team, which serves the entire department's marketing and communications needs, including but not limited to social media, web design, visual and graphic design, branding, and email marketing. She evaluates and assesses the needs of the department and its communication and marketing strategies to ensure that all forms of communication work toward an integrated marketing and communication plan.
Rose Basso - Director of Dining Services
Email: rob42@pitt.edu
As the Director of Dining Services, Rose’s responsibilities include managing the contract with the University’s food service provider and monitoring the dining and catering programs. She engages students and staff to best meet their dining needs.
John Bumbera - Senior Data Analyst
Email: jbumbera@pc.pitt.edu
John serves as a Senior Data Analyst for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. John supports the Team in data integration, developing and updating advanced analytical and reporting tools, and identifying new initiatives for the use of technology across the entire department. He also assists in the installation of new and upgraded systems, and managing technical development.
Brandi Callaghan - Customer Care Specialist
Brandi is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Scott Campbell - Daylight Shift Lead
Scott is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, email, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Ryan Cassidy – Business Systems Analyst
Ryan is a Business Systems Analyst for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services systems, with a special concentration on MBS and Blackboard. His responsibilities include responding to service requests for various systems and troubleshooting while providing excellent customer service and support. Additionally, Ryan sets up guest scan-in systems, POS devices, vending, laundry, and copy readers for the University.
Matt Cox - Senior Coordinator for Panther Central
As the Senior Coordinator, Matt provides professional development opportunities for Panther Central and implements programming to strengthen office culture. In this role, Matt is instrumental in the hiring and onboarding of new staff. Matt also manages communication related to Panther Central and obtains and assimilates customer feedback to improve customer service.
Elizabeth Davis - Customer Care Specialist
Elizabeth is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Ben Dellinger - Evening Shift Lead
Ben is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, email, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Annie Doctrow - Marketing and Communications Coordinator (Web Development)
Email: aed136@pitt.edu
Annie is responsible for the development and management of multiple Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services web properties. Annie’s role includes assessment of web analytics, providing feedback and strategy to supervisors to enhance the departmental image and outreach efforts while enhancing website visitor experiences.
Kori Eckstrom – Assignments and Leasing Coordinator
Email: koe3@pitt.edu
Kori is responsible for managing student housing and dining accounts as well as winter housing. Kori also assists with on-campus assignment processes for first-year and upper-class students.
Beth Fowler - Customer Care Specialist
Beth is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
John Gault – Manager of Dining Services
Email: jcg101@pitt.edu
As the Manager of Dining Services, John works with the University’s food service provider and monitors the dining and catering programs. He works with students and staff to best meet their dining needs.
Mary Beth Henderson – Customer Care Specialist
Mary Beth is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Anthony Horner – Customer Care Specialist
Anthony is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Tanya Hughes-Smith – Customer Care Specialist
Tanya is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Adam Johnson - Assignments and Leasing Coordinator
Email: ajj47@pitt.edu
Adam assists with the on-campus assignment processes and management for upper-class students: including room selection/retention, application processes, Greek chapters, room changes, summer housing assignments, and monitoring early student arrivals and late departures.
James Kardell – Panther Central Manager
James supervises all daily customer service operations at Panther Central. He manages a team of Customer Care Specialists and helps troubleshoot complex customer service issues while completing various administrative tasks. James helps create policies and procedures to ensure that the Panther Central team delivers the highest quality customer service.
Kathleen Kyle – Director of Housing and Panther Central
Email: kak58@pitt.edu
As Director of Housing and Panther Central, Kathleen oversees the entire on-campus housing process and leasing for University-owned off-campus apartments. In addition, she is responsible for the direction of Panther Central operations, including customer service, quality assurance, and staff supervision. Kathleen plays a critical role in Arrival Survival operations.
Divine Lanier - Customer Care Specialist
Divine is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Zora Lock - Customer Care Specialist
Zora is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Jena Meyer – Senior Housing Assignments Coordinator
Email: jmeyer@pc.pitt.edu
Jena oversees the department’s housing and accommodation management system and all aspects of the University's on-campus housing assignment process - including room selection/retention, the freshman application and assignment process, Living Learning Community assignment, non-guaranteed housing and winter recess accommodations, and the development and customization of templates. Jena is also responsible for data analysis, collaborating with the Business & Auxiliary Services' Systems Team and Pitt IT on various interfaces, partnering with Residence Life, serving as the housing and accommodation management system liaison, and resolving high-level assignment issues.
Melissa Meyer – Assignments and Leasing Coordinator
Email: mas1205@pitt.edu
As an Assignments and Leasing Coordinator, Missy assists in overseeing all aspects of the University-owned off-campus housing application process. This process includes apartment viewings/tours, leasing, and renewals. She also manages the off campus living portal and assists with community outreach and marketing. If you are interested in University-owned off-campus housing, please reach out to Missy!
Jessica Miele – Customer Service and Quality Assurance Coordinator
Jessica serves as the Customer Service and Quality Assurance Coordinator for Panther Central. She greets guests coming into the office, answers questions, and refers customers to knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists when needed. Jessica identifies trends in customer support requests and updates current processes to ensure the needs of customers continue to be met by Panther Central. In addition to assisting with daily clerical tasks, she is also instrumental in staff and community engagement events, representing Panther Central through committees, tabling events, and presentations.
Andrew Nguyen – Senior Business Systems Analyst
Andrew is a Senior Business Systems Analyst for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. His responsibilities include system analysis, lending technical support during new construction planning, assisting in the technical development and maintenance of departmental systems, as well as playing an active role in developing new initiatives for the use of technology across the entire department. Andrew regularly responds to service requests for various systems and troubleshooting while providing excellent customer service and support.
Olugbenga Olaniyan - Customer Care Specialist
Olugbenga is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Robert Prokop - Customer Care Specialist
Robert is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff 24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Mackenzie Randall - Marketing and Communications Coordinator (Photography and Videography)
Email: mar697@pitt.edu
Mackenzie is responsible for overseeing the visual communications for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. She serves as the primary departmental videographer and photographer. She leads videography production from implementation to execution and provides photos for websites, merchandise, social media accounts, documenting departmental events and more!
Richard Rode – Senior Manager of Business Systems
Rich is the lead technical staff expert for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. His responsibilities include analyzing and configuring components of departmental software including RMS, Blackboard, Persona, Micros, Kronos, TMA, and Sequoia. He oversees updates of software, troubleshoots complex technical issues, maintains relationships with software and hardware vendors, and makes budget recommendations.
Tami Roskies – Office Assistant
Email: troskies@pc.pitt.edu
Tami is a member of the Panther Central team who is responsible for a variety of routine administrative office functions. Her responsibilities include filing, shredding, copying, maintaining the file room, general upkeep of office areas, and other basic administrative duties.
Sadaf Sawiz - Customer Care Specialist
Sadaf is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Taylor Sole - Customer Care Specialist
Taylor is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Jim Wagner - Director of Housing and Dining Facilities
Email: jwagner@pc.pitt.edu
Jim serves as liaison for all maintenance and operations for the Housing and Dining Facilities. This includes day to day communication and assistance with larger projects within the locations. Jim also resolves complex operational issues and assists in development of strategic plans.
Andre Wallace - Overnight Shift Lead
Andre is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, email, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Hope Washington - Customer Care Specialist
Hope is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Nicole Weir – Customer Care Specialist
Nicole is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Tracy Willetts - Marketing and Communications Coordinator (Graphic Design)
Email: tlw105@pitt.edu
Tracy is responsible for creating visual and graphic design content for Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services. She is instrumental in creating marketing materials for the department including, publications, advertising banners, social media content, and website design. In addition, Tracy conducts research, analyzing current communications efforts – recommending changes as necessary, researching best practices, and strategizing future initiatives.
Stephen Wittmaak - Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Email: smw188@pitt.edu
Steve serves as a project lead for the department's Marketing and Communications Team and clients. He is also the department’s email marketing lead and expert, sharing expertise and best practices when creating, proofreading, designing, editing, sending, and analyzing email marketing efforts. Steve develops and manages high-level marketing and branding initiatives. Researching and analyzing current Departmental communications efforts – Steve recommends changes as necessary, researching best practices and strategizing future initiatives
Gregory Young - Customer Care Specialist
Gregory is a member of Panther Central's team of knowledgeable Customer Care Specialists. This hospitable team provides direct customer service and support to students, parents, faculty, and staff-24/7! Customer Care Specialists can assist with any questions regarding Housing, Dining, ID cards, Transportation Services, and much more! Feel free to call, online chat, or visit a Panther Central location to meet with a Customer Care Specialist!
Tom Zullo – Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator
Email: tzullo@pc.pitt.edu
Tom serves as the Quality Assurance and Training Coordinator for Panther Central. His duties include training and onboarding new staff and students, monitoring customer service, and assisting with policy and procedure development.