Ron May: Executive Director

Ron May is the Executive Director for eBizITPA since appointed by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2009. Previously as the IT Program manager at eBizITPA, he worked closely with businesses, IT service providers and economic development organizations to develop and manage the IT talent recruitment/retention and e-business growth initiatives. He managed the IT KickStart implementation mini-grant program and the Technology Apprenticeship program. Prior to joining eBizITPA in 2004, May was the IT Development Staff Manager at Rentway, Inc. He has held numerous positions in Information Technology and Information Systems including 12 years as an Information Systems Project Leader at Lord Corporation. He also worked as a Programmer/Systems Analyst in DC Information Systems at GE and as a Development Supervisor for Information Systems at Zurn Industries. Ron also plays the trumpet for the Dave Stevens Band and holds a B.S. in Industrial Management from Pennsylvania State University.

Denise Brooks: Director of Administration

Denise Brooks is eBizITPA’s Director of Administration with 34 years of experience in the financial industry. At eBizITPA, Denise is responsible for center wide administrative functions, including making decisions, developing and interpreting policies, negotiating, representing the center to sponsor/agencies, administering contracts/grants and budgets, and supervising staff. She handles the day-to-day accounting functions, develops reports, analyzes results, and advises on financial and procurement planning and performance measurements. Denise assists in the development of budgetary priorities, enforces fiscal policies and procedures for budget and expenditure controls, and coordinates audits. She implements guidelines and procedures for handling grants and documenting expenses paid and providing a clear accounting of the information to the external auditors, ensuring grant dollars are spent properly. Prior to joining eBizITPA, Denise held numerous positions within National City Bank/Integra Bank; Assistant Bank Branch Manager, Consumer Loan Administration Representative, Loan Officer then Manager of the Central Revolving Credit Department, Consumer Loan Committee Chair, Compliance Officer / Lending, Senior Mortgage Underwriter, and Community Development Specialist developing innovative loan programs for affordable housing. Denise was a Financial Aid Officer for Mercyhurst College and the accounts payable manager for a local manufacturing firm. In her free time, Denise is a disgruntled Cleveland Browns fan and enjoys playing with her new Labrador Retriever, Diezel. 

Carrie Teetzel: Director of IT Assistance & Workforce Programs

Carrie Teetzel brings 12 years of experience to her position as the Director of IT Assistance, eLearning & Workforce Projects at eBizITPA, where she oversees online education initiatives, and manages the Apprentice and IT Kickstart Programs. Prior to joining eBizITPA, she was the Assistant Director of Career Development at Penn State Behrend where she created and coordinated internships and developed guidelines and best practices for finding and developing talent. Carrie is an avid social networker and recently ended her term as the chair of the Young Erie Professionals board of directors. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in speech communication from Clarion University, and completed a master of arts in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She is currently working on her doctorate in Information Systems and Communications at Robert Morris University. 

Amy Bridger: Director of Advanced Technology Products & Projects

Amy Bridger has over 16 years experience in IT support, project management, customer service, and corporate training. Currently serving as Director of Advanced Technology Products & Projects, Bridger joined eBizITPA in October of 2007. As director, she assists start-up and existing businesses in the planning, development, marketing and execution of new technology related products and IT implementation projects. Amy enjoys the adventures of living with her family and animals on their farm. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Professional and Technical Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. 

Brad Moore: Director of Development & Marketing

Brad Moore has been with eBizITPA since December, 2007. Prior to that, Brad was the Vice President of a small marketing firm in Erie, PA. He managed two successful, multi-million dollar congressional campaigns and has worked previously in an outreach capacity for a former Member of Congress. In 2002, he worked as a special assistant to the communications director of a congressional campaign committee. Brad is an enthusiastic outdoorsman and avid sports fan, particularly for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana University athletics (his alma mater – Go Hoosiers!). Additionally, Brad is the past Chairman of both the Erie County Republican Party & the Membership Committee for the Kiwanis Club of Erie. 

Cathy VonBirgelen: Director of the eMarketing Learning Center

Catherine von Birgelen (Cathy) is the director of the eMarketing Learning Center and facilitator of the eMarketing Special Interest Group in NWPA. She trains and provides strategic guidance and mentoring to businesses. Cathy’s work is based on over 25 years of demonstrated business experience in all business functions including planning, analysis, marketing and finance. She has extensive knowledge and experience applying digital media and marketing technologies to support business growth. Her passion for producing innovative, results-oriented solutions is illustrated by her business accomplishments. von Birgelen has consulted with many regional and national clients, including: GE, Choice Hotels, Proctor & Gamble, Larson Text, Howard Industries, Seaway Manufacturing, Troyer Farms, Gannon University, Blair.com, Relishinc.com, Procurex, and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. In her spare time, Cathy is an accomplished artist and particularly enjoys drawing. 

Julia Eagles: Grant Writer/Researcher

Julia is eBizITPA’s Grant Writer/Researcher with previous work experience as a grant writer for the Erie Port Authority.  Julia served as a Naval Officer on exchange in the Royal Navy in England for three years, and was the Administration Officer Department Head for AirWing4 in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Julia received her Bachelor of Science in mathematics at Iowa State University and her Master’s of Science in parks and resources management from Slippery Rock University.  When not at work, Julia likes to spend her time outdoors. In the warmer months she enjoys cycling, windsurfing, and canoeing.  During the colder months she enjoys skiing or snowshoeing.