Board of Trustees

Pete Verdi, P'24

Chair

Pete is the President of Menlo Financial Consulting where he collaborates with partners and stakeholders to provide support across a variety of operational finance needs including budgeting, reporting and analysis.

He began his career on the Financial Management Program at General Electric. During his fourteen years at GE, he held increasingly larger financial positions working across multiple businesses, including Appliances, Corporate Audit, Lighting, Plastics, Industrial Systems and Water & Process Technologies. In addition to GE, he has also worked for AmerisourceBergen as the Vice President of Commercial Finance. Leveraging his twenty plus years of corporate finance experience, he began a consulting career with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and CFO type services. For nearly a decade he worked with Brandywine Mergers & Acquisitions assisting business owners with exiting their businesses. This work included providing financial support (accounting, reporting, and operational improvements) and working with businesses through the sale and disposition of the company.

Pete holds a BBA in Finance from The University of Notre Dame and an MBA from Arizona State University. He lives in Bryn Mawr, PA with his wife Lesli, children James and Annie '24 and two dogs Rocky and Apollo.

Michele Todd

Vice Chair

Michele Todd grew up in Havertown and attended The Pennsylvania State University, where she was VP of The Penn State Marketing Association and earned a BS in Accounting. She interned with Coopers and Lybrand, LLP during her senior year at Penn State and went on to work full-time as an auditor with Coopers and Lybrand after graduation. 

While working at Coopers and Lybrand, Michele earned her Certified Public Accountant designation. Michele left Coopers and worked at Comcast Metrophone and at Pet Valu International, Inc. 

Michele moved to Paris, France with her husband Michael, where she worked for Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLC. After her son Michael Jr. was born she returned to the Philadelphia area. Michele rejoined Pet Valu International, Inc. as an Accounting Analyst before moving to The Haverford School as Controller in August 2002. As human resource requirements for schools continued to change, Michele filled a need and became the Director of Human Resources at Haverford in September 2010. She currently serves as a Trustee of the PAISBOA Health Benefit Trust, Chair of the PAISBOA TPA Ad Hoc Committee, and is a member of the PAISBOA Human Resource Steering Committee.

Michele’s son, Michael Jr., graduated from The Haverford School in 2019 and currently attends the University of Richmond. Her daughter Madeline attends The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr. Michele likes to spend her time at the beach in the summers, and enjoys movies, travel, tennis, and general fitness/wellness.

Michele holds the role of Vice Chair and serves on the Finance Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Dan Berger '93, P'27

Treasurer

Dan Berger, a Benchmark School alumnus (Class of 1993), is President of Berger Rental Communities. After earning his JD and MBA degrees from Temple University and being licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Dan returned to his real estate and property management roots because of his love of working with people.

At Berger Rental Communities, Dan focuses on championing the company culture, building relationships, acquiring and developing multifamily properties, securing financing, and setting the company’s strategic vision.  Dan has grown Berger Rental Communities to a top 5 largest multi-family management company in Pennsylvania. 
 
Dan is an active member of the YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) Philadelphia Chapter, the President of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association, serves on the Executive Committee of the Jewish Federation of Real Estate, a member of the Jewish Federation of Philadelphia Board of Trustees, and a member of the Benchmark Board of Trustees. In addition, Dan has founded and is President of Hope & Door, a non-profit charity dedicated to providing support to families facing homelessness due to an unexpected financial emergency. 
 
While not at the office or a property, Dan is with his wife, Ashly, and their two children, Isabella and Hudson. (Hudson is a current Benchmark student.) He also enjoys long-distance running, Philadelphia sports teams, and spending summer weekends at the Jersey shore.

Dan holds the role of Treasurer and serves as Chair of the Finance Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees. 

Amanda Atterbury Ryan, P'25

Secretary

Dr. Amanda Atterbury Ryan grew up in California, where she developed a passion for horses and soccer before moving to the Philadelphia area to be closer to extended family. Amanda attended Westtown School and Franklin and Marshall College, where she earned a BA in Business Administration/Accounting and played on the women’s soccer team. After college, Amanda worked for Deloitte as an auditor but then left to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Amanda attended the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine, earning her VMD, and worked at Southwest Equine Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she focused on surgery, internal medicine, and ambulatory medicine of (mostly) equine patients.

Amanda returned to the Philadelphia area in 2010 to raise her family. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Willistown with their three children. Amanda’s oldest son, Sam, is a 2025 alum of Benchmark School. She has enjoyed being involved with the Benchmark Parents Association and her past role as Class Parent over several years.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys playing multiple sports, spending time with horses, playing the piano, reading, and sailing.

Amanda holds the role of Secretary and serves on the Facilities Committee of Benchmark School’s Board of Trustees.

Maggie Brodnik

Maggie Brodnik is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network in Drexel Hill and Media, where she partners with families to support children’s health and well-being. She earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Villanova University, where she remains an active community member serving on the President’s Greater Philadelphia Campaign Group.

A devoted mother of three, Maggie has always been deeply involved in her children’s school communities. During her son TJ’s time at Benchmark School, she served as a class parent and spent three years as Treasurer of the Benchmark Parents Association. In her free time, Maggie enjoys playing tennis, volunteering, and spending time with her family.

Maggie and her husband, Matt, live in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Their daughter, Addison, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison; their son, Sean, is a student-athlete at Villanova University; and TJ is a graduate of The Haverford School who attends Miami University.

Sara Campbell

Sara M. Campbell is Associate Vice President, Leadership Advisory Councils and Stewardship at Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. Previously, Sara was a Senior Associate at Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates, where she conducted searches for leadership positions in higher education. Sara has more than 35 years of experience working in higher education, having worked in Admissions, Development and Operations. Her career in academia includes roles as Senior Vice President of Operations, Chief of Staff to the President and Affirmative Action Officer at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia; Director of Operations in the Office of the Executive Vice President at the University of Pennsylvania; Senior Major Gifts Officer at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania; and ten years in Admissions at Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, the Lawrenceville School, and Bryn Mawr College.

In addition to her professional activities, Sara was a founding member of the Board of Trustees for KIPP Philadelphia Schools, a network of charter schools serving children in disadvantaged communities of Philadelphia, and has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the Board. She served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Dean’s Advisory Council for Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice, was a member of the nominating committee for Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and served on the Board of Women Organized Against Rape.

A graduate of McDaniel College, Sara received her bachelor’s degree in communications. She later received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. In addition, she holds a certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management.

Stephen Chase '06

Stephen Chase is an analyst at Drexel University's Investment Office, where he plays a key role in managing the University's $1 billion endowment. Stephen earned his MBA from Drexel's LeBow College of Business, graduating at the top of his class with a concentration in Finance and Alternative Investments.

Stephen's early career began in his family's home services business, where he gained hands-on experience in sales, marketing, operations, and finance. He later worked his way up to serving as head of research at a Philadelphia-based public relations
firm specializing in crisis communications before returning to the family business to continue driving growth and innovation.
Stephen earned his B.A. in anthropology with honors from Trinity College (Connecticut), focusing on economic and behavioral anthropology. He and his husband live in the Philadelphia area, where they are actively engaged in the non-profit and LGBTQ+ community.

Stephen serves on the Facilities Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Lauren Cristella, P'29

Lauren Cristella's passion for active citizenship, public leadership, and practical policy-making led her to the Committee of Seventy (C70) in 2018 as Chief Program Officer. In 2023, she became its first female President & CEO in the organization’s 120-year history. Under her leadership, C70 received the American Bar Association’s 2024 Unsung Heroes of Democracy Award. That same year, Lauren was named Rad Girl Nonprofit Leader of the Year and included in Philadelphia Magazine’s list of the 150 most influential Philadelphians for two consecutive years.

Lauren serves on the steering committee of Innovate Chester County and the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Judicial Commission. She is also a board member of the Forum of Executive Women.

Previously, she was President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia, where she focused on rebuilding grassroots engagement. At Penn’s Fels Institute of Government, Lauren led student affairs and strategic operations, helping students pursue impactful public service careers and securing record-breaking gifts to the program.

Earlier in her career, Lauren spent five years at the National Constitution Center, where she worked in education and later as Director of Special Projects for the CEO. She helped launch the Center’s Constitution Daily blog, led strategic planning, and contributed to international projects, including a UN-backed voting guide for Afghan citizens.

Lauren holds degrees from the Catholic University of America and the University of Essex. She lives in Mt. Airy with her husband Doug, children Penelope and Theo '29, and their dog Kelce.

Lauren serves on the Governance Committee of Benchmark School Board of Trustees.

Aimee Fabiani, P'28

Aimee Fabiani began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher at The Haverford School. She later stepped away from the classroom to focus on raising her children, Nicholas and Sarah and supporting their school and community experiences, dedicating many years to family life, volunteer leadership, and active involvement in both of their school’s communities.
Aimee currently works at The West Hill School, where she has served in several roles supporting students and school programming, and she will begin a new position as Director of Development in September 2026.

Aimee and her family have been proud members of the Benchmark School community for the past four years. Her son, Nicholas, is a current student. She describes Benchmark as “such a blessing” for both Nicholas and their family and is deeply grateful for the transformative impact the school has had on Nicholas’s life. She especially values the school’s ability to help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and feel truly known and supported.

At Benchmark, Aimee currently serves as President of the Benchmark Parents Association and is a member of the school’s Development Committee. Through these roles, she has enjoyed helping foster meaningful connections among families, faculty, and school leadership while supporting initiatives that strengthen the broader school community.

Aimee is the BPA Liaison to the Board of Trustees. She is honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and looks forward to supporting Benchmark’s mission and helping continue the strong sense of community that has meant so much to her family.  
 

Brad HIll

Brad Hill is a financial executive with a career defined by building and transforming finance functions across private equity-backed companies, Fortune 500 organizations, and high-growth environments.
 
Brad co-founded RMH Image Group, a large format printing startup he helped scale into a multi-million-dollar enterprise before facilitating its sale. That entrepreneurial foundation shaped his approach to finance—pragmatic, ownership-oriented, and focused on value creation rather than just reporting.

He went on to build his corporate career at Johnson & Johnson, where he supported the McNeil Consumer Healthcare division before being tapped to lead financial due diligence and integration work following J&J's $21B DePuy Synthes acquisition. While at VWR, he rose quickly to a global leadership role, driving strategic initiatives and process improvements that generated multi-million-dollar gains enterprise-wide.

In 2019, Brad joined Suez Water Technologies & Solutions as Vice President and Sector CFO, overseeing two business units across seven international regions with nearly $1.5B in revenue. He led financial structuring on complex municipal and industrial contracts and drove a strategic pricing initiative that delivered $20M in year-over-year benefit.

He then served as CFO of Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corp., where he overhauled the finance function, shortened the close cycle from 15 to 7 days, led an ERP replacement, and drove working capital strategies that produced a meaningful balance sheet turnaround.

Most recently, Brad assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Horizon Group Holdings, a New Mountain Capital-backed services company with approximately $700M in revenue and over 3,000 employees. Since joining in May 2025, he has amended a $700M credit agreement, secured an incremental cash infusion, and expanded the company's EBITDA improvement pipeline from $20M to over $50M within his first six months, while simultaneously transforming the finance organization through a zone-based controllership model, offshore shared services, and a reduction in the monthly close cycle from 20 to 10 business days.

Brad holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Villanova University and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Economics and World History from Lafayette College, and has completed the General Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. He holds certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Problem Solving.

He resides in West Chester, PA with his wife Carrie and their three children. His son Ryan is a current Benchmark student. Outside of work, Brad enjoys lake time with his family, coaching his kids' basketball and baseball teams, and staying active through running, biking, basketball, and golf. He is also an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction.
 

Turaya Bryant Kamau, P'24

Turaya Bryant Kamau is a Broadcast Producer for CBS Saturday Morning. Turaya has 20 years of television news experience, working at stations across the country.  

Passionate about education, Turaya is an adjunct journalism professor at Temple University. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Turaya also serves on the Congenital Hyperinsulinism International board of directors.   

Turaya has a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Howard University, and a Master’s of Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley.

Turaya lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two children. Her son Malcolm is a 2024 alum of Benchmark.

Turaya serves on the Development Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

ROB Lambert, P'27

Rob Lambert is the founder of SITE Engineering Concepts, LLC, a civil engineering and surveying firm, located in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Rob has over 25 years of experience providing civil engineering and surveying services to institutional campuses, commercial, mixed use and residential properties throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.  

Rob has a BS from the University of Notre Dame and a MS from Villanova University.

Rob has twin daughters, with one attending Benchmark and the other Agnes Irwin School.

Rob serves as the Chair of the Facilities Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Anne Rice-Burgess, P'18

Anne Rice-Burgess is the Chief Executive Officer of Episcopal Community Services. Anne has developed a career devoted to helping children and families as they face the challenges of limited resources, increased poverty, homelessness, disabilities and deficits in education. 
 
Anne is a product of Philadelphia Quaker school education, a graduate of Georgetown University with a BS in Psychology and an MS in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from Chestnut Hill College. She obtained professional certification as a Human Resources professional at Villanova University and a certificate in Executive Leadership from Bryn Mawr College.
 
Anne began her career with Methodist Services 22 years ago. Of the work that Anne holds most dear will always be the many families whom she helped become whole through adoption leading to a 2015 Kathy Taylor Award for Mission and Community Service, the housing programs for homeless women and families she helped to create, and the organic urban farm for which she won the 2016 Social Innovations Journal Award. Anne was recognized by a Strong Families Commission – Supporters of Change Award in 2017.
 
Anne’s professional philosophy is that no matter a person’s circumstances, they deserve the best, and once that person has had the opportunity to experience something better than what they’ve known, they will work hard to keep it. Most people need support and those that are underprivileged should be given a helping hand, without hesitation.
 
Anne is the parent of a 2018 Benchmark graduate, Krista.
 
Anne serves on the Governance Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Nicholas Romeo '04

Nicholas Romeo is an experienced professional in sales and professional services. He currently serves as Sales Director for Professional Services at SEI, supporting private banking and wealth management clients in improving operations, compliance, technology, and customer experience. Previously, he was Senior Sales Director at General Assembly, partnering with Fortune 100–500 companies on workforce reskilling for digital transformation. He also held sales roles at Bloomberg Government and Hanover Research, and began his career as Deputy Field Director at No Labels, promoting bipartisan political reform.

Nicholas earned a B.A. in Political Science from Gettysburg College, focusing on American Government and Political Philosophy, with a minor in African American History. He interned with Senator Arlen Specter and No Labels during college. A graduate of The Haverford School, he was active in athletics, theater, and student clubs, and interned on a local political campaign.

He remains engaged with The Haverford School as the Alumni Officer for the Class of 2008 and serves on the Leadership Council, advising school leadership and supporting institutional initiatives.

Nick serves on the Development Committee of Benchmark School’s Board of Trustees.

Charles Ryan, P'17

Charlie Ryan is Chairman and Managing Partner of UFG Asset Management, an investment management firm based in Moscow. Charlie has top level expertise and deep knowledge of both Russian and international markets.

Charlie began his professional career in 1989 with CS First Boston, where he was a Financial Analyst. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Ryan was an Associate and Principal Banker with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London, where he played a role in the city of St. Petersburg’s privatization program for industry and real estate. In 1994, Mr. Ryan co-founded the United Financial Group, an independent investment bank in Moscow. UFG Asset Management was founded as part of the United Financial Group in 1996.

In 2005, when Deutsche Bank acquired UFG’s investment banking business, Charlie was appointed as the Chief Country Officer and CEO of the Deutsche Bank Group in Russia. He stepped down as the CEO of Deutsche Bank in Russia in September 2008 and in October 2008 became the Chairman of UFG Asset Management. In addition to his role as the Chairman, Mr. Ryan is also responsible for the overall management of UFG's private equity business.
Charlie earned his undergraduate degree in Government from Harvard College. 

Charlie serves on the Finance Committee of Benchmark School’s Board of Trustees.

Rich Salerno, P'26

Rich Salerno is Chief Executive Officer of Aramsco, a comprehensive solution provider serving a wide range of contractors, service providers, and facilities maintenance professionals. From 2007 to 2009, Rich served in other roles at Aramsco including Chief Financial Officer.

Prior to Aramsco, Rich worked at Summit Partners, one of the leading private equity and venture capital firms in the United States. While at Summit, Rich was responsible for sourcing new acquisitions, completing due diligence, negotiating, and structuring transactions, and working closely with management teams to increase shareholder value. Rich also worked at Prudential Capital Group on a team focused on making investments in privately placed investment grade, high yield, and mezzanine debt investments. 

Rich graduated from Boston College, summa cum laude, with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance.

Rich's daughter Ashley (Class of 2026) is a Benchmark School student. 

Rich serves as the Chair of the Governance Committee of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Christen Wilson

Christen Wilson serves as Chief Advancement Officer at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Texas, a PreK-12 school serving 1,400 students, where she leads all fundraising, alumni engagement, and advancement communications efforts. A member of the senior leadership team, she partners closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to advance the institution’s strategic priorities and philanthropic growth.

Since joining Cooper in 2023, Christen has led the launch of the school’s comprehensive $42 million campaign, securing more than $22 million in gifts in its first year, including six seven-figure gifts and the two largest gifts in the school’s history. She has also strengthened operational efficiency, reducing cost per dollar raised by more than 50%, while elevating advancement communications through compelling storytelling that highlights the impact of philanthropy on students, faculty and alumni. Under her leadership, alumni engagement has expanded through new programming, storytelling initiatives, and increased volunteer leadership.

Prior to Cooper, Christen served as Vice President at Grenzebach Glier & Associates (now Huron Consulting Group), a leading philanthropic consulting firm, where she advised independent schools and universities on campaign strategy, major gift program development, and advancement operations. Her earlier leadership roles include Head of Advancement, Marketing & Communications at Magellan International School in Austin, TX, and leadership roles at Cabrini University and Saint Joseph’s University in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Christen began her career in advancement at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA in 2002.

A recognized thought leader in advancement, Christen is a frequent presenter at CASE and NAIS conferences on topics including campaign strategy, major gifts programs, and sustaining advancement momentum through leadership transitions.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bucknell University and has completed additional professional training in fundraising and management.

Chris Hancock

Head of School 

Chris Hancock is the Head of Benchmark School. Chris has an extensive background in independent school education. As a mentor and an administrator, an academic advisor and a coach, he has dedicated a majority of his career to supporting children who learn differently. 
 
Chris began his career in 2003 at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, Massachusetts, where he most recently served as Assistant Head of School for Student Life. Chris has also served as Director of Development at the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City; Director of Development and Alumni Relations at The Sage School in Foxboro, Massachusetts; and Assistant Director of Admissions and Diversity Coordinator at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. 

Chris holds a BA in Economics from Haverford College and an EdM in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Irene W. Gaskins

Founder & Trustee Emerita

Irene W. Gaskins is the founder and former Head of Benchmark School. Passionate about learning and writing about literacy and education, Irene authored many research articles and books. Her books include Success with Struggling Readers: The Benchmark School Approach,  Building Exemplary Reading Programs & Initiating Change, and Implementing Cognitive Strategy Thinking: The Benchmark Manual for Teachers, among others. She has been honored as a Distinguished Educator by The Reading Teacher and received the International Reading Association's William S. Gray Citation of Merit for lifetime achievement. In 1987, the James S. McDonnell Foundation granted Irene a research award to study "Development of a Metacognitive Curriculum for an Elementary School." 

Irene’s particular interest in developing strategies for improving word recognition and comprehension led to her creation of the Word ID program in 1983, Benchmark School’s exclusive and renowned phonics/decoding program.

In addition to leading Benchmark School, Irene also served as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. She received her EdD degree from the University of Pennsylvania in educational psychology. 

Irene serves on the Development and Finance Committees of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.

Read more about Irene Gaskins and the history of Benchmark School. 
 

Howard Marcus

Trustee Emeritus

Howard Marcus is President of HRM Leadership Advisors, a global talent management consultancy providing leadership consulting, executive coaching, and talent management expertise. Howard brings extensive human resources; leadership development; career and talent management; and international and multicultural experience cultivated over 35 years of working in a variety of industries with thousands of leaders. He specializes in developing executives, building high-performance teams, and helping organizations achieve their growth aspirations while creating value for their shareholders, customers, and employees. His work with leaders has resulted in improved core leadership skills, strengthened leadership effectiveness, higher team performance, measurable business improvement, and success in meeting the challenges and opportunities of transition and change.

Howard also serves as a senior consultant and leader coach for Right Management, serving clients across a variety of industries. Previously, at The McGraw-Hill Companies (today known as S&P Global), Howard held the role of VP Management & Organizational Development for 14 years, leading its global talent management efforts and the international HR function. Earlier in his career, Howard held senior HR leadership roles at Golden Books Family Entertainment, KPMG US, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceutical Corporation, the latter including a two-year assignment living and working in Paris, France. 

Howard was a member of the staff of Benchmark School from 1978 to 1987. Starting as a Psychological Services Intern while completing his graduate studies, Howard later served as the Head of Psychological Services and Director of Admissions. 

Howard received his PhD in Education (Professional Psychology), as well as his MS in Psychological Services and BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Howard is an Emeritus Member of Benchmark School's Board of Trustees.