Alvernia University

« Back to Recent News

Alvernia Names Ben Franklin Technology Partners CEO Valletta as Executive-in-Residence

Award-winning business executive to provide business insights and mentorship to students

by Sarah Matarella

Reading, PA (10/30/2025) — Alvernia University names Angelo J. Valletta as the 2025-26 Executive in Residence for the School of Business. Valletta, president and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, brings nearly 40 years of leadership in finance, philanthropy and technology along with a servant leadership approach that emphasizes synergy and shared success.

"Angelo's career intersects banking, fintech, philanthropy and venture development, which gives our students a clear window into how leadership principles translate across industries. His fireside format invites real dialogue about the current state of business and the practical habits that help teams thrive," said Dean of the College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise David S. Shoup, Ph.D. "We're excited for the questions our students will bring and the momentum this will create across programs."

Valletta engaged students in a fireside-chat style conversation centered on lessons from his book, The Seven R's of Leadership and Life, and his extensive industry experience on Wednesday at the McGlinn Conference Center. A spring session will be announced later in the semester. The visit began with brief introductions and transitioned into a Q&A session moderated by MBA Candidate Nicholas King '24. In addition to the campuswide session, he will visit individual classes for smaller, practice-focused discussions.

"Mentorship has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career," said Valletta. "I am honored to serve as Executive in Residence at Alvernia University, and I look forward to helping students bridge classroom learning with real-world leadership experiences. My goal is to encourage them to think creatively, act with integrity, and develop the confidence to lead in whatever path they choose."

Beyond the residency, Ben Franklin Northeast and Alvernia have developed an ongoing partnership in the regional startup ecosystem. Through Alvernia's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship's student-powered SPARK Business Incubator, several ventures received support with venture investment readiness before engaging with Ben Franklin. These businesses include Cemboo, Ocoa, KissUX, Catapallo VR, and Agent23AI.

"Through joint coaching, due diligence and venture capital-readiness work, we help founders move from the early stages to an investable business; the engine of this transformation is the Alvernia students," said Alvernia University Vice President of Research, Innovation and Economic Development Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., chief operating officer of the O'Pake Institute. "By aligning our SPARK Business Incubator with Ben Franklin Northeast's network and resources, we're building a shared pipeline that grows companies and talent in eastern Pennsylvania."

Past executives-in-residence include Greg Header '97, CEO and Owner of IRT Reels and namesake of Alvernia's Header School of Business; Wendy Yuengling, Chief Administrative Officer of D.G. Yuengling & Son; Andy Moses, Senior Vice President of Sales and Solutions with Penske Logistics; Ira Trauber, president of TRIOSE; Paula Barrett, RKL, LLP, Partner; Paul Cohn, chief client experience officer and team leader relationship manager with Clermont Wealth Strategies; Chris Pruitt, CEO of East Penn Manufacturing; Andrea Funk, former CEO of Cambridge-Lee; Scott Gruber, CEO of Tompkins Financial; Carl Anderson, general partner of Cannondale Partners LLP; and Rob Wolf, President of LaunchDM and CEO of HeyBuddy.

#

About Alvernia University

Founded in 1958, Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university known for its mission-driven, community-engaged education that prepares students for high-impact, high-earning careers. Its SOLAR culture of care supports student success across eastern Pennsylvania through flexible program offerings, including an online presence, and strong partnerships. More than 18,000 Alvernia alumni create a network of ethical leaders and engaged citizens. For more information, visit www.alvernia.edu.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (Ben Franklin Northeast)

Ben Franklin Northeast is an economic development organization that provides investment capital and business support to startups, manufacturers, and business incubators across Northeastern Pennsylvania. We work to refresh, retain, and reimagine Pennsylvania's innovation economy by creating high paying, sustainable jobs throughout our 21-county region.

The statewide Ben Franklin Technology Partners network consists of four independent nonprofit organizations located in Bethlehem, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and State College. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

Learn more at nep.benfranklin.org.

Media Attachments

King and Valletta

President Glynis A. Fitzgerald Ph.D. and Valletta engaging with students at Wednesday's event

Valletta and Ridley

Valletta and King

Valletta signing students' books

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out