About CPE
Contingency Planning Exchange (CPE) strives to provide its members with ideas and resources to continually enhance business continuity, disaster recovery and crisis/emergency management strategies and tools through its educational programs and the sharing of ideas and best practices across all industry classifications.
Founded in 1985, CPE is dedicated to keeping its members on the cutting edge of information and trends related to keeping business, industry and government running during and after an emergency. This is achieved through educational programs and by encouraging relationships with peers across the private and public sectors.
CPE Chapters
CPE is a growing organization, encompassing a membership base from a variety of industries and widening disciplines associated with contingency planning and crisis management. To meet these demands for knowledge, education and networking, the CPE has reached out to areas beyond our immediate region and developed new chapters in Long Island, Washington DC, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Our new chapters are carefully selected to add dimension not only to our core membership but to meet the objectives and mission of the organization.
Executive Board
The Executive Board of the Contingency Planning Exchange (CPE) is a board of volunteers who devote their time and energy to building the success of the organization and maintaining its mission.
Alesi, Patrick - Executive Board, New York Chapter Chair
Barbuto, Vincent - Executive Board, Chair
Bonagura, Arthur - Executive Board, Metro North Chapter Chair
Certoma, James - Executive Board, National Relationship Management
Noll, Robert - Executive Board, DC Capital Region Chapter Chair
Ostler, Michele - Executive Director and Association Management Firm
Sciarrino, Lisa - Executive Board, National Finance and Compliance
Tellone, Gregory - Executive Board, Acting Long Island Chapter Chair
Verdino, Zachary - Executive Board, National Relationship Management
Vevon, Jerry - Executive Board, Chief Marketing Officer
| Patrick Alesi Executive Board, New York Chapter Chair Executive Director and Head of Business Continuity Management for the Americas Company: Nomura Address: 2 World Financial Center; Bldg B New York, NY 10281 Phone: 212-667-1474 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| Patrick Alesi is an Executive Director and Head of Business Continuity Management for the Americas region at Nomura, having joined the firm in June 2010. Mr. Alesi's current responsibilities include strategic planning and incident response management as well as regulatory compliance for Business Continuity. Mr. Alesi previously worked for Lehman Brothers in the Business Continuity Management group, ultimately as global co-head of the function holding the title of Senior Vice President. Immediately following the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy, Mr. Alesi was a Director at Barclays Capital, where he served on the IT Transition team overseeing the delivery of data and IT services to former Lehman entities. Mr. Alesi also worked at the New York Mercantile Exchange as its Director of Systems, Operations, and Database Administration. He has a broad range of technology experience in systems analysis, voice, and data communications. Mr. Alesi has served as Chairman of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Business Continuity Committee and as a member of the Futures Industry Association (FIA) BCP Committee. | |
| Vincent Barbuto Executive Board, Chair Company: Citigroup Address: 485 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 11007 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
| Arthur Bonagura Executive Board, Metro North Chapter Chair Independent Consultant Company: Address: Phone: 914-980-0424 Fax: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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Arthur Bonagura has been a CPE member since 1991 and was appointed to the Executive Board in 2004. He has assisted both Ed Maggio and Zack Verdino of the Executive Board, working with Program Coordination committee and the Communications committee, since 2000. Art is now working on forming the new CPE Metro North Chapter, which will represent CPE Members in Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, Putnam and Orange Counties.
Art has over 35 years of professional experience in Information Technology. In the last 20 years he has focused on Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning in the insurance, brokerage, banking, and financial services industries. Art also works as a First Responder for the Westchester County Chapter of the American Red Cross, doing logistical planning for the Disaster Action Team (DAT).
Art has an A.S. Degree in Computer Science and a B.S. in Business from CUNY. |
| James Certoma Executive Board, Natrional Relationship Management Company: Bloomberg L.P. Address: 731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022 Phone: 212-617-2836 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| James Certoma is a Certified Business Continuity Planner and has been a member of the CPE Board of Directors since 1989. He is the current Executive Chair of Finance and Compliance and has previously held the positions of Chairperson, Public Relations Coordinator, Treasurer and Vice Chair of Marketing and Communications. Mr. Certoma has over 18 years of business continuity planning experience at several major financial corporations in New York. He is currently the Global Director of Business Continuity for Bloomberg L.P. Previous professional positions include; Business Continuity Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Crisis Management and Business Continuity Consulting Practice Leader for Kroll, Global Manager of Business Continuity Planning for Goldman Sachs and Co., and business continuity management positions at AllianceBernstein, JPMorgan Chase, and US Trust. Within the business continuity professional community, Mr. Certoma has participated in the New York State Joint Loss Partnership Committee, chaired the New York Clearing House Business Continuity Committee, and functioned as a liaison between the CPE and New York Office of Emergency Management. |
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Robert Noll
Director |
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Robert Noll is a Director with Alvarez & Marsal. Rob has dedicated his time and energy in serving local public sector and multinational fortune 500 corporations abroad in financial services and technology as a client and consultant. Rob's primary focus has been in the areas of strategy and operational risk, data analytics, compliance, crisis management and creating sustainable public private partnership models.
He previously served as a Senior Federal Executive for the US Congress and directed a comprehensive $250 million dollar business continuity and disaster recovery investment portfolio to ensure the survivability of the Legislative Branch post 9/11. The operational resilience portfolio included a wide range of capabilities (plans and procedures, data centers and alternate facilities, transportation assets, mobile, satellite and secure communications).
In addition Rob served as Special Assistant to the Director in the Office of Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Operations for the Speaker of the House after 9/11 where he focused on managing day to day operations and continuity of government planning. Lastly, Mr. Noll served as an advance team member supporting the US Vice President, and started his career as a Legislative aide for Congressman Wayne T. Gilchrest (retired).
Mr. Noll has provided continuity and disaster recovery support during 9/11, Capitol Hill anthrax attacks, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Wilma, Gustav, Ike, and American Samoa Tsunami. |
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| Michele Ostler Executive Director and Association Management Firm President & Event Planner Company: Penta Dynamic Solutions Address: 690 Broadway, Suite 205, Massapequa, NY 11758 Phone: 212-344-2080 Fax: 866-4191595 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website:http://www.pentaevents.com |
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| Michele Verdino Ostler is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Contingency Planning exchange and plays an integral role in building an environment in which the organization can achieve its goals and be the recognized association leader in this industry. Michele is also responsible for planning CPE regular scheduled meetings and special events. As Founder and President of Penta Dynamic Solutions, Michele Verdino Ostler is involved in the day-to-day operations of the company and is an integral part of the event planning team. After several years as an in-house event planner and human resources professional at Goldman, Sachs & Co., Michele launched Penta Dynamic Solutions in 2001. Her skills range from venue selection and contract negotiation, to event design and production, to on-site management. Michele has a wealth of experience in corporate conferences, product launches, brand awareness and mobile marketing tours, media events, social events of all types, and more. Her experience across multiple disciplines and her dedication to the industry and community give Michele a broad perspective that complements Penta's unique development. A native New Yorker, Michele holds a BA and an MA in Psychology from Marist College. Penta Dynamic Solutions is a woman-owned boutique event management firm. Our ability to think "outside the box" has enabled us to expertly manage every aspect of an event from inception to completion. Whether it is a corporate function, conference, experiential marketing, gala, golf outing, holiday party, incentive and team building activity, or any other event need, you can count on Penta to provide you with excellence and professionalism sub par to none! |
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| Lisa Sciarrino Executive Board, National Finance and Compliance Managing Director Company: UniCredit Group, NY Branch Address: 150 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 Phone: 212-672-5615 Fax: 212-672-6231 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| As Managing Director and Head of the Facilities and Infrastructure Group, Lisa J. Sciarrino is an integral part of the leadership at UniCredit Group, NY Branch. She manages the company's Business Resumption and Disaster Recovery planning program including the management of a vendor-provided recovery site. In this capacity she is responsible for the development, management and maintenance of the bank-wide Business Resumption Plan including the Business Impact Analysis, the Business Resumption Handbook, employee emergency contact programs, the disaster recovery testing program, and the development of departmental Business Resumption Plans. She also manages the Bank's physical facilities, insurance program and corporate policies and procedures including the New Product Approval Process. Prior to being named Managing Director, Lisa served as an Accounting Services Controller for HVB Group New York (now UniCredit Group). In that role, she supervised the accounting and reporting functions. Lisa also managed the company's Year 2000 project office and developed a compliance plan to ensure the bank's preparedness for the century date change. Lisa is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Board member of the Contingency Planning Exchange. She also holds memberships with the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Society of CPAs. Lisa earned a Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. |
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| Gregory Tellone Executive Board, Acting Long Island Chapter Chair Company: American Business Continuity Centers, LLC Address: 1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 106, Woodbury, NY 11797 Phone: 516-622-0200 Fax: 516-622-0202 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| Gregory R. Tellone, Founder and President of GTel Networks, is a well-known technology consultant, business owner, and speaker in the greater New York area whose illustrious career spans over twenty years in the technology field. He is the Chief Operating Officer of American Business Continuity Centers (CC) and was recently named Chairman of the Board for the Long Island Chapter of the Contingency Planning Exchange (CPE). Founded in 1999, GTel Networks is a very different technology consulting firm that provides business solutions and peace-of-mind to select firms. While working at McKinsey & Company in both business management and enterprise IT systems, Mr. Tellone became committed to creating a technology firm that provides its clients with a trusted team of advisors who deliver enterprise value. Through a marriage of business and technology and by building strong client relationships, GTel Networks provides effective solutions that address each client's specific goals and needs. The talents of Mr. Tellone were first recognized by CC partners after the firm retained the services of GTel Networks in 2003. The partners then moved to bring Mr. Tellone in as COO and partner in April 2005. As COO and co-owner of Continuity Centers, Mr. Tellone oversees business continuity design and implementation, manages operations of the hot sites, and ensures client satisfaction. The partnership has enabled CC to provide clients with technology-based disaster recovery and business continuity services by utilizing the expertise of professionals at GTel Networks. This alliance has aided CC in becoming the leading disaster recovery and business continuity firm in the area. As Chair for the Long Island Chapter of the CPE, Mr. Tellone works in concert with the Board to increase membership and bring enhanced value to CPE members. Established in 1985, CPE is a professional association dedicated to providing an open exchange of information related to business continuity, crisis and emergency management. CPE is regarded as one of the most successful organizations of its kind. Mr. Tellone has been recognized in Long Island Business News and frequently speaks at technology and business continuity events. He supports several not-for-profit organizations and was a featured boxer in the 2004 Long Island Fight for Charity. An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, Greg lives in Commack with his wife Carolyn and son Tristan Gregory. |
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| Zachary Verdino Executive Board, National Relationship Management President Company: Penta Associates, Ltd. Address: 690 Broadway, Suite 205, Massapequa, NY 11758 Phone: 212-344-2080 Fax: 866-419-1595 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| Zack is the President of Penta Associates. Zack has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to forming Penta Associates in 1991, Zack was a Director of Operations for Goldman, Sachs & Co., with responsibilities for Global Foreign Exchange, Futures, Options, J Aron Fixed Income, Equities, and Global Operations Control. Zack also served as the firm's representative on the New York Stock Exchange Advisory Committee, which addressed industry issues including business continuity and emergency response. In addition to his role in Penta Associates, Verdino is a partner in Wall Street Job Exchange, LLC, which operates a niche job board dedicated to the financial services industry. Zack is the current Vice Chair for Operations of the Contingency Planning Exchange, Inc., a professional association devoted to advancing the practice of business continuity. The CPE hosts regular programs in Manhattan, and through its satellites in Washington, DC and Long Island. Zack also serves on the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Business Continuity Committee as CO-chair of the Critical Infrastructure sub-committee. |
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| Jerry Vevon Executive Board, Chief Marketing Officer Vice President Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Address: One Dulles, 13200 Woodland Park Road, Room 7118, Herndon, VA 20171 Phone: 703-984-3342 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
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| Currently a Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, Mr. Vevon has over 30 years of operational experience and over a decade directly supporting continuity of operations and business recovery planning. His primary clients include the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Department of State. He has considerable experience within the Intelligence Community, DoD, Joint Staff and Congress. Mr. Vevon leads Booz Allen's Mission Assurance practice with over 350 geographically dispersed staff supporting numerous Federal Agencies and Intelligence Community clients with Business Continuity Planning, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Risk Management, Antiterrorism/Force Protection and Disaster Preparedness Exercises. Prior to joining Booz Allen, Jerry served on active duty in the US Army as a Ranger-qualified master parachutist. As Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, 101st Airborne Division, Jerry was responsible for coordination of all intelligence, counterintelligence, and security requirements for an organization of over 18,000 personnel. As Commander, 165th Military Intelligence Battalion, Mr. Vevon led over 550 personnel in conducting long-range surveillance, counterintelligence, interrogation, and electronic warfare. The unit was one of the first to deploy to Bosnia in the initial Implementation Force (IFOR) and was recognized with multiple unit awards for its performance. He also served 9 years in the 82nd Airborne Division in various roles. Mr. Vevon also published a biography of LTG Eichelberger, former Army DCSINT, for which he was awarded the 1998 Military History Writing Award from the US Army Way College. He has received the Military Intelligence Knowlton Award and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He received a BS in Economics from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC and a MA from the University of South Carolina in International Studies. Jerry is also a graduate of the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA and is a Certified Business Continuity Professional by Disaster Recovery Institute International and a Certified Information Technology Manager from University of Virginia. Outside of his work with Booz Allen, Mr. Vevon functions as a member of the Charleston, SC Chamber of Commerce Business Continuity Council where he assists as a speaker and facilitator aiding small businesses who cannot afford a full-time continuity program by providing them the basics for implementing a feasible program. Additionally, Mr. Vevon has the honor of supporting the Darkness to Light charity which works to prevent childhood sexual abuse and supports the Honor Flight which provides WWII veterans, at no cost to them, an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to see the WWII Memorial. |
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