Profile: SWU School of Business Advisory Board Member
Name: Lee Allen, MBA Company: Greenville Hospital System Job Title: Director/Community Facilities Engineer SWU Affiliation: Alumni 97 City you live in: Easley, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: Jesus’ father Joseph due to his commitment to Mary in a time that could have been extremely dangerous for him. Also, for Mary to have conceived as a virgin was also a true test of Joseph’s love for Mary and Jesus. What inspires you to achieve: The will and desire of being a part of something I believe in. To assist in the development employees I work with, and helping them become the best they possibly can be. Most valuable career learning experience: Learning how to work in an extremely diverse environment, and being sensitive and respectful to individuals’ different beliefs and cultures. People might be surprised to know this about you: That I not only obtained a BS degree later in life, but a MBA as well. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: I never thought I would ever go to college, let alone obtain two degrees. However, SWU provided me the means to reach these goals. By being a part of the Business Advisory Board, I remain active in the life of SWU, and hopefully add some value to the direction in which the school is headed long-term. SWU will always hold a special place in my heart, and I feel I can never truly repay the school for what good things have happened to me since becoming a part of the SWU family. I love SWU and all the school stands for.

Name: James Bross, Jr. (Jim) Company: Rutherford Hospital, Inc. Job Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer SWU Affiliation: Alumnus – BA 1984, Former resident of CWC college community, parents on faculty. City you live in: Rutherfordton, N.C. Favorite Biblical character: Timothy What inspires you to achieve: My family, service to community and belief that it is scriptural to serve with excellence. Most valuable career learning experience: 1. O-J-T working with employees to learn about human behavior in the workplace and organizational dynamics. 2. As student at CWC, working for Ken Whitener part-time in public accounting practice in the early 1980’s. People might be surprised to know this about you: I have a latent fear of speaking in front of people, but my psychological and workplace profiles say that I’m an extrovert. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: The faith-based education I received in the Business Division of SWU (CWC) provided me the technical, the interpersonal and the communication skills to launch a successful career in health care financial management. I am excited and have a strong desire to see the SWU School of Business continue to develop and fulfill its mission. I am pleased to be able to give back to the university a small part of my experience by serving through the Business Advisory Board.

Name: Emily DeRoberts Company: Duke Energy Carolinas Job Title: Customer Relations Manager SWU Affiliation: Graduate of SWU, BSB and MSM programs City you live in: Easley, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: Paul What inspires you to achieve: Seeing the success of others. Most valuable career learning experience: Learning that everyone has value and their opinion is important. People might be surprised to know this about you: I am a nerd I like to learn how things work and study them. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: Learning from the experience of others.

Name: Craig Homan Company: Easley Custom Plastics Job Title: President/CEO SWU Affiliation: Local business owner City you live in: Salem, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: Jesus What inspires you to achieve: Ongoing belief that “The best is yet to come.” Most valuable career learning experience: Taking risk People might be surprised to know this about you: Former Yankee that never plans to leave the Upstate, unless the good Lord needs me elsewhere. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: Opportunity to influence young people and their future.

Name: Dr. W. J. (Jim) Mahony Company: Retired SWU Affiliation: Previous faculty at SWU City you live in: Seneca, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: Christ What inspires you to achieve: My wife Most valuable career learning experience: 36 years in USN People might be surprised to know this about you: Have three married sons with families, still married to first wives, nine grands. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: Continual association with SWU.

Name: Russell E. Miller Company: Foundation Financial, Inc. Job Title: President SWU Affiliation: BAAB member City you live in: Travelers Rest, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: Daniel; in a secular job with considerable influence, he faithfully served God, who provided much fruit in Daniel's life. What inspires you to achieve: The opportunity to see God at work in my life as I "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Most valuable career learning experience: I learned most and relied on God most in times when my job was eliminated. People might be surprised to know this about you: I was the General Contractor, overseeing the construction of two healthy homes for my health-compromised wife. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Academic Advisory Board: The opportunity to learn more about how the curriculum can be molded to produce well-trained Christians Business Men and Women, who bear eternal fruit in their lives. Also, as God enables, the opportunity to make positive contributions to the work and ministry of the BAAB, SWU and the Business School Dean.

Name: Steve Weinger Company: Retired SWU Affiliation: Friend City you live in: Greer, S.C. Favorite Biblical character: David What inspires you to achieve: Committed to reaching or exceeding the task with excellence. Most valuable career learning experience: Creating trust – keeping an open mind to learning and improving and open to what others contribute. People might be surprised to know this about you: Married my high school sweetheart. What you like best about being part of SWU Business Advisory Board: Being a member of a team that desires to make a positive impact that will benefit the student, school and society.