Author: Marquis Who's Who

Reginald W. Bennett, MS, FAAM

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SCIENCES

Bennett, Reginald

Office of Regulatory Science
Senior Policy Analyst
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
College Park, MD, USA
Industry: Sciences
Field: Food Science

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “an estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States.” This alarming statistic is what Reginald W. Bennett is trying to decrease as senior policy analyst for the Office of Regulatory Science of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is responsible for protecting the public health. Within this government organization, he conducts research on and analyzes food involved in bacterial food poisoning. When asked to describe his duties, Mr. Bennett couldn’t help but to laugh when replying, “I can’t afford to run out of energy. Too many people are counting on me.” It is this light-heartedness in the face of grave responsibility that has kept his work refreshing and interesting after half a century.

More than 50 years ago, Reginald Bennett was sitting in class at the University of Pittsburgh, where he first gained knowledge of pathogens, and realized that he wanted a career in microbiology. Over the years, he has contributed his knowledge on food microbiology to each and every job. Starting as a medical bacteriologist for the Presbyterian Hospital of Pittsburgh, Mr. Bennett also served as a medical technologist and bacteriologist for Braddock General Hospital, a bacteriologist for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and an assistant professor of microbiology for Benedict University before becoming a microbiologist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960. His career vision statement, which reads “A good method renders more service to science than the elaboration of highly theoretical speculations,” reflects the philosophy that sound action and practice are the most effective tools in reaching a desirable outcome. In the future, he hopes to contribute to government regulations of food.

A member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the International Association for Food Protection, Mr. Bennett began his conquest of the field of microbiology in 1955 when he received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Three years later, he earned a Master of Science in Microbiology, also from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Fellow of The American Society for Microbiology, the American Academy of Microbiology and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International. Continue reading →

C.L. Wales

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Architecture & Construction

Wales, CLAssistant Construction Project Manager
Stanford Construction, Inc.
Montgomery, TX, USA
Industry: Architecture/Construction
Field: Construction Project Management

C L Wales is the assistant development manager for Fort Hood Family Housing.  C L provides management services for design and revitalization of existing residential units for our military families, as well as project management for new community centers.  Ms. Wales is responsible for developing scopes of work and specifications in preparation of proposal request documents, contracts projects, manages change orders, develops and maintains project budgets, manages and coordinates with all contractors and other team members.

Ms. Wales always had an interest in the arts, she followed art show circuits selling many of her own paintings.  Oil paints were her medium of choice; however, she worked with acrylics, chalks, pen and ink, and charcoal.  She also sculpted using sandstone, wood, plaster, bronze (the lost wax method), along with various scrap metals, etc.

Another of her many interests is architectural history, and construction techniques used in historic buildings, along with the intricate detailing and fine finish trims, both inside and outside.

Ms. Wales’ career path has exposed her to amazing forms of architecture and construction.  She has designed and produced construction documents for metal buildings, industrial facilities, equestrian centers, office, schools, and church facilities, apartment complexes with management facilities, shopping centers, chain retail facilities, speculative new retail facilities and rebranding retail facilities.  In her career, Ms. Wales’ has inspected projects under construction, designed new buildings, has written specifications for construction documents, prepared proposal requests for new construction and renovations, and contracted and managed the revitalization of substandard housing. Ms Wales has had the fortune of being the project architect on multiple 10,000 + square foot homes in the North Park area in Dallas, Texas.  These multi million dollar homes were extremely detailed on the exterior as well as the interior, requiring detailing of copper dormer window frames through detailing of cornices and wall and ceiling moldings on the interior.  The designs evolved from the Biltmore Mansion, the Breakers and many of the turn of the century mansions.  The architecture extended through to the yards that became extravagant pool areas with cabanas, strolling and reflecting spaces.  Antique marble fireplace mantels, salvaged antique wood flooring, antique tile floors and walls, timber beams, and antique or handcrafted railings were incorporated into the homes.  Some of the homes were constructed of heavy timber framing.

Ms. Wales attributes her success to diligence; passion for her profession, her positive can do attitude, and a profound desire to gain further knowledge in architecture and all phases of construction, coming out of the ground all the way through the turn over of Certificates of Occupancy, either through her own past experiences or those of others.

Ms. Wales received a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

In her spare time, she passionately collects fine antiques; furniture, crystal, ornate figurines, and jewelry.  She also enjoys studying; historic structures; buildings, bridges, mausoleums, fountains, architectural antiques and art.  On the home front she; volunteers with various organizations, cultivates house plants, reads, makes jewelry, and fills Christmas baskets for the often forgotten elderly. She also enjoys numerous publications, including The Antiques Magazine, Architectural Digest, Professional Builder, Texas Architect, Progressive Architecture and Forbes. Continue reading →

Christine B. Warian

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EDUCATION

Warian, Christine

Reading Specialist
South Plainfield Public Schools
Edison, NJ, USA
Industry: Education
Field: Literacy and Reading Education

Being the oldest grandchild in her family, Christine B. Warian realized her love of children early in life. Since childhood, she has experienced pure joy in seeing the “light bulb” moment in the eyes of someone she was teaching, which spurred on her interest in education. Having been an average student herself, Miss Warian empathizes with students who struggle, and strives to help them figure out the meaning of words and improve their reading comprehension. She is currently a reading specialist for South Plainfield Public Schools, where she works with children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Additionally, Miss Warian serves as an adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community College.

With 16 years of experience in education, Miss Warian advises students: “always do your best, and it is all right to take risks and make mistakes.” She believes wholeheartedly that it is by making mistakes and accepting them that people learn and grow. Miss Warian never wants her students to take life too seriously and finds satisfaction when she sees that they are enjoying learning.

Throughout her career, Miss Warian has been blessed with several rewards, but she considers being asked to give lectures at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, to teachers from Jeollabuk-Do, Korea, to be the greatest honor. During the summer months of 2001, 2002 and 2003, she spoke about literacy programs in public education, as well as classroom management skills. In order to remain current with topics of interest in the field of education, Miss Warian retains memberships with NJIDA, the National Education Association, the International Reading Association, and The International Dyslexia Association. She also supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the PKD Foundation.

Miss Warian holds a Master of Arts in Reading Specialization from Kean University. She is pursuing an Ed.D. and plans to teach at the collegiate level in the near future. Continue reading →

Margaret “Betty” E. Turner

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GOVERNMENT_PUBLIC_SERVICES_4

Turner, MargaretOffice Manager (Retired)
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Chesapeake, VA, USA
Industry: Government/Public Service
Field: Agricultural Operations Management

Ms. Margaret E. Turner, affectionately referred to by many as ‘Betty,’ is a retired office manager for the state of Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  During her 34-year tenure with the department, Ms. Turner’s primary responsibilities included the management of office operations and inspection of export grain quality for certification purposes. As the first female licensed grain inspector in the United States, Ms. Turner was a pioneer in the agricultural industry. One of the most challenging points in her career occurred during the 1970s when a massive fraud scandal caused the federal government to audit all exporting businesses and request documents to verify honorable accounting practices.  Ms. Turner worked in conjunction with undercover agents to produce documents from the general accounting office, which maintained her department’s integrity and reputation. Following her retirement, Ms. Turner continued to work part-time with the department, assisting with advancements in grain packaging with containers and training new employees on inspection techniques.

With her background in secretarial and administrative work, Ms. Turner was dedicated to accuracy and efficiency, as can be seen in her motto “check and recheck.”  Her accounting knowledge and patience for a demanding job in a male-dominated industry distinguish Ms. Turner as a true pioneer and inspiration to those who wish to enter her field.

Currently, Ms. Turner dedicates her time to various community service efforts, particularly a local battered women and children’s homeless shelter through the Norview Ladies’ Alumni Association.  Though she recently underwent chemotherapy treatments, Ms. Turner is a survivor determined not to let cancer defeat her.  She previously served as a committee chairwoman for the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation and is a charter member of the Pilot Club of Chesapeake. Continue reading →

Kim Trainor Davis

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BUSINESS_SERVICES

Trainor Davis, Kim

Owner, President
Nomiss Communication
Lubbock, TX, USA
Industry: Business Services
Field: Crisis Communications

Communication is a key element to the success of any business. “Knowing your audience and how to target your message to each audience, concisely, is where we come in,” says Kim Davis, owner and president of Nomiss Communication. Ms. Davis has more than 25 years of experience in the public relations arena. A former print reporter, Ms. Davis started her own communications firm in 2005, and over the years, she has successfully promoted clients, gaining regional, statewide and national attention for their endeavors.

Owning a business has been the hardest job Ms. Davis has ever had — she also considers it to be her greatest achievement. She has sustained and thrived in this economy, and continues to advance in her field. At the helm of Nomiss Communication, she offers clients assistance with media strategies and immediate crisis communications, and helps to defend clients’ reputations when necessary. She also takes the time to research companies and carefully plan media campaigns.

In 1988, Ms. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas Tech University. Prior to starting her own business, she served as a public relations director for a major hospital, and now writes for multiple media outlets, from magazines to newspapers, in addition to running Nomiss Communication. She also serves as a marketing chair for a local branch of United Way International, and volunteers for the local chamber of commerce.

Ms. Davis can easily adapt to any situation and attacks things head on in order to figure out how to resolve any issues. She hopes to be remembered as an honest communicator who gave good advice. As she continues to advance in her field, she plans to grow her company and develop a strong clientele outside of Texas. Continue reading →

Susan L. Mogus, MT (ASCP)

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HEALTHCARE

Mogus, Susan

Lead Technologist
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Elizabeth, NJ, USA
Industry: Health Care
Field: Medical Laboratory Technology

It takes someone with genuine dedication to ensuring patient health to take on the role of a health care professional. A lead technologist for Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Susan Lynn Mogus has an unwavering interest in the field, which has garnered her success over the past 27 years. In her current position, she uses her expertise in chemistry and hematology when working with physicians to diagnose what may be affecting a person’s health and, in response, monitors the patient’s treatment once a diagnosis is made. Her daily responsibilities include performing core laboratory duties, which encompass urinalysis and rapid testing for HIV, Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacterial infection that can be found in women who are pregnant, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.

Trinitas Regional Medical Center is a Catholic community teaching hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth that provides inpatient and outpatient medical services. Both Ms. Mogus and Trinitas “recognize and respect the dignity and value of life in every stage and condition.” She became a certified medical technologist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the world’s largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals, of which she is also a member. As a certified medical technologist, her main concern is patient health, something she caters to on a daily basis. She is constantly researching innovative ways to improve health care as a whole, something that became more prominent in 1984 when she earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Slippery Rock University.

Throughout her nearly three decades spent in the health care field, Ms. Mogus has worked for seven different charities, expressing her good nature not only to her patients, but also to her community. She credits her success to this caring nature, her dedication, and her own life experiences. In the coming years, she hopes to continue to grow in the fields of health care and research.

Elayne Camp Sanders

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EDUCATION

Sanders, Elayne

English Teacher
Flower Mound High School
Flower Mound, TX, USA
Industry: Education
Field: Grammar and Writing Instruction

“I don’t think there is anything better than just sitting down with a book and digging into it,” says Elayne Camp Sanders, an English teacher for Flower Mound High School, located in Texas. Throughout her nearly four decades in education, she has been a strong advocate for reading and has helped guide her students through the practice of writing, aiding them in refining their skills. She simply states, “To become a better writer, you write.”

As the daughter of two educators, it seemed only natural that Ms. Sanders would pursue a career as a teacher herself, which led her to The University of Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in English, with a minor in history, in 1966. With more than 38 years in the profession, she has taught in Tennessee, Texas and Europe. Prior to joining Flower Mound High School, she worked for the University of Maryland, while in Europe. In her current capacity, she uses her expertise in grammar and writing to teach English to students in grades 9 through 12, ensuring that each meets Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives. Ms. Sanders also functions as a special education resource teacher and would like to see people look at individuals with special needs the same way they look at all others. She has also served as a co-area director of the Special Olympics in Tennessee for two years.

Ms. Sanders always puts the focus on her students, and her best advice to other professionals is “Show an interest in them (the students) and they will respond.” As a result of her hard work and dedication, she was nominated as the Tennessee Teacher of the Year in 1991. She remains current in her field through her affiliations with the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Association of Teachers of English, and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Ms. Sanders has been married to her husband, Larry, for 46 years, and they have two children and three grandsons. Looking ahead, she intends to strengthen her technology skills. Continue reading →

Jacob T. Erickson, Esq.

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LAW

Erickson, Jacob

Partner
Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson, PLC
Monticello, MN, United States
Industry: Law
Field: Family Law and Criminal Defense

“I care about my clients. They are each an individual person to me and their problems are real. Everyone is important,” says Attorney Jacob T. Erickson, JD of his career as a lawyer in family law and criminal defense. Mr. Erickson handles cases that focus primarily on divorce, child custody, child protection and child support amongst other law matters. In addition, Mr. Erickson serves criminal defense clients, and as a former prosectuor, he is able to offer highly competent protection of constitutional and statutory rights. He is a seasoned lawyer with more than 10 years worth of experience. For the past two years, Mr. Erickson has been a partner at the firm Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson, PLC.

Mr. Erickson received a JD from William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul in 2003. Later that same year, he was admitted to practice law in the state of Minnesota. He always possessed the inclination to help others, especially those in crisis, and became involved in the profession of family law and criminal defense so he could help people in a meaningful way. By the time he was a teenager, Mr. Erickson knew that he wanted to pursue the career path of a lawyer. One of his college advisers aided this pursuit by placing a belief in him that he would make a great lawyer. He is licensed to practice in the Federal District Court for the State of Minnesota, as well as all county and appellate courts in Minnesota. In addition, Mr. Erickson is a former city prosectuor.  He attributes his success in the industry to his keen focus and care for his clients. Mr. Erickson stresses that he does not judge his clients and believes each of them to be a good person, no matter what case he is handling. He has been fortunate enough throughout his career to have mentors. “Everyone I’ve worked with has taught me something,” explains Mr. Erickson. He cites that the second firm he worked at taught him to be a people-person and to learn from everyone he possibly could. Mr. Erickson also mentions retired Judge Thomas Poch, a family friend, as someone who taught him to build up his arguments and make a case, and to “put the time in to build [the argument] and make it right.”

Mr. Erickson’s genuine enthusiasm with lending his services to help others stems from his motivation to have “the opportunity to make a difference in the world.” He maintains the notion that each client is important and each individual case matters. Often, Mr. Erickson’s clients may find themselves in serious cases of misdemeanor or child protection, and he gives all of them the same courtesy and care. After years in the business, Mr. Erickson is aware of the impact that these cases can have on a person’s life and future, and makes it his mission to find a positive resolution.

“The hardest thing is that law school doesn’t teach you how to be an attorney. You have to find other attorneys to help you,” explains Mr. Erickson of the challenges he has faced in pursuit of his thriving career. “You have to go out there and learn from judges and other attorneys. [School] doesn’t teach you how to argue. You don’t really have real-world experience until you do it yourself, and see how courts and other lawyers function and work.” Another issue facing the law profession is consistency. “There becomes a point where being a lawyer or judge becomes routine and you’re not thinking. It’s not a science, and you can’t do it the same every time. Even though the facts might be the same, every case is different. It’s a gamble, there’s no rhyme or reason to it.” Mr. Erickson’s advice to upcoming lawyers in the field of family law or criminal defense is to work harder and be smarter than the opposing side. The success of a case is awarded to the attorney who fights for it. He also reccommends being prepared for the daily onslaught of potentially heartwrenching stories. “You have to be resilient to deal with human misery. You are subjected to hear and see bad things daily. People are in a state of chaos, and you can’t get mad or upset otherwise you do the client a disservice,” Mr. Erickson advises.

Mr. Erickson is affiliated with the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Minnesota State Bar Association and the John E. Simonett American Inn of Court. Due to his outstanding efforts in the field, Mr. Erickson has been recognized with various honors. In 2014, he was listed in both the Ten Best Attorneys for the State of Minnesota for the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. Mr. Erickson has been acknowledged in the Top 40 Under 40 in The National Trial Lawyers, and from 2009 through 2010 was named as one of the Top Young Attorneys from Super Lawyers. In addition, he has a Superb Rating on AVVO.com.

In the years to come, Mr. Erickson intends to expand the firm and continue to do what he loves, which is helping all his clients find a brighter, happier future.

Gerald E. Mines

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GOVERNMENT_PUBLIC_SERVICES_4

Mines, Gerald

1) Former Captain, Commanding Officer, Operations Commander and Counterterrorism Trainer, New York City Police Department
2) Former Police Commissioner, City of Mount Vernon, New York Police Department
3) Current Police Expert Witness and Consultant, Equalizer Private Investigations, New York City
Industry: Government/Public Service
Field: Law Enforcement and Investigative Services

“People need to be treated with dignity and respect,” proclaims Gerald E. Mines, who has served the City of New York diligently for the past 43 years. He believes in exhibiting courtesy, professionalism and respect when doing his job, a value that has made him highly successful and respected. Mr. Mines is a former captain, commanding officer, operations commander and counterterrorism trainer for the New York City Police Department and a former police commissioner for the City of Mount Vernon, New York Police Department. He also gained experience serving with the military police. With a background in youth gang control and criminal and internal investigations of police misconduct, one of his many accomplishments was reducing violent youth gang crime in Brooklyn, N.Y., by 70 percent. In addition, he revamped the NYPD Civilian Complaint Review Board and streamlined the NYPD Medical Division, which encompassed his engineering and implementing a joint citywide medical, police and fire department emergency response plan. This has saved New York City more than $3 million annually.

Mr. Mines has gained exceptional skills over the years, which he applies to his most current position with Equalizer Private Investigations. Serving as a police expert witness and consultant, he investigates complaints from attorneys or individuals against municipalities, prepares documentation regarding his findings and recommendations, and provides court testimony to refute or confirm the legitimacy of the complaints. Mr. Mines is equipped with a wealth of knowledge, acquired not only through experience, but also through his academic pursuits. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, graduating magna cum laude, and a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management from New England College School of Graduate and Professional Studies, graduating summa cum laude.

In appreciation for his many contributions to the City of New York, Mr. Mines  was recently inducted into Worldwide Who’s Who as a lifetime member and was given the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in his field for 2012. In addition, he was given a number of honors by the NYPD and other law enforcement groups. They include the Police Exceptional Merit Award, Police Commendation Award, Police Community Service Commendation Award, two Meritorious Police Duty Awards, six Excellent Police Duty Awards, a Unit Citation Award, World Trade Center Service Award, Police Self-Support Group Humanitarian Award, Operation Sail Award, Centennial Award, and the Pistol and Rifle Expert Award.

Furthermore, Mr. Mines has been honored by the New York State Shields, of which he is a former president, with the Distinguished Service Award. He is also a former president of the NYPD Shomrim Society, and was given the New York City TLC Columbia Association Man of the Year Award.

Mr. Mines is a Major General and Commander of the 2nd Corps of the United States Disaster Relief Command and a member of several professional law enforcement organizations, including the American Academy of Professional Law Enforcement, International Association of Chiefs of Police, ASIS International, the Association of Legal/Medical and Investigative Experts, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Alumni Association. He is a second vice president of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100 and a delegate for the NYPD Honor Legion, New York/New Jersey Crime Clinic, New York City Police Reserve Association, Nassau County Police Reserve Association and National Police Defense Foundation. Looking ahead, Mr. Mines hopes to advance to the position of police chief or become a police commissioner, police director, or police chief in another city. Continue reading →

Barbara J. Justice, MD, ABPN, ABFP

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HEALTHCARE

Justice, Barbara 1422503Forensic Psychiatrist
Barbara J. Justice, MD
Industry: Health Care
Field: General Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Psychodynamic Psychiatry, and Psychopharmacology

Many of us ponder the age old question: “why am I here?” For some, the answer to this question is not often easy to come by; however, Dr. Barbara J. Justice found focus in life quite early. Maintaining a steadfast belief that she would utilize her talents to benefit others, Dr. Justice finds validation in her involvement in the mental health care field — an avenue that allows her to make a notable difference in the lives of others. For the past 34 years, Dr. Justice has drawn on her expertise of general, forensic and psychodynamic psychiatry, and psychopharmacology. She is currently an acting psychiatrist in the forensics department of Barbara J. Justice, MD. At the private medical practice, she provides psychopharmacology for adults, children and adolescents, and assesses and treats patients. She also handles workers’ compensation and civil cases, and counsels defendants who plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

The field of health care is broad and constantly changing. The most relevant knowledge Dr. Justice has gained over the years is that no one is perfect — even doctors. “I know where my strengths are,” she says. “When I don’t know, I call upon a colleague.” Comfortable with the fact that she is not, by any means, all knowing, Dr. Justice makes it a point to learn as much as she possibly can about her field. She holds certifications from both the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She notes that she initially began her journey into health care by earning a bachelor’s degree from The City University of New York and completing training in surgical oncology at the Howard University Cancer Center. In 1977, she earned her medical degree from the same prestigious and comprehensive research university. She continued her education by completing training in surgery and a fellowship in endoscopy at the Columbia University Medical Center, and broadened her knowledge of the health care field by studying forensic psychiatry and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Since her commencement from medical school, Dr. Justice has enjoyed a fruitful 34-year career, which she attributes to her faith and effort to constantly improve.

Dr. Justice considers herself blessed with intellectual and personal attributes that are best used in the healing art of helping others. Backed by an extensive education, she feels her desire to assist those in need grows stronger with every passing year. In addition to maintaining her various skills, she updates herself on the field through her affiliations with the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, The National Medical Association, the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry, and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc. Continue reading →