Our People
Our Volunteers
Nonprofit Executive Coach
Ninez Piezas-Jerbi
Ninez is an independent not-for-profit Executive Coach and KM consultant. She was Employee Networks Community Coordinator, internal coach, mentor as well as Senior Statistician and first Chief of the Knowledge Management (KM) Section at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. She is also holder of the CILIP Chartership in KM.
After more than 30 years of service in the international organizations, she retired in July 2022 and is now based in the USA. She has an Executive Master’s Degree in Positive Leadership and Strategy from the IE School of Human Sciences and Technology in Madrid and a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from the University of the Philippines.
Ninez continues to share her expertise and experience in the workplace as Professional Development Coach (ACC) and KM Consultant. She is also a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher (500HR) that promotes physical and mental vitality towards Transformational Leadership. More information on Ninez can be found in her website, nineznow.com.
Treasurer
Mark H Strausbaugh
Mark Strausbaugh is a licensed CPA with over 40 years of public accounting experience, currently semi-retired and a part time tax manager with Baker Tilly, an international top 10 advisory and tax firm.
Mark spent most of his career as a partner in the Pennsylvania/West Virginia CPA firm of Arnett Carbis Toothman LLP (formerly Carbis Walker LLP). Mark represented a variety of small and medium size businesses, both for profit and not for profit, focusing on tax compliance issues and profit enhancement and internal control matters.
In his spare time Mark has assisted many not-for-profit organizations with financial matters, most notably serving as past board Treasurer of the Meadville Medical Center Health System, and past board President of the Outer Banks SPCA, Inc.
Board of Directors
Richard Parlato
Richard has started and served for organizations in the profit and not for profit sector over the past 40 years. He refers to himself as a Serial Entrepreneur.
For profit businesses:
- Resources Inc, Marketing and Public Relations company Founder
- Network Services, New England Telephone sales agent Founder
- Parlato Productions LLC, Media event production company Founder
- Proximity, Videoconferencing service company Founder Horn, Web Conferencing company EVP
Not for Profit:
- CCTV, Center for Media & Democracy, Founding member and board chair
- Vermont Mozart Festival, Classical music series board member and chair
- Chautauqua Property Owners Association, Board member
- Chautauqua Dance Circle, Board member
President and Founder
Edwin K. Morris
Morris is the president and founder of Pioneer Knowledge Services (PKS), a non-profit organization with a charitable purpose. PKS involves clients in customizing knowledge solutions and training to cultivate an organizational disposition and culture that values knowledge as a sustainable asset. He has served as an adjunct instructor for Kent State University’s School of Digital Sciences and in the Information Architecture and Knowledge Management graduate program, from which he earned his M.S. in 2012. He earned the Thomas J. Froehlich Award from Kent State in 2013 recognizing academic excellence and promise for leadership in the field of information architecture and knowledge management.
In 2016 Morris was selected by Kent State University’s School of Library and information Sciences peers and faculty as the 2016 Alumnus of the year. This honor recognized Morris for his significant contribution to the knowledge management profession.
A disabled veteran, Morris started his service in 1981; and was deployed to Iraq twice — as a sergeant in 2004 and then as a second lieutenant in 2005. In the years thereafter, he served as a contracted trainer, doctrine writer, lessons learned knowledge leader, and knowledge management lead for various government contractors serving Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ.
Chief of Events
Apryl Lytle
Highly organized and results driven problem solver with extensive Knowledge Management, Quality and Compliance Management experience in multiple regulated industries.
Dedicated to the discovery and creation of knowledge and highly skilled in the organization and maintenance of knowledge resources. Practiced in design, development, & deployment of computerized systems to aid in processes and improve efficiency. Passionate in the art of training and knowledge retention.
Strong operations professional with a knowledge of quality systems, manufacturing, and supply chain. Bachelor of Science focused in Biology from Westminster College. Master of Science in Knowledge Management from Kent State University.
Board of Directors
Sarah Hampton
Sarah Hampton is a Learning and Knowledge Management Program Manager who works to apply attributes of Information and Data Governance and Management, Library Science and Knowledge Management into the realm of Learning & Development. This fusion has resulted in an expanded scope of effectiveness for which she is grateful to have the opportunity to develop.
Collaborating and co-creating with global colleagues Sarah designs, develops and implements solution sets that meet and exceed business needs with a continuous improvement methodology that strives to optimize human resources and technology.
Board of Directors
Sven Rinke
Sven Rinke is based in Vienna, Austria, and is passionate about cultivating learning cultures, driving digital transformation, and fostering collaborative environments that empower professionals to excel and innovate.
Sven holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Duke University and is currently the Director of Knowledge Management & Learning Strategy at SimCorp, a global fintech company headquartered in Denmark, where he also serves as an Employee-elected member of the Board of Directors.
His approach to KM and Learning is characterized by a deep belief in the power of shared knowledge, social learning, and collaborative innovation for driving organizational success. His vision for the future of knowledge management is one where technology, strategy, and human insight come together to create dynamic, resilient organizations equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business and non-profit landscape
Board of Directors
Nicki Usiondek
Nicki Usiondek has a robust background in leading strategic initiatives and optimizing information systems to enhance organizational efficiency, knowledge management and collaboration. Currently serves as Senior Knowledge Management Manager at Fragomen, Nicki excels in establishing communication channels that facilitate global knowledge exchange. She oversees Microsoft Search and SharePoint administration, guiding a team of digital employee experts to enhance information accessibility, embrace design thinking, and streamline processes using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Nicki brings over a decade of experience in Knowledge Management.
Nicki holds a Master of Library & Information Science and a Master of Arts in History from Wayne State University, complemented by a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Emory University and a Design Thinking and Innovation Certification from Harvard Business School Online. Her educational background and hands-on experience have equipped her with a unique blend of skills in managing complex information systems and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.