Talented Trifecta of Expertise
Bentley graduates have long been valued leaders in the financial sector. Their stock has hit a high in recent times, with alumni at the helm of three prominent organizations that serve finance professionals.
Joseph G. DiLorenzo ’77 is national chair of Financial Executives International (FEI), Edward J. Keefe ’94 MST is president of the Treasurers’ Club of Boston, and Edward H. Pendergast ’65, ’77 MST is outgoing New England chapter president of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). At their alma mater, the men share membership in the President’s Club and Bentley Executive Club.
“Seeing these outstanding leaders at the top of three highly regarded finance organizations is an honor for Bentley,” says John Sims, executive relations manager in the school’s Development, Corporate and Alumni Relations division. “It’s a reflection of the talents and skills of our alumni body.”
Embracing Diversity
Active with the organization for many years, DiLorenzo has led the FEI diversity task force. He serves as a board member of FEI Canada and the Financial Executives Research Foundation. He is past president of the FEI Boston chapter.
Taking the reins as national chair of the 13,000-member organization, DiLorenzo aims to continue promoting diversity – both in the organization and in the broader finance industry.
“Years ago, because there were fewer diverse individuals in the most-senior financial positions, FEI was perceived as a white males club,” he says. “We’ve worked to change that. The more inclusive we are, the better an organization we are going to be. “
The sports and entertainment industries have been the setting for DiLorenzo’s career in financial management. He is currently a managing officer for Massachusetts-based Plymouth Rock Studios, a major independent film and television studio set to open in 2010. He worked with the Boston Celtics for 18 years, in roles that include chief financial officer and senior vice president of administration, and with the Boston Bruins/Boston Garden organization for 11 years.
DiLorenzo is a Bentley booster as well. He joined the Alumni Association Executive Board in 1992 and served as association president from 1998 to 2000. He has filled leadership roles on numerous charitable boards.
The Treasurers’ Club of Boston has also benefited from DiLorenzo’s expertise. In fact, he occupied the presidential seat now held by fellow alumnus Ed Keefe.
“Joe has been instrumental in keeping Bentley alumni involved, and in helping me become chapter president,” says Keefe, who is the chief financial officer at M/C Venture Partners, a venture capital firm with $1.5 billion invested, primarily in wireless, IT and media startups.
Investment of Talent
The 270-member Treasurers’ Club is a resource for senior finance professionals across industries to learn about issues relevant to their work. Speakers at its monthly meetings this year include representatives from the New England Council, Boston Celtics, and Partners HealthCare.
Keefe notes that speakers chose the topic they want to address. “My goal is to present issues that finance professionals should know about, and to get them thinking about things that they might not ordinarily think about.”
Beyond his Treasurers’ Club work, Keefe is a member of FEI and the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and a board director for the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, the Bostonian Society, and Rebuilding Together Boston.
Ed Pendergast is similarly invested in Boston-area philanthropy and business development. The founder and president of financial consulting firm Pendergast & Company serves as a board member for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Crittenden Women’s Union.
“I’ve always believed we need to give back to society, and that includes trade associations as well as charitable boards,” says Pendergast, who has completed his two-year appointment as NACD’s New England chapter president, but remains involved with the group. “We have an obligation to use our talents.”