The American University of Rome (AUR), a leading American-accredited institution of higher learning in Rome, Italy, announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Trustees. Commencing their three-year tenures on July 1st, 2023 are Ms. Fiorella Federica Alvino (Partner at Nunziante Magrone, Milan, Italy), Ms. Gloria Blint (CEO, Red House Communications, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA), Mr. Dustin Brighton (Managing Director of Brightstone Bridge, LLC, USA), Ms. Jeannie Esti (Principal at Compagna Enterprises, LLC, USA), and Mr. Tom Pilla (Founder & Principal, Faro Communications, London, UK).
“The addition of these accomplished professionals brings a wealth of experience and expertise, further solidifying the AUR board’s commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of this great institution,” said the Chairman of the Board, Tom McCarthy. President of AUR, Scott Sprenger, added: “I look forward to working closely with these distinguished individuals to lead the university into the future during a time of expansion and promising opportunities.”
The new board members will play an important role in guiding the strategic direction of the American University of Rome while enhancing its international profile and ensuring its continued success.
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Ms. Fiorella Federica Alvino
Partner at Nunziante Magrone, Milan, Italy.
Fiorella Federica Alvino is a partner of the law firm Nunziante Magrone, Milan office. She specializes in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and capital markets. An honors graduate of the University of Milan, she studied law at Salzburg - Center for International Legal Studies - and at Georgetown University. She received an LLM from Harvard Law School. Fiorella has been named the leading female business lawyer in Italy by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
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Ms. Gloria Blint
CEO, Red House Communications, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
As founder and CEO of Red House Communications, Gloria has been the guiding force behind successful, award-winning marketing campaigns for hundreds of companies in health care, higher education, business and manufacturing, the arts, public health, economic development, and tourism. She has served clients including Apple, Welch Foods, McDonalds, The Andy Warhol Museum, and Penn State University, providing expert counsel in building brand image, changing attitudes, and driving sales, attendance, and enrollment. Gloria is a proven entrepreneur and innovator, guiding the first woman-owned agency to be ranked in the top three in Pittsburgh, with billings exceeding $50 million annually. After earning a BFA, Gloria began her career as a graphic designer and later served in numerous marketing account director roles before founding her own company. She and Red House have been recognized with more than 350 regional and national Emmy, Telly, Obie, Addy, and other marketing industry awards.
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Mr. Dustin Brighton
Managing Director of Brightstone Bridge, LLC
Mr. Brighton is a highly skilled State Government Relations Professional with more than 22 years of consulting, advocacy, public sector sales, trade association management, and administrative management experience. His experience includes working with federal and state legislators, staff, Attorneys General, and Governors on behalf of his employers. Mr. Brighton is the recipient of numerous industry commendations and awards, including Performance awards at eBay, Inc. for State Government Affairs advocacy efforts, the Microsoft Commercial Software Initiative Award, the Microsoft Excellence in Education Award, and a Citation from the State Senate of Kentucky for efforts in hindering illegal child pornography on the Internet.
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Ms. Jeannie Esti
Principal at Compagna Enterprises, LLC, USA.
Jeannie is an indispensable mentor, educator, adviser, confidant, and "consigliere." Her work has earned the trust of Fortune 500 C-suite executives, burgeoning entrepreneurs, NFL and NBA power brokers, lifestyle influencers, and celebrity clientele. She has been representing high-level individuals and brands for 25 years in a diverse range of business sectors, global regions, and political spheres.
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Mr. Tom Pilla
Founder & Principal, Faro Communications, London, UK.
Tom Pilla is a seasoned communications professional and strategic counselor with three decades of experience – including 25 years with Microsoft -- across Corporate Communications, including Financial Communications, Issues Management & Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Employee Communications, and Marketing Strategy. In 2010, after 15 years leading various roles within Corporate Communications at Microsoft’s global headquarters in Redmond, WA, Pilla moved to the United Kingdom, where he led Comms for Microsoft’s UK subsidiary as well as Microsoft’s EMEA region. Pilla retired from Microsoft in 2021 and subsequently founded Faro Communications, a London-based PR & Communications consultancy.
About The American University of Rome:
Founded in 1969, The American University of Rome is an independent, accredited, American degree-granting university located in Rome, Italy. AUR offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, providing students with a truly international education experience.
Media Contact
Mr. Harry Greiner / h.greiner@aur.edu