Departments
Advisory Council Updates


Members from Three Companies New to SOM 
By Dr. Diane Seay McNulty

Fall is always a busy time for the SOM Advisory Council. In September, 
council chairman Jerry Hoag of A. T. Kearney and chairman-elect Ron Nash 
of InterWest Partners kicked off both the year and the challenge to raise 
funds for the new School of Management building during a joint Development 
Board/Advisory Council meeting.

Through the leadership of Mr. Hoag and Mr. Nash, the SOM Advisory Council 
is playing a major role in meeting the challenge to raise eight million 
dollars, the amount the U.T. System Board of Regents specified when they 
pledged thirty million dollars for construction assuming the remaining 
funds were raised from other sources.

Also, this fall, the council welcomes new members from Marsh USA, a firm 
that specializes in risk management for diversified global clients; 7-
Eleven, Inc., and Lennox International, a premium manufacturer of 
residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems. Marsh USA 
and 7-Eleven are new to the council.

Representing Marsh is Paul Merlino, managing director and head of Dallas 
operations. Mr. Merlino leads one of Marsh's largest operations, which 
provides support and assistance on international and business operations 
to clients in the United States, Mexico, and South America.

Mr. Merlino was most recently CEO for the former Soviet Union operations 
for Marsh. He established offices in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Samara in 
Russia and in Kazakhstan.

Prior to the Soviet posting, Mr. Merlino created and established a 
Japanese unit in London and assisted in establishing the UK branch. Mr. 
Merlino has written numerous articles on insurance and risk management and 
is a frequent speaker. He will make a significant international 
contribution to The School of Management's global focus. 

7-Eleven, Inc. selected Jack Wilkie as its council representative. He 
serves as vice president, national franchise and corporate communications. 
Prior to his tenure at 7-Eleven, Mr. Wilkie was vice president of 
marketing and franchise development for AAMCO in Philadelphia. He also has 
previously served as vice-president of marketing for the Franklin Mint and 
is active in the arts, human service organizations, and several charitable 
foundations. Mr. Wilkie's experience in nonprofit endeavors is extensive 
and impressive. His unique blend of marketing and service-oriented talents 
will be an asset to the School's ongoing efforts to be a contributing and 
responsive community entity.

Rick Smith was named chief financial officer for Lennox International, 
Inc. in 2001. Mr. Smith was most recently CFO and chief administrative 
officer for ZoneTrader.com, a leading provider of full-service asset 
management solutions.

Before his assignment at ZoneTrader.com, Mr. Smith had served since 1990 
as vice president of finance and chief financial officer for Arvin 
Industries, Inc. (now ArvinMeritor) a leading global manufacturer of 
automotive components.

Previously, Mr. Smith served first as vice president and treasurer and 
later as vice president and comptroller of May Department Stores' Payless 
ShoeSource division.

Mr. Smith began his career with Ralston Purina, where he was promoted to 
assistant treasurer and later became an assistant to the chief financial 
officer.