Bio: Donna began teaching at Penn State Altoona in 2004, bringing over two decades of real-world experience to the classroom. With a career defined by entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, she managed recruiting, training, and operations for a large regional foodservice brand; was a branch manager at a bank; and owned, and operated her own small business for nearly 20 years.

In addition to Donna’s current senior director role, she also serves as associate teaching professor and “business mom” for her students. Donna strives to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit, bring the best out in her students, and help them find the “why.”

Advice for students: Find your passion and do your best every day.

Office: 202D Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5294
Email: DJB36@psu.edu

Bio: Paul began teaching entrepreneurship courses at Penn State Altoona in August of 2017. In addition to teaching, Paul assists with K-12 and community entrepreneur programs.

Prior to being a professor, Paul worked in commercial lending at Mid-State Bank / M&T Bank for 15 years and at the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation as Director of Business Development and Loan Programs for 13 years.

Advice for students: Set high personal standards for yourself and make progress every day. Discover your passion and find a way to monetize it.

Office: 202C Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5332
Email: PMC100@psu.edu

Bio: Matthew has 15 years of experience in marketing, management, sales, and advertising. He began as an Adjunct Professor at Penn State Altoona in 2016. Matthew was hired full-time in 2021 to teach marketing, management, and information systems.

Advice for students: You have an opportunity to get more out of your time at Penn State. So stay involved and stay active.

Office: 202A Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5527
Email: MOS5845@psu.edu

Bio: Jessica joined Penn State Altoona in late fall 2019. Prior to that, she spent 12 years with UPMC in both business operations and physician recruitment/retention. She also served as a business analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Saint Francis University and worked for the Marriott Corporation covering contracting, procurement, and distribution for the southeast.

Advice for students: Take a chance – apply for that dream job, move across the country, pick up a new hobby where you’ll meet new people! Put 100 percent into everything you do, and the return will be immeasurable.

Office: 202B Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5140
Email: JAL6650@psu.edu

Bio: Katerina is an Altoona native. She started with Penn State Altoona in November of 2021. Katerina graduated from Kutztown University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and a minor in Political Science and History. She graduated with a master’s degree in Public Administration from West Chester University in 2021. While working on her master’s degree, Katerina also served as a Staff Assistant on Capitol Hill.

Advice for students: Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or advice. There are people all around you who want you to succeed and will be happy to help you in whatever way they can.

Office: Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5664
Email: KRP5559@psu.edu

Bio: Kristie joined Penn State Altoona in 2023. She is a proud Penn State alum, receiving both her undergraduate and Master of Education degree from Penn State. During her tenure in the State College Area School District, she obtained a Principal’s Certification from Saint Francis University and then transitioned to a management position in higher education as the Assistant Director of the Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Kristie has also been an entrepreneur and artist, as the owner of Kristie Leigh Art, creating custom works of art and providing interior design services for over 30 years. As the Entrepreneurship and Outreach Coordinator, she combines her love of education and a passion for entrepreneurship to help inspire a new generation of learners. In addition to this role, Kristie also serves as the president of All the Beautiful Things, a 501c3 nonprofit she founded with her son, Dr. Levi Putt, which provides tangible support to local families who are navigating the challenges of cancer.

Advice for students: Discover what is unique about you and lead with that! The world needs you and your unique gifts. Don’t hide what is different about you, let your light shine! Focus on how you can use those gifts to serve others.

Office: 111 Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence
Phone: 814-949-5246
Email: KEP130@psu.edu