The Carnegie Mellon University Business Engagement team is here to help build bridges between the CMU community and your company. We're ready to work with you to create inspired and inventive solutions and partnerships.
Amy Klinke
Assistant Vice President, Business Engagement
Prior to leading the Center for Business Engagement team at Carnegie Mellon University, Amy was a senior director at the Business Engagement Center at the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, she was instrumental in developing strategic partnerships with industry leaders and built a successful track record of securing research funds and generating significant philanthropic support for university priorities. Additionally, she played a founding role in the establishment of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
Earlier in her career, Amy served as the director of community development for the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Washtenaw County and as a policy analyst for the county. In these roles, she worked directly for the Washtenaw County administrator, board of commissioners and mayor of Ann Arbor. Sher has also held roles with the Washtenaw Community Health Organization and Washtenaw Housing Alliance. Before moving to Ann Arbor in 2000, Amy conducted post-graduate research in economic development and microenterprise in Zimbabwe, Africa.
Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in political economy from Hillsdale College and a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in social and economic development from Washington University.
Dennis Fortner
Director, Business Engagement
Email Dennis
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Or call 412-268-2314
Dennis joined CMU in 2017, and prior to his role within the business engagement team, he spent a career in aerospace and defense partnerships including his most recent work overseeing work at Northrop Grumman. Dennis has extensive industry experience in roles such as business development, intellectual property management and contracting between university/industry.
He holds an undergraduate degree in engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in technology management from New York University.
Terri Deasy
Director, Business Engagement
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Or call 412-268-4013
Terri joined the Center for Business Engagement in 2021 after managing corporate partnerships at CyLab, CMU’s security and privacy institute for three years. She is responsible for developing and growing relationships with corporate organizations seeking to engage in research and educational programs.
Prior to joining CMU in 2018, Terri spent nearly 15 years in the private sector where she served in various consulting roles and worked with enterprises focused on building custom technology solutions.
Terri is the co-founder of Pgh Women Connecting Women, a networking group that brings together diverse professional women in the Pittsburgh region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Point Park University.
Jen Moritz
Associate Director, Business Engagement, Campus Liaison
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Or call 412-268-7930
Jen is responsible for fostering relationships with corporate organizations and connecting corporate partners to CMU faculty, staff and students. She joined the Center for Business Engagement in 2022 after working with CMU’s Institute for Software Research and supporting the Masters of Software Engineering Professional Programs.
Jen has an extensive background in alumni relations and experience in business development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in communication technology from Point Park University.
Lisa Vento
Director of Operations, Business Engagement
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Or call 412-268-5360
Lisa oversees and manages the operations of business engagement and acts as a liaison for the team in support of interdepartmental collaboration.
Lisa holds a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University and holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and German from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and an active member of the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). She serves as a member on the University of Pittsburgh’s Women’s International Club Nationality Room Program and German Room Committee.
Ryan Kuehn
Operations Manager, Business Engagement
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Or call 412-268-6856
Ryan supports the Director of Operations and the entire Center for Business Engagement team with a variety of tasks. He’s also the first person visitors meet when entering the center’s on-campus office. Prior to his current role, Ryan has spent his career as part of operations and customer service teams at UPMC Enterprises and UPMC Health Plan.
Ryan holds bachelor’s degrees in history and philosophy from Penn State University.
Kari Carbone
Executive Assistant, Business Engagement
Email Kari
Or call 412-268-2824
Kari is responsible for supporting the administrative functions of the Associate Vice President of Business Engagement and Strategy as well as assisting the Business Engagement and Foundation Relations teams.
Prior to joining CMU, Kari spent the majority of her career in the radio industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication and a master’s degree of business sdministration.
Chris Coleman
Associate Director of Operations, Business Engagement
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Or call 412-268-6685
Chris assists in the management and administrative functions of Business Engagement. Specifically, supporting the Foundation Relations team with processing, reviewing, and accepting awards and ensuring proper stewardship of funds in compliance with sponsor regulations.
Chris has been at Carnegie Mellon University for over a decade and has a background in Grants Administration and Procurement.
Dave Minicucci
Senior Associate Director, Advancement Research
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Or call 412-268-9101
Dave is responsible for the data and information needs of the business engagement team as well as colleagues across campus. He works to ensure that the business engagement staff have access to the most timely and relevant information to inform their decision-making when engaging with our corporate and foundation partners.
Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duquesne University.
Andrew Schilffarth
Development Associate, Business Engagement
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Connect on LinkedIn
Or call 412-268-4527
Andrew provides logistical, stewardship and data support for the business engagement team.
Before working at Carnegie Mellon University, Andrew was a registered lobbyist in Pennsylvania that focused on pursuing local and state government grants for community and economic development. Andrew holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication from the University of Pittsburgh.