Director Randy M. Ataide, J.D.

In August 2005, Randy M. Ataide became the third Director in the history of the Fermanian Business Center. Ataide brings considerable business experience to the director position, having worked for more than 20 years as an entrepreneur in developing several inter-related diversified agricultural companies. He remains active in the business community through board membership and direct ownership of the companies, and he remains on numerous industry boards and committees.

Ataide holds a B.A. degree in Speech Communication, a Masters Degree in Theology, and a Juris Doctor degree, and he is a member of the California State Bar Association. He has also completed Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Executive Management Program and Harvard Business School’s Owner-President Management Program. As Director of the Fermanian Business Center, Ataide will provide primary leadership for the strategic planning of the Center's mission. In addition to his duties as the Director of the Business Center, Ataide is also an Associate Professor of Business teaching contemporary management, sales management, entrepreneurship, and small business at the undergraduate and graduate schools.

Randy M. Ataide
(619) 849-2563
rataide1@pointloma.edu
______________________________________________________________________________

Manager Cathy L. Gallagher 

In September of 2005, Cathy L. Gallagher assumed the role of the Coordinator of the Business Center, following several years at PLNU in various administrative and development department capacities. In early 2007, she was promoted to Manager of the Business Center.  Gallagher also brings 20 years of business experience to her role at the Business Center, having served as the owner, operator, and manager for several small businesses. She is currently pursuing a B.A. degree at PLNU.

Gallagher has extensive knowledge and contacts in the local San Diego business community and is active in various business organizations. In addition, she is the primary person responsible for the scheduling and execution of the many Professional Development Events that the Business Center arranges for our constituencies to further our Center’s missions and goals. Gallagher also directs the student staff at the Business Center in  their service to our students, faculty and business community.

Cathy L. Gallagher
(619) 849-2564
cathygallagher@pointloma.edu
______________________________________________________________________________

Assistant Courtney S. Urbano

In July 2007, Courtney S. Urbano was named Assistant of the Fermanian Business Center, bringing several years of experience in marketing, public relations, advertising, and event planning. Most recently, Urbano was employed with the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club and prior to moving to Pittsburgh she has served with various businesses in San Diego being actively involved with several local events and developments.

Urbano has numerous contacts and resources in the San Diego business community and maintains positive working relationships with many of the local small businesses. She assists the Director and Manager of the Business Center in all business-related efforts. Urbano is a native of San Diego and holds a B.A. degree in Journalism from PLNU. She is currently pursuing a MBA degree at PLNU.

Courtney S. Urbano
(619) 849-7068
courtneyurbano@pointloma.edu