O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

Anthony Florkowski

O'Pake Fellow set up for professional success after logging 500 consulting hours

Since he started as an O’Pake Fellow during his first year at Alvernia University, Anthony Florkowski ’25, MBA ’27 says his communication and project management skills have made a 180-degree change for the better, setting him up for success in the...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Brody DeGroodt

O'Pake Institute work helps MBA student stockpile experience for future career

In his years at Alvernia University, Brody DeGroodt ’25 has had many rich experiences — four years as a baseball player, academic excellence that included the History Achievement Award at the Honors Convocation, and deep friendships. But perhaps t...

  • College of Innovation, Discovery, and Enterprise
  • 2026
Lizette Epps Author Our Voices

O'Pake director honored for debut book chronicling Latine stories

Lizette Epps, MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA, Executive Director of Community and Economic Development at Alvernia University's O’Pake Institute for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship, recently celebrated a significant career milestone: the publication ...

  • 2026
John Dever

John Dever

Assistant Director of Student Experiential Learning O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 610-796-5107
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Fabiola Flores

Community Impact Specialist O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 610-796-5013
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Katie Hestor

Director of Student and Client Services O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
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Winifred Gutierrez MBA

Operations Manager O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 610-796-3011
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John Stetler MBA

Executive Director, O'Pake Financial Services O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 610-796-8369
Caitlin Long is the CEO / Chief Visionary Officer and owner of Team Lifelong Wellness.

Caitlin Long Ph.D., PA-C

Director of Technology Transfer & Innovation Commercialization O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 484-254-2129
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Lizette Epps MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA

Executive Director of Community and Economic Development O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
| 484-254-2131
Vice President | Interim Dean of the College of STEAM | Chief Operating Officer | O'Pake Institute | Economic Development & Entrepreneurship | 2021

Rodney S. Ridley Sr. Ph.D., RTTP

Chief Economic, Community and Strategic Development Officer Senior Leadership Team
| (484) 254-2124