There was a fine article about Ernest Roessler in the Business Journal of Charlotte, N.C. Ernie grew up in the Pittsburgh area and one might have thought that he would go off to the University of Pittsburgh or to Penn State. Not so. "On the advice of his doctor, he went to Dartmouth College," states reporter John Downey. Then his dad urged he study marketing and finance. Next was the Tuck School and then the Mel- lon Bank back home. Ernie moved to London with his family from 1972 to 1975, where he was controller in Mellon's first branch overseas, and later, back in the States, became Mellon's international comptroller. In 1986 Ernie decided to try something else, was with Lane Financial Inc. for a while, suffered the benefits of an international giant company buying a lesser big company, and in 1988 accepted the post of CFO at Central Carolina Bank and Trust (CCB) in North Carolina. In 1993 he became president and CEO. Now, classmate Roessler president and CEO since 1993 "is betting strength will ensure independence" as other banks eye CCB for a takeover. Keep us posted, Ernie, on how it all turns out. And to think that the career path all began when his doctor suggested he go to Dartmouth College.
Philip O'Hara was appointed pastor to the Tinmouth Community Church in Poultney, N.Y. After Dartmouth Philip studied at Drew Theological School, the University of Goettingen, Germany, and Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Education and youth counseling was Phil's vocation for years after ordination, but in 1984 he turned to ministering and served pastorates in Vermont and New York. Ross Burkhardt writes that he was elected president of the National Middle School Association in 1995 and was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame last year. After teaching for 35 years, including Peace Corps service in Tunisia from 1962 to 1963, Ross retired from teaching last year.
The New Canaan (Conn.) Advertiser reported recently that Brock Saxe and wife Barbara chair the New Canaan United Way drive this year. Brock stated, "New Canaan is a terrific town. It is where we made lifelong friends and raised our children." Charles Gaillard retired this past October from General Mills. The Business Wire service quotes Charlie, "I have so many wonderful memories of my years at General Mills that it is difficult to single out any one thing. But I'd have to say that the thing that gives me the most pride is the team of leaders that have been developed to lead the company into the next millennium." (Did I mention Charles' job? President.) Mike Coffield hitchhiked from his home in Chicago to Washington last October to be awarded the 1999 A. Sherman Christensen Award of the American Inns of Court Foundation. The fete was hosted by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. Hope the trip went O.K., Mike. The citation quotes Judge Flaum (Chicago): "Mr. Coffield is well known and respected as a creative, passionate trial lawyer."
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