Our Executive Team

DEBORAH A. MARSCHKE, PRESIDENT

An accomplished professional in business development, sales and marketing, Deborah Marschke brings considerable depth of expertise to clients of Career Development Associates of WNY, LLC.

After completing her studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Deborah began her career as an investment broker for a major firm in New York. Her skill in creating financial programs for her clients led her to several national awards early in her career, including National Quality, National Sales & Marketing Achievement, and membership in the Executive Council.

Recognizing a strong ability for marketing, Deborah accepted an opportunity to develop the Northeast territory in the marketing of specialized medical equipment to surgeons. After building a successful business across New York State, she expanded throughout the Northeast with the hiring and training of several sales and marketing representatives.

Seeing her ability to build operations for others, Deborah began her own company which represented a dozen major manufacturers in the medical equipment industry. Working closely with surgeons and senior level practitioners, she grew the company to encompass the entire Northeast. During this time she increased the sales force twelve fold.

Throughout her career, Deborah has excelled by training and motivating professionals. She is a creative problem solver with strong analytical aptitude. She possesses the ability to effectively listen, understand and assist clients in making a decision that will enable them to realize their career goals.

At Career Development Associates of WNY, LLC, Deborah transfers her strong belief in the power of human endeavor to her clients. She comprehends the importance of key skills and in-depth knowledge of the career transition process in order to achieve client goals.

Email: d.marschke@cdawny.com

BARBARA A. CASSARO, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/CAREER ADVISOR

A management professional serving the health care industry for over 20 years with a focus on the regulatory impact on personnel and operations of the health care delivery system. Using grants in excess of $1.8MM, she conceptualized, developed and implemented a computerized program to reduce regulatory compliance costs, improve departmental workflow and establish cost efficient and effective methodologies for delivering quality health care services within Western New York. One program decreased monthly operating costs by approximately 65% in its first year of full implementation.

In 1993, she established and directed the Healthcare Careers Center of Western New York, Inc. at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine (SUNY) to increase awareness of career opportunities within the health care industry. She also provided career counseling services to individuals seeking career advancement, displaced health care and non health care workers, high school and college students, educators and community-based career advisors. The Center was established and operated under a $2.5MM grant from New York State Department of Health.

In addition, she developed and implemented fee-for-service education/training programs offered as credit programs through Millard Fillmore College, SUNY that enhanced management skills of 325 health care clinicians through a two-year certificate program and provided job readiness and training to 37 single mothers on public assistance who obtained full-time employment upon completion of the program.

As Career Development Associates of WNY, LLC career advisor, she utilizes her management, consulting and training skills to assist clients to be critical and creative thinkers and think outside the box in developing their career and marketing strategies. This concept has enabled clients to establish businesses, create new positions, and take new career paths that have led to job satisfaction, career advancement and a personal sense of achievement. She holds a MBA and a Bachelor in Business Administration degrees.

An active volunteer in the community, she currently serves as president of the board of directors of a multi-facility health care organization located in Buffalo and Clarence, NY. She served for several years with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and previously served as chair of their Health Care Project for five years. In addition, she initiated strategic planning in three not for profit agencies and was the facilitator of the process for two organizations.

Email: b.cassaro@cdawny.com

JAY W. STROUP, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH/CORPORATE CONSULTANT

Mr. Jay Stroup is our most recent addition to the Career Development Associates, LLC family. He brings with him over 25 years of government policy development and corporate program management skills.

With an extensive record of achievement, Jay's leadership and technical expertise is founded upon over two (2) decades of military service in the United States Navy. His vast responsibilities include planning and coordination of tactical operations during Operation Desert Storm (1991), conducting operational security (OPSEC) assessments of Department of Defense, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets, managing strategic aviation operations and leading information technology (IT) research & development (R&D) activities. Jay's dedication and commitment are the cornerstones to a wide-ranging and influential scope of leadership competence in business development, risk management and communications.

After a full and successful military career, Jay was appointed to direct the commissioning of a new Federal agency in response to Congressional mandates for national security and the War on Terrorism. He was highly successful in bringing together diverse groups of people, creating the necessary synergy to establish sound business practices, information sharing and cooperation among national and international Homeland Security partners. As a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official assigned to the Western New York (WNY) Region, he successfully managed an annual budget of over $6.5 million. Interpersonal leadership abilities and seasoned communications skills enabled Jay to oversee aggressive and comprehensive Federal guidelines, regulations and policies; execute advanced public security capabilities; create a highly diverse and skilled Federal workforce; and to establish unprecedented antiterrorism programs; emergency response coordination; and community relations initiatives.

Recognized as a consummate leader with exceptional ethical standards, Jay has received commendations from DHS Secretary the Honorable Thomas Ridge, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, TSA Administrator Admiral James Loy and NYS Senator Dale Volker.

Email: j.stroup@cdawny.com