Board of Directors
Renee Patrone Rhinehart, President
Party Planner. Entrepreneur. Broadcast Media Professional. Experienced Speaker.
Renee Patrone Rhinehart does more than just host a party to remember. The founder of two companies, Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers, Renee is now a self-made business leader.
Over the past decade, she has grown Events by Renee into Philadelphia’s premiere wedding planning business. From the engagement ring to the ‘I do’s,’ Renee has walked dozens of couples down the aisle and into their future with a fabulous celebration.
Why I Joined NAWBO:Â I joined SJ NAWBO because I want to make a difference in my community of south jersey by connecting with fellow business leaders.
Member Since:Â 03/2022
Maria Veglia, Immediate Past President
Maria is an accomplished executive with demonstrated ability to manage cutting edge technological initiatives. She is an expert in operations management, budgeting, and team performance measurement and adept at recruiting and mentoring talent and motivating cross-functional teams. Maria is a strong leader managing projects from inception to completion. She expertly assesses needs and estimates timelines with precision to ensure successful execution of the project plan.
Through her extensive experience in addressing groups, whether in the front of the classroom, boardroom or auditorium, Maria is a dynamic and motivating public speaker. She has many years of experience in curriculum design and development and works with clients to construct training programs appropriate to the needs of the organization.
Skillful at assessing workplace culture, Maria fosters an environment of respect, creativity and collaboration. She is passionate about providing an environment rich with opportunity for all. She believes improving the work culture and providing opportunity leads to employee engagement and satisfaction which, in turn, drives company success.
Maria is adept at identifying resources and developing strategic plans with benchmarks and consistency in achieving organizational goals. She is well-versed in upgrading to the most innovative technological programs while ensuring seamless transitions.
Why I Joined NAWBO: At the first NAWBO SJ event that I attended, I was greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone that I spoke with showed a genuine interest in my business and how to help it grow. After being a member for 4 years, the reason I am still a member is the shared desire to support each other’s goals and journey.Â
Member Since: 04/2019
Jenny Breuning, Secretary
Jenny Breunig holds the position of Vice President of Operations at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Jenny has over 15 years of healthcare experience, holding various leadership positions throughout her career in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and New York. Jenny has received awards and honors in the healthcare space and is recognized as a leader in the industry. She has been active in the community over the years volunteering her time with various nonprofit and civic based organizations. Jenny lives in Sicklerville, NJ with her husband, Jeff and her son, Jasper.
Why I Joined NAWBO:Â
Member Since:Â
Sarah Brand, Treasurer
Sarah Brand is an Audit Partner in the Real Estate Services Group, with over 20 years of public accounting, serving both public and private companies.
Sarah has significant experience in the real estate industry providing accounting and auditing services for a variety of real estate clients, including private equity real estate funds, commercial and residential real estate companies, hotels, and condominiums. In addition, she has served clients in the manufacturing and distribution, health care industries, and professional services firms, including security companies, lawyers, and dentists, among others.
Prior to joining the firm, Sarah was with a Big 4 accounting firm where she focused on gaming, technology, and life sciences.
Sarah is a contributor to the firm’s real estate blog on Rent Abatements and Deferrals in a COVID-19 Environment.
Lisa B. Snyder, Co-Director of Advocacy
More than a decade ago, Lisa Snyder switched out of an 18-year career in the health insurance industry, where she worked closely with small business owners. Her expertise evolved toward assisting professionals in starting, enhancing, and managing their web presence. Lisa Snyder, founder of Silver Hoop Edge, is passionate about exploring effective ways to use WordPress for the continual enhancement/growth of her clients’ websites.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined NAWBO to connect with women business owners in New Jersey and beyond.
Member Since: 05/2023
Alexis Malandro, Co-Director of Advocacy
Alexis Malandro is an associate with Brown & Connery, LLP, where she concentrates her practice in workers’ compensation defense matters. She has prepared and argued workers’ compensation matters before the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Court in venues across the state, including Jersey City, Newark, Mount Arlington, Mount Holly, Camden, Freehold, and Plainfield.
Alexis received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Rutgers University in 2015. After graduating, she worked as a workers’ compensation defense paralegal while attending Delaware Law School as an evening-division student. She earned her law degree in 2021 and was admitted to practice in New Jersey that same year.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined NAWBO to connect with women business owners in New Jersey and beyond.
Member Since: 05/2026
Nancy Lipkin Starr, Co-Director of Corporate Partnership
First Impressions Marketing works with savvy, driven business owners and leaders in companies of various sizes who understand the positive impact that marketing can have on their business – but are frustrated because they feel like they’re wasting money on marketing that doesn’t get results. First Impressions does things a bit differently – instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, they start with a ‘marketing road map’ that provides expert marketing advice – customized just for their business. As a full service firm, we provide a variety of services all under one roof: we plan, create, manage + execute. First Impressions is not a good fit for everyone. If you have been thinking about how to improve your marketing results – let’s start with a conversation.
Nancy understands that any successful marketing campaign – whether during or after the pandemic – starts with a plan. Her ability to approach projects from a strategic point of view, with expert guidance and advice customized to match the goals of the client, has earned tangible results for her clients. She and her team have also had extraordinary success with campaigns that focus on moms and families – resulting in waiting lists and 300%+ increases in sales. Have a question? Reach out!
Nancy is very responsive and deadline oriented – and enjoys sharing her expertise with others.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I have always enjoyed being a part of professional women’s groups, as I like to support fellow women-owned businesses. Two years ago, I was invited to attend NAWBO-SJ’s Gala – I was impressed with the event, and made some good connections. Since then, I have found the SJ Chapter to be made up of smart, generous, giving women. I’ve met new clients and made new vendor connections.
Member Since:Â 01/2022
Krista Mitchell, Co-Director of Corporate Partnership
Why I Joined NAWBO:Â
Member Since:Â
Susan Hodges, Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Susan Hodges serves as firm Shareholder and Co-Chair of the Labor and Employment and School Law Practice Areas at Parker McCay. Parker McCay is a leading regional corporate law firm in Mout Laurel, New Jersey, representing a myriad of government entities, school boards, and businesses of all types and sizes.Â
In her role, Susan works with both public and private sector clients, providing counsel on employment matters involving employee discipline, hiring and firing, workplace harassment and investigations, policy and compliance. Susan acts as both counsel and outsourced human resources to ensure her clients make the best possible decisions. She has many years of experience working with all types of employment law, with experience in both State and Federal court. Susan’s breadth of experience and fair and measured approach have earned her the trust of all her clients.
Ashley Jones, Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Angela Tofani Kucenski, Co-Director of Events
Fulton Bank is proud to be a corporate sponsor of NAWBO supporting women-owned business owners throughout the region. We believe that the people and businesses that make this community work, need money to work for them. At Fulton, we’re here to help. With over $25 billion in assets, we offer the products and services of a large bank with the personal one-to-one relationships of a community bank. In addition to consumer products like checking and savings, we offer small businesses with what they need to grow. We’re here for our customers when they need us most. In 2020, Fulton Bank helped nearly 10,000 customers with $1.94 billion in PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans. Plus, we offer convenience in neighborhoods across the region with over 200 financial centers and 230 ATMs. For more information call 1.800.FULTON.4 (1.800.385.8664) or visit us on the web. We know money is personal for you. So, it’s personal for us. Fulton Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Fulton Bank is not affiliated with the Small Business Administration and NAWBO.
Debra Berman, Co-Director of Events
Debra Berman is the President of a second-generation women owned jewelry store in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Educated at George Washington University and at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York, Debra combines technical knowledge about diamonds and gemstones with her entrepreneurial vision to drive business in the highly competitive jewelry industry.
She began her jewelry career at the age of 15, working in her family’s jewelry store. She worked after school, on holidays, and weekends. Her interest was first peaked when she started working with diamond dealers and attending the New York Jewelry Show. Debra has successfully navigated market shifts, generational transitions, and evolving
consumer preferences. She has successfully led her company through modernization initiatives focused on digital transformation and brand development, ensuring continued relevance in online markets.
As a business owner, Debra specializes in client relationship management through personalized service and unique customer experiences. Her approach is grounded in collaboration with her clients and creating one of a kind jewelry.
Why I Joined NAWBO: I joined NAWBO to connect with dynamic women business owners who understand both the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Collaboration and shared experience are powerful tools for growth, and NAWBO provides an ideal environment for both.
Member Since: 2022
Jessica Harrison, Co-Director of Marketing
Yvette Cave, Co-Director of Marketing
Yvette is an associate attorney in the Labor & Employment Group at Archer & Greiner, P.C., where she partners with employers to navigate workplace challenges and develop practical, strategic solutions that help their organizations succeed. Her practice focuses on advising businesses on employment law, workplace compliance, investigations, and litigation.
I joined NAWBO to connect with a community of accomplished women business owners and professionals who support, inspire, and learn from one another.
Kelly Wernersbach, Co-Director of Membership
Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique – Marlton, NJ
At Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique, owned by Kelly Wernersbach, we believe your sleep system is more than just a mattress—it’s the vehicle to great sleep, and great sleep is the vehicle to great health.
With 20 years of experience, I brings a unique, wellness-focused approach to helping you find the perfect sleep system. Whether you sleep alone or share your bed, we’ll design an affordable, customized solution that supports your health, comfort, and lifestyle.
Stop by our Marlton boutique and let us fit you to the perfect Sleep System
Carly Jordan, Co-Director of Membership
Carly A. Jordan, CFP®, has nearly fifteen years’ experience in wealth management. Specializing in comprehensive financial planning for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families, Carly has deep expertise in working with business owners and high-level professionals in the tech industry. She understands the complexities of stock compensation, liquidity events, and business transitions, helping her clients navigate these financial milestones with confidence. Her background in investment planning, mortgages, and credit underwriting allows her to deliver sophisticated, integrated solutions that address both sides of the balance sheet.
She spent many years working with a financial advisory team that partnered with the Exit Planning Institute of Greater Philadelphia to help educate and advise small and middle market business owners on their succession planning. The basis of all good financial outcomes is a plan, and that is what drives business for Carly and her clients every day. Carly sits on the board of her favorite non-profit, Strike It Strong, and has been selected as the 2025 Corporate Chair of the South Jersey Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. In years’ past, Carly sat as the co-chair of the Morgan Stanley Women in Wealth Philadelphia Market employee network, and she is credited with partnering to launch the area’s newest Financial Literacy program for Morgan Stanley.
When not fulfilling her commitments to her career and community, Carly spends time with her husband, Ryan, and dog, Shay, at their home near the Pine Barrens. They love to travel the world and her stepson, Quinn, joins in their adventures as often as possible. Gardening and podcasts are two topics that Carly can chat on for hours.
Why I Joined NAWBO: After attending her first NAWBO networking event, Carly was hooked. There is something extra special about doing business in a room with mostly women.
Member Since:Â 2024
Caity Fisher, Chapter Administrator
Cait Fisher supports NAWBO South Jersey’s marketing and communications, helping bring the organization’s events, programs, and community impact to life. With a background in marketing, social media, and administrative support, she enjoys creating clear, engaging content that helps local women business owners feel informed and connected. Cait is passionate about supporting small businesses and being part of a community where women can build meaningful relationships, share ideas, and grow together.