Who’s Blogging?

James Gechter

James Gechter is the Marketing Manager of Kissinger Associates, Inc. When he’s not running strategic campaigns to increase and engage Kissinger’s diverse client base, James manages the company’s website and social media presence. After more than five years of writing, marketing, and consulting for the software and insurance industries, he’s become a wordsmith with the resourcefulness to connect with any audience.

A summa cum laude graduate of Kutztown University’s Professional Writing program, James resides in Reading, PA with his wife, Alexandra. Connect with James on LinkedIn.

Darryl Kissinger

Darryl Kissinger is the president of Kissinger Associates, Inc. Since founding the company in 1985, he continues to make Kissinger a better organization for customers and employees. A programmer at heart, Darryl enjoys opportunities to improve the company’s web-based systems and trying out new web programming technologies. Outside of work, Darryl treks around local wineries with his wife, Michelle, and spends time with his children and grandchildren. You can connect with Darryl on LinkedIn or on Twitter @darrylkissinger.

Hilary Kissinger

Hilary Kissinger applies her talents from time to time to help Kissinger Associates, Inc. with new media marketing endeavors. Her efforts provided the spark behind the company’s entrance into social media marketing and she played a key role in launching the Kissinger blog. Hilary draws on her theater experience as an actor, director, and playwright to create clear and engaging communications. She also enjoys promoting the company through dialog and exchange with customers, partners, and friends. She graduated summa cum laude from Lehigh University in 2009 and lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband, Tom.

Michelle R. Kissinger, MBA

Michelle Kissinger is the Director of Business Development at Kissinger Associates, Inc. In addition to building the customer base, Michelle helps Kissinger focus on customer needs by identifying and developing new business opportunities and strategic partnerships as well as spearheading collaborations on inter-departmental projects.

Michelle’s professional background includes positions in Marketing and Quality Assurance, where her responsibilities involved brand management, interactive marketing strategy, web project management, development of web policy, advertising and promotion, channel partner incentive programs, quality management system administration, business process improvement, manufacturing facility audits, and sales support. Her enthusiasm and pursuit of continuing education make her a valuable leader and collaborator at Kissinger.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI and an MBA from Alvernia University in Reading, PA. She is also a Certified Quality Auditor and a member of The American Society for Quality (ASQ), The Association of Operations Management (APICS), and The American Management Association (AMA). Michelle is currently enrolled in the Eastern University PhD in Organizational Leadership degree program. She lives in Leesport, PA with her husband, Darryl Kissinger, President of Kissinger Associates, Inc. Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn or on Twitter @KissingerMRK.

Jason Madison

Jason Madison is a Senior Business Consultant at Kissinger Associates, Inc. Jason has more than 10 years of experience working with ERP systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions, reporting software tools, database management tools, and programming languages.

As a former programmer, Jason solves many types of software challenges, giving him a strong background of helping clients with the technical aspects of their business management software solutions. He also has a passion for customer service and will go above and beyond to make sure clients are satisfied.

Jason graduated cum laude from East Stroudsburg University in 2004 with BS degrees in Computer Science and Computer Security, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the latter. He holds numerous Sage Software certifications, as well as certifications from the SIGMA XI Scientific Research Society and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Jason lives in Stroudsburg, PA with his wife, Nicole. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.

Cherie Powell, MBA

Cherie Powell is an interactive marketing professional who has worked in the business software industry since 1995. As a member of the Kissinger family, Cherie grew up learning about solving customers’ information management challenges with integrated software solutions. She completed an undergraduate degree with majors in Accounting and Business Management at Alvernia College (now Alvernia University) in 1993, and later received an MBA at The Pennsylvania State University in 1995. After starting her career in sales at Kissinger Associates, Inc, she went on to become the company’s first full-time marketer. Today, she develops and manages the company’s brands, marketing strategy, and communications. She enjoys the challenge of generating business results through strong messages and good design. Cherie is a busy mom with two young children and is married to fellow blog contributor, Joseph Powell. Connect with Cherie on LinkedIn or on Twitter @cheriepowell.

Joseph R. Powell, CPA, CGMA

Joseph Powell is a Senior Business Consultant at Kissinger Associates, Inc. Joe spends his days helping organizations become more profitable by streamlining business processes and implementing effective technology solutions. His expertise and exposure to clients in many different industries makes him a valuable member of the team when clients engage him for help with business process improvements, financial and operational reporting systems, and the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solutions.

As a former auditor and Director of Finance, Joe solves business challenges with a multi-disciplinary approach, marrying exceptional accounting and finance knowledge to strong business technology skills. His strengths offer a powerful combination for clients, who also enjoy his contagious enthusiasm for achieving results.

Joe graduated from Alvernia College (now Alvernia University) in 1993 with a BA in Accounting and Business Management and Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the AICPA, the PICPA, and the IMA. He serves on the PICPA Reading Chapter Business and Industry Committee as well as the IMA Reading Chapter Board of Directors, and is a member of the Alvernia University Business Advisory Board. Joe lives in Schuylkill Haven, PA with his wife, Cherie Powell (Director of Marketing at Kissinger), and their two children. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn or on Twitter @jr_powell.

Diane Schultz

As a Programmer in the Product Development group at Kissinger Associates, Inc, Diane supports Kissinger enhancement software customers and answers their questions about product features and integration with Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200. She also develops and supports custom solutions for MAS 90 and 200 to keep Kissinger enhancement software products current with the latest Sage ERP MAS updates. In addition, Diane provides support assistance and custom development for the company’s EDI Advantage products.

Diane graduated from Seton Hill College (now Seton Hill University) in 1987 with a BS in Retail Management and subsequently pursued a programming certificate. She has been working in the Information Technology field since 1991 and enjoys applying her experience in the retail, wholesale, and travel industries to solve customer challenges. She lives in Reading, PA with her husband and three children.

Dave Wells, MBA

Dave Wells is a Senior Business Consultant at Kissinger Associates, Inc with more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and industrial organizations. Because his experience includes both small and large companies, local and international corporations, he brings a real-world perspective to all aspects of business and technology solutions.

Dave’s breadth of knowledge includes everything from shop floor control systems to accounting systems to desktop applications. Never satisfied with the status quo, Dave has actively served on many Kaizen and continuous improvement teams throughout his career.

Dave holds a BS in Computer Science from Albright College and an MBA in Administrative Management from St. Joseph’s University, as well as several certifications from Sage Software. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Wyomissing, PA, where he is active in several fraternal organizations. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn.