Michael Rizzo, PhD
Michael Rizzo is a professor of economics at the University of Rochester where he has twice been named undergraduate Professor of the Year. He is also a faculty research associate with the Cornell Higher Education Research Institute (CHERI) and a Fellow at the Alexander Hamilton Institute. His fields of specialization include the Economics of Education, Labor Economics, Applied Econometrics, Environmental Economics and Public Economics. He was previously a Sr. Fellow and Director of Summer Programs at AIER and worked in investment banking at Putnam, Lovell and Thornton. Dr. Rizzo received his Ph.D and M.A. in Economics from Cornell and his B.A. in Economics, magna cum laude, from Amherst College. In his spare time he is President of the Rochester Edge Girls Hockey Association.
Roy Bouffard, CFP
Mr. Bouffard is a principal and financial advisor with the firm Bouffard & Ramsey a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.. Mr. Bouffard holds degrees in literature and education and was a humanities teacher for many years in Connecticut schools. He is a voting member and current member of the standing committee of AIER. He previously served as President of the Thomaston Rotary Club, Treasurer of St. Paul’s Church, and the Moris Senior Housing Board. He is currently the Chairman of the Friends of the Thomaston Opera House.
Nelson E. Furlano, CPA
Mr. Furlano is founder and principal of Furlano & Arace PC, an accounting and professional services firm located in Pittsfield, MA. He has over 35 years of experience providing audit, advisory, computer, tax, bookkeeping and compliance services to private corporations, non-profit institutions, foundations, municipalities, and individuals. He has provided expert testimony in federal and state courts in a variety of criminal and civil cases. He received his BA from Bentley College and is a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPA’s and The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Furlano has been active in the non-profit sector and currently serves as a board member for Berkshire Place and Berkshire Benevolent Association for the Blind.
Neil D. Holden, DBA, Chair
Mr. Holden is an experienced advisor to senior management of financial institutions. A specialist in industry analysis, strategic planning, and economics, his experience was shaped over many years in the corporate sector and more recently in academia. He has served in management positions at Chase Manhattan Bank, Chemical Bank, Manufacturers Hanover Trust, The CIT Group, Union Carbide Corporation, and Midland Mutual Life. He is currently a Senior Lecturer of finance in the College of Business at Western New England University. He is also a voting member of AIER.