Syracuse University Libraries is pleased to announce that Adam ’96 (Martin J. Whitman School of Management) and Amy Fazackerley are co-chairing the Libraries Advisory Board effective fall 2024. The Fazackerleys, of Alexandria, Virginia, are co-founders of Lay-n-Go, LLC (which was named to the Inc. 5000 list in 2022) and have been serving on the Libraries Advisory Board since 2019.
In addition, Frank Iannella ’92 (College of Arts and Sciences) and Karen (Putney) Iannella ’92 (College of Arts and Sciences and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications) of Danbury, Connecticut, recently joined the Libraries Advisory Board. Frank is chief information officer and senior vice president of digital and technology at Heineken USA. Karen recently retired as vice president, US communications and patient affairs, with Boehringer Ingelheim.
Adam is a general partner with Fortify.vc, a venture capital company funding early-stage technology. He also founded concept2creation, LLC, a branding solution company. While at Syracuse, Adam was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Adam ’96 and Amy Fazackerley
Amy graduated from Denison University and holds a master’s of business administration degree from Johns Hopkins University, in addition to a certificate in entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial and small operations from Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. In her role with Lay-n-Go, Amy has been qualified as a guest host for QVC and has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox and Friends and “Your Business” Elevator Pitch on MSNBC. In 2021, she was named an Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women magazine.
“When we asked Syracuse University how we could help, we never thought our journey would have started in Bird Library. From our initial interactions with students from the Blackstone LaunchPad and the leadership at Syracuse University Libraries, we knew we found a home,” the couple says. “Young entrepreneurs from every school within the University were collaborating with the resources necessary to develop their ideas. Supporting the Blackstone LaunchPad and its community at Syracuse University is our way of nurturing the next generation of innovators, creators and entrepreneurs. By mentoring students, acting as a sounding board and investing in program development, we are committed to shaping the future of the library and empowering future leaders. The next decade will redefine what a library can be, and we are excited to see Syracuse University lead this global transformation.”
The Fazackerleys are assuming this leadership role with the Libraries Advisory Board from University Life Trustee Judith Mower ’66, G’73, G’80, G’84, who has served on the Libraries Advisory Board since 2007, when it was started, and as chair of the board since 2015. She will remain a valued member of the Libraries Advisory Board.
“I am eternally grateful for Judy Mower’s leadership and expertise,” says David Seaman, dean of libraries and University Librarian. “Judy was at the helm of the Libraries Advisory Board when I was appointed to my role, providing immense counsel, support and advocacy to me and the broad organization. Through her direction and example, the Libraries has excelled. And we appreciate that she will remain an active member of our board.”
“I am so excited to welcome Adam and Amy as our new co-chairs. They have proven to be dedicated and passionate about continuing to support the Libraries’ growth, from their enthusiasm around mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs in the Blackstone LaunchPad, to promoting and supporting the Libraries initiatives around technology, marketing and the multitude of other ways we convene, collaborate, connect and celebrate with our campus and global communities,” says Seaman. “With our strong Libraries Advisory Board, I am confident that we will continue to grow and prosper, leading the way for a 21st century R-1 research institution.”
Frank and Karen (Putney) Iannella
In his role at Heineken USA, Frank is responsible for enabling digital capabilities in support of the company’s overall business strategy and direction, leveraging the full spectrum of technology services from operational support to digital products. Previously, Frank served as chief information officer at Freshpet, where he led digital transformation efforts within the supply chain. Throughout most of his career he held executive positions at PepsiCo, gaining extensive global experience in driving business results through technology. While a student, Frank was a founding member of the Italian Club at Syracuse University.
Karen retired in 2023 after a 25-year career at Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading research-driven pharmaceutical companies. While employed at Boehringer Ingelheim, she served in various roles in marketing, business development and ultimately led the U.S. communications function. Additionally, Karen held the role of president of the BI Cares Foundation. Karen was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, WJPZ, the Student Alumni Association and was recognized as a 1991-1992 Remembrance Scholar.
“We are honored to join the Syracuse University Libraries Advisory Board and give back to an institution that shaped so much of who we are today,” says Frank. “The Libraries are at the heart of the University’s academic mission, and we look forward to contributing to its growth and innovation in meaningful ways.”
“Syracuse University has always been a special place for us, not only because it’s where we met, but because of the strong foundation it gave us both personally and professionally,” says Karen. “We are excited to be part of the Libraries’ future, supporting its role in fostering collaboration, intellectual curiosity and community.”
“I am excited that our Libraries Advisory Board is expanding to include two new alumni members, Frank and Karen Iannella, who I know will be excellent new colleagues. They met at Syracuse University and are keen to support the Libraries’ strategic initiatives,” Seaman says. “Individually, they each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that will benefit the Libraries. We are grateful that together they will be supporting the Libraries’ ability to convene, collaborate, connect and celebrate.”
