CPENG

Joe Long is a seasoned finance leader with deep expertise in strategic planning, operational finance, and business intelligence. With a background in retail operations and executive leadership, Joe helps businesses improve performance through process optimization, resource management, and actionable financial insights.

He partners closely with cross-functional teams to drive strategic growth, bringing strong skills in FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory management.

Outside of work, Joe is a passionate community volunteer—supporting youth sports, the Boy Scouts, and the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. He’s also a proud Philly sports fan and enjoys time with his wife and children.

 Kirsten Yurich
 Secretary, CPENG

Kirsten Yurich is a seasoned executive and leadership coach with a passion for building high-performing  cultures. She has held leadership roles in nonprofit and advocacy sectors, and is also a published author, researcher, speaker, and adjunct professor.

Currently, Kirsten facilitates a peer-advisory group for CEOs and business leaders, offering executive coaching that empowers leaders to grow, make smarter decisions, and drive meaningful results.

She’s known for her ability to bring people together and develop leaders into the best version of themselves—professionally and personally.

📧 kyurich@cpengroup.org

Tom Dunleavy
Executive Committee Member, CPENG

Tom is the Director of Vehicle Valuation at 1st Alert Appraisals, where he helps improve claims outcomes for vehicle owners across consumer, business, and leasing sectors. With over 30 years of experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 companies, Tom has led initiatives in business development, legal, marketing, operations, and tech innovation.

Previously, he led AmeriGas’s Cynch home delivery business, steering it to its first profitable year. He also managed a $1.1B consumer lease portfolio as part of the executive team for a Truist Financial subsidiary.

Tom holds an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University and a BBA from Delaware Valley University. Outside of work, he enjoys life in Plymouth Meeting with his wife, kids, and dogs, plays ice hockey at Wissahickon Skating Club, and volunteers with IDOG Rescue.

Jim Laverty
Executive Committee Member, CPENG

Jim is a sales operations consultant who supports private equity leadership in building scalable, high-performing sales organizations aligned with strategic growth goals. His work helps companies drive sustainable expansion through operational excellence.

With decades of international experience at IBM, Jim has led global transformations — from launching a sales team in China to integrating acquisitions across the Asia Pacific. His expertise spans sales optimization, process improvement, and cross-functional leadership.

He holds an MBA from Fordham University, a BA from Moravian University, and certifications including CFA, International Finance, and Salesforce Business Analyst.

Outside the office, Jim enjoys time with his family, helping with the garden, and cheering on the New York Jets as a dedicated lifelong fan.

Mike Pijar
Executive Committee Member, CPENG

Mike is the Director of Manufacturing at Ecore International, bringing over 30 years of experience in manufacturing operations, process improvement, organizational change, and product development.

He has held leadership roles at Ross Technology, Dart Container, Ardex Engineered Cements, and Armstrong World Industries. Mike also served as CEO/COO of Tank Services, where he led the company’s strategic growth, and was General Manager at Berner International and Berner Energy Recovery.

Known for driving operational excellence and innovation, Mike’s leadership consistently delivers impactful, sustainable results across industries.

Jim Watkins
Former President, CPENG
Former Harrisburg Chapter Leader

Jim is a seasoned leader with a background spanning engineering, multi-site manufacturing, quality, and regulatory operations. He has led cross-functional and international teams throughout his career.

A committed community-builder, Jim launched a professional networking support group in New England following a major company layoff. After returning to Pennsylvania, he joined CPENG, where he later served as President and facilitated the Harrisburg chapter.

Outside of work, Jim has held various executive roles and chaired committees within his church, reflecting his dedication to leadership both professionally and personally.

📧 jwatkins@cpengroup.org 

Alison (Ally) Pijar
Executive Committee Member, CPENG

Ally brings over 13 years of experience across diverse sales and business development roles, spanning industries including packaging, bridal retail, education, and corporate learning. Most recently, she worked in corporate AI course sales, supporting organizations through workforce upskilling initiatives.

In 2025, Ally made a purposeful career pivot toward mission-driven work through career coaching and strategic networking. She now serves as Director of Development for Lancaster County at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central PA, where she focuses on community partnerships, fundraising, and expanding the organization’s impact.

Passionate about connection and growth, Ally is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities that strengthen individuals, organizations, and the communities they serve.

Mark Miller
Executive Committee Member, CPENG

Mark is a communications and marketing consultant specializing in brand positioning and strategic storytelling. He helps organizations strengthen their relevance with employees, customers, and communities through clear, engaging messaging that drives connection and impact.

With more than 35 years of leadership experience, Mark advises companies and government organizations as they navigate change and transformation. He previously served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Securitas North America, where he built the region’s first integrated communications and marketing department.

Earlier in his career, Mark led communications at Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL) and served as the first Chief Communications Officer at Olympus Corporation. In that role, he managed a global team of more than 200 professionals and spearheaded the company’s globally recognized “True to Life” advertising campaign.

Known for his strategic insight and collaborative leadership, Mark brings a deep understanding of how effective communication fuels organizational growth and trust.