ClAss notEs varsity sport in 2014. He previously coached at Bridgewater State and Duke. Jennifer Hillmann Vincent joined the special education department at Cider Mill School in Wilton, CT.
’98 Justin killion ’05 owner, Cool guys & nerds Taking advantage of a domestic exchange program as a junior at Assumption, Justin Killion ’05 lived in Hollywood for a semester while interning at Paramount. “This was invaluable as it allowed me to work directly for producers of both film & television. It opened my eyes to the fact that it's called the Film & Television Business for a reason... that being, it’s actually a business, and you can make a living doing something you genuinely love.” He started as a mail deliverer at Endeavor, an agency now known as WME, before becoming an agent’s assistant. Killion bonded with fellow entry-level employees, working long hours for low pay. Today, he owns a company he created, Cool Guys & Nerds. “I’m an executive producer on a deal for scripted and non-scripted television as well as OTT (Over the Top) digital content with ITV Studios,” he said. In this role, he creates, casts, develops, sells, and produces content. This year he’s sold projects to A&E, AMC, Discovery, History Channel, National Geographic Channel and the Science Channel. Killion spent time as a literary manager, representing writers and directors for film and television, then served as senior vice president/ head of development for Original Productions, where he helped create and oversaw several series, such as Storage Wars for A&E, and Bering Sea Gold for Discovery. He points out that success takes time and hard work. “Never let your ego stand in the way of your work,” he said. “Power through and use those small wins to springboard to the next opportunity.” Justin also notes that he has been fortunate to work with several Assumption alumni in his industry, in addition to his brother Brandon ’00, which he truly enjoys. Among them are Storage Wars producer Rob Lavin ’05, comedy writer Andrew Themeles ’05, producer Ryan Forber ’04 and Key Code Media Senior Executive Scott Williams ’00.
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Richard Brederson, Esq., has been selected to the Rising Stars category of Super Lawyers. This is a distinction achieved by only 2.5 percent of the Bar. His practice focuses on plantiff injury litigation. Jason Costa is director of athletics at Shrewsbury High School. Derek Mohamed’s multi-million dollar advisory practice, Mohamed-Merola Wealth Management, has joined Merrill Lynch’s Wellesley office from UBS.
’01
15th
Reunion
Matt Baker was appointed interim athletics director at Holliston High School in August. He previously served as associate athletics director at Mass. Bay Community College for two years. Matt and wife Amy have four children and reside in Holliston. Kyle Egress was appointed president of the Rotary Club of West Hartford, CT, in July. BIRTH: Katie Doherty Friend and husband Aric welcomed Margot Madelyn on 11/7/14. She joins Henry (4) and Annie (3).
’02 Joseph Andrews, was named to Worcester Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list for 2015. He is vice president/investments and a senior financial adviser with Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management in Worcester and serves on the board of Sherry’s House in Worcester, which assists families affected by childhood cancer. BIRTHS: Ryan Dunn and wife Jessica announced the birth of Weston William on 2/20/15. He joins Kiernan. Tara Twine Mason and husband Scott welcomed Giovanni Anthony on 7/8/15. He joins brothers Teigan and Vincenzo. Alissa Arnold Zarrella and husband Kevin ’01 announced the birth of Sydney Eleanor on 10/2/14.
Fall 2015
’03 Karen Higgins CE’03 was one of 33 teachers to receive a Mass Insight Education’s Partners in Excellence Teacher Award for her success teaching and facilitating 27 students to achieve qualifying scores on the 2013–14 AP English Language and Composition exam. She is an English teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley. Alison Mason Shilinsky was appointed senior vice president of human resources at Country Bank in October. Liz Vestal was appointed associate director of annual giving at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in September. BIRTHS: Jessica McElaney and husband Colin Steele announced the birth of their first child, Kathleen, on 7/29/15. Jessica is a diagnostic medical sonographer at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. Sheila Halloran Skowyra and husband Aaron welcomed Ella Grace in April. She joins Julia (3).
’04 Amy Pouliot married Dan Rondelli in Maine on 6/13/15. Justin Roy has been selected to serve on the National Advisory Board of DECA, an international association of high school and college students and teachers of marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Justin is vice president for enrollment and marketing at William Peace University in Raleigh, NC. BIRTH: Adrienne Gardner Snow and husband Luke welcomed Harper Grace on 6/6/15. She joins her 2-year-old brother. Adrienne was recently promoted to coordinator of early college high school programs, overseeing students from 25 different high schools, for the Ballston Spa (NY) Central School District.
’05 John Plough has been appointed director of fine and performing arts at Frederica Academy in Saint Simon’s Island, GA. He will teach middle and upper school courses in the arts. John previously served as theater director at Darlington School in Rome, GA.