Roll of Distinguished Alumni
Each year, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University recognizes outstanding graduates through induction into its Roll of Distinguished Alumni. Honorees have always represented a variety of industries and areas of the business world.
Nominees must meet the following criteria:
- An alumnus of the College
- At least 10 years post-degree
- Distinguished themselves by success in business or life at the regional, national or international level
The WVU John Chambers College of Business & Economics initiated this award in 2011 to coincide with the College's 60th Anniversary Celebration. New members are added each year as the College recognizes the tremendous successes of its graduates.
The College has helped mold countless successful careers in areas such as business,
government and academia; the creation and growth of new enterprises; and the development
of opportunities for the well-being of West Virginians and people around the world.
Our inductees will serve as a reflection of those successful careers, as well as
role models for our students.
Nominations for the 2022 class have been extended until December 8, 2022.
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John L. Berisford
2021 Inductee
John Berisford grew up in Moundsville, West Virginia and studied Political Science at West Liberty College, earning a bachelor’s degree, before attending West Virginia University and earning his master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations. He joined PepsiCo after graduate school and spent 22 successful years in a variety of roles in the company. He became Chief Human Resources Officer of The Pepsi Bottling Group in 2005 after helping to spin off and IPO the bottling business five years earlier. Among other strategic projects, he co-led the integration after PepsiCo reacquired the independent Pepsi Bottling Group into its global operating business portfolio in 2009.
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David A. DeCenzo
2021 Inductee
David A. DeCenzo served as the President of Coastal Carolina University from May 7th, 2007 through December 31, 2020. His inauguration as the second president of the University centered on elements that aptly characterize his life and leadership – tradition, integrity and excellence. During his last Board of Trustees meeting DeCenzo was awarded the title of President Emeritus.
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Nanette C. Heide
2021 Inductee
Nanette C. Heide is a partner in Duane Morris’ Corporate Practice Group (NY), Global Co-Chair of its Private Equity Division and team lead of the firmwide Private Equity Industry Group. Ms. Heide has significant experience handling complex transactions and providing general corporate counseling. She regularly represents private equity and venture capital investors, multinational and domestic corporations (public and private) in a wide spectrum of corporate finance transactions, including private equity and venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, cross-border transactions, debt and equity structuring transactions, capital market offerings, joint ventures and strategic alliances. She is the Senior Advisory Partner to the firm's Fashion/Retail/Consumer Branded Products Group, and a member of the firm’s Partners Board. In 2018, 2019 and 2020. Mergers & Acquisitions named Ms. Heide one of the Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A. Ms. Heide has regularly advised companies in the fashion, health and beauty, real estate and cannabis industries.