Featuring ESPN personality Sal Paolantonio, Marriott International President & CEO Anthony Capuano, retired U.S. Army Generals Bob Caslen and Tom Cosentino, business leaders Joe Moglia and Kyle Cerminara. Newly inducted UNICO National President Cav. Ralph Contini sets bold vision for the organization, including ambitious growth strategy and other key initiatives.
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Cav. Ralph Contini, CPA of the Hackensack Chapter was installed as the UNICO National President and promised action in his acceptance speech, setting a course for UNICO National to thrive for another one hundred years. "My UNICO Grow Sempre Avanti Plan includes several inspiring new initiatives designed to further enhance outreach and engagement efforts, ultimately propelling UNICO National forward," said President Contini. A core objective is to expand the membership base, attracting Italian Americans from across the United States. Creating a robust social media presence and communications strategy will support this goal along with designating October as membership month, which coincides with Italian Heritage and Culture Month. President Contini's vision will continue to elevate the visibility and prestige of UNICO National as it concurrently grows the grassroots membership base and attracts nationally known leaders from business, military, science, media, and entertainment.
The highly successful and historic UNICO National 100th Annual Convention, presented by Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, featured the Italian American Awards Gala. The gala was hosted by ESPN National Correspondent Sal Paolantonio and recognized the many valuable contributions and achievements of Italian Americans to the nation and communities. Mr. Paolantonio primarily covers the National Football League for ESPN's SportsCenter, Sunday NFL Countdown, NFL Live and Fantasy Football Now. He also hosts the long-running X's and O's weekly preview show, NFL Matchup. He is a seven-time Emmy Award winning reporter, author of four books, and is the longest tenured studio host and reporter on ESPN.
Anthony Capuano, President & Chief Executive Officer of the iconic hospitality company, Marriott International, Inc., received the Distinguished Business Leadership Award. Joe Moglia, former CEO & Chairman of TD Ameritrade and former head football coach of Coastal Carolina University, presented the award to fellow business leader Mr. Capuano. Mr. Moglia, the 2022 recipient of the UNICO National Presidential Award for Distinguished Leadership, and James Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, also a past UNICO National honoree, were the honorary chairmen of the UNICO National 100th Annual Convention.
Kyle Cerminara, Co-founder & CEO of Fundamental Global was also recognized for his business achievements. Mr. Cerminara has over 25 years' experience as an institutional investor, asset manager, director, chief executive, founder and operator of multiple financial services and technology businesses. The Special Achievement in Business Award was presented to Mr. Cerminara by fellow corporate leader Frank Santoro, President & CEO of Cronimet.
Army Generals Bob Caslen Jr. and Tom Cosentino were recognized for their distinguished military service to the nation. Lieutenant General Bob Caslen, Jr. U.S. Army (Ret.) is a veteran who honorably served our military for 43 years. His military career culminated in 2018 as the 59th Superintendent/President of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. General Caslen was presented with the Anthony Fornelli American War Veteran Award.
Brigadier General Tom Cosentino, U.S. Army (Ret.), was presented with the DeFilippo American Hero Award. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Business Executives for National Security. His Army career included numerous operational and strategic assignments over a 30-year span highlighted by serving as the 28th Commandant of the National War College. Gunnery Sergeant Christopher A. Obdyke was awarded the John Basilone Freedom Award for his distinguished military service in the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as his law enforcement service with the New York Police Department.
Congressman John Mica received the Distinguished Public Service Leadership Award for his service to our nation. Congressman Mica represented Florida's 7th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as the chairman of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He is recognized as one of the nation's leaders in transportation and played a critical role in stabilizing America's aviation industry following the September 11 terrorist attack. Richard DiLiberto, Jr., Esquire received the Philip Mazzei Americanism award. He is an accomplished attorney and former member of the Delaware House of Representatives where he was a champion of free speech. Mr. DiLiberto also served as chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture.
The prestigious Dr. Anthony P. Vastola Award was awarded to Joan Tidona, a longtime UNICO supporter and former educator who taught for over forty years. Mrs. Tidona is well known for many years of effective leadership of the UNICO scholarships program, which awards thousands of dollars of scholarships each year to deserving students. Sister Bernadette Mackay received the Antonio R. Rizzuto Award for her unyielding service to her parishioners, community, and others in need. Sister Bernadette has also led missions to the Dominican Republic, where she worked tirelessly to establish schools and to provide access to healthcare, clean water, plumbing, and paved roads in distressed communities while caring for their spiritual needs.
Dr. Peter Cognetti was presented with the Joseph P. Cianci Award for his exemplary humanitarian work, including serving those in need domestically and abroad. His countless hours of service are highlighted by his volunteering of his medical services to those in need following the hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti. All these UNICO National honorees exemplify the organization's motto of Service Above Self and actively support those in need in their communities and beyond.
The Italian American Awards Gala also supports the important nonprofit mission of UNICO, raising funds for many worthwhile programs. Founded in 1922 on the principle of Service Above Self, every year UNICO provides scholarships and charitable assistance totaling over one million dollars. UNICO supports valuable programs, including those addressing mental health wellness, cancer research and prevention, food banks, shelters, and other local community needs.
"The UNICO National 100th Annual Convention was a resounding success. In addition to setting the vision and priorities for the organization going forward, we celebrated the important contributions of Italian Americans at our awards gala. We were proud to recognize a group of distinguished honorees who have given so much to our nation, national security, democracy, economy, and local communities. They are stellar examples of the Italian American community," said UNICO National President Contini. President Contini is an accounting, tax, and financial planning professional based in the Paramus, NJ area. His wife Maria Rose and their family accompanied Contini at the centennial convention, which was held July 26-30, 2023, at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida.
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