Annie Suffredini
Executive Director
Annie graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She spent time at Sacred Heart as an intern in the Admissions department and upon graduating, she started her career at FactSet in Norwalk, CT as a Recruiting Coordinator. Annie spent just under eleven years recruiting college graduates into various entry level roles. She joined Sacred Heart University in January 2018 to take what she had learned in the corporate recruiting space to work with students to better their career and professional development. Annie works specifically with students in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education and Human Development and spearheads employer relations initiatives for the office.
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Olympic Swimmer
Favorite Quote: “Good, better, Best. Never let it rest. Till your good is better, and your better is best”
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Try new things! Be open minded. Have fun. Challenge yourself.
Specialties and Interests
Education, Non-Profit & Human ServicesSTEM & ResearchAmy Novak
Senior Director
Amy Novak joined the Center for Career & Professional Development in 2021, after 15+ years of dedication to SHU, most recently as the Director of Student Activities. As a two time alum, graduating with both her bachelors and master’s degrees, Amy has extensive experience working in higher education promoting student mentorship, leadership, engagement and retention. She works with students in the College of Arts & Sciences and School of Communication, Media & the Arts, and spearheads the marketing initiatives for the department.
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Artist
Favorite Quote: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Step out of your comfort zone and take advantage of new beginnings, opportunities and the ability to grow.
Specialties and Interests
Arts, Media, Sports & EntertainmentMarketing, Public Relations & FashionGovernment, Public Administration & LawSTEM & ResearchAmanda Shaw
Director (she/her)
Amanda completed her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science and French and Francophone Studies at William Smith College, part of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in Geneva, NY. After graduating and working at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for two years, Amanda pursued her master’s degree in College Student Services Administration at The College of Saint Rose. After completing her master’s, Amanda served as the Assistant Director and then Associate Director of Career Planning at Russell Sage College in Troy, NY for just under 7 years. Amanda works with SHU students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.
Hometown: Guilford, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Geologist
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”- Eleanor Roosevelt
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Take advantage of your time at Sacred Heart- before you know it, you’ll be crossing that commencement stage! Get involved, explore, take chances, and have fun!
Specialties and Interests
Healthcare & Public HealthSteve Marks
Director
Steve graduated from Ithaca College in 2010 with a degree in Screenwriting. After a short career in TV & film production, he switched his focus to University Recruitment and Outreach. Over the next decade, Steve hired, mentored, and ran day-to-day operations for intern and recent graduate programs at companies such as LAIKA Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Indeed. He met specifically with international student groups to advise them on interviewing skills and offer timelines. Throughout his various roles he worked closely with in-house immigration and legal team services to ensure smooth transitions in converting interns to full time US based hires. Steve continues to stay current on visa and immigration timelines and requirements during the visa approval process. Steve joined Sacred Heart in September 2024 to support international students in their career journey and supports all undergraduates, graduates, and alumni in all colleges.
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Childhood Dream Job: Screenwriter
Favorite Quote: “…you fix what you can fix and you let the rest go. If there ain’t nothin to be done about it it ain’t even a problem. It’s just a aggravation.” – Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Never be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it! We’re all in this together.
Specialties and Interests
International StudentsSheila Lillis
Associate Director
A graduate of Villanova University, Sheila brings considerable experience and knowledge in the area of campus & corporate recruiting. She is the former Vice President of Equities Americas Campus Recruiting for Goldman, Sachs & Co. and the former Equities Americas Campus Recruiting and Training Head for Credit Suisse First Boston, New York as well as a Corporate & Campus Recruiter for Kidder, Peabody & Co., New York.
Hometown: Wilton, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Meteorologist
Favorite Quote: What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us – Maria Shriver
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Make the most of each day. The years will fly by!
Specialties and Interests
Accounting, Finance, Economics & AnalyticsHuman Resources, Sales & OperationsCollege of Business Graduate & AlumniCicely Poggi-Gedacht
Associate Director
Cicely started her career as a Sales Administrator and then a Regional Sales Representative with a printing company based in New Hampshire. Eventually, she transitioned into a recruiter role across multiple industries before landing at Yale New Haven Health. Having worked in Human Resources for the majority of her career has provided a very unique skillset to prepare the current Students and Alumni of St. Vincent’s College at Sacred Heart University for their various careers in healthcare.
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Ballerina & Fashion Designer
Favorite Quote: ”Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”- Michelle Obama
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Network with everyone that you come in contact with, since many careers start with a connection that you had during your time at Sacred Heart University.
Specialties and Interests
Healthcare & Public HealthSaint Vincent's CollegeJustin Triscari
Associate Director (he/him)
Justin earned his master’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook in Higher Education Administration with a focus on career counseling and academic advising, and his bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in English Literature and Creative Writing. Justin initially joined SHU’s Center for Career & Professional Development as a Graduate Intern in 2021 and shortly after, returned to SHU’s career team as Assistant Director of Career Education in 2022. Justin primarily works with undergraduate students pursing a degree in business in the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology.
Hometown: Shelton, CT
Childhood Dream Job: Musician
Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott
Advice for SHU Pioneers: Try new things and never be afraid to take risks!
