Our Management Team
Gail Schenbaum-Lawton
Co-Founder & CEOGail is a former teacher, TV producer/studio executive and college parent. Along with founding Umergency, Gail has created several innovative ventures combining education, business and philanthropy.
Barry Schenbaum
Co-Founder & PresidentWith over 25+ years of marketing experience, Barry has expertise in startups and Fortune 500 firms. As a college parent and entrepreneur, he recently launched a college apparel company in addition to the Umergency app he created with his sister Gail.
Nicky Wilks
V.P. ProductNicky is a veteran in higher education administration, recruiting and marketing. He has extensive experience in startups and technology development.
AJ Schenbaum
V.P. StrategyIn addition to his work with Umergency, A.J. is co-owner at Bequia Publishing Group - a Sony ATV partner. He has extensive experience with local and national media.
Scott Ziolko
Technology AdvisorScott is a leader in building sustainable, mission-driven businesses, with focuses on data science, complex analyses, and distributed software systems. He has built software for K-12 schools and Higher Education with the goal of improving opportunity, equity, and access for all students.
Ron LaPierre
Strategic AdvisorRon is a senior executive with 25 years of experience in the e-commerce, digital media, SaaS and entertainment industries. He’s played key roles in three successful startup exits (Overture to Yahoo, PriceGrabber to Experian, and Milo.com to EBay), and held President/CEO roles with PriceGrabber and IAC’s CityGrid Media. He’s currently serving as Entrepreneur in Residence at Claremont McKenna College.
Marlene Karp
Director, College RelationsMarlene has over 25+ years of experience in start-up businesses, merchandising, marketing and sales. She has been a senior executive on several boards and has provided comprehensive consultative expertise and strategic direction to several multi-million dollar businesses.