FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 28, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

Business Times names Rock graduate CFO of the Year finalist 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Sherry Winiarski, a 1987 Slippery Rock University graduate and executive vice president for finance at Gateway Rehabilitation Center, is a finalist for the Pittsburgh Business Times’ Chief Financial Officer of the Year Award. Winners will be named Nov. 5 at an awards dinner at the Pittsburgh Omni William Penn.

            “Sherry has dedicated her professional career to helping others through Gateway’s mission of service,” said Kenneth Ramsey, Gateway president. “She has the mind of an accountant, the heart of a social worker and the caring instincts of a mother.”

            Winiarski, an accounting graduate, joined Gateway in 1997. She supervises accounting, budgeting, payroll and billing procedures. She also leads environmental services, dietary and technological advancements at Gateway, which employs 600 people. 

            She spearheaded the implementation of an Internet protocol system that allows for a seamless entry process for patients. Before joining Gateway, Winiarski worked as the controller for Aliquippa Community Hospital, the director of finance for Valley Care Nursing Home and as the senior staff accountant for Deloitte and Touche.

            She teaches reading classes at a youth development center in New Castle and volunteers for the United Way Day of Caring and the American Heart Association Walk-A-Thon.

            The CFO Awards will be presented to financial professionals in the Pittsburgh region in five categories: private company under $10 million in revenues, private company over $10 million, public company, non-profit over $100 million and non-profit under $100 million.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.