Department of Business and Economics
(315) 792-3060
Executive Lecture Series
The F. Eugene Romano Executive Lecture Series
Presented by the Business and Economics Department of Utica University in cooperation with the Office of Advancement
The F. Eugene Romano Executive Lecture Series invites top business leaders to share their experiences in the world of management and leadership with the Utica University community.
All lectures take place at 7:00 p.m.
Coming October 21, 2026 at 7 p.m.:
Benedikt Sander
"Plans are Useless, Planning is Indispensable"
Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, Benedikt served as the Executive Vice President of Insurance Operations where he was responsible for building the vision for and driving execution within underwriting and sales/distribution for Preferred Mutual.
Benedikt brings to Preferred Mutual a wealth of business leadership expertise, with over 20 years of experience in the industry and in consultancy. He has held executive leadership positions in national insurance carriers, gaining expertise in strategy, agency management, product management, and underwriting.
Benedikt has a Master of Philosophy degree in Economic Theory from Cambridge University (Cambridge, UK) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. He holds multiple insurance designations including, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI), Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU), Associate in Personal Insurance (API) and Associate in Claims (AIC).
Sander serves on the Board of Directors for Commerce Chenango, the Board of Trustees of Munson Fine Arts Center, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Board of Directors, and as 2nd Vice Chair for the New York Insurance Association..
Past Executive Lecture Series Speakers
"The 10 Commandments for Success"
October 24, 2024
"From Utica to the Corner Office"
October 24, 2024
"From Utica College to Hershey's: Don't Follow the path, leave a trail!"
November 2, 2023
"Lessons on the Journey of Building a Billion Dollar Business in Utica"
March 23, 2022
"What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? The 8 Secrets Nobody Tells You"
October 13, 2022
"The Impact of Sports and Tourism on Community Revitalization and Economic Growth"
September 23, 2021
Event Flyer
"Life as a Portfolio Manager and Where are Equity and Bond Markets Headed?"
October 17, 2019
Event Flyer
"Making an Impact: The Changing Nature of Community Philanthropy, Innovative Investment and Transformational Leadership"
September 21, 2016
Event Flyer
"Corporate America to Coming Home: The Value and Power of a Franchise Business"
October 21, 2015
Event Flyer
"Managing Growth and Acquisition Strategies in a Publicly-Traded Financial Institution"
November 19, 2014
Event Flyer
"Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Investments: What I Wish Someone Told Me Before College Graduation"
September 26, 2013
Event Flyer
"From A Field to The Orchard: The Development of the Mohawk Valley’s Newest Retail Center"
March 31, 2011
Event Flyer
"How to Run a Public Company: Keeping Customers, Employees and Shareholders Happy"
November 18, 2010
Event Flyer
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