Our Team of Experts
When you partner with Career Development Services, our staff becomes your chief ally in your growth and success. Meet our talented staff of professionals:
Deb Koen, President & CEO
As a recognized leader in the field of career development, Deb coaches, consults and presents nationally on organizational career management, leadership development, transitions, reinventing retirement and women in the workforce. Deb conducts peak performance programs for individuals and organizations and develops customized online career sites for corporations.
Deb’s voice on career issues can be found in The Wall Street Journal’s career site, in the business section of Gannett’s Democrat and Chronicle, in Nature Jobs Network, and in the Training+Development, Career Planning and Adult Development Journal. Deb also authored Career Choice, Change & Challenge (JIST, 2000; co-authored with Tony Lee).
Deb is adept at working with a broad range of clients from career-track individuals to Fortune 500 companies with a global workforce. She holds a certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School, an M.A. in Counseling from Colgate University and a B.A. in Political Science from Utica College of Syracuse University. Deb brings optimism, creativity and enrichment to each and every client.
Sharon Melville, Director, Business Services
Sharon's consulting, coaching and training activities focus on the design of innovative services that address all aspects of employee development and engagement in the work place. She also designs and delivers customized presentations on topics related to management and leadership development.
Sharon obtained her M.A. from the University of Rochester and has been active in the field of career development for over 18 years. Sharon has advised a broad scope of clients from corporate giants like JPMorgan Chase to nonprofits such as United Way.
Sharon consistently receives the highest ratings from clients. She is known for her energy, insight and her ability to inspire her audience.
Joe Gorman, Senior Career Counselor
Joe has extensive experience in career counseling and coaching with a wide range of clients in corporate and personal settings. His experience includes twelve years of on-site career coaching within corporate career centers plus first-hand work experience in corporate and marketing communications, management, sales, and employee development and productivity. His prior experience includes: Manager, Management Development and Training Programs at Gestetner Corporation (Yonkers, NY); Training and Communications Specialist for Taylor Instrument Company (Rochester, NY); Sales Trainer with Itek Corporation (Rochester, NY); Management Consulting experience with Gorman Associates (Rochester, NY).
Joe holds a M.A. in Organizational Behavior from Goddard College and a B.A. degree in Industrial Education and Training, State University of New York. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Career Counseling Association.
Kathleen Driscoll, Career Counselor
Kathleen has worked in career development and outplacement for over 10 years, assisting adults with career and job transition. She is an adjunct professor of business communications at St. John Fisher College and has written extensively on career and management issues for a variety of local and national publications. She authors the “Managers at Work” column for the Rochester Business Journal.
Kathleen assists individuals at all levels with job search, career change and work place transition. She also offers expert advice in résumé construction and job search correspondence.
Kathy holds a M.A. in Communications from Syracuse University, a B.A. in English/Education from the University of Buffalo and has studied counseling at the State University College at Brockport. She is also certified in job and career transition coaching from the Adult Career Planning and Development Network.
Susan M. Larson, Consultant
Susan specializes in reinvention and transition consulting. Having worked on the Career Development Services staff for 18 years, most recently as Director of Individual Services, she is now one of our preferred consultants. As a trained career coach and nationally certified career counselor, Susan uses her expertise to coach and counsel individuals wishing to focus on achievement as well as transitioning adults making lifestyle changes.
In her 25 years of experience, Susan has worked in industry, educational/academic settings and the nonprofit arena, providing coaching, training, and transitional services to a broad cross section of individuals and groups. She has been a presenter and facilitator at the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the Mid-Atlantic Career Counseling Association (MACCA), the Chautauqua Institution, Preferred Care, St. Ann’s Community, and consulted for the William E. Simon School of Business.
Susan holds a M.Ed. (with honors) in College Student Personnel and Counseling from the University of Miami (Miami, FL) and a B.A. in English/Education from Iowa State University.
Bob Brancato, Consultant
Bob brings a wealth of knowledge to clients and experience gained through years of developing, managing, and implementing successful training and development projects.
His focus is on organization development, leadership and interpersonal skills which range from strategic planning, leadership development, executive coaching, team building, time management, and communication skills, to customer service & selling skills. Bob has produced beneficial and lasting results for a variety of industries, such as: Fortune 100 companies; manufacturing; distribution; sales; service; multimedia; educational; not-for-profit; start-up companies, and public and private organizations.
Bob’s interactive style of delivery includes a high degree of involvement from the program participants. Known for his effort, rapport, and humor, Bob excels in developing a learning environment where participants can share their experiences, ideas and questions while practicing the newly learned knowledge and skills.
Connie Faull, Program Coordinator
Connie Faull is the program coordinator for Career Development Services and works tirelessly to make sure our Corporate Services workshops run smoothly. Connie has been with us since 1998. Connie takes every project and person to heart, ensuring they get the most out of any program we offer.
Pat DeBrucker, Client Coordinator
As Client Coordinator, Pat is the friendly voice at the end of the line when you call Career Development Services. She can answer questions, provide insights about our services, and schedule an appointment for you. Pat has worked in administrative support for over 15 years and has been with us since 2002. She says, “I find great satisfaction watching clients transform and present themselves with more confidence after career counseling services.”