Franklin Pierce University Board of Trustees Announces Two New Members
Oct 16, 2024
New Appointments Bring Expertise in International Relations and Financial Strategy to Strengthen University's Board of Trustees
The Franklin Pierce University Board of Trustees announces the appointment of new members Melissa Dymek ’11 and Mark Litzerman.
“Melissa and Mark bring individual domain expertise that will help the Board of Trustees as they work closely with FPU leadership to evolve and strengthen as a simultaneously traditional and entrepreneurial institution." said Franklin Pierce University President Dr. Peter Eden. “Their leadership and other experiences align with our mission and emerging business plan, and we are excited to welcome them to the Board at such an important time for the University.”
Ms. Dymek ’11 has spent her entire career with the U.S. Department of State, where she currently serves as a Senior Foreign Affairs Officer and Human Rights Team Lead in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. In this role, she helps coordinate policy related to human rights, democracy, and multilateral affairs in Europe. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a Foreign Affairs Officer and Global Affairs Officer in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs with responsibilities ranging from Leahy Law Implementation to expertise on U.S. engagement with the Council of Europe. She has also served as a Program Specialist and in administrative roles in the Department’s Bureaus of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and International Organizations; she also briefly worked at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She began her career in 2011 as an intern in the Office of the Under Secretary for Global Affairs and Democracy. A proud Massachusetts native, Ms. Dymek currently resides in Arlington, Virginia, where she is an avid figure skater in her spare time. She graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian of Franklin Pierce University, earning a B.A. in Political Science.
Before retiring in 2023, Mark Litzerman served as Head of Global Portfolio Management at Wells Fargo Investment Institute (WFII), a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company focused on providing investment solutions and advice to help clients manage risk and achieve financial success. Mark also served as Co-head of Global Equity Strategy, providing expertise in developing WFII's equity market and asset allocation recommendations. WFII serves clients across Wells Fargo's Wealth and Investment Management division, including Wells Fargo Private Bank and Wells Fargo Advisors. Earlier, Mark co-led Real Asset Strategy for WFII, developing asset allocation recommendations and market insights for real assets, including REITs and MLPs. He also oversaw global equities with a focus on small- and mid-cap U.S. stocks. Before joining Wells Fargo in 2006, Mark held senior investment roles, including Chief Investment Officer at Hale & Dorr Capital Management and Director of Equities at First NH Investment Services. A resident of Auburn, New Hampshire, he holds a B.A. in Communications from Purdue University and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of New Hampshire.
“As we continue to build on the strengths of our Board, the addition of Melissa and Mark is both timely and essential," said Chair of the Board of Trustees Steve Duprey. "Melissa's diplomatic acumen and Mark's financial expertise bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to our team. Together, their leadership will help enhance the Board’s strategic decision-making as we work to advance the University’s mission in this next chapter of growth and opportunity.”
