NEWSMAKERS Computer Software Lancaster-based Simulations Plus Inc. a provider of products for pharmaceutical development, announced that it has appointed Jeffrey A. Dahlen president of its Words+, Inc. subsidiary. Dahlen had formerly been vice president of research and development for Words+, a company that develops and sells computer-based assistive technology devices for people with severe disabilities. Consulting Westlake Village-based, Millennium Business Solutions Group Inc, a provider of business and technology solutions has announced the addition of six new staff members: Christine Steele has been named senior accountant for the company. Steele has over 25 years of accounting and business experience in both the public and private accounting sector. John Rinn has been named director of customer relations management. Rinn has over six years of sales consulting and sales force automation consulting experience. He has worked extensively with manufacturing, distribution, and service organizations. Peter Henry is MBSG’s new senior systems engineer and programmer. Henry has over 30 years experience in system design, programming and integration experience which includes the integration, implementation, and project management of manufacturing, distributional and financial solutions for many international businesses and organizations. Kayono Halim is the new customer relations developer and senior consultant. With over 15 years of combined programming experience including managing a small consulting firm for information technology and accounting package applications, Halim has extensive programming experience. Andrew Hagenbach has been named MAS 90 implementation specialist and trainer and quickbooks ProAdvisor. Hagenbach is a public accounting professional with over seven years of management information and accounting systems installation, implementation, and training experience. Hagenbach is a certified MAS 90 and MAS 200 consultant with over five years of experience in helping organizations with system design, installation, data conversion, implementation, process analysis and the design of customized processes and reports. Brian Cox is the new MAS 90/200 consultant and implementation specialist. With over 20 years experience in both the accounting and consulting fields, Cox has implemented and supported a variety of accounting financial systems. Cox is a Best Software certified trainer for MAS 90, MAS 200 and Crystal Reports. Education Harold Hellenbrand, currently dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, will join Cal-State Northridge on August 1, as its new provost and vice president for academic affairs. As provost and vice president for academic affairs, Hellenbrand will direct more than 1,700 faculty and staff members, with an annual budget exceeding $117 million. He will oversee Northridge’s nine colleges, its library, academic support units and central academic administrative offices. Hellenbrand’s accomplishments at San Luis Obispo include rewriting the campus’ discrimination complaint process, overseeing its College of Liberal Arts’ centennial campaign plan, instituting a college-wide technology committee and plan, hiring faculty, designing the college Web site and initiating the funding of student research projects and travel. Electronics California Amplifier Inc. announced that James E. Ousley was appointed to the company’s board of directors, increasing the size of the board to eight directors. Ousley most recently served as president, CEO and director of Vytek Corp. from 2000 until April 12, 2004, when the merger of California Amplifier and Vytek became effective. Prior to joining Vytek, he served as president and CEO of Syntegra USA, a global e-Business solutions provider and a division of British Telecommunications. Entertainment Stephen McPherson has been named president of ABC Primetime Entertainment. In this capacity, McPherson will have oversight of all development, current programming, marketing and scheduling for the primetime division of the ABC Television Network. Formerly, the president of Touchstone Television, McPherson oversaw development for the past three years, which were the most successful in the studio’s history. During his tenure, he was responsible for all day-to-day operations of the studio, including the development and production of the division’s network of primetime series, specials, and films. Health Care Edward Sedo has been named chief financial officer for Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. Sedo is a CPA with extensive public accounting experience at Pricewaterhousecoopers. He also has extensive experience in the healthcare arena having previously served as a hospital controller and as CFO at a regional home health care company. Manufacturing Anthony E. Giraudo was appointed to the COO position at Camarillo-based Semtech Corp., a manufacturer of semiconductors for communication devices and computers. Giraudo will oversee all day-to-day operational activities and play a key role in new product development, according to a statement. The graduate of University of New Mexico was previously CEO of TelASIC Communications, a spinoff from Raytheon, and takes over the position last held by Jason Carlson, now Semtech’s president and CEO. Real Estate Jerry Bruno has joined Younan Properties, a commercial real estate investment firm, as director of asset management. In his new postion, Bruno will be a member of the senior management team and will be responsible for managing the firm’s assets throughout Southern California. Prior to joining Younan Properties, Bruno worked for BH properties as director of property management, where he was responsible for a large, multi-use portfolio with assets located in California, Washington, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Pat Fitzharris has joined Troop Real Estate’s Westlake Village office. Fitzharris has 20 years experience in Conejo Valley home sales with special emphasis on relocation as well as the “Three Springs” area. Active in the community, Fitzharris has volunteered as a member of MANNA, Conejo Valley’s food bank. Professionally, she is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Conejo Board of Realtors.
