Zach Zimbler - Curator
Zach Zimbler is a senior at Penn State, majoring in information sciences and technology, and is the Curator for TEDxPSU. He has served as the President and General Manager for The LION 90.7 FM for the past two years. Last year, Zach was the Director of Special Projects for the inaugural year of TEDxPSU. Hailing from State College, Pennsylvania, this townie loves engaging in interesting conversations that challenge the mind and after venturing to TEDActive in the spring of 2011, he is looking to make TEDxPSU 2011 a truly amazing event. Follow Zach’s occasional tweets on Twitter @zztopser or email him at zach@tedxpsu.com
Andrew Lentz – Director of Operations & Production
Andrew Lentz, a State College native, is a senior at Penn State with a double major in security risk analysis, and information sciences and technology. Andrew is an avid skier and CrossFit athlete. He is a member of the UPUA General Assembly and the University Faculty Senate. He has worked as a graphic designer in the professional world and for various university organizations, including UPUA and The LION 90.7 FM. Andrew has also performed in various musical groups, from heavy metal bands to performing Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem” in Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium during his senior year of high school. Follow Andrew on Twitter @andrewglentz or email him at andrew@tedxpsu.com
Brittany Greff – Director of Communications
Brittany Greff is a senior at Penn State with a double major in public relations and international studies, and a minor in Spanish. She is a Director of Chapter Development for the Penn State Chapter of PRSSA and a Account Executive for Happy Valley Communications, Penn State’s student-run PR firm. Brittany has held internships in the public relations realm, most recently as a media relations intern at JCPR. In the spring of 2011, Brittany studied abroad in Barcelona and took that opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Follow Brittany on Twitter @brittanygreff or email her at brittany@tedxpsu.com
Matt Steiner – Director of Content
Matt Steiner is a senior at Penn State majoring in mechanical engineering, and minoring in engineering leadership development. Matt is the incoming President and General Manager for The LION 90.7 FM and he is beginning his fourth year on the Distinguished Speaker Series committee. Matt is a member of PhiSigma Pi, the National Honor Fraternity, and through the fraternity, he is actively involved with Homecoming and THON. His professional interests include industrial design, technical project management and global product development. Matt is a scholar of the Schreyer Honors College and is researching an honors thesis in empathic design. Follow Matt on Twitter @matts907 or email him at matt@tedxpsu.com
Praveen Pandian – Director of Sponsorships
Praveen Pandian is a Penn State senior majoring in marketing and advertising, with a course concentration in film theory and production. He founded the entertainment company S.A. Management, where he produces films and commercials. Praveen has worked with both Sony Pictures and Procter & Gamble. This summer he traveled to Los Angeles to intern with Walt Disney Studios. He is thrilled to be working with the rest of the TEDxPSU executive team on what will be a fantastic TEDx event, bringing ideas and innovation from across the world to Penn State. Follow Praveen on Twitter @theppanda or email him at praveen@tedxpsu.com.
Christen Buckley – Director of Special Events
Christen Buckley, a State College native, is a senior majoring in International Politics and Theatre with minors in French and Francophone Studies. Christen represents the College of Arts and Architecture in the UPUA General Assembly and has been active in several other PSU organizations, including Arts and Architecture Student Council, Global Business Brigades, Penn State International Debate Club and No Refund Theatre. She looks forward to working with the rest of the incredible TEDxPSU community on the exciting TEDxPSU ventures planned for this year. Follow Christen on Twitter @chris10buckley or email her at christen@tedxpsu.com.
Herbert Reininger – Director of Design
Herbert Reininger was born in Vienna, Austria, and currently works as the Director of Creative Services at Penn State Outreach Marketing and Communications where he and his team design, write and code for more than 2,400 projects annually — with the Penn State Online learning environment being one of the largest ones. Herbert also supports an international organization promoting corporate social responsibility and he was the lead designer in last year’s TEDxPSU event. Follow Herbert on Twitter @herbert68 or email him at herbert@tedxpsu.com.
