Honoring Distinguished Alumni
The Norm Brodsky College of Business Hall of Fame honors the contributions of outstanding individuals who shape and strengthen the University, the community and their profession. The College inducted the first members into its Hall of Fame on May 3, 2018, and will celebrate new inductees on a biennial schedule.
We are proud to announce that the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Robert J. Decker, Jr. CPA, CMA ’93
Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, Johnson & Johnson - Jim Drake ’93
Former Chief Operating Officer, Americas Investment Banking, Barclays - Joe Hudicka ’93 ’00
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, EvenFlow - Karen West ’82 ’89
Former Chief Operating Officer, The Mercadien Group
Bob Decker ’93 built an extraordinary 32-year career at Johnson & Johnson, beginning as an internal auditor and ultimately serving as Vice President, Corporate Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer for one of the world’s most respected healthcare companies. In this role, he leads global accounting and financial reporting functions, including SEC reporting, tax accounting, and enterprise risk management, helping strengthen financial integrity and governance at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Bob’s excellence was evident early in his Rider career, where he earned the President’s Award for academic achievement and leadership as a graduating senior.
A dedicated alumnus, Bob has remained actively engaged with Rider University through the Accounting Advisory Council, mentoring students, supporting internships and co-ops, and championing Rider’s participation in the highly selective Johnson & Johnson Case Competition.
Through his leadership, integrity, and enduring commitment to his alma mater, Bob Decker continues to make a lasting impact on both the profession and the Rider community.
Jim Drake ’93 is a distinguished finance and operations executive whose career has been defined by leadership, integrity, and service. A magna cum laude graduate of Rider University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Jim later earned his MBA with distinction from Seton Hall University.
Jim spent more than two decades at Barclays Investment Bank, most recently serving as Global Co-Head of Banking Risk and Controls and Chief Administrative Officer for Banking Americas. In these senior leadership roles, he oversaw complex global operations involving risk governance, regulatory compliance, and operational strategy.
A dedicated Rider alumnus, Jim serves as Chair of the Executive Advisory Council, providing strategic guidance and support for accreditation, experiential learning initiatives, and student success. Beyond his professional achievements, he has volunteered extensively with Angel Flight East and the Young Eagles aviation program, reflecting a deep commitment to mentorship and humanitarian service.
Jim Drake exemplifies leadership, service, and lifelong engagement with Rider University.
Joe Hudicka ’93 & ’00 is an entrepreneur, technology consultant, author, and innovation leader whose career has focused on transforming complex systems into practical solutions. He is the founder of The Clarity Team, a custom technology services company; EvenFlow Logistics, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address supply-chain communication challenges; and Fizzee Labs, an award-winning innovation education nonprofit with partners including NASA and the U.S. Army.
Joe is also the author of The AI Ecosystems Revolution and a nationally recognized voice in digital transformation and supply-chain innovation.
For more than a decade, Joe has remained deeply engaged with Rider University across entrepreneurship, analytics, and information systems. He has taught courses, mentored students, served on advisory councils, and consistently supported experiential learning opportunities that help students turn ideas into action.
Through his leadership, innovation, and generosity, Joe Hudicka reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking vision at the heart of the Norm Brodsky College of Business.
Karen West ’82 & ’89 is a respected business leader whose accomplished career spans accounting, finance, operations, and strategic leadership. A double alumna of Rider University, Karen has held senior leadership roles at organizations including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and The Mercadien Group, where she served as Chief Operating Officer.
Karen’s impact extends far beyond her professional accomplishments through her extraordinary commitment to Rider University. She has served as an advisory council member, Executive in Residence, strategic planning committee member, and adjunct professor. Most recently, Karen taught a pilot version of Business Making a Difference, an experiential capstone course in which students completed consulting engagements for Fulton Bank.
A founding member of the Gail Bierenbaum Leadership Council, Karen is deeply committed to mentoring students and helping align academic programs with evolving professional practice. Her generosity, leadership, and dedication continue to shape the student experience and strengthen the Norm Brodsky College of Business community.
Karen West embodies excellence, mentorship, and lifelong engagement with Rider University.