Dr. Marchesini became a director in June 1995, and served as the Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from its inception in 1989 until May 1, 1996, when his duties were reduced to enable him to resume his teaching pursuits. He remains a director and also continues to serve the Company as its Vice President - Portfolio Risk Management. Prior to June 1995 and subsequent to May 1, 1996 to present, he has also been employed as a Professor of Finance at the University of Houston, Clear Lake, where he has taught in the areas of finance, economics and accounting since 1974 and has served as the Associate Director of the University's Center for Economic Development and Research. Dr. Marchesini holds a Ph.D. degree in economics conferred by the University of Texas in 1974 and a degree in accounting received from the Technical Institute of Rome in 1963. |