Brian Durniok ’84

Brian Durniok ’84 was the featured speaker at the April 17 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar, Brian is the President of UPMC Northwest, which includes management responsibility for the UPMC medical facilities in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.

“Brian grew up in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. He started his college career at Penn State Shenango and played basketball there. After his mother got in an accident and was bedridden, he transferred to Thiel because it was closer to home and he could help take care of her.” Nick DiLullo ’24

“Initially, Brian attended Penn State Shenango before transferring to Thiel, a decision he doesn't regret. He started out as a history major, intending to become a history teacher, until he realized the lack of job opportunities after graduation. He then switched to a business major.” Jacara Green ’25

“While at Thiel, meeting Professor David Miller and taking a business course convinced Brian to switch his major to business administration.” Austin Siko ’24

“Upon graduating during a recession, Durniok faced challenges in finding employment. Fortunately, he received two job offers: one as a bank clerk and the other as a manager in training. Opting for the latter due to better compensation and growth potential, he began his career as a foreman in a manufacturing plant.” Emma Hatfield ’25

“He first started at Werner Ladder working in a management training program. At this job, he had to supervise people that were older than him and were more knowledgeable as well. He learned to be flexible and to take advice from others, while admitting to his supervisees that he did not know everything. This helped his job to run more smoothly and allowed him to gain respect from his co-workers.” Madi Yurich ’24

“At Werner, he had many roles during his time there. He was a foreman, sales representative, customer service worker, and production scheduler. While being the foreman, he learned the art of diplomacy. He realized how to talk with people. Also, when working in customer service, he learned how to fix problems on the fly. After these various positions, he got a position in human resources. He enjoyed this position until he mastered it. Finally, he discovered that he likes jobs that challenge him.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24

“However, there is a key aspect he talked about that he experienced in some of his jobs, and that was boredom. He stated that at first the job you are doing may be new to you, overwhelming and confusing, but eventually it becomes your daily routine. If the job is not varied or does not provide a challenge, it can be repetitive and ultimately mundane, thus affecting your passion and drive to work. Brian believes to not be bored is to be challenged. If you aren’t being challenged and growing, then you must ponder what you are really doing.” Connor Lovic ’24

“Eventually he switched over to healthcare as the HR Director of Greenville Hospital. He helped Greenville Hospital to merge with UPMC, and while he started to get bored with his new job, he managed to start enjoying it again when he started to pick up more work. Because of his work ethic he managed to move to Director of HR, to VP of HR, and eventually the Regional VP of HR. He also picked up VP of operations.” Alex Martin ’24

“After Greenville Hospital was bought by UPMC, his position became more focused, leading him to ask what more he could do. He then progressed from VP of Human Resources, VP of Operation, and VP of HR to President. Currently, 6,000 people report to him, and he is in charge of one of the six UPMC markets, responsible for $1.2 billion in revenues.” Hailey McClain ’24

“Today, Brian Durniok serves as a President within UPMC, overseeing significant revenue streams and playing a crucial role in shaping the organization's growth trajectory. His responsibilities extend to one of six UPMC markets, reflecting the magnitude of his impact within the healthcare industry. Durniok's leadership philosophy is grounded in a willingness to tackle challenges head-on and fearlessness in making tough decisions.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“In his current position, he does a lot of strategy and planning, which is a constant challenge, but he finds it fulfilling and helps him grow as a person.” Zach Bergstresser ’25

“When explaining where he stands in the current position that he holds, he made sure to elaborate that his title does not define him or the work that he does. Although he holds a high position, he is another player on the team, and his end goal is to get the job done.” Taya Sykes ’24

“It was clear that he was passionate about people, not just the job. He cares about both patients and his workers, striving to make sure everyone is taken care of at all times.” Jacara Green ’25

“Durniok shared stories of complex situations he encountered, highlighting that education does not prepare you for every scenario. He advised his younger self to be less reactive and not to strive for perfection, as these can hinder personal and professional growth.” Emma Hatfield ’25Top of Form

“While listening to Brian last night, it was very clear that he is a very down-to-earth but hardworking person, and just because you stand at the top of the totem pole, you will never not be able to learn or grow.” Taya Sykes ’24

“Overall, I really enjoyed Mr. Durniok’s speech because he was honest and showed confidence when he spoke. Though his job may be difficult, he showed compassion and empathy, which was felt throughout the room.” Hailey McClain ’24

Lessons Learned

“Expect the unexpected.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24
“It's important to be decisive in difficult situations and be able to solve problems quickly.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“Never be afraid to make decisions.” Zach Bergstresser ’25
“Leadership is taking risks and being bold.” Isaac Sasala ’24

“’Go fast’, it is important to solve problems quickly.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“There is never a perfect solution.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24
“Admit your mistakes, learn from them, and improve through feedback.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“Don’t agree for the sake of agreeing.” Jackson Pletcher ’24
“You don’t need to be perfect.” Alex Martin ’24
“Take a moment to slow things down if needed.” Connor Lovic ’24
“Be less reactive and calm down when there is high pressure.” Hailey McClain ’24
“Take on and emulate the leadership styles of others that you admire and avoid the styles of those you don’t.” Madi Yurich ’24
“One of the worst things you can do in a management position is to set up an environment of fear.” Jacara Green ’25
“Learning the art of diplomacy is key in management.” Alex Martin ’24
“Knowing how to talk to people will be one of the most key aspects of your career.” Taya Sykes ’24
“Once you stop growing you have a problem.” Jackson Pletcher ’24
“If you become bored don’t be afraid to change.” Austin Siko ’24
“Be visible; if you work from home go into the office some to let them know who you are.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“Never be shy about asking for more work.” Nick DiLullo ’24
“Take care of yourself. Work-life balance is important since problems from one side will inevitably affect the other.” Connor Lovic ’24
“You have to be physically and mentally strong.” Isaac Sasala ’24
“Titles are not important.” Madi Yurich ’24
“Appreciate having hair.” Hailey McClain ’24

Dinner “Dishing”

“Although I was the concierge, dinner was nothing less than exceptional last night. Everything was wonderfully made and everyone else seemed to enjoy it as well.” Taya Sykes ’24
“For dinner we started with crab dip and chips alongside a dinner roll. Our next course was parmesan crusted lamb chops which were delicious, this was paired with a sweet potato, cauliflower, and carrots. For dessert we had some sort of vanilla cake with a citrus icing and mixed berries on top.” Isaac Sasala ’24
“As for the food, it was exceedingly good, and just what I needed at that point in time. Double thumbs up from me!” Connor Lovic ’24