Fall 2024 Cohort

My Bio

I am currently the Chief Banking Officer for Third Coast Bank, a public (TCBX) commercial bank based in Humble. I am also an executive professor and mentor at UH's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. Past experiences include commercial, corporate, and investment banking, private investing and coaching. I was also President and CFO of a private company between 1998 and 2005. I've been married for 30 years. We have a 23-year-old daughter.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

That is a tough one ... being a good father and husband.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

I have been fascinated by how entrepreneurs manage and recover from failure. This is also applicable to my role as a Chief Banking Officer. Longer term, I would like to continue teaching and academic pursuits. The DBA provides a strong foundation as I move forward as a commercial bank executive and with my teaching and coaching.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time I enjoy hiking, biking, and working with young entrepreneurs and business start-ups.

My Bio

I am an accomplished executive with 31 years of experience in public sector operational environments. My roles have included executive, finance, change management, strategic decision-making, managing and collaborating within cross-functional teams and C-suite executives, and engaging with elected officials. As a proud UH Bauer Executive MBA alumnus, I bring a passion for driving process improvements and solutions.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Optimized business operations for the 4th largest city in the US impacting ~4MM residents. Planned and implemented strategies for a work order system that impacts residents and operations while ensuring compliance and reporting to state regulatory agencies, setting business practices and changing the culture.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA Program will equip me as a practitioner to tackle business challenges and provide solutions to tomorrow’s changing business environments.

Peek behind the profile:

I like to spend time with my family in my free time. I am great negotiator.

My Bio

I am an attorney with broad experience leading within a corporate legal environment and coordinating with commercial and operational stakeholders to address disputes and business needs.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I hope I haven't achieved it yet!

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA program will help me achieve my goals by providing a place to learn, grow, experiment, research, share and learn from others. I am looking forward to adding to my network people with whom there can be a mutual exchange of expertise to support growth and learning throughout the career journey while taking advantage of the research support to gain an in-depth understanding of an area of interest. Additionally, it will help me balance my legal credentials and experience with a broadened business focus and an in-depth study of a problem of interest and relevance. My goal is to create an even broader value proposition in my current role and further prepare to move into a business focused role and/or ascend to an executive and/or public company board member role in the future.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I like to do indoor rock climbing. I hate labels, nonetheless, it would be fair to call me an introvert, but I am an introvert with a keen sense of other people.

My Bio

My name is Dawn Brewer, I am a wife of 24 years to Jerrell Brewer and mother of two (Desiree’ Brewer & Jordan Brewer). As a CCIM, Principal Broker, and Real Estate Instructor I have just under 20 years of experience serving the Houston & Dallas/Fort Worth Area. My Real Estate Career began after obtaining an Undergraduate Degree in Finance and a Graduate Degree in Accounting. By the Grace of God, I have achieved tremendous success in the industry and own a boutique Real Estate Brokerage in North Houston. When not in the office, I enjoy reading and an active lifestyle (indoor cycling, strength training & rowing).

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I consider playing basketball at the collegiate level one of my greatest accomplishments – I had to overcome adversity which built a competitive nature and strong spirit to never give up.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

I believe the DBA program will assist in increasing the impact and influence that I have in Commercial Real Estate. I expect to obtain the skills necessary to strategically improve Advanced Real Estate Education and Organizational Leadership within the CCIM Institute.

Peek behind the profile:

Something fun I like to do in my free time is read, play chess with my son, run half-marathons, indoor cycling, strength training. My hidden talent is inspirational speaking.

My Bio

I am outgoing, hardworking and a God fearing woman. I strongly believe that success lies in the risk takers and anything is possible.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is self-sacrifice, without any expectations.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA program will catapult me beyond my peers and provide opportunities for personal and career growth.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I like people watching. My hidden talent is being patient and digesting stress like candy.

My Bio

Today, I lead the HR department at American Omni Trading Company and serve on the HR Houston Board of Directors. It’s a thrilling challenge, and I appreciate every opportunity to shape our organization’s success. HR isn’t just a job; it’s my passion. I believe in fostering growth, supporting employees, and creating workplaces where everyone thrives.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

On a personal note, I absolutely believe my greatest accomplishment will always be my children. I am consistently in awe of the amazing humans that I have helped to shape and influence.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA will help me in several ways: Build my general business savvy so that I can become stronger at proposing solutions; Build my knowledge in how to research different topics; Build my network with other like minded professionals; and Prepare me for a future in which I can teach at the collegiate level.

Peek behind the profile:

My favorite free time activity is to curl up with a great book and a cup of coffee in order to watch the sun rise and enjoy the first few moments of a new day. Bonus points if I can hear waves in the distance. My hidden talent is skiing.

My Bio

Passionate about solving business' complex solutions with Technology. I bring 20 years of IT and Business experience from technical support and applications development to IT Service Management, data and platform architecture. I believe that education is a lifetime commitment for continuous growth.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Ability to continue growing on personal and professional levels while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

It will help me solve business problems with Technological advancements on a strategic level. It sets me as a role model for my kids to reach the peak of their educational and professional potential.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy bowling, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends, and planning for upcoming holidays and time off. My hidden talent is seeing the positive in every situation or encounter.

My Bio

I am a Senior Program Manager with HigherEchelon, graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military at West Point and Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Texas, and I am a former Division 1 Hockey player. I served eight years in the U.S. Army as an Engineer Officer and then transitioned into IT Implementation in the Finance and Banking Industry. After a successful stint in Finance and Banking, I transitioned to the DOD IT Implementation space where I currently work with stakeholders in Congress and at the three Military Service Academies.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment would be building a life with my wife Cassie and raising our amazing son Jaxson.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The UH DBA program will help me with my goals by providing me with enhanced methodologies in research, expert faculty for mentorship, and provide me with the tools to continue my research after graduation. I want to take what I learn and apply it to the DOD space and be able to make instrumental change through continuous research.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time I enjoy fishing, coaching my son, physical fitness, and volunteering with our local veteran organizations. I also enjoy kayaking which has been a new hobby. My hidden talent would be that I am a very good strategic thinker when it comes sports, projects, games, or whatever the challenge is.

My Bio

I am a data driven collaborative leader whose expertise is in strategic planning, team leadership, and process creation and implementation. I have relocated several times to progress my career and thrive in highly collaborative environments. Outside of work I am also a wife, mom, and enjoy volunteering with the Red Cross.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Progressing my professional accomplishments while attending school and raising a family.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA program will help me grow my skills as both a contributor and leader as I expand my skills to think innovatively about global opportunities at scale.

Peek behind the profile:

I like to attend live sporting and music events! I'm an innovative cook! I love trying new cuisines.

My Bio

I am an experienced quality management professional with a master's in chemistry. I have successfully implemented management systems for various organizations. Currently, as the North America Chemical Manufacturing Quality Manager at Halliburton, I am responsible for implementing and improving HMS across multiple chemical manufacturing plants.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Implemented successful Quality management system for different companies.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

Pursuing DBA will allow me to follow my current dream of becoming an educated manager and a better strategic decision maker.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy running in nature. Specifically, running in natural parks early in the morning and then having my La Madeline coffee on Saturdays is my favorite activity. My hidden talent is cooking.

My Bio

I live in Kemah, TX which is part of the greater Houston metroplex. I have been married for 4 years to my wife Ashley. I have two stepchildren Bella (15), Benjamin (13) and my first-born Willow (16 months). We are expecting another little girl, Sutton, in July. I spent four years in the Army before I moved into a career focused on information technology and digital services at credit unions. I am a big fan of credit unions and constantly looking for ways to leverage technology to help credit unions grow and provide our members with excellent member and digital experiences.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment would be developing a digital transformation plan for my first credit union that is still in use years after having left the organization. The plan I developed has led them to be a powerhouse on the technology front and they have a very advanced digital banking and technology stack that rivals most big banks.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

My long-term goal is to become a C-level at a large credit union. I want to focus my research on the best digital transformation plan for credit unions and how they can best expand access to financial services amongst underserved populations via digital channels. I believe the DBA program is a great step towards that future goal.

Peek behind the profile:

I love working on cars, and I have built several heavily modified Jeeps that my family uses for overlanding/camping trips. I have a knack for tactical games such as tabletop wargaming and competitive trading card games. I have won many regional tournaments in Warhammer 40K and even managed to win a Grand Tournament (National) at my peak.

My Bio

I am proudly Scottish who has been a Houston resident since 2001. I have worked in the O&G upstream industry my entire career, with a range of appointments for Brown & Root (now KBR), Marathon Oil, BP and Hess Corporation. I have led global teams across all continents and held accountability for the procurement and supply chain functions. Roles over the past decade have included Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer. I believe in fairness for all and continue to be a lifelong student of human systems behavior.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

From humble beginnings in a small Scottish village, being female, in a male dominated industry, serving some of the world's largest energy companies, achieving VP/C-Level, is considered a huge accomplishment.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

A DBA will validate my credentials and passion for humanizing leadership where the world has a greater need than ever.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I run, lift weights, do yoga, love my two boxer dogs Bodhi and Baxter, dine, socialize and travel with my fantastic husband Steve Quick. My hidden talent is being able to run a half-marathon on zero training!

My Bio

I live in Groves, TX. I’m 41 years young. I’m married and have two beautiful daughters. I’m a Construction Project Manager for Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. I earned my MBA from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Successfully managing multiple major construction projects.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

Hopefully, the DBA program will help me to further my expertise and surround me with peers at the top of the industry.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I train for ultramarathons. My hidden talent is I play several instruments, some of them fairly well.

My Bio

I was born and raised in Houston Texas and attended Stratford High School before attending college at LSU. I received a master’s degree in Reproductive Physiology. Later, I earned an MBA/MHA from ULL. I met my wife while in graduate school at LSU. We have been married for 24 years and have two children together, Jack and Abigayle. They are both also attending LSU and Jack will graduate with a degree in Economics in the spring of 24’. I have spent nearly all of my career in operational healthcare finance in the acute care hospital setting. We have lived in Tyler Texas since 2014 and have fallen in love with East Texas.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Aside from raising two fantastic children who have grown up to be two smart, disciplined, and talented young adults, I would consider one of my greatest achievements is being apart of opening a brand-new Hospital for Houston Methodist (Houston Methodist West in December of 2010). I also ran a 5:57 mile in high school which I will no doubt never be able to achieve again. I am NOT an accomplished runner.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

I am now working for UT Tyler and am a part of a team that is starting a new School of Medicine. The inaugural class of 40 students began their course work in July of 2023. My main goal is to be a valued part of the team that grows and develops this program for the future of East Texas. I have been asked to not only develop and teach a finance class for the SOM, but eventually to also establish a dual track MD/MBA program. Too many physicians graduate with little to no exposure to the business aspect of healthcare. I look forward to being able to teach and help grow the leaders of tomorrow during the latter half of my career. A Doctorate in Business Administration will allow me to do this more effectively.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy hunting, woodworking and cabinet making, and I enjoy my time at the fitness center exercising. I used to be a professional Disk Jockey for 101.5 WYNK in Baton Rouge. I enjoy teaching and public speaking.

My Bio

I am an executive, entrepreneur, investor and advisor with more than 30 years of experience as a business builder and thought leader in the project development, engineering, construction, maintenance, and operations market for asset dependent companies globally. While taking a break from day-to-day operational roles to support my family’s needs, I currently work as an advisor, board member and entrepreneur in both the conventional and energy transition space. I continue to advise the Fidelis/Kraken team on ESG-centric infrastructure investments, serve as lead independent director on the board of directors for Jones Industrial Holdings and pursue early-stage venture development opportunities through BluPlum Ventures, LLC. I am passionate about the “triple bottom line” and always look for opportunities to advance sustainability, diversity/inclusion, and economic returns.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I consider my role as husband and father to be my highest and best accomplishment, personally. Regarding my career, I am most proud of the Teams and systems I have helped build which have gone on to accomplish outstanding and impactful objectives across industries.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

I believe this program will allow me to bring my diverse experience to the process and dive deep into the research tools, critical thinking skills and change-based mindset offered in this leading-edge curriculum. I hope this will enable me to help bring new solutions to the industry and further my journey as a leader, practitioner and mentor.

Peek behind the profile:

In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my family. I also stay active as an individual enjoying exercises such as running and martial arts. I hope to find my hidden talent is scholarly research and writing ... to be determined. But one thing not many people know is that I enjoy juggling!

My Bio

I'm a passionate lifelong learner, ambitiously pursuing personal growth and development. After a 15-year tenure at NASA leading the robotics group, I founded my first company (Nauticus Robotics) that I took public as CEO. Additionally, I started 2 other tech companies (Jacobi Motors, Enbord) and manage a hedge fund (Rad Capital Ventures). I have a BSEE and MSEE from Purdue University.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Inventing a new form of undersea vehicle and convincing DARPA to build a program around the idea.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

It will help me retroactively learn business theory after a decade of business practice.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time I enjoy playing the piano and guitar, and enjoying sailing and flying a Piper Archer as a private pilot. My hidden talent is I'm a scary judge of people and talent.

My Bio

I am a change agent, natural leader and lifelong learner. My experience over these last two decades in the workforce has been in non-profits including public education, the religious sector and now I am working at the University of Houston. I received my bachelor’s at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2000 and my masters at the University of Lynchburg in 2022. I also obtained my Project Management Professional certification in 2020. I am daily searching for ways to be better human and hope that each day I can bring a smile to someone.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

The best decision of my life was to marry my husband more than 20 years ago. He spoils me and our two dreamsicles daily.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

This DBA program will help build my confidence and increase my skills. I am excited to learn more about the research process.

Peek behind the profile:

We are a vacation household. We are always planning out the details for our closest one while already have the following one booked. I also enjoy collecting Mr. Potato Heads! My hidden talent is that I am strangely good at making up names for party foods to match a theme!

My Bio

I am a collaborative leader who explores bringing people and their ideas together. I have marshalled high impact projects valued at over one billion dollars, collectively. I operated on a global stage helping clients navigate through disruptions in complex environments by negotiating bilateral agreements, creating valued partnerships, and implementing frameworks for governance. I am a subject matter expert in operational resilience who has had the privilege of working with policy makers, industry titans, and military leaders curating problems across three continents. I am an excellent analyst.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Marrying my wife and the life we built is my greatest accomplishment. I am proud of the relationships that I have established and the time I have spent investing in other people’s success.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

The DBA program will open the door to do completing an applied research project allowing an opportunity to teach at the university level.

Peek behind the profile:

My wife and I enjoy being active. We enjoy hosting dinner parties with friends and family, playing golf, and exploring new restaurants of various cuisines. I am the original cake boss. I started making 3-D cakes in my twenties and apprenticed under a master baker.

My Bio

Hello! I have over 20 years of multi-level management experience. I currently work for an engineering firm. I manage their security, safety, and business continuity in Houston. I am looking forward to learning from everyone and hopefully contributing to the field and cohort's success.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Migrating to the United States and establishing myself in the very challenging times of our country.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

It would position me well for future promotions and hopefully achieve a director-level position.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy woodworking, carpentry and love to experiment with new things. I also like riding a motorcycle although I have not been doing a lot lately. My hidden talent is to look at issues through unusual lenses.

My Bio

I am a gritty applications developer and manager with over 12 years of industry experience, and I have been programming as a hobby for over 20 years. Like many in IT, I’ve followed an unconventional path having had a prior life in humanities academia, which strongly influenced my ethic as a leader. I have credentials, including an MBA in MIS, from University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas A&M University and Stony Brook University. I am very humbled to be part of this cohort of fellow leaders and students.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I have two children from whom I learn as much as they do from me.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

I have reached the stage where I want to leave a legacy with the broader professional and scholarly communities, while remaining engaged as a practitioner. The DBA program will give me the credentials, access to local institutional resources and faculty support to publish on my research interests.

Peek behind the profile:

I am an active reader, especially of Japanese literature in recent years. I like to spend as much time as possible in nature, especially hiking with my dog and kayaking with my kids. I recite seventeenth-century poetry in the car when sitting in traffic. Some people sing Taylor Swift, but my muse is Milton. (No offense, Swifties!)

My Bio

Energy is in my blood, with 23 years across critical functions like strategy, technology and supply chain. I have lived and worked across NA, Asia, Europe which brings me unique perspectives. My interests are energy transition, decision sciences and leadership development. In my spare time, I am an avid gardener. I am currently the head of digital Architecture for Lubricants Supply Chain at Shell.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

It is hard to single out one from such a long career. I consider my greatest accomplishment to be growing and maintaining a global career while being a devoted mom to my two kids.

How will the DBA program help you achieve your future goals?

My aim is to establish consultancy on developing sustainable supply chains, and transition into academia. I enjoy teaching and working with young minds. My extensive industry experience together with a DBA will position me well to add value in an academic setting. I firmly believe that Industry, Academic partnership is fundamental to bring solutions to critical problems like the energy transition. Supply chain scope 3 emissions are ~70% of global emissions . The DBA program will help me to harness cutting edge academic rigor to my future work.

Peek behind the profile:

I grow tropical vegetables in my organic garden patch. I love writing, and now using LinkedIn as a medium to share my thoughts. I self-published a book on investing.

Executive DBA

Fall 2024 Cohort

William Bobbora

Magda Alanis Brady

Sonya Bishop

Dawn Brewer

Mahogany Brown

Tracy Frazier

Georgina Georges

Cody Ikkala

Charlie Johnson-Hoefert

Najma Kamali

Jeramey Litzman

Evelyn MacLean

James Pallone

Bryan Pannagl

John Plumlee

Nicolaus Radford

Jennifer Rea

Eric Russell

Hadier Shenewa

Michael Streeter

Srividhya Vaidyanathan