Fall 2025 Cohort

My Bio

I grew up along the Alaska Highway in Northern British Columbia, Canada, where a passion for the outdoors and wildlife was ignited early on. I pursued a diverse educational journey, earning a BA in Philosophy from the University of Victoria in Canada, an MSc in Engineering from Linköping University in Sweden, and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, USA. I currently reside in Conroe, TX, with my wife and son, working in M&A for Crane Co. My professional experience spans global roles with multinational companies such as Eaton and Alstom, encompassing general management, supply chain management, operations, new product development, and information systems. Passionate about giraffe conservation, I serve on the board of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Beyond my work and advocacy, I enjoy exploring good food, as well as indulging in hobbies like running, skiing, cycling, and photography. My love for the outdoors and wildlife continues to shape my personal and professional pursuits. A blend of creativity, intellect, and global perspective defines my story.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My family.

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

Experienced transformation leader with 30+ years in aligning technology with business strategy across finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and analytics. Proven track record in driving global digital initiatives, ERP implementations, and enterprise architecture. Skilled in leading end-to-end programs, modernizing operations, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Adept at bridging business goals with practical tech solutions to deliver measurable impact. Passionate about innovation, continuous learning, and driving value through strategic IT leadership.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

One of my recent accomplishments was leading a large-scale digital transformation program that achieved over $10+ million in cost savings through a focused, business-driven approach. Using a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) strategy, I prioritized initiatives that delivered quick wins, measurable outcomes, and scalable solutions. Key efforts included infrastructure modernization, cloud optimization, application rationalization, and process automation—all aligned directly with financial and operational objectives. I ensured that every initiative was grounded in business value, supported by clear metrics and active executive engagement to drive accountability. The results went beyond cost reduction to include improved organizational agility, enhanced data security, and stronger system performance. This accomplishment reflects my core belief that transformation must be both strategic and execution-focused—delivering outcomes the business can see, measure, and build upon.

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

The EDBA program aligns with my aspirations to deepen my expertise in strategic leadership, expand my capacity for applied research, and address complex business challenges through out of the box and through innovative solutions.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I enjoy following and analysing cricket matches, especially international series and tournaments. It’s not just a passion, but also a way for me to unwind while still engaging in strategic thinking.

My Bio

I am the Co-Founder, President and CEO of Signify Bio and formerly the Founder, President and CEO of Taysha Gene Therapies (NASDAQ: TSHA). I have nearly 20 years' experience in the life science industry primarily in corporate strategy, business development and financial roles. Previously, I served as Chief Business Officer of the gene therapy subsidiaries Bridgebio (NASDAQ: BBIO), as well as SVP of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at Avexis (Sold to Novartis for $8.7B). I hold an MBA and an MSF from Texas A&M University at Commerce, College of Business and Technology and a BSBA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Belk College of Business where I was a member of the NCAA ranked men's soccer team.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Leading a company I founded to the fastest seed round to IPO in biotech history, totaling 6 months in time.

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

This degree will empower me to innovate, mentor, and launch startups and social enterprises that challenge the status quo while effectively bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

Peek behind the profile:

Coach goalkeepers at the Dallas Texans Soccer Club, currently ranked #2 boys' soccer club in the country.

My Bio

I am a distinguished executive at Comcast, renowned for their dynamic leadership and innovative strategies. With a career that spans over two decades in the telecommunications industry, I have made significant contributions to Comcast's growth and success. Prior to joining the cable industry, I proudly served in the U.S. Army, with service in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology from California State University, Eastbay and a graduate degree in Management and Leadership from the University of Houston.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Raising my children and supporting their aspirations is my greatest accomplishment.

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

My pursuit of a doctoral degree is motivated by a desire to achieve academic and professional excellence, make a meaningful contribution to my field, and inspire others through my work. The DBA program will me help embrace future challenges in my industry and opportunities that lie ahead.

Peek behind the profile:

During my free time I enjoy watching and attending all professional sports.

My Bio

I am a seasoned professional with a rich background in maritime transportation, where I spent over 20 years navigating leadership, safety, and operational challenges before transitioning into project management. Now working in energy infrastructure, I apply my expertise in strategic planning, safety systems, and people-centered leadership. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Harvard, blending academic depth with real-world experience to become a transformative force in talent, safety, and organizational development. I hold multiple certifications—including PMP, CSP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt—and am constantly leveling up, with an eye on future roles that align with my strengths in communication, empathy, and systems thinking. With a heart rooted in integrity and a mind wired for learning, I am also an aspiring author, entrepreneur, and AI innovator (tinkerer)—working on a project for safety-focused AI tools to optimize ISO audits. I am a loving husband, 2 dog dad, and self-reflective soul who thrives on intentional growth, humor, and a good cup of coffee. Through it all, I remain grounded in service, introspection, and the belief that vulnerability and wisdom can—and should—coexist in leadership.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Though I would consider many, the one that truly sticks out is when I successfully navigated a river under hazardous conditions when our Chief Officer was unfit for duty. I took the helm, relied on limited navigational experience, my gut, and safely guided the vessel—earning a promotion to Chief Officer the very next day. I denied the fear of failing and relied on my courage, leadership under pressure, and earning trust the hard way.

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

Pursuing the DBA is more than a career move-it's a promise to my future self. It bridges my experience with the credibility and tools needed to lead, innovate, and influence at a higher level in this dynamic world. The program will empower me with authority and transition from field expert to thought leader. Fueling the entrepreneurial l spirit through networking and collaboration, the program will also open doors for not just myself, but those around me. If I didn’t give it my all, I’d be letting my future self-down—and that’s a burden I refuse to carry. The DBA at University of Houston program will empower me and my colleagues with authority and transition us from field experts to thought leaders. This is my path forward, fully owned and deeply aligned.

Peek behind the profile:

My favourite pastimes are cooking, playing board games with Nicole (wife), taking the dogs on runs, reading, exploring, entertaining friends and family, and setting time aside for retrospection.

My Bio

I am an enthusiastic and outgoing professional with a collaborative and optimistic leadership outlook. My "9-5" includes administrative leadership in healthcare operations, and I've worked within healthcare operations for over 10 years. I'm a product of mentorship, which I value, and those experiences created the basis for my leadership development and coaching business, 3D Coaching Group, LLC. There, I leverage my skills and talent to identify leadership in others and consult on non-profit program curriculums and development. I graduated from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language with a concentration in Spanish. I then earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Texas Woman's University – Medical Center Campus.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is navigating life with my wife Sarai for over a decade and experiencing unimaginable joy through the lives of my young daughters, Nylah and Zoe.

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

This opportunity will allow me to continue to grow and thrive within a like-minded community. As a committed lifelong learner, I will cultivate my research-based decision-making skills to operate efficiently and be a good steward of resources. The UH EDBA program will continue to increase my network of leaders within Houston to ensure we make an impact for the betterment of our city for the many to come, including my young daughters.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy volunteering my time and talent to several non-profit organizations. In doing so, I work with like-minded individuals collectively driven by passion to achieve what many consider impossible. I even discover more about my own capabilities from time to time.

My Bio

I am a seasoned marketing & communications strategist and experienced change agent. I'm also a native East Coaster who is now living on the Gulf Coast of Houston and serving as the global head of Brand, Content & Digital Communications for LyondellBasell (LYB), a leader in the global chemical industry. Prior to LYB, I worked in-house and as a consultant across a variety of industries and locations. The connective thread throughout my roles has been purpose building teams who foster innovation and achieve new standards of excellence.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I'm most proud of the teams that I have built, grown and scaled through challenging times. Watching mentees turn into confident and capable leaders fuels my purpose. I'm equally proud of my role in my beautiful and blended family.

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

I am excited to leverage this program and acquire new ways of thinking that will help me become a stronger leader within my organization and upscale our digital transformation. I also want to build a foundation for giving back to my community through academic contributions, teaching and coaching.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and stepson and reading everything and anything, especially near a body of water. I'm an avid traveller and lover of new experiences - I'll try most anything once!

My Bio

I am a wife, mother, dog mom, former SSG, and supply chain nerd. My passion for supply chain started with my undergrad degree from Arizona State University and eventually an MBA as well. I love leading dynamic teams and showing people what they are capable. Leading people is a privilege and an honor I take seriously. With 20 years supply chain experience including inventory management, operations and logistics, transportation, imports, and S&OP/S&OE, I love solving problems and being of service. I am a combat veteran having served in OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) II-IV with the US Army. My current role is Operations Leader with H-E-B and I couldn't be prouder to be part of "where everything is better".

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My daughter will always be my greatest accomplishment. Watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is has been my greatest joy.

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

The critical thinking skills, relationships, and research will help me in any future role I pursue and I can't wait to apply what I am learning on the job.

Peek behind the profile:

I love learning new home improvement skills, cooking, gardening, and spending time with my dogs.

Executive DBA

Fall 2025 Cohort

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RA Session

Che Reinosa Torres

Christopher Pena

Patrick Rumph

Andrea Orzehoski

Elizabeth Hair-Estrella