Fall 2026 Cohort

My Bio

I’m originally from Florida, where I grew up loving to fish and spend time at the beach. These days, I work as a commercial lender and enjoy helping businesses grow and succeed. My greatest pride, though, is being a mom to my eight-year-old son, Caleb. He keeps me on my toes and brings so much joy to my life. I also earned my MBA in Finance from University of Houston in the spring of 2022. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, visiting new beaches, and finding opportunities to learn and grow.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment is earning my MBA in Finance. When I was younger, I struggled so much at math. Then as I matured, I found this discipline I never knew. I buckled down and engaged myself fully to grasp the material and, viola! It all made sense!!

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

I will strengthen my competitive advantage from others in my peer group and garner greater confidence from clients, prospects and employers.

Peek behind the profile:

I love offshore fishing.

My Bio

I am a strategic business leader whose career has been defined by building high-performing teams, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and driving sustainable organizational success across corporate leadership and real estate, combining operational excellence with a people-first approach to leadership. I believe the strongest organizations are built by investing in relationships, developing talent, and fostering cultures grounded in accountability, integrity, and purpose. As I begin my doctoral studies, I look forward to exploring how research can inform practical solutions to today’s most complex business challenges while contributing to meaningful scholarship. My interests include organizational strategy, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community impact through economic opportunity, and I enjoy traveling, exploring different cultures, and seeking experiences that broaden my perspective and strengthen my leadership. Whether mentoring emerging professionals or leading complex initiatives, I am motivated by the opportunity to help people and organizations realize their full potential and leave a legacy of principled leadership, service, and innovation that creates lasting value for the communities and organizations I serve.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is developing the resilience to move forward with faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain, recognizing that setbacks and adversity are inevitable but do not define who we become. By keeping my faith at the center of my life, I have learned to face challenges with hope, gratitude, and the belief that tomorrow can be better than today, shaping my character and the way I lead, serve, and encourage others. I believe true accomplishment is measured not by titles or achievements, but by the strength to persevere with integrity and purpose, and I look forward to continuing this journey with the same faith, resilience, and optimism that have brought me this far.

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

The DBA program will provide the framework to transform my professional experience into research-driven leadership that creates measurable and lasting impact by strengthening my ability to develop strategies that improve organizational performance, foster innovation, support sustainable growth, and apply evidence-based solutions to complex business challenges. I hope to use the knowledge gained through this program to mentor future professionals, teach at the university level, contribute to meaningful scholarship, and pursue my entrepreneurial goals by building organizations that create economic opportunity and serve their communities with integrity. Collaborating with accomplished faculty and fellow professionals will broaden my perspective, enhance my strategic and global thinking, and strengthen my ability to lead with purpose. I am confident the DBA will position me to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to business, higher education, and the communities I am privileged to serve.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, you will usually find me planning my next meal or next adventure. I enjoy traveling because each destination offers opportunities to experience new cultures, discover unique perspectives, and explore exceptional food. One of my favorite spontaneous adventures was taking a daytime flight to Atlanta simply to enjoy a burger at Spondivits—ironically, a seafood restaurant. I am also always searching for exceptional wagyu, as I am determined to experience every great version I can find. For me, meaningful travel and memorable food experiences represent some of life’s greatest adventures.

My Bio

With more than 25 years of professional experience, I have built a career in payroll, human resources, benefits administration, and financial operations. Throughout my career, I have developed expertise in payroll management, regulatory compliance, financial reporting, and cross-functional leadership. I currently serve as Payroll Manager at Porter Hedges LLP, where I oversee payroll operations, benefits administration, tax compliance, and financial reporting initiatives. In this role, I collaborate closely with executive leadership to support strategic planning, organizational goals, and operational effectiveness. My experience includes leading teams, managing complex financial processes, and supporting audits and compliance initiatives. I earned my Master of Business Administration from Baylor University and previously completed my Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Houston. My long-term goal is to leverage my professional experience and advanced education to strengthen executive leadership capabilities and drive meaningful organizational impact.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment was earning my MBA while balancing multiple jobs and managing family responsibilities. This experience demonstrated my resilience, discipline, and ability to successfully manage competing priorities while remaining committed to achieving long-term goals.

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

The University of Houston’s DBA program will help me achieve my future goals by expanding my professional network and sharpening my analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills. The program will also strengthen my ability to drive innovation and effectively lead organizations through complex challenges. By leveraging these skills and experiences, I will be better prepared to excel in executive leadership roles.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I enjoy cooking and expressing my creativity through decorating and design.

My Bio

I am a Professor of Practice in Marketing and Director of the Professional Sales Program at The University of Southern Mississippi. I bring more than a decade of experience across industrial B2B sales, tourism marketing, business/community development, and higher education, including early-career work in Houston’s oil and gas industry. At Southern Miss, I have built an experiential sales program that connects students with career development opportunities and also achieve national recognition at collegiate competitions. My professional interests center on building programs that strengthen workforce readiness and create meaningful partnerships between higher education and industry. My research interests include leadership development, organizational behavior, change management, early-career performance and retention, and talent assessment. I am especially interested in how leadership, organizational culture, and change initiatives influence sales teams, employee development, and performance. I also want to explore how artificial intelligence and technology-enabled training can support onboarding, coaching, and leadership development. I look forward to learning from the Bauer DBA faculty and cohort while contributing my perspective as an educator, program builder, and practitioner.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Bringing over half-a-million visitors to my small hometown of 5,000 - all with the power of effective tourism marketing. From 2018-2022, I directed all marketing and retail strategy for Experience Columbia MS - which hosted several family-friendly attractions during the Christmas season, the highlight being an outdoor ice skating rink in SOUTH MISSISSIPPI. It started a small community-led program, that exploded into a public-private partnership spearheaded by my company's management team.

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

My goal is to continue fulfilling the needs of my customers in academia (peers/students) and industry (clients). In academia, the DBA will help me learn & use research skills to communicate with faculty-peers. In industry, I hope to learn new methodologies and credibility to help grow my client base.

Peek behind the profile:

The outdoors is always calling - so you’ll find me fishing, hiking, canoeing, photographing, and also reading a fictional epic novel.

My Bio

Technology has been more than a career for me, it has been an opportunity to lead people, solve meaningful problems, and make organizations stronger. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of leading enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity initiatives, and end-user support while building teams that value accountability, service, and continuous improvement. I'm currently pursuing my DBA, where my research focuses on developing future technology leaders through mentorship, leadership development, and organizational culture. I believe great technology organizations aren't built by technology alone, they're built by leaders who invest in people. As a U.S. Army veteran, public servant, mentor, and lifelong learner, I'm passionate about sharing knowledge, helping others grow, and leaving every organization better than I found it. Whether I am leading operational transformation, mentoring emerging professionals, or researching the future of leadership, my goal is the same: to create lasting impact through service, innovation, and people-first leadership.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

If I had to name my greatest accomplishment, it wouldn't be a title, promotion, or degree, it would be my resilience. Life has presented challenges that tested me in ways I never expected, but I chose to keep moving forward. Along the way, my greatest motivation has always been my children. Watching them grow, overcome obstacles, and pursue their own success has been more rewarding than any professional achievement. If my perseverance has shown them that hard work, integrity, and determination can overcome adversity, then that is the accomplishment I'm most proud of.

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

Earning my DBA is about more than adding another degree; it is about becoming the leader I aspire to be. My goal is to strengthen my ability to lead complex organizations, influence strategic decision-making, and develop future technology leaders through mentorship and evidence-based leadership. The DBA will provide advanced research, analytical, and executive leadership skills to help me solve real-world organizational challenges, contribute meaningful knowledge to the IT profession, and prepare for future opportunities in executive leadership, teaching, writing, and mentoring. Ultimately, the DBA is an investment in my ability to create lasting impact for the organizations I serve and the people I have the privilege to lead.

Peek behind the profile:

When I'm not working, my favorite place to be is with the people who matter most. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures, and making memories along the way. I'm also a proud dog lover, and some of my happiest moments are simply relaxing and spending time with my puppies. Those experiences help me recharge, keep life in perspective, and remind me of what matters most.

My Bio

I am an accomplished Senior Geologist and Energy Development Leader with more than 20 years of leadership experience in exploration, field development, asset-reserves management, offshore operations, and strategic asset optimization across global hydrocarbon basins for Chevron. I lead multidisciplinary teams and complex upstream projects focused on unlocking hydrocarbon value, advancing sustainable production growth, and enhancing energy security. I hold a BS in Geology from the University of Calabar, an MS in Petroleum Geology and Stratigraphy from the University of Ibadan, and an Executive MBA in Strategy and Leadership from Purdue University. As an industry thought leader and conference speaker, I am passionate about the intersection of energy, technology, and leadership and am pursuing the UH DBA to advance strategic leadership, organizational transformation, and business innovation in the global energy industry.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I have been privileged to lead major upstream projects over the past two decades, creating value through technical excellence, strategic leadership, and people development. I have led multidisciplinary teams in unlocking hydrocarbon resources, advancing field development projects, contributing to policies that enhance business competitiveness, and mentoring future industry leaders. My greatest fulfillment comes from leading complex initiatives that balance commercial objectives, operational realities, and stakeholder interests while delivering sustainable results. My journey from a young geologist to a senior leader at one of the world’s leading energy companies reflects my commitment to continuous learning, resilience, and purposeful leadership, providing a foundation for greater impact on the global energy industry and future generations.

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

The DBA program at UH will equip me with the advanced leadership, research, and strategic management capabilities needed to address critical challenges facing the global energy industry. With over two decades of experience in the upstream oil and gas sector, I seek to bridge industry practice with evidence-based decision-making and develop innovative solutions in organizational transformation, strategic leadership, energy transition, and operational excellence. My long-term goal is to pursue broader executive leadership roles where I can influence corporate strategy, shape energy policy, drive sustainable growth, and contribute to thought leadership and academia by translating industry experience into practical knowledge. Ultimately, I aim to create lasting impact at the intersection of business, energy, and society.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring historical and natural landmarks, and staying informed on global affairs. I also enjoy watching sports and the lessons they provide on teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These activities help me remain grounded, curious, and energized personally and professionally.

My Bio

Hi everyone! I'm Rit Desai, and I currently lead KBR's global Equipment, Modules, Furnaces & Catalyst business, based in Houston. Over the past 20+ years, I've had the opportunity to work on large energy and industrial projects across several countries, with a passion for technology commercialization and modularization. I'm joining the DBA program to become a better business leader, learn from this outstanding cohort, and bridge the gap between industry practice and research. Outside work, I enjoy endurance sports, traveling, and spending time with my family. Looking forward to learning with all of you over the next few years!

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Balancing an ambitious career with lifelong learning and family.

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

After spending more than 20 years in industry, I wanted to challenge myself in a different way. Throughout my career, I've made countless strategic decisions, and I've often wondered how research could make those decisions even better. I'm hoping the DBA will help me develop a more structured way of thinking, ask better questions, and turn practical experience into meaningful research. My long-term goal is to lead a global technology company while also giving back through teaching and mentoring.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy reading a good book, going for a long walk to clear my mind, or simply catching up on sleep. After a busy schedule with work, travel, and family, I've learned to appreciate the simple things.

My Bio

am an economist and public finance optimist whose career has spanned public service, public policy, philanthropy, advisory work, and energy leadership in Mexico and the United States. Across these experiences, I have focused on how institutions make effective decisions when stakes are high, data is imperfect, and constraints are real. My work includes executive leadership in energy, public finance, fiscal policy, tax administration, economic analysis, sustainable public finance, and retirement security, including leadership roles in government, philanthropy, and one of the nation’s largest counties focused on fiscal responsibility, operations, and measurable results. I have also advised organizations through research, writing, and analysis that translate complex issues into actionable insights for better decisions and policy change. These experiences have shaped my interest in how strategy, data, decision-making, and implementation intersect in complex organizations and reinforced my belief that leadership is defined less by position than by the ability to create alignment, resilience, and progress. I am pursuing the Executive DBA to strengthen the connection between rigorous research and executive decision-making while learning alongside experienced leaders who are willing to think deeply, speak honestly, and support one another with candor and kindness.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Rather than point to a single accomplishment, I think of my career as a series of meaningful stepping stones that have shaped who I am as a leader. I’m proud of building a career across countries, sectors, and disciplines while staying grounded in purpose, evidence, and impact. Across public policy, government, philanthropy, and energy, I have worked to help institutions see more clearly, make better decisions, and become more effective, supported by teams, mentors, colleagues, and communities who challenged me, trusted me, and helped me grow. A defining stretch has been stepping into executive leadership in a sector outside my original field of expertise, requiring humility, rapid learning, and trust in my ability to grow.

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

The DBA program will give me the structure and discipline to study a question that has followed me throughout my career: how do leaders know whether something is actually working? I hope to strengthen my ability to bring rigorous research into practical executive judgment, especially in complex environments where strategy, data, decision-making, and implementation come together. My goal is to become a stronger practitioner-scholar who can translate evidence into better decisions and lasting institutional value while continuing to grow as a leader who brings rigor, curiosity, and kindness to rooms where decisions are hard and the work matters.

Peek behind the profile:

I am happiest when I am sharing meaningful experiences with the people I care about, whether through travel, a great meal, a long walk, or a conversation that stays with me. CrossFit and yoga have become meaningful spaces in my life for wellness, community, discipline, and practicing ordinary things with uncommon care. My CrossFit Level 2 experience reinforced the value of staying coachable, observing others with care, returning to fundamentals, and choosing discomfort in ways that build strength, humility, and resilience.

My Bio

I enjoy listening to audiobooks and attending concerts. I like to embrace challenges and take the lead on transformational projects. Learning from my autistic nephew has deeply enriched my perspective on life. I believe in continuous growth and finding joy in new experiences. Connecting with others through shared passions motivates me daily. I strive to stay curious and open-minded in everything I do. My journey is driven by a love for learning and personal development. Ultimately, I seek to make a positive impact through my pursuits.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Being able to provide for my family.

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

The DBA program will help me build the research, analytical, and strategic skills I need to move into senior leadership roles in Sales Enablement. By focusing on organizational strategy, data-driven decisions, and innovation, I’ll be better equipped to design and launch effective projects.

Working with top faculty and experienced professionals will broaden my perspective, grow my network, and keep me updated on the latest trends and best practices. The program’s focus on applied research will also help me create real solutions for complex sales enablement challenges and share new ideas with the field.

I’m especially excited to turn academic insights into practical solutions that can lead to real change at my company. Earning a DBA will help me shape the future of sales enablement, establish my leadership in the field, and make meaningful contributions that match my long-term goals.

Peek behind the profile:

I have fun traveling and discovering new cultures.

My Bio

As an analytics leader and program manager, I love turning messy data into clean, elegant solutions that make people's lives easier. Currently, I'm leading the contact center analytics and speech program at Regions Bank. Throughout my career, I've partnered with fantastic teams at CDK Global, Alorica, and Tyler Technologies to design analytics workflows and optimize business operations. I hold an MS in Business Analytics from UNT and a BBA in MIS from Baylor. When I'm off the clock, I love spending time with my family, playing basketball, and catching a good movie.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was leading an end-to-end strategy and implementation of an AI-powered QA automation solution. By eliminating manual redundancies, this initiative drove an average 58% improvement in operational efficiency and established a scalable, long-term framework for future automation and continuous improvement.

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

A DBA will provide the advanced framework and intellectual rigor necessary to address complex business challenges. Throughout my career, I have observed persistent gaps in problem solving, often caused by resistance to innovation or a failure to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. These limitations can hinder organizations from reaching their full potential. My goal in pursuing a DBA is to help bridge these gaps by integrating academic research with practical application, ensuring that solutions are both theoretically sound and operationally effective.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I'm usually balancing a few different worlds:
• Tech & Tinkering: I love messing around with technology, testing out new gadgets, and figuring out how things work.
• Sports & Basketball: I'm always down to play some basketball to stay active, but I'm just as happy kicking back to watch sports.
• Movies: A massive fan of getting lost in a good film.
• Just a tech-loving sports fan trying to stay active and entertained!

My Bio

I am a Military Veteran, Cybersecurity Professional, and businessman with twenty years of experience specializing in Business Program Development, Cyber Transformation, and Digital Asset Proection. As a thought leader in this space, I have delivered strategic value to my clients by developing new cybersecurity service offerings and managing global teams to enhance cybersecurity programs for industry-leading organizations.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My service to the community and personal resilience to overcome adversity.

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

I am committed to my path of being a life-long learner, my goal for Academic excellence is continuous and compliments my goals by expanding my perspective as well as my competency to think critically and deliver creative solutions.

Peek behind the profile:

International Travel. Gym. Motorcycling. Scuba Diving.

My Bio

I am a licensed real estate professional based in Houston, Texas, practicing within the field for 21 years. My experience spans across sales, investments and real estate analytics. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston in Marketing and an MBA from Baylor University. Returning to my alma mater as a Doctorate in Business Administration candidate, I am passionate about bridging the gap between academic research and business practice. I hope to contribute practical insights that help organizations and communities grow and adapt to a changing business environment. I am committed to lifelong learning and creating a positive impact through education, research, and professional service.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is refusing to stop growing. From earning my MBA later in my career to pursuing a DBA while balancing professional and personal responsibilities, I have continously challenged myself to reach new levels of achievement and service.

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

The DBA program will help me achieve my goals by strengthening my ability to apply researchbased solutions to real-world business challenges. I have developed a passion for understanding how organizations can improve performance and long-term sustainability. The DBA will provide me with advanced research skills, deeper business knowledge, and the opportunity to explore issues that are important to practitioners, businesses and the community. I want to contribute meaningful research, expand my leadership opportunities, and continue bridging the gap between academic theory and business practice.

Peek behind the profile:

Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and perspectives. I also love spending time with family, friends and my dog, Cheeto, who keeps life fun and entertaining.

My Bio

I am a U.S. Army veteran who enjoys learning, leading, and taking on new challenges. Over the years, I've worked in military operations, education, real estate, non-profit, and youth athletics, and each experience has shaped how I approach leadership and working with people. My wife is also an Army veteran, and together we're raising four amazing kids who keep life busy and fun. Outside of work, you'll usually find me coaching youth soccer, playing Magic: The Gathering, or spending time on our small homestead caring for our chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl. I enjoy building things from the ground up, whether that's a new project, a stronger team, or even a backyard homestead. I'm naturally curious and love learning how organizations, people, and systems can work better together. Friends and family would probably describe me as someone who's always planning the next project or looking for a new challenge.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Helping build and lead youth soccer organizations that create opportunities for kids in our communities has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing young athletes develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game reminds me that leadership is ultimately about investing in others.

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

The Executive DBA program will help me build on my leadership experience by developing the research skills and strategic perspective needed to solve complex organizational challenges. My long-term goal is to serve in executive leadership roles where I can influence organizational strategy, develop future leaders, and improve organizational performance. I also plan to use what I learn to consult with organizations on leadership development and organizational effectiveness. I believe this program will provide the knowledge, perspective, and network needed to help me achieve those goals.

Peek behind the profile:

I tend to stay busy even in my free time. I enjoy coaching youth soccer, playing card games with family and friends, and working on projects around our homestead.

My Bio

With over 25 years of experience in the energy sector, I have built a career defined by versatility and steady growth. The last 17 of those years have been with Clemtex, where I have held roles spanning inside and outside sales, accounting, and purchasing, and I now serve in leadership as Vice President of Finance. A proud native Houstonian, I am a two-time graduate of the University of Houston, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from the C.T. Bauer College of Business. I firmly believe that in a rapidly evolving world, a commitment to continuous education is not just valuable, it is essential to staying relevant and leading effectively.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Without question, my greatest accomplishment is my sons. Watching them grow into dependable, responsible young men and leaders has been the most rewarding experience of my life, far beyond anything I have achieved professionally.

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

My goals are diverse and my ambitions are high. I expect the DBA program to help me bring structure and clarity to that vision, equipping me with the frameworks and systems needed to execute more strategically and accomplish more with greater efficiency.

Peek behind the profile:

I love spending quality time with my family on beach vacations, and I take great pride in supporting my boys in their sports activities.

My Bio

I am a Senior SQL Server Database Administrator with a multidisciplinary background in finance, human resources, business analysis, and enterprise technology. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to understand how organizations create sustainable value through people, processes, technology, and data, leading me to develop a passion for enterprise AI governance, organizational transformation, and the future of work. I enjoy solving complex business problems and building practical solutions that improve performance while strengthening trust and resilience. Outside of my professional career, I teach Sunday School, mentor aspiring technology professionals, and provide personal finance coaching within my community. I look forward to learning from my classmates while contributing my perspective as both a technology practitioner and lifelong learner and am excited to begin this next chapter with the Bauer Executive DBA community.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment has been successfully reinventing my career across multiple disciplines while staying committed to one purpose: helping organizations become stronger. I began in finance, transitioned into human resources, moved into business analysis, and ultimately found my passion in enterprise technology and data leadership. Each transition challenged me to learn new skills, embrace uncertainty, and view organizations from a different perspective. Those experiences have shaped the way I approach leadership, problem-solving, and continuous learning. They have also prepared me to pursue research that bridges business, technology, and people.

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

My long-term goal is to become a thought leader in enterprise AI governance, organizational transformation, and workforce readiness. I hope to develop practical research that helps organizations adopt AI responsibly while preserving trust, operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and data sovereignty. The Executive DBA will equip me with the research skills, faculty mentorship, and executive network needed to transform real-world business challenges into evidence-based solutions. Ultimately, I hope my work will contribute to corporate leadership, public policy, and digital transformation initiatives in both developed and emerging economies.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy teaching, mentoring, and having meaningful conversations that help people grow personally and professionally. Whether I'm teaching Sunday School, coaching others on personal finance, or helping someone navigate a career transition, I genuinely enjoy investing in people. I also love reading about leadership, technology, and global development, and spending quality time with my husband and our two young daughters.

My Bio

I am Vice President for On-Stream Services for TEAM Inc. Originally from the UK, I hold Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering and an MBA from Lancaster University Management School. A licensed Professional Engineer (US), Chartered Engineer (UK) and Certified Welding Engineer, I lead TEAM's Engineering, Manufacturing and In-Service Repair Divisions; supporting clients globally. I have Fellowship of the UK Institution of Mechanical Engineers and am Chair for the Americas region of the charity. I have a strong track record of using my technical competencies to solve complex commercial issues.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My family and successfully transitioning my career from the UK to the United States.

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

I anticipate the DBA will help me bring a higher level of strategic thought and problem solving to the table, allowing me to add more value to my company as I gain further responsibilities.

Peek behind the profile:

I enjoy fishing and entertaining family/friends.

My Bio

My name is Alex Vega, and I am from Houston, Texas. At 17, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where I proudly served on active duty for 10 years, gaining extensive experience in transportation, logistics, and recruiting while developing strong leadership and operational management skills. After transitioning from the Marine Corps, I continued my career in operations and logistics, advancing into leadership positions, including Director of Operations and Logistics. I began my higher education at San Jacinto College, earning my Associate’s degree before transferring to the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees in business and leadership. Currently, I work for a software company that delivers solutions and services to organizations across a wide range of industries worldwide.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is the successful transition I made from military service to civilian leadership while continuing to invest in my education and professional growth. What makes this accomplishment most meaningful to me is not any single title, degree, or position, but the ability to continually adapt, grow, and create opportunities for myself while serving others.

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

The DBA program will enhance my ability to apply advanced research, strategic thinking, and evidence-based decision-making to complex business challenges. As I continue to advance in leadership roles, I want to contribute to organizational growth, improve operational effectiveness, and influence strategic decision-making while leading transformational initiatives across diverse industries. In the long term, I aspire to mentor future leaders, contribute through applied research, and eventually teach at the university level. Ultimately, the program aligns with my commitment to lifelong learning and will help me maximize my impact as a leader, strategist, and business professional.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and traveling whenever possible. Family is very important to me, and I value the opportunity to create lasting memories through shared experiences, whether it's attending local events, taking weekend trips, or simply enjoying time together at home.

My Bio

I am the Chief Brokerage Officer at Homhub.ai, where I oversee strategic operations for Detour, Detour REA, and NOW. As the lead architect of corporate scaling, I manage complex licensing and regulatory compliance to advance AI-driven asset management models. My extensive background in supply chain includes managing capital projects exceeding $1 billion at firms like Dow Chemical and KBR. Beyond executive work, I bring significant experience in sports management, holding a Master of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University, including directing public relations for The LaFell Group. Combining my technical background in electrical engineering from Prairie View A&M University with my operational expertise, I focus on driving efficiency and growth across professional industries.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Spending the last twenty plus years alongside my wife, Rhonda, has been the greatest gift of my life. Nothing compares to the joy of raising our four children Joshua, Jason, Judson, and Rylan and watching in awe as they grow into the remarkable individuals they are becoming.

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

Achieving this goal will first bring immense honor to my parents. This accomplishment will enable me to share my knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. As a practitioner-scholar, I anticipate that this opportunity will allow me to hone my skills and enhance my research abilities, ultimately enabling me to make a greater impact on the communities I serve. The UH Executive DBA program will continue to expand my network and mold me into a more effective servant leader. Additionally, it will contribute to the legacy of my family and hopefully inspire my children to never cease their pursuit of knowledge.

Peek behind the profile:

In my free time outside of spending time with my family. I really love sports and working with athletes. In addition, I enjoy good movies, food and music.

My Bio

I am an M&A Advisor and Investor with 30+ personal acquisitions and founder of Say Yes! Enterprises, a premier M&A Advisory firm. An international 5X bestselling author featured in Wall Street Select, ABC and NBC, my work centers on solving what I call the "entrepreneurial epidemic” in the lower-middle market, where the majority of businesses never successfully transfer ownership. I have personally consulted over 500+ companies and specialize in helping founders optimize systems, exponentially grow marketing, uncover hidden profits and structure strategic exits that maximize enterprise valuation.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment has been mentoring others and giving back. My mantra is "For Them" which means: All that I have, all that I am, all that I have done... it was For Them.

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

I am incredibly privileged to be a DBA candidate so that I may publish research that will transform our country's economy and so that I may teach & impact the next generation of business professionals & entrepreneurs.

Peek behind the profile:

When I'm not giving seminars or negotiating life-changing business deals for my clients, I am actually *very* introverted and creative; I write poetry, play piano, cook and love to garden.