About Us

Staff and Leadership Directory

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Preet Ahluwalia

Associate Director of Admissions, Full-Time MBA and Master of Management

Teghpreet (Preet) Ahluwalia is the associate director of admissions for the Full-Time MBA and Master of Management program.

She is a double Aggie having completed her UC Davis MBA in 2022. Born in Canada and raised in Fresno, California, Ahluwalia moved to Sacramento in 2009 to attend UC Davis as an undergraduate. After graduating with a B.A. in psychology and religious studies, she went on to co-found two companies focused on lending and investments.

1101J Gallagher Hall 540 Alumni Lane Davis, CA 95616

Tim Akin

Executive Director, Marketing and Communications

Master of Journalism, University of California, Berkeley

B.A., Social Sciences, University of California, Berkeley

With more than 20 years experience as a strategic marketing and communications adviser, Akin manages the integrated marketing communications strategy, brand building, digital content and advertising campaigns and collateral that enrich the identity of the School, give recognition for its accomplishments and raise its visibility.

Parivash (Parto) Aram

Assistant Director, MBA Career Advising

MBA, Boston University

B.S., Northeastern University

Parto Aram joined the Career Development team in October 2018 as a career counselor. She works closely with Bay Area Part-Time MBA students. 

After seven years of working in high tech as a hardware engineer designing embedded systems, Aram went back to school part-time to get her MBA, and subsequently transitioned to semiconductor marketing. She worked as a marketing manager on the East Coast and then as a European marketing manager stationed in Bristol, England.

Carlos Azevedo

Facilities Manager

Carlos Azevedo is a seasoned facilities design planner and manager with an impressive track record spanning over two decades in the construction industry. With a diverse portfolio of accomplishments, Azevedo has consistently demonstrated expertise in orchestrating and overseeing a wide array of interior projects, ranging from seamless office relocations and unit consolidations to intricate interior renovations. 

Rachel Bandelaria

Program Manager, Master of Science in Business Analytics

Rachel Bandelaria is the Program Manager for the Graduate School of Management's MSBA program, based in San Francisco. Bandelaria provides leadership and strategy for MSBA student-related programs, events, and activities to cultivate a positive student experience that also equips them for a successful transition to the professional world. She is a San Francisco native and received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Riverside where she also became a student mentor to fellow underclassmen.

Marta Barajas

Deputy Director of Admissions Operations

Manages and oversees all aspects of admissions operations including operational process issues, data resource management and admissions data collection for the Graduate School of Management. In this role, she is also responsible for compiling and reporting school-wide ranking and profile statistics for the school.

Marta joined the Graduate School of Management in September of 2004, bringing her technological expertise and more than 15 years of experience in data analysis & reporting, strategic operations planning & implementation, and training.

Carrie Beam

Director of Analytics Projects, Master of Science in Business Analytics

Ph.D. in Operations Research, University of California at Berkeley

Carrie Beam brings 20 years of experience in analytics consulting, research and classroom teaching to the program. Her expertise includes data management and visualization, predictive and prescriptive analytics models, and communication of complex analytics materials to general business stakeholders.

Haley Belenis

Digital Platform Specialist

Haley Belenis is a digital platform specialist facilitating user experience for eos, the Graduate School of Management’s lifelong learning platform. Her primary responsibilities include user access support, product training, technical integrations and supporting the platform’s back office. Outside of her work on eos, Haley also contributes to the Graduate School of Management’s website and digital presence.

She joined the Graduate School of Management in 2024, bringing over 5 years of digital marketing experience in content management, web design and graphic design to her role.

Antoine Broustra

Senior Director of Career Development

MBA, Columbia Business School

Bachelor's, Wharton

Antoine Broustra joined the Graduate School of Management’s Career Development team as Senior Director in October 2018, after close to four years of working as Deputy Director, Employer Partnerships at the Yale School of Management in Connecticut. Antoine brings a focus on building and nurturing corporate relations, developing career opportunities for current and past graduate students, and career advising. 

Loreli Burton

Admissions Coordinator, Student Affairs

Loreli Burton joined the Graduate School of Management in 2016. As the Admissions Coordinator, she provides analyst level support for various graduate level programs and maintains and audits admissions databases. She also assists with student admissions, events, and activities supporting the Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Science in Business Analytics programs.

Loreli’s career in data management began in 2010 but she also has a background in Human Resources. Outside the office, she enjoys time outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Barry Curtis

Director of Corporate Relations and IMPACT Projects

Barry Curtis joined the UC Davis Graduate School of Management in July 2023 with a diverse career in industry, management consulting, and academia. He previously worked in the Offices of Research at both the University of Florida and UC Davis - marketing each university's technologies and expertise. Curtis' background includes operational and strategic planning, industry/competitive analysis, project management, recruiting/performance evaluation, and business development.
 

Gallagher Hall 1101H

Amy Davis

Social Media Specialist

B.A., Communications, University of California, Davis

Amy Davis joins the Graduate School of Management as a proud alumna of UC Davis. She brings 10+ years of experience in communications, PR and social media strategy from locally-based organizations, including regional grocer Raley’s Family of Fine Stores and Northern California-based Sutter Health, where she shaped and launched company-wide social media programs, supported media relations plans and developed internal communications efforts.

Sergio Esquerre

Instructional Operations Manager, Bay Area MBA Campus

Sergio Esquerre joined the School as a student assistant in July 2012. He was promoted to instructional operations specialist in November 2017. With seven years of experience assisting the Project and Instructional Resources team, Esquerre was named as the instructional operations manager for the Bay Area MBA campus in July 2019.

Paxtenne Falls

Administrative Assistant

Efficiently assist students, staff, and faculty with a wide range of administrative tasks including travel and entertainment, facilitating purchasing requests, and coordinating contracting services. With a focus on streamlining processes and providing exceptional customer service. Serve as a backup to the facilities manager.
 

Andy Fleisher

Senior Analyst, Project & Instructional Resources

B.S., Biochemistry, University of California, Davis

Andrew Fleisher graduated from UC Davis in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Before arriving at the Graduate School of Management, he worked for six years in the Entomology Department at UC Davis as a technician where he coordinated on research involving the feeding habits of mosquitoes and co-authored three journal articles. After time in the lab, Fleisher worked in the Temporary Employment Pool and found his way to the Graduate School of Management where he has been for the last 8 years.

Espy Foft

Content Marketing Specialist

Maria Esperanza Foft, better known as “Espy,” is a communications and marketing professional with 15 years of experience. Foft previously collaborated and led corporate marketing strategies, customer experience and promotional/visibility campaigns on teams in the retail industry (Arden Fair), broadcast radio (Clear Channel) and PCF Restaurant Management.

2216 Gallagher Hall

Karen Gallardo

Career Development Operations Manager

Karen Gallardo is a proud aggie alum who serves as the Career Development Operations Manager at the Graduate School of Management. Gallardo helps support the career center by overseeing the strategic development and implementation of multiple databases to address evolving data needs. In her role, she provides essential analytical support and conducts statistical research for Career Development and Student Affairs.

Gallagher Hall Rm 1101 Davis, CA 95616

Michele Goodman

Director of Administration and Human Resources

Michele Goodman manages fiscal affairs and provides administrative and operational direction of business services/resources for the school. Goodman serves as the human resources expert for the school. She is instrumental in organizing, planning and meeting key objectives to enhance employee on-boarding and business operations among students, faculty, staff and University affiliates. 

Porsché Green

Event Specialist

Porsché Green joined GSM in 2023 as part of the event team. She supports the planning and implementation of programs, conferences and other school-wide events benefiting the Graduate School of Management and its community. When she is not providing event support at GSM, she will support the UC Davis Library Communications and Marketing team in event planning. 

Gallagher Hall Room 2206

Kari Heidrick

Assistant Director, Master of Professional Accountancy

Kari Heidrick has been with UC Davis for over two decades, including 14 years as a program representative at UC Davis Professional and Continuing Education, Business and Leadership Department, and seven years as the business development manager with Conference and Event Services. Most recently, Heidrick joined the Graduate School of Management (GSM) as the Assistant Director of the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc).

Gabriel Horner

Admissions Coordinator

Gabriel Horner joined the Graduate School of Management in 2023. As an admissions coordinator, he provides analyst-level support for the Full-Time MBA, Sacramento Part-Time MBA and Bay Area Part-Time MBA programs. He maintains and audits admissions databases; provides customer service and support to applicants; compiles reports on admissions data; and helps improve admissions processes on an ongoing basis.

Horner is a proud UC Davis alumnus. In his free time, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends, backpacking in nature and reading.

Gallagher Hall

Carin Hotaling

Career Services Operations Manager

As the Career Services Operations Manager for the Graduate School of Management, Carin manages operations for the career center and coordinates and provides high-level support for students and recruiter programs. Carin serves as the front-line contact for current students, employers and alumni. She manages logistics for events such as career fairs, workshops, guest speakers and interviews. She also provides analytical support and statistical research for the Office of Student Affairs and administrative support to the Senior Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

James Kelly

Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration

MBA, University of California, Davis

A.B., Harvard University

James Kelly serves as the assistant dean for finance and administration.

Kelly has 25 years of diverse, global experience in senior leadership positions in corporations and nonprofit organizations. He has also served as an independent management consultant in corporate strategy, team-building and executive coaching. 

Charla Kordana

Events Manager

Charla Kordana leads the GSM Events Team to develop, coordinate and execute programs and events across all Graduate School of Management units. Charla’s work experience has included planning and executing events for the Davis Chamber of Commerce, leading the membership and marketing team for Alaska’s Rural Electric and Cooperative Association, program support for the American Diabetes Association Western Region, membership recruitment and retention for the Organization of the Protection and Advancement of Small Telephone Companies, and an account representative at Henry J.

Selina Laqui

Career Development Program Manager/IMP Analyst

As the Career Development Program Manager/IMP Analyst for the Graduate School of Management, Laqui helps support the career center by coordinating and providing high-level support for students and recruiter programs. She serves as the front-line contact for current students, employers and alumni. Laqui manages logistics for career fairs, workshops, guest speakers and interviews. With her background in social work, she has an immense passion for preserving the well-being of others and creating nurturing environments for individuals to thrive.

Gallagher Hall Rm 1101 Davis, CA 95616

John Lyon

Deputy Director of Admissions, Master of Science in Business Analytics

MBA, University of California, Davis

John Lyon is based in San Francisco as Deputy Director of Admissions for the UC Davis Master of Science in Business Analytics. John works with candidates throughout the admissions process, including prospective students, MSBA applicants, and admitted students ensuring their successful enrollment and a smooth transition. Prior to this role, Lyon was the Associate Director of Admissions. He also worked with the Bay Area Part-Time MBA program while simultaneously earning his MBA at UC Davis.

Camille Mack

Admissions and Operations Specialist, MSBA

B.S. Community and Regional Development, UC Davis

Camille Mack joined the School in May 2019. Based in San Francisco, she assists in managing the program operations to help support the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, special events and admissions outreach efforts. Mack also provides support to faculty, students, and staff by managing process, projects and systems that support the instructional and admission engagements of the School.

Inger Maher

Senior Director of Student and Academic Services

Inger Maher oversees the student experience at the Graduate School of Management, from orientation to commencement. She plays a lead role in delivering varied programming to students, including international exchange programs and the GSM’s new Principled Leadership Program. Maher manages policies and procedures affecting student enrollment and academic advising and oversees the process for student scholarship awards.

Christopher Marshall

Director, Alumni Relations & Network Strategy

Christopher Marshall joined the UC Davis Graduate School of Management as the director of alumni relations & network strategy in 2022. He is responsible for fostering alumni engagement, managing and mobilizing the GSMAA Board, and building relationships with external constituencies to grow and strengthen the school’s network. 

Lizzie Mayo

Associate Director of Admissions, Bay Area Part-Time MBA

Lizzie Mayo (she/her/hers) joined the UC Davis Graduate School of Management as associate director of admissions for the Bay Area Part-Time MBA in 2022. She works alongside candidates through the admissions process, implementing recruiting programs, processing applications and ensuring prospective students have a quality experience. 

Tim McConville

Visual Media Specialist

Tim McConville is a dedicated Visual Communications Specialist with the Graduate School of Management, and brings 10+ years of expertise in visual storytelling to create captivating and impactful content. With a passion for photography and video production, McConville utilizes his keen eye for detail and technical proficiency to deliver exceptional visual assets. His love of visual storytelling began from a young age when a typical weekend activity involved making creative short films with his classmates.

Angel McCormack

Lead Career Counselor

M.S., Career Counseling, California State University, Sacramento

B.A., Psychology, California State University, Sacramento

Angel McCormack joined the Graduate School of Management in 2006 and has provided professional career counseling to over 2,000 graduate business students. The cornerstone to her success has been the remote style of counseling she pioneered in 2006 to meet the busy schedules of MBA students, which was well ahead of its time and now a staple in the industry.

Pauline Moreno

GSM Assistant Director of Financial Aid

Pauline Moreno joined the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at UC Davis in 2016. As the assistant director of financial aid for the Graduate School of Management, she manages the financial aid packaging for students in all the School’s programs, advises students on funding options and upholds institution and federal standards to ensure the best service for our students. Moreno’s career in financial aid began in 2006, she received an introduction to financial aid as the financial aid office work-study student at her community college.

Gallagher Hall

Gloria Navarro

Enrollment Counselor

B.S. Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Science & Engineering, University of California, Davis

Gloria Navarro joined UC Davis Graduate School of Management as Enrollment Counselor in 2022.

Navarro earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering at the University of California, Davis in 2021 with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Science & Engineering.

Lisa Nguyen

Director of Digital Marketing

M.S. Integrated Marketing Communications, West Virginia University

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Pittsburgh

Lisa Nguyen is a veteran web marketing professional with a proven track record in online user experience, design and implementation, including web site development, content and social media management, content strategy, market research and web/digital communications. She has been an innovative marcom leader in industry, higher education and non-profits. 

Brian Risi

Associate Director of Admissions, Bay Area Part-Time MBA

Brian Risi joined UC Davis Graduate School of Management as associate director of admissions for the Bay Area Part-Time MBA Program in February 2021.

After first attending The University of Delaware, Risi transferred to The University of Montana in Missoula, MT and earned his Bachelor’s Degree. After graduating from Montana, Risi moved to the Bay Area and hasn’t looked back. 

Jacqueline Romo

Assistant Director of Student and Academic Services
Program Manager, Full-Time MBA

M.A., Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara

Jacqueline Romo is responsible for driving workflow improvements to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. She collaborates with the associate director, academic and student services to develop the School’s enrollment and information systems. Romo is responsible for working directly with the full-time MBA students, providing guidance for student programs, events and activities, as well as supporting MBA recruiting and admissions activities.

Office Hours By Appointment Only

Francesca Ross

Event Specialist

Francesca Ross is responsible for the planning & implementation of executive education programs, academic conferences and events school-wide. Before joining GSM she previously supported UC Davis College of Engineering. Ross earned her B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis.

Gallagher Hall

Lisa Sanchas

GSM Registrar

B.A., Political Science, UC Davis

As the GSM Registrar, Lisa Sanchas is responsible for registration, course scheduling, enrollment management, academic progress, degree certification, record-keeping and student advising across all GSM programs. Sanchas also manages the GSM's in-house student registration system for each program, creates the school's academic calendar, and works with various campus units to resolve issues regarding fee assessments, student accounts, and financial aid.

Alex Svensson

Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Sacramento Part-Time MBA Program

Alex Svensson (she/her/hers) joined UC Davis Graduate School of Management in 2020. As the Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Sacramento Part-Time MBA Program, she works alongside candidates through the admissions process, implementing recruiting programs, processing applications and ensuring that prospective students have a quality experience.

Angela Tom

Associate Director of Career Development

Angela Tom joined the Graduate School of Management (GSM) in 2023, as Associate Director of Career Development, after a diverse career across various organizations. Before joining the GSM, Angela worked as a career coach at the University of San Diego Knauss School of Business, a Center Manager for the United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) in Okinawa, Japan, a Development Analyst at UC Davis DEVAR, and a Project Manager at the California Department of Education. She holds an MBA from Drexel University LeBow College of Business and a B.S.

Damon Tull

Director for Industry Alliances

Damon Tull is the director for industry alliances at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management and the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His research interests include U.S. global competitiveness and the financial and human capital flows of our national innovation ecosystems.

Diana Vail

Online MBA Program Manager

Diana Vail is the online MBA program manager, responsible for providing a positive student experience through the planning and execution of online MBA student programming. She serves as lead contact for online MBA student body, exercising oversight of student events, residential experiences, and online MBA student organizations. She is responsible for supporting the operations of successful program delivery with the overall functional focus on student experience. 

Samuel Wolfe

Systems Administrator

Samuel Wolfe joined the GSM's IT Support Group in 2022. He works in unison with the other IT Helpdesk technicians and programmers to keep things running smoothly for faculty, staff and students.

Wolfe holds a B.S. in Computer Science and has worked as an IT professional for ten years. He is currently pursuing a master's at Sacramento State.

A native Californian, Wolfe enjoys miniature gaming, painting and living happily with his wife, who is also affiliated with UC Davis.

Margaret Wolfe

Assistant Director, Project & Instructional Resources

As the assistant director of project and instructional resources, Margaret Wolfe oversees initiatives to promote educational goals across all Graduate School of Management programs. In collaboration with the senior director, she ensures key objectives, projects, and operational needs are met both within the unit and across all facilities located in Davis, Sacramento, San Ramon and San Francisco. She is well versed in project coordination, teaching facility management and utilizing advanced technologies.

Mary Xiong

Email Marketing Specialist

Mary brings over 10 years of knowledge in digital and CRM marketing. Prior to joining the Graduate School of Management, Mary spent six years at Delaware North Parks and Resorts, a global food service and hospitality management company. Her relentless dedication helped the division grow their CRM marketing programs, guest surveys, user generated content and social media contests.

Eva Zhang

Associate Director of Admissions, MBA@UCDavis

Master of Public Administration, San Francisco State University

As Associate Director, Eva Zhang joins the admissions team to manage the admissions and enrollment process of the Online MBA program. She is mainly responsible for overall admissions oversight, candidate evaluation, process supervision and relationship management.   

Cindy Zivic

Associate Director of Admissions, Online MBA and Online Master of Management

Cindy Zivic is the Associate Director of Admissions for the Online MBA and Online Master of Management. She brings 20 years of brand management and business strategy experience to the Graduate School of Management and is now eager to apply her business background to her life-long passion for higher education. Zivic is excited to help prospective students achieve their potential through the transformative power of education.