Staff and Leadership Directory
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
Career Advisor, Bay Area MBA
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.
Marie Augusto
Academic Operations & Planning and Support Analyst
Marie Augusto responsibilities include academic personnel (recruitments and appointments), course catalog maintenance and she will provide administrative support to Dean and Assistant Deans.
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.
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.
Julie Burgal
Academic Advisor, Minor Programs
M.S. in Genetics and Cell Biology, Washington State University
B.S. in Biotechnology, UC Davis
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.
Jason Choi
Program Manager, Sacramento Part-Time MBA
B.A., Philosophy, Wheaton College (MA)
Jason Choi is the Program Manager for the Graduate School of Management's Sacramento Part-Time MBA program, based out on the UC Davis Medical Center campus.
Charles Gabriel Coleman
Assistant Director, Academic Operations and Planning
B.A., University of Redlands Academic personnel and policy
On-Site: Room 3407, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday
Daria Costello
Director of Corporate Relations and IMPACT Projects
B.A. Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Daria works with corporations, organizations and business partners to source strategic projects and industry experts for the School's full-time and part-time MBA students' capstone courses.
Previously, Costello was the Associate Director of the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program, which welcomed its charter class in 2012. She managed recruiting and admissions, program management and career services for MPAc students.
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.
Steven Escobar
Assistant Director, Administration and Facilities
Responsible for workflow management for the business office. Provides facility management for Gallagher Hall.
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.
Brian Favetti
Admissions Coordinator, Student Affairs
B.A. Music, UC Davis
B.S., Business/Managerial Economics, UC Davis
Brian Favetti joined the Graduate School of Management in 2017. As an admissions coordinator, he provides analyst-level support for the Full-Time MBA, Sacramento Part-Time MBA, 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.
Andy Fleisher
Assistant Director, Project & Instructional Resources
B.S., Biochemistry, University of California, Davis
Andrew 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, Andrew 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.
Chelsea Garner
Enrollment Counselor, MBA Programs
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento
Chelsea Garner joined the Graduate School of Management as an enrollment counselor in early 2020. After working nearly three years for the UC Davis Division of Continuing and Professional Education as an academic records coordinator, where she oversaw a program with 900 students per year, and served as the main point of contact for various student needs.
Maggie Gonzalez
Career Services Program Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts, English, UC Davis
Maggie supports the GSM Career Development Center in managing analytical, technical, operational, development and execution of multiple programs, databases, web-based services. She coordinates and provides support and communication for students and recruiter programs, and manages complex events.
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.
Shachi Govil
Associate Director, Master of Science in Business Analytics
BFA at Sophia College, Mumbai
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.
Michelle Jacobs
HR Generalist
Michelle Jacobs serves as the HR Generalist for GSM. Responsible for the full scope of HR programs: recruitment, staff orientation/on-boarding and off-boarding, performance management, employee and labor relations, leave management, training and development, merits, appraisals, and personnel/payroll actions.
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.
Kelly Lootz
Associate Director of Admissions, Full-Time MBA Program
Kelly Lootz (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA program.
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
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.
Dawn May
Assistant, Development and External Relations
Supports all members of the External Relations and Development unit. Responsibilities include preparing informational packets, data entry, coordinating large mailings, correspondence and assisting with events.
Angel McCormack
Lead Career Counselor
M.S., Career Counseling, California State University, Sacramento
B.A., Psychology, California State University, Sacramento
Myers Briggs Type Indicator Certified
Korn Ferry Leadership Architect
Andrea McEvoy
Director of Business Development & Employer Partnerships
MBA, Marketing, NYU Stern School of Business
B.A., English, Kenyon College
Andrea McEvoy joined the Graduate School of Management’s Career Development team as director of business development in December 2019, after working as senior manager in Corporate Education at the University of California, Berkeley.
Brian McQuaig
Programmer
Responsibilities include system analysis and design, database management, Web site development, desktop publishing and faculty projects of relevant new technologies.
Jerry Montoya
Programmer
Jerry Montoya's responsibilities include system analysis and design, database management, website development, desktop publishing and faculty projects of relevant new technologies.
Samantha Moody
Administrative Operations Assistant
Samantha Moody provides administrative services for the school. Responsibilities include invoicing and contracting services, travel and entertainment reporting assistance, and facilities upkeep. Samantha is also the GSM’s Authorized Telecommunications Representative responsible for purchasing and managing services for mobile and office phone lines.
Elizabeth Moon
Associate Director of Career Development and Chief Diversity Officer
M.A., Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor, Sacramento State
B.A., Anthropology, George Washington University
Lisa Nguyen
Director of Web 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.
William Orta
Associate Director, Master of Professional Accountancy
William Orta is the associate director for the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program.
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, Brian 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.
Francesca Ross
Event Specialist
responsible for the planning & implementation of executive education programs, academic conferences, & 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
Amy Russell
Executive Director, Master of Science in Business Analytics
MBA, University of California, Davis
M.A. Education, University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. History, UC Davis
Sayana Saing
Bay Area Part-Time MBA Program Manager
As Graduate School of Management’s Bay Area Part-Time MBA Program Manager, Sayana Saing, works to provide advice and guidance to diverse students, faculty, staff, alumni, applicants, company representatives, and the general public regarding MBA policies & procedures, deadlines and events.
Sayana earned his Bachelor's degree from the California State University of East Bay and has two-decades working experience in higher education.
12647 Acosta Blvd., Suite 190 San Ramon, CA 94583
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.
Christina Sanchez
Director, Project & Instructional Resources
M.A., California State University, Sacramento
B.A., University of California, Davis
Dedan Sims
Sacramento Instructional & Operations Manager
MBA Candidate 2019, Trident University
B.S., Trident University
Marianne Skoczek
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications, Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
B.A., Oberlin College
Marianne Skoczek has more than 25 years of experience as a writer, editor, communicator and marketing professional.
Wendy Stoltz
Project & Instructional Resources Operations Analyst
Responsible for workflow management, course evaluations, textbooks, consultation, and evaluation for Project & Instructional Resources. Coordinates instructional materials/resources for undergraduate, and graduate courses
Alex Svensson
Associate Director of Admissions, Sacramento Part-Time MBA Program
Alex Svensson (she/her/hers) joined UC Davis Graduate School of Management as Associate Director of Admissions for the Sacramento Part-Time MBA in 2020. She works alongside candidates through the admissions process, implementing recruiting programs, processing applications and ensuring that prospective students have a quality experience.
Jennifer Tucker
Career Advisor, Sacramento MBA
M.S., Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
A.B., International Relations, University of California, Davis, CA
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.
Kevin Ulrich
Visual Communications Specialist
B.S., Digital Film and Video Production, Art Institute of California
Kevin manages shooting, editing and producing a wide range of videos about our dynamic community, helping to take our content to the next level through creative multimedia storytelling.
H. Rao Unnava
Dean and Professor
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Research Expertise: advertising, brand management, promotions, international marketing and consumer behavior
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.
Lana Watts
Senior Director of Development and External Affairs
Lana Watts brings more than 10 years of fundraising and business development experience to the Graduate School of Management. Most recently, she served for more than six years with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas where she worked as a development officer responsible for corporate workplace campaigns. Watts’s role allowed her to cultivate relationships with United Way’s loyal donors and major donors while increasing their interest and involvement with organization.
Steven Wilson-Maggard
Content Writer/Editor
M.E., Higher Education Administration, Upper Iowa University
B.A., Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara
Steven Wilson-Maggard is an experienced and versatile marketing and communications specialist with a passion for digital content creation, storytelling, videography and social media engagement. With more than a decade of strategic communications experience, Steven brings valuable skills to a diverse and talented team at UC Davis’ Graduate School of Management.
Erica Wondra
Assistant Director, Master of Professional Accountancy
Erica Wondra joined the GSM in 2021 as the Assistant Director for the Master of Professional Accountancy program. She was previously employed at the School of Pharmacy at Chapman University in Irvine, CA. She began her tenure at Chapman in April 2017 as a Student Affairs Coordinator. As the Student Affairs Coordinator, Wondra identified the need for a Career Services department dedicated to the development of the school’s pharmacy students, which, to date, had been nonexistent.
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.
Stephanie Young-Birkle
Chief of Staff
B.A., political science, history, and philosophy, The College of Idaho
M.A., political science, UC Davis
Stephanie Young‐Birkle is the chief of staff, responsible for guiding cross-functional support of strategic priorities. She liaises with senior staff, university administrators, advisory boards and external stakeholders on the dean’s behalf. She also oversees the implementation of new initiatives and coordinates major activities and events.
Karim Zelenka
Assistant Director of Development
Karim Zelenka joined the Graduate School of Management in 2021 as Assistant Director of Development. Most recently, Zelenka worked closely with development officers across the UC Davis campus as a senior prospect research analyst with the Prospect Management and Research team. He has spent time volunteering with a youth-arts organization in the Bay Area, previously worked on the Principal Gifts team at the Johns Hopkins University, and with Catholic Relief Services both with development and the internal audit team, which allowed him to travel and work in West Africa and Eastern Europe.
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.