Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)Class of 2023
Casey Sowers Systems Administrator, Project Lead | University of Miami
Casey Sowers is a 14-year Army veteran serving in Artillery and Military Intelligence branches, serving on deployments to Afghanistan, and separating as an officer at the rank of Captain. He has two children, both girls, ages twelve and three. Casey earned a Bachelor of Science from the Atlantic Intercontinental University, a Master of Intelligence Operations from the American Military University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami. With over 8-years of project management experience, he excels at identifying and creatively exploiting synergies by combining systems or operations and has a passion for making an impact. Casey has held multiple leadership positions in the U.S. Army, serving as Company Commander in his last assignment. After separating from the military, Casey served as Assistant Vice President with Detente, LLC, where he spearheaded business development in Central and South America. His contributions played a vital role in building a $349 Million contract waterfall within the company's first three years leading to the acquisition of Detente, LLC, by Ansible Government Solutions. He stayed on through the acquisition by Ansible, where he served as Aviation Program Manager. He provided program development and management of simultaneous defense contract operations with military and government agencies from Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Colombia, Ecuador, Lebanon, Mauritania, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, and the United States. In his most recent position, with the University of Miami, Casey utilized his experience as a military intelligence officer and innovation to design and develop an information collection and management platform. This platform addressed information silos between the different schools within the university. Before this platform, each school operated on international research and activities entirely independently, without a central repository for the university's global research and operations. Currently, Casey is pursuing a Master of Business Analytics at the University of Miami and a Doctorate in Business Administration at Florida International University. He also provides consultation for the restructuring and rebranding of a non-profit organization supporting equal and shared parenting. Most recently, he designed, developed, and delivered a phone application, for the non-profit, on both Android and iPhone, to make their services more accessible to those they support.
Clara E. Arango Principal Broker | ACE International Realty LLC
As the owner and president of this boutique real estate office, Clara serves the South American commercial and residential real estate investors. Before starting her own practice, she performed as the Financial Director of Fantasy Theatre Factory, a non-profit organization, for seven years. Born and raised in Colombia, she has over fifteen years of experience in the Colombian financial services industry, including commercial banking. In 2015, Clara graduated with her Master of Science in International Real Estate from Florida International University and will graduate with her Master of Accounting from Florida Atlantic University in August 2020. Afterwards, she will work on her Certified Public Accounting (CPA) certification.
Humberto R. Noguera Systems Administrator | Greenlane Holdings, INC.
Humberto has over eighteen years of experience in the Information Technology and Information Systems field in support of commercial and pharmaceutical operations. MSIS, MIS, CIS, CJIS, MCPS, CCNA, Network+, A+ certified with a strong background in Information Technology Management, Computer Programming and Systems Administration. Founder and CEO of Manage Development Systems https://www.managesystems.net.
Huston Pullen Chief, Energy Workforce & Economic Development Division
Huston Pullen serves as the Chief of the Energy Workforce Division for the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity in the U.S. Department of Energy. As Chief, Mr. Pullen oversees the minority workforce development and entrepreneurial development programming. Mr. Pullen also oversees the Department of Energy’s Equity in Energy Initiative, a nationwide initiative that is focused on building an energy economy for everyone. Mr. Pullen provides strategic oversight and implementation for the initiative and its programs throughout the United States. Mr. Pullen has a strong background in program management, economic & workforce development, and strategic communications. Mr. Pullen has led successful programs in economic and workforce development with the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the City of Henderson Nevada, and the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development. Mr. Pullen has also held positions with the U.S. Department of Justice and Booz Allen Hamilton where he led and supported public affairs and strategic communications programs. Considered a subject matter expert in economic and workforce development programming, Mr. Pullen is focused on building programs that build resiliency and sustainable job creation for communities. Mr. Pullen was awarded the 2015 Small Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration for his work in leading technical assistance programs serving small businesses and significantly contributing to job creation efforts for the State of Nevada. Mr. Pullen has a passion for working within communities to help build opportunities and strengthen economic prosperity. Mr. Pullen holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration as well as a Master of Science in Crisis & Emergency Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada Reno, and a Master of Music in Conducting from Azusa Pacific University.
Jaime Tobin Global Grant Chair | Rotary International
Currently as the Global Grant Chairwoman, all grants that are formed between the US and any foreign country will go through her rigorous analysis. She is part of the $3 billion dollars devoted to thousands of projects in 29 currencies from 156 countries. The current goal is to see that all grants have performed plan management, cost analysis and can have lifelong sustainability. Combined with Lean Six Sigma training and 15 years of management experience working with industry leaders such as Walgreens, American Express and ATT, she has a wealth of business leadership knowledge. She has a Master's in Business Administration from FIU, a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a Healthcare specialty from College of Central Florida and a Pre-Medicine associate degree from College of Central Florida.
Lisandro Sciutto Senior Product Director | Infor Nexus
Lisandro is a product professional with more than 25 years of experience in the software industry. He has developed an extensive background in management, software development, technology, and enterprise applications providing solutions for manufacturing and supply chain. In the early ’90s, he led the development of one of Peru’s first prepaid cellular service. He was a pivotal contributor to the Mongoose development framework single-handedly design and development of the integrated development environment (IDE) component. Lisandro was Infor’s first LATAM product manager working with customers to enable regional requirements, introducing the transformation to the cloud, and keynote speaker at events explaining the business value of technology. Currently, Lisandro is working to integrate enterprise applications (ERP) with supply chain networks to solve complex sourcing, fulfillment, and transportation problems. Along the way, he has enjoyed adapting to new cultures with living experiences in Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and the USA. Lisandro has an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.
Luis E. Giralt Managing Director l Citi Private Bank
Luis is a Managing Director, Team Leader and Private Banker, based in Miami. His team is responsible for deepening Ultra High Net Worth client relationships and for attracting and developing new relationships in Venezuela and Ecuador. Luis began his career in banking in 1988 as a Risk Manager with the Corporate Bank of Citi Ecuador, later becoming a Relationship Manager for the Local Corporate and Financial Institutions groups. After working for nearly six years with Merrill Lynch Private Finance in Miami, he joined Citi Private Bank in early 2001 and has worked with Ultra High Net Worth clients throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean. Luis received his MBA from the University of Chicago and his MA and BA degrees in Economics from the University of Florida. He is a CFA charterholder and holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses.
Maria N. Molina Higher Ed Consultant | Huron Consulting Group
Maria is a full time Higher Ed Consultant, specialized in Workday Financials and has more than 27 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Management and Leadership. Maria participates in engagements pertaining to Workday Human Capital Management, Payroll and Financials for different clients and helps them define ERP business solutions. Prior to Huron, Maria held multiple roles at the University of Miami, including Assistant Director in the Controller’s Office – General Accounting area, Development Services in the Advancement area and Functional Lead during the ERP implementation. Maria received her Master of Science in Management and Leadership from the University of Miami.
Mariano Herrera Senior Accountant & Consultant | Gentech Associates at United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Austin, Texas
Mariano Herrera is an experienced Accountant, Auditor & Financial Analyst with more than 15 years of experience working as a Financial & Management Accountant for the Federal Government, State Government, and Non-Profit Entities. Mariano graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico where he studied Business Administration with a major in Corporate Finance and minor in Business Management and went on to obtain his Master in Business Administration with a double specialization in Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance, he has made a name for himself in this industry due to his sound decision-making abilities, analytical skills, business acuity, and problem-solving skills. He is experienced in strategic financial planning, budgeting, financial reports, funds management, revenue projections, and internal control.
Currently, Mr. Herrera is part of the Financial Service Center (FSC) Team of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The FSC is accountable for implementing, incorporating, and executing correct financial practices over the financial resources to be managed in the direct and indirect service through the Veterans. Mariano has also served as a Compliance Auditor over the Purchase Card Program. He was one of the cornerstones programs of the VA, with an allocation in expenses of more than $5 billion worth in transaction yearly. Before his most recent roles, Mariano has taken up roles in several positions, such as being a Senior Accountant and being an Interim Chief Financial Officer under a Non-Profit Organizations directly related to the U.S. Federal Government.
Marc A. Love, MBA State Chief Operating Officer (COO) | WellCare of Georgia
"Marc Love is the State Chief Operating Officer (COO) for WellCare of Georgia. WellCare is the largest Medicaid health plan in Georgia and the fourth largest Medicare Advantage plan. Marc is primarily responsible for Health Plan Operations, Network Management, and Member Experience. In addition he is responsible for driving financial performance, improving quality outcomes, and managing the relationship with the plan’s government partners. Marc’s experience and leadership in health administration spans more than 25 years, including hospital management, post-acute care management and big 3 consulting. Marc earned his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Howard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Talladega College. "
Patrick Dulcio Associate Professor | Miami-Dade College
Patrick is an Associate Professor at Miami Dade College (MDC) where he teaches Basic Business Statistics, Business Mathematics, Finance for Non-Financial Major, Investments in Stocks & Bonds, Managerial Finance, Principles of Finance and Principles of Management. Patrick received his Master of Business Administration degree from NOVA Southeastern University, specializing in Finance. His undergraduate studies were in marketing and finance from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Patrick come with a solid technical background with a strong interest in business and a passion towards strategy. He is passionate about teaching, especially within the business development and innovation practice areas.
Ricardo Galeano Regional Sales Manager
Ricardo is originally from Colombia, 41 years old. He has been living in the US since December of 2013. He has an associate degree in chemistry from Colombia, Graduated Cuma Laude from Lynn University where he studied BS International Business, and went for a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Global Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His professional background started in the Textile Industry where he worked for ten years and moved to the chemical industry where he has 13 years of experience in the sales field; currently, he works for Sigura Water holding and is the Regional Sales Manager for the Caribbean territory. He loves to spend time with his family, workout and help people. His daugther is 20 years old and his wife works for Broward Public Schools as a World Language Teacher.
Robert Alrod Chief Executive Office | Aldor LLC
"Robert Alrod was educated in Canada at McGill University in Montreal (BSc mathematics & physics) and subsequently acquired a Masters' Degree at New York's Columbia University Graduate School of Business. An accomplished entrepreneur and senior executive/CEO, his exposure has spanned activities performed in diverse industry and institutional sectors, and national and international, private and public, milieus. Thoroughly experienced in new enterprise development and expansion and highly motivated by the scope of such complex challenges, he was co-founder of Simalex Aluminum Company (sold to the Aluminum Company of Canada in 1966); Head of Operations Control for the 1967 World Exhibition (Expo '67); Principal and Executive Vice President of QSP Limited, an integrated Canadian steel fabrication and processing company (Montreal Stock Exchange); and President and Chief Operating Officer of Rozon Milling Inc., an independent flour milling company in Montreal. He has acted, as well, in a number of consulting capacities in marketing, merchant banking & finance and strategic planning involving complex relationships with private equity, debt sourcing, foreign and domestic business and various government agencies, inclusive of developmental and regulatory entities, in North America, Europe (west and eastern bloc) and Japan."
Russell Kaufman Chief Information Officer
Russell is an experienced leader in Information Technology and is currently the Chief Information Officer for Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus. In this role, he serves on the President’s Cabinet, IT Leadership Team, Campus Crisis Management Team, and multiple committees. The division of Campus Information Technology, comprised of Network Services and Media Services, supports the College’s mission of providing a high-quality teaching and learning experience for over 40,000 students. He serves the community as a member of Broward County Public School’s Technology Advisory Committee, which provides strategic input and recommendations for the procurement and implementation of technology within the school system, and is an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College and Broward College. Russell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Florida International University.
Sy Henderson Sr. Director of Procurement | Global PSIM (Professional Services, IT, and Marketing)
Sy Henderson has worked for over 15 years as a Global Procurement Executive with global corporations like Procter & Gamble, Mars, Coca-Cola, and is currently the Senior Procurement Director of Professional Services, Information Technology, and Marketing Services at The Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Prior to his recent role, he led the North American Sweeteners team for Coca-Cola and built an agile procurement team focused on sourcing logistics, professional services, and merchandise materials for the company. Sy is active in his local community and serves as a volunteer and board member for Kate’s Club and the United Way’s African American Partnership. Sy holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University.
Varun Ramberran Professor | Miami Dade College
Varun is a full-time professor at Miami Dade College for the School of Global Business focusing in the area of supervision and management. For the past seven years, Varun has lectured on business management concepts ranging from the business environment, understanding economic systems, business ethics, operations management, quantitative methods in business as well as high-performance teams and leadership styles. In addition, he serves on various academic committees and has designed and developed curricula for general business disciplines ranging from sales and customer service to digital marketing and advertising. Prior to teaching, Varun spent five years as a Senior Finance Manager at the University of Miami, overseeing both internal and external funding portfolios. In addition to working at the University of Miami, Varun also earned his Master of Business Administration from there as well.
Yingbo Cao Functional Architect | Boeing Distribution Service Inc
Yingbo Cao is a Business Partner/System Architect at Boeing Distribution Service Inc. Yingbo is responsible for delivering strategic IT projects and enhancements for Supply Chain and Operations business. He has extensive experience developing project scopes and objectives, finalizing business requirements, and coordinating efforts in completion. He works closely with business stakeholders to provide the best IT solutions to satisfy the business need. He also leads and manages both on-site and off-shore resources in the project team consisting of testers and developers using Agile and Waterfall methods throughout the Software Development Life Cycle. Yingbo graduated with his Master of Business Administration from Florida International University.
