Alumni News
1970s
Mike McCann, BBA ’75, released an updated edition of his business development book, “Connecting with Key Decision Makers (How to Reach Hard-to-Reach Senior Executives Who Can Say “Yes”),” in September 2024, with many new ideas for interacting with senior executives.
1980s
Roland Garcia, BBA ’81, was selected by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston as a 2024 Global Leader of Influence honoree. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions and shown exceptional leadership in Houston’s international community. Garcia was also recognized by Best Lawyers and as a Texas Super Lawyer.
Lori Smith Schultz, BBA ’85, founded a regional real estate brokerage that serves the entire area between Houston and Austin.
Jeffrey Bowman, BBA ’86, retired as CEO of Rural Emergency Hospital and started a new medical service company with the goal of maintaining access to healthcare in rural communities.
Michael Sandifer, BBA ’88, released a new Christian album called “Gratitude.” Sandifer has a Top 10 Christian radio song off his first album, and two Top 10 songs on an album with his brother, Phillip.
1990s
David Fernando Barrera, BBA ’90, retired as a senior developer with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Elizabeth Fowler, BBA ’91, started a medical staffing company with her husband called Next Wave Partners. They are excited to serve the healthcare community with their physician, nurse and allied staffing needs.
Kelly McCourt, BBA ’94, was promoted to senior director of Sales & Marketing for CoralTree Residence Collection. McCourt will focus on leading sales and marketing for a collection of properties in Colorado and Hawaii.
Ana Maria Garza, BBA ’97, celebrated 26 years at Flexjet, LLC, a global leader in private aviation.
Michael Ganann, BBA ’99, joined the Business Advisory practice at Huron Consulting Group. Ganann primarily supports middle market and larger retail and consumer products companies in need of financial advisory, turnaround and restructuring services.
Jason Poff, BBA ’99, and his wife opened their first 4Ever Young franchise in the Houston Heights area.
2000s
Afsheen Afzal Ismail, MBA ’00, was nominated for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Global Diversity Council. This role underscores ICF’s dedication to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the coaching community.
Matthew Beard, BBA ’02, JD ’05, published a legal treatise, “Income Taxation of Property Acquired from a Decedent,” PLI (2024).
Kevin Goodnight, BBA ’04, recently published his second book, “Dadvotional: A Devotional for Devoted Dads – Power.” This is the first of three books in a series based on 2 Timothy 1:7. It is available on Amazon.
Sarah Farris Warren, BBA ’05, founded Serif+Sway, a firm specializing in copywriting, branding and design for STEM and other technical fields. After 15 years of communicating on behalf of engineering, energy, science researchers and business leaders, she now helps companies convey complex information to lay stakeholders, including clients, investors and boards.
Olumayowa Famakinwa, MBA ’07, was promoted to assistant director of Benefits Equity Research and Studies with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Brian VanHall, MBA/MHA ’07, transitioned from executive vice president of Ambassador Enterprises, a legacy-minded private equity investment firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to CEO of Continental Diamond Tool, a global leader in designing and manufacturing precision superabrasive products for advanced applications across the world.
Lauren Kirchner, BBA ’08, was nominated as a finalist for Greenhouse Grower Magazine’s Operation of the Year. Kirchner, the new president of Spring Creek Growers, was also featured in Greenhouse Management Magazine for her volunteer work with Garden Club at elementary schools.
Cory Allen, BBA ’09, was promoted to director of Carrier Management at Uber Freight.
Cale Dowell, BBA ’09, was named a “40 Under 40” recipient by the Houston Business Journal.
Britney Wekesser Omlor, BBA ’09, and her husband, Chris, celebrated two years of their real estate investment company, Relevant Spaces, LLC.
2010s
Bobby Allen, MAcc ’10, was recently hired as the vice president of Finance at Trusted Home Service Partners, a portfolio company of Tyree & D’Angelo Partners.
Chris Flynn, MBA ’10, joined Class Valuation as chief data officer, leading Class Valuation’s enterprise data strategy, overseeing the development of scalable analytics, AI capabilities and automation to improve valuation accuracy, speed and transparency.
Sean Maguire, BBA ’13, was named director of Corporate Development and Strategic Programs at Lightspeed Systems.
Cameron Barbier, BBA ’15, MBA ’23, started a new role at Sana Commerce as a senior partner marketing manager.
Logan Butler, BBA ’15, MAcc ’16, was recently promoted to director of Finance, Rig Aftermarket at NOV. His wife, Emily Butler, BBA ’16, serves as assistant dean of the Archie W. Dunham College of Business at Houston Christian University.
Lane Duncan, BBA ’16, was named a finalist for the DCEO 2024 Financial Executive Awards.
Misan Bolorunfe, BBA ’17, started her MBA at Columbia University.
Richard Cunningham, BBA ’17, MBA ’19, joined Sovereigns Capital. Cunningham will continue hosting the Faith Driven Investor podcast.
Lauren Marteney, BBA ’17, MAcc ’17, was hired as an associate director at B. Riley Financial Advisory. She will focus on forensic accounting matters, including litigation support and claims preparation.
Leslie Cates, BBA ’18, is celebrating seven years as the VP/SBA department manager at TFNB Your Bank for Life.
Priscilla Joy Olivia James, MBA ’18, was selected as a 2024 Waco Under 40 honoree by the Greater Waco Chamber.
Reina Wiseman, BBA ’19, was promoted to assistant director of the Baylor University Career Center.
2020s
Fiona Bond, MBA ’20, now serves as president and board chair of Texans for the Arts, representing arts and cultural leaders across Texas.
Ian Brown, MBA ’20, was hired as the bureau manager of Housing Policy & Real Estate for the city of Norfolk, Virginia. He will lead the real estate team looking to strategically solve the housing crisis in Norfolk.
Rick Alvarez, MBA ’22, was promoted to regional supply chain supervisor for American Electric Power.
Lauren Engel, BBA ’22, recently started a new job at LHH Recruitment Solutions. She is focused on connecting with and hiring marketing and creative talent in the DFW area.
Kaitlyn Sheroke, BBA ’22, wrapped up her first year as an associate digital analyst for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
Tony Dietz, MBA ’23, was promoted into a business development manager role following his completion of Baylor’s Online MBA program.