DBA Cohort | Spring 2026

Justin Barker is the Regional Manager of Transportation Optimization at Breakthru Beverage Group, with extensive experience in food and beverage distribution, spanning both field operations and corporate leadership. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to develop teaching, consulting, and research expertise while exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on organizational structures in hyper-productive environments. Justin’s greatest professional accomplishment is being the first recipient of the CEO Award for Igniting Excellence at US Foods for contributions to EBITDA growth. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, gardening, home brewing, microcomputer projects, and auto repair.

Andrew Flores Cantu is a Senior Human Resources Consultant with Higginbotham, bringing extensive HR experience across sectors including the U.S. military, professional employer organizations, construction, manufacturing, telecom, and fleet management. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration as a milestone toward induction into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Honor, a distinction requiring a doctoral degree or the rank of Colonel. His research interests focus on how male HR leaders navigate working relationships, leadership dynamics, and professional identity within the predominately female field of human resources. Andrew’s greatest professional accomplishment is his 20 years of U.S. Army service. He enjoys saltwater fishing and exploring the Texas hill country on his Can-Am Spyder with his wife.

Joseph Ceasar is the Founder and Executive Director of the Legacy Institute for Financial Empowerment, with experience across financial services and nonprofit sectors. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthen research and analytical skills, aiming to amplify his impact on rural and underserved communities. His research interests focus on examining how social enterprises can enhance financial stability for nonprofits, helping organizations build sustainable models without compromising mission outcomes. Joseph’s professional accomplishments include founding and scaling a rural nonprofit to an annual operating budget exceeding $1 million and creating diversified revenue streams and workforce programs with measurable impact. Outside work, he engages in community service, mentoring, and faith-based leadership.

Sami Chadli is Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience in state government finance. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to further his continuous learning goals and leverage accelerated online capabilities. Sami’s research interests focus on the application of artificial intelligence to drive innovation in finance. His greatest professional accomplishment is achieving the CFO role in state government while mentoring and passing knowledge along to future finance leaders. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Stacie Christensen is a Senior Data Leader in Digital Engineering at H-E-B, with over 20 years of experience across retail, manufacturing, technology, and aerospace. She has held roles from systems developer to director-level leadership, focusing on digital transformation and data governance. Stacie is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to connect her professional expertise with academic research and advance data-driven decision-making. Her research interests focus on how master data management and governance enable organizations to balance perfect and usable data for strategic decisions. Her greatest accomplishment is building enterprise data programs that transformed fragmented information into trusted foundations for analytics and operational efficiency. She serves on the Texas State MBA Advisory Board and enjoys reading, writing, and playing the drums.

Matthew Downs is a Global Director of Sales and Marketing with extensive experience across the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas sectors, as well as petrochemical, power generation, and industrial construction environments. His career has progressed from technical sales roles into senior leadership, where he has led global sales teams, developed strategy, and supported complex industrial projects. Matthew is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to deepen his ability to diagnose and resolve organizational distress by combining practical leadership experience with rigorous research. His research interests focus on data-driven performance analytics and system-dynamics modeling to predict and prevent organizational distress in industrial service firms. His greatest professional accomplishment includes rebuilding a distressed sales organization and recovering millions in revenue. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor and water-based activities such as boating, diving, and fishing.

Ben Eberhart is the Director of Supplier Quality at Schneider Electric, with extensive experience in automotive, industrial goods, and healthcare industries. He has held roles ranging from Quality Engineer and Manager at General Motors to Director of Supplier Quality at Ingersoll Rand, Carrier Corporation, and Schneider Electric, as well as Director of Continuous Improvement at Indiana University Health. Ben is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to enhance his research capabilities, implement innovative solutions, and strengthen his ability to drive organizational change. His research interests focus on exploring how companies create a culture of problem-solving at all levels. Ben’s greatest accomplishment is mentoring employees who achieved significant career success. He is also a dedicated father of three.

J’Mai Edouard is the National & Global Operations Center Quality Manager at Siemens Industry Inc., with experience spanning nuclear design and testing, utilities, automotive assembly and maintenance, construction, and building automation with a focus on quality and continuous improvement. She is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthen her ability to scale operations, apply research-based decision-making, and lead complex organizations. J’Mai’s research interests focus on decision-making in uncertain environments, particularly how leaders balance data, human behavior, and change initiatives to maintain productivity and engagement. Her greatest professional accomplishment is developing a Baldrige-based quality management system that reshaped operational excellence across multiple teams. Outside of work, she is an entrepreneur, community volunteer, wife, and mother of three sons.

Jake Gerstein is the Director of Cloud Strategy and Enablement at CIBC, with experience in IT engineering and management across financial services, consulting, aviation, and communications industries. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to apply research to professional practice, explore larger strategies, and prepare for an expanded academic career. Jake’s research interests focus on exploring the organizational implications of emerging artificial intelligence technologies, including their impact on structure, change management, and leadership. His greatest accomplishment includes leading North American IT functions at a global communications services company and achieving the highest employee engagement scores within two years. He also serves as adjunct faculty in the MBA program at Framingham State University.

Wallace (Wally) Gustafson is Vice President of Innovation, Digital Solutions & Data Analytics at Reece USA, with experience across enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and supply chain distribution. His career has focused on driving digital transformation and innovation within complex B2B and B2C environments. Wally is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, bringing current thinking into organizational leadership and technology adoption. His research interests explore the intersection of digital and AI adoption with organizational change, focusing on how legacy organizations achieve full-scale user buy-in alongside technical implementation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring emerging technologies, and running.

John Abban Hanson is Vice President of Identity and Access Management at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), with expertise in IT audit, information security, data analytics, and governance, risk, and compliance. He has worked across healthcare, banking, oil and gas, manufacturing, insurance, and pharmaceuticals, leading initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity and risk management. John is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to fulfill long-standing educational goals and enhance his ability to train cybersecurity and data analytics professionals while advising C-suite leaders. His research interests focus on integrating AI and data analytics into cybersecurity vulnerability management and identity and access management. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, bodybuilding, mentoring, and speaking at cybersecurity events.

Tom Hicks is a Program Manager at CAE USA with more than 20 years of experience across the defense, aerospace, aviation, and technology sectors. His career includes program and project management roles supporting large-scale military training, simulation, and aviation systems for U.S. and international customers, along with leadership experience in both public- and private-sector organizations. Tom is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthen his ability to connect theory with practice and to better understand how leadership decisions translate into effective program execution. His research interests focus on leadership decision-making and program execution within hybrid public–private organizations, particularly in complex, high-risk environments such as defense and national security. He considers his greatest professional accomplishment to be successfully leading high-value programs while transitioning from military service to senior private-sector roles. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with family, exploring aviation and history, and staying active.

Mindy Lee Hudson is CEO of S2 Solutions LLC, with experience in government contracting, capture strategy, and proposal management. Mindy is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to sharpen decision-making under uncertainty and expand the strategic value she provides clients. Her research interests focus on examining leadership and decision-making. Mindy’s greatest accomplishment is building her consulting firm from the ground up, securing initial clients through her networks, and sustaining the business through diligence and resilience. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time in the mountains, particularly in Montana.

Linda Hui is the Director of Operating System at Smith & Nephew PPLC, where she leads initiatives in customer experience and operational excellence. She brings extensive experience in healthcare and petrochemical industries at director-level roles. Linda is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to bridge theory and practice and enhance her expertise as a global thought leader driving innovation. Her research interests include customer experience, digitalization, and channel strategy. Linda’s professional accomplishments include leading impactful initiatives that improve business performance globally. Outside work, she volunteers with community organizations including the PTA and Boy Scouts.

Justin Malbrough is a Key Account Management Manager at PepsiCo, with professional experience in consumer-packaged goods and food and beverage industries. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to integrate executive experience with advanced research and analytical skills, aiming to drive innovation and strategic growth within the business community. Justin’s research interests focus on how regional traditions, income disparities, and lifestyle differences shape beverage preferences in emerging markets, exploring the interplay of cultural values, socioeconomic factors, and brand perception. His greatest professional accomplishment is transforming business performance and culture through data-driven leadership at PepsiCo. Outside work, Justin enjoys traveling, sports, reading, and participating in community service.

Darius Leonard McQueen is the Founder and President of the National Vendor Alliance and most recently served as an Agile Software Development Manager at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. His professional experience spans technology, applied research, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on senior software leadership and founder roles. Darius is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to integrate rigorous academic research with real-world technology leadership, strengthening evidence-based decision frameworks that support organizational strategy, operational performance, and scalable innovation. His research interests center on data-driven software systems and decision-support frameworks, particularly how AI-enabled analytics can enhance strategic decision-making and organizational performance. His greatest professional accomplishments include leading mission-critical data initiatives for U.S. Navy stakeholders while founding and scaling multiple technology ventures with measurable impact.

Mark Sciuchetti is Senior Director of Honors at Jacksonville State University, with experience spanning retail, analytics, and education. Mark is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to deepen his marketing knowledge, explore GIS integration in marketing, and strengthen preparation for teaching business. His research interests focus on geomarketing, digital marketing, AI, and consumer behavior related to retail movement. His greatest accomplishment is starting his first small business. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and hiking with his family.

Lil C. Serviss is an Accounting Instructor at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, AL, with prior experience in public accounting serving retail, distribution, manufacturing, and banking clients. She is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to complete a terminal degree and contribute to her institution and community through research and teaching. Her research interests focus on improving accounting education for students entering the profession in a post-pandemic environment. Lil’s greatest accomplishment is guiding students to complete their degrees and enter their chosen careers, particularly those facing challenges. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, finding satisfaction in the rhythm and sense of accomplishment from completing each project.

Kevin Shinn is the CEO of Datamond System Inc. in Toronto, Canada, bringing over 25 years of experience in international trade, manufacturing, banking, and financial technology. He has held leadership roles with Sumitomo Corporation, Nichimen Corporation, CIBC, and RBC, and as Founder and CEO/Chairman of Datamond, he has developed an AI-driven fintech platform automating accounting and financial operations for SMEs. Kevin is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthen research-based decision-making in high-growth technology environments. His research interests focus on how AI can transform financial infrastructure for small and medium-sized enterprises through scalable, ethical, and strategically aligned platforms. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, soccer, pickleball, and spending time with family.

William Spencer is President of Zions Insurance Agency, with leadership experience across financial services, banking, and insurance. He guides organizations through complex, regulated environments while balancing performance, risk, and long-term sustainability. William is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to strengthen evidence-based leadership and apply rigorous research to real-world business challenges. His research interests examine AI adoption, focusing on implementing efficiencies while preserving relational trust and authenticity. His greatest accomplishment is exercising sound judgment in high-stakes decisions, prioritizing integrity and long-term value over short-term gain. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling to explore new cultures, food, nature, and perspectives.

Troy D. Taylor is the CEO of Inductsys, bringing extensive experience across the IT, consulting, and solutions industries. Throughout his career, Troy has worked at the intersection of technology, leadership, and strategic decision-making, founding multiple businesses and achieving several successful exits. He is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to move beyond experience-based intuition and develop evidence-based insights that strengthen executive decision-making. His research interests center on artificial intelligence, particularly how AI-driven tools influence executive cognition, governance behavior, and leadership practices. Outside of his professional work, Troy is a master falconer who enjoys training and hunting with birds of prey, including his juvenile red-tailed hawk, Roxie.

Shreyash Taywade is the Director of AI & Data Science at AT&T, with leadership experience in telecommunications and financial services. He has directed cross-functional teams delivering advanced analytics and AI-driven solutions. Shreyash is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to deepen expertise in applying data-driven strategies to business innovation and executive decision-making. His research interests focus on exploring how AI and advanced analytics can enhance strategic decision-making and operational efficiency within large organizations. His greatest professional accomplishment is leading a team to implement an AI-driven analytics platform that transformed decision-making and fostered innovation. Outside work, he enjoys woodworking and challenging himself with strategy games.

Kien Trac is a Senior Program Manager at Amazon, with experience in supply chain strategy, inventory management, and large-scale business optimization. Kien is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to gain formal research expertise and strengthen his ability to solve real-world business challenges using data-driven methodologies. His research interests focus on organizational behavior, team dynamics, and supply chain optimization. His greatest professional accomplishment includes developing cross-docking strategies that supported Amazon’s business expansion in Canada and created lasting organizational impact. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and biking.

Cheri Williams-Franklin is the Founder & CEO of Life Snapshot, a digital estate planning platform, and CEO of Keep It Moving Logistics, a trucking company in the Midwest. She has over two decades of leadership experience in sales, marketing, and R&D for mid- to large-sized manufacturing companies, transitioning into entrepreneurship to create meaningful solutions. Cheri is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to position herself for teaching strategic marketing and business at the collegiate level. Her research interests focus on organizational behavior, strategic marketing, and innovation. Her greatest professional accomplishment is founding Life Snapshot to help families organize personal assets and final wishes. Outside work, she enjoys traveling, exploring cultures, and spending time with her family.

Jennifer Dahl Zinkgraf is Chief Operations Officer at Sigma Breakthrough Technologies, Inc., and Co-founder of Process Excellence Group. She has over 20 years of experience in process improvement across healthcare, automotive, industrial technology, manufacturing, chemical, and finance industries, with roles spanning multiple organizational levels. Jennifer is pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration to challenge herself, expand knowledge, and set an example for her daughters. Her research interests focus on small business strategies, while her greatest accomplishment is co-founding a startup delivering Lean Sigma-based problem-solving software. She proudly notes being a 2003 Texas State University graduate, celebrating her choice of listing Texas State or Southwest Texas State on her diploma.