Alumni Conference 2024

Feed Your Curiosity

 
Friday, May 3
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Alumni Conference 2024 will explore recent trends, industry developments, and societal shifts affecting various facets the business landscape. Examine a variety of relevant and timely topics together with Anderson’s thought leaders and alumni.
Conference Details
 
10:00 a.m.
Check-in
11:00 - 11:10 a.m.
Welcome Remarks 
Jill Baldauf (’79, ’81), Associate Dean, Alumni Relations
Zubin Davar (’15), President, UCLA Anderson Alumni Network Board of Directors
11:10 - 11:40 a.m.
State of the School 
Tony Bernardo, Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management
11:40 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Economic Forecast: What the Data Says about the Future of the Economy
Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg, Faculty Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast; Adjunct Professor of Economics
For the past 70 years, the UCLA Anderson Forecast has supplied the public, the media and policymakers with critical insights on the economy. It is the most widely followed and oft-cited forecast in the state. In this session, Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg will provide vital analysis to help alumni understand current developments and what it means for the future economy.
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:45 - 4:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
Fairness in the Marketplace: Why It Matters  
Franklin Shaddy, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making
In the modern marketplace, the common response to increased demand is to raise prices. But just because you can charge more, are there instances when you shouldn’t? Price gouging laws exist for this exact reason. From the pandemic, toilet paper to Taylor Swift and concert tickets, there are several examples of instances when people might wish for more “fairness”. Professor Franklin Shaddy explains why firms should think critically about how to fairly allocate scarce goods and services in the marketplace—and how understanding and anticipating these concerns can create durable value for customers, employees, and ultimately, the bottom line. 
Can Hot Wheels Reinvent the Wheel? Insights from a New Product Launch  
Andres Terech, Adjunct Professor of Marketing; Faculty Director, Morrison Center for Marketing and Data Analytics
Hot Wheels was the number one selling toy in the world (by unit volume). However, play patterns among children were rapidly changing and children were moving on from physical toys to digital play at a younger and younger age. Professor Andres Terech explores how Hot Wheels approached this change in preferences brought about by new technology. Were they able to reinvent the wheel?  
Insights from Social Networks and Online Communities  
Elisabeth Honka, Associate Professor of Marketing
Through the years, a variety of communities and networks have evolved, each with its own unique culture, norms, and dynamics. Understanding the power of social networks and online communities is essential in today’s world and Professor Elisabeth Honka explores how communities form and the profound influence of these communities and networks on consumer behavior, consumption patterns, and general social interaction. Whether it's the sway of peer recommendations, the amplification of trends, or the formation of subcultural identities, online communities play a pivotal role in shaping customer preferences, informing marketing strategies, and driving brand engagement.  
Storytelling for Today’s Business World 
Justin Sternberg (’21), Head of Client Strategy, Snap Inc. 
In today’s world, storytelling is essential to propel your career and business. In this interactive workshop, Justin Sternberg (’21) teaches proven Hollywood secrets to help participants dig deep and uncover something about themselves that sets them apart. Every superhero needs to understand their superpower. Once you have identified yours, Sternberg will walk you through the beats followed by every great movie to create your own Olympic Story that flows like a Hollywood blockbuster. Your Olympic Story is not about selling a product -- it's about understanding and selling yourself. The next time someone asks: "So, tell me about yourself" -- you'll finally have the perfect 90 second story that people hear AND truly feel! 
Anderson’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem  
Los Angeles is the fastest growing region for technology and third largest for venture funding in the United States. Learn about the UCLA entrepreneurial ecosystem and how The Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson is supporting early-stage startups through tailored programs year-round. Experience a mini showcase featuring six fast pitches from current and alumni Accelerator founders from UCLA’s community and the broader Los Angeles ecosystem. Challenge them with questions and network with the Accelerator community!
4:00 - 4:15 p.m.
UCLA Anderson Alumni Awards
Outstanding Alumni Service Award
John E. Anderson Distinguished Alumni Award
Learn about the UCLA Anderson Alumni Awards.
4:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
Tony Bernardo photo
Antonio Bernardo
Dean and John E. Anderson Chair in Management
Jerry Nickelsburg
Jerry Nickelsburg
Faculty Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast; Adjunct Professor of Economics
Andrea Terech
Andres Terech
Adjunct Professor of Marketing; Faculty Director, Morrison Center for Marketing and Data Analytics
Franklin Shaddy
Franklin Shaddy
Assistant Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making
Elizabeth Honka
Elisabeth Honka
Associate Professor of Marketing
Justin Sternberg
Justin Sternberg (’21)
Head of Client Strategy, Snap Inc.
See who’s coming to Alumni Conference and Networking Reception! 
Updated on 03/14/2024
First Name Last Name Company Title Year Program
George Abe UCLA Lecturer 1971 Other
Jacob Segal Investors Research Group Founder 1976 FTMBA
Philippe Sirand SIRAND CAPITAL Chief Investment Strategist 1978 FTMBA
Allan Von Halle Allan J von Halle Investment Advisor 1979 FTMBA
Garry Tyran UCLA Anderson School of Management Chair, Chapter Presidents Council; President, Washington, DC Alumni Chapter 1982 FTMBA
Howard Bush Greenbush Capital LLC Partner 1983 FTMBA
Sara Barnum-Callahan n/a n/a 1984 FTMBA
Marc Benezra Glaser Weil Attorney 1984 FTMBA
Drue Bogdonoff Quantum Development Corporation Founder 1984 FTMBA
Janet Brown n/a n/a 1984 FTMBA
Ruy Chavez BRATCHER FOUNDER 1984 FTMBA
Jesse Coronado U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer (Ret.) 1984 FTMBA
Charles Fischer Unicorn Music Owner 1984 FTMBA
Joanne Haase Haase Consulting Group Principal 1984 FTMBA
Hilary Kraft Sticker Planet & HRK Consulting Partner 1984 FTMBA
Devinder Kumar AMD CFO - Retired 1984 FTMBA
Lucy Lewand Happy For No Reason Trainer 1984 FTMBA
Gordon Matthews n/a n/a 1984 FTMBA
Susan Merritt n/a n/a 1984 FTMBA
Susan Miller Edgemont Investment Management President 1984 FTMBA
Al Mueller Excellence in Giving CEO 1984 FTMBA
Rick Passov n/a n/a 1984 FTMBA
Arnold Regalado EMJO Incorporated President 1984 FTMBA
Stuart Sinclair Willis Chair 1984 FTMBA
Cynthia Smet Smet Foundation Director 1984 FTMBA
Jane Spiller - RE Dev. & Mgmt. 1984 FTMBA
Mark Triska Triska Crane Ridge Vineyards OWNER 1984 FTMBA
Sue Wyckoff Stifel Financial Retired 1984 FTMBA
Susan Schroeder Compensation Advisory Partners Partner 1988 FTMBA
Rick Taylor Lefever Building Systems President 1988 FTMBA
Cameron Allen CA Investments CEO Owner 1989 FTMBA
Michelle Barnes CO Dept of Human Services Executive Director 1989 FTMBA
John Bellack n/a n/a 1989 FTMBA
Adam Berns Berns Properties Principal 1989 FTMBA
Rob Darrow Escalent Sr. Director 1989 FTMBA
Tim Hansen Lumentum Supply Chain Program Management 1989 FTMBA
Bryan Hori Edward Jones Co. Retired 1989 FTMBA
Julie Wurden Jablonski n/a n/a 1989 FTMBA
Nicholas Krivoruchko Keen Growth Capital VP, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships 1989 FTMBA
Karen Roche Vistage Chair 1989 FTMBA
Jim Considine Md Mba HealthClaim Review President & CEO 1990 EMBA
Brian Mulligan Brooknol Advisors, LLC CEO 1990 EMBA
Rakesh Varma n/a n/a 1990 EMBA
Elaine Hagan UCLA Anderson, Price Center Associate Dean 1991 FTMBA
Ken Broad Jackson Square Partners Founding Partner 1994 FTMBA
Ted Celentino Celentino Consulting CEO 1994 FTMBA
Robert Chapman n/a n/a 1994 FTMBA
Franco Colombo n/a n/a 1994 EMBA
Michael Depaola TW FINE ART FOUNDING DIRECTOR 1994 FTMBA
Eugene Felder n/a n/a 1994 EMBA
Martin Hartigan n/a n/a 1994 FTMBA
Jovita Jenkins GOOYOW Group LLC Executive Coach 1994 EMBA
Christopher Jenks Weststar Property Management President 1994 FTMBA
Michael Kosciusko n/a n/a 1994 FTMBA
Marla Libraty University of California, San Diego Director of Development, Parent & Family Giving 1994 FTMBA
John Long Korn Ferry Senior Partner 1994 FTMBA
Jim Mahern GumGum Head of Corporate Development and M&A 1994 FTMBA
James Myers The Aerospace Corporation Senior Vice President 1994 FTMBA
Michael Santini n/a n/a 1994 FTMBA
Carol Switzer Paeradigms Senior Partner and Operations Lead 1994 EMBA
Erik Ridgley Salem Partners Wealth Management CEO 1996 FTMBA
Susan Dullabh-Davis Riot Games, Inc. Head of Global Treasury 1997 EMBA
Grace Kurek-Boschan n/a n/a 1997 FTMBA
Sanjay Reddy Unlock Venture Partners Partner 1997 FEMBA
Glenn Flinchbaugh Clover Networks VP Product 1998 FTMBA
Ed Spitzberg Spitzberg Advisors CEO 1998 FTMBA
Chad Barker How are you? Yes, life is good. 1999 FTMBA
Kimberly Buresh n/a n/a 1999 FTMBA
Gordon Chan Family Office n/a 1999 FTMBA
Eleanore Chen-Dogan pro.dai.tious Founder & CEO 1999 FTMBA
Sally Flinchbaugh Oshman Family JCC COO 1999 FTMBA
Charles Foster Jelly Belly Candy Co International Business Manager 1999 FTMBA
Bill Frank Paramount Global CFO 1999 FTMBA
Felicia Gopaul Financial Control Mastery President 1999 Other
Nigel Gopaul JAMS VP of Client Systems 1999 FTMBA
Erika Green Onyx Collective Executive Producer/Writer 1999 FTMBA
Syed Intesar Haider VinsonCap Advisors LP Managing Partner 1999 FTMBA
Chad Hoeft Citigroup Managing Director 1999 FTMBA
Jay Humphlett Tadaweb Managing Director US 1999 FTMBA
Jim Morgan n/a n/a 1999 FTMBA
Thomas Moroney Floris Energy Managing Partner / Founder 1999 EMBA
Elizabeth Padula Artemis Yoga Founder & Owner 1999 FTMBA
Claire Robinson Founder Amigos de Los Rios 1999 FEMBA
Doug Schwartz JPMorgan Asset Management Managing Director 1999 FTMBA
Rita Sharma Pager Health Chief product officer 1999 FTMBA
Susan Soja BluPrint Marketing, LLC Principal 1999 FEMBA
Amy Steadman See's Candies CHRO, SVP 1999 FEMBA
Deanne Steele Merrill Lynch Market Executive 1999 FEMBA
Jonathan Weiss RAW SUGAR LIVING CFO 1999 FTMBA
Stephanie Woodruff-Hale KW Commercial TN/GA Commercial Realtor® 1999 FTMBA
Jacqueline Yau STANFORD UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DONOR RELATIONS 1999 FTMBA
Nevino Rocco JAS Worldwide VP Global Sales Automotive 2000 FTMBA
Jonathan Schreter IMA Executive Vice President 2000 FTMBA
Grady Smith Dimensional Fund Advisors Senior Investment Director 2001 FEMBA
Iván Markman Self Investor, Advisor and Board Member 2002 FTMBA
Susy Yu Kaiser Permanente Director of Business Strategy 2002 FEMBA
Casey Borman UCLA Anderson n/a 2003 FTMBA
Eleanor Lackman Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Partner 2003 EMBA
Veronika Moroian VasxMas CEO 2003 FTMBA
Steve Yu UCLA South Bay COO/CFO 2003 FEMBA
Amy Bergrud Rosenthal Estate Winery General Manager 2004 FEMBA
Alethea Hsu Diamond Development LTD President 2004 EMBA
Jarom Matsuda KPMG Director 2004 FTMBA
Jeffrey Misthal n/a n/a 2004 FTMBA
Cameron Reilly Dara Knot Capital Partners Managing Partner 2004 FTMBA
Armin Reitmair Nesher Technologies CEO 2004 FEMBA
Rick Shuart Caltius Structured Capital Managing Director 2004 FTMBA
Zachary Woodbury n/a n/a 2004 FTMBA
Jaime Zadra PGIM Real Estate Managing Director 2004 FTMBA
Kurt Zech Kennedy Wilson President 2004 FTMBA
Farideh Mehrdad PBF Energy Business Planning 2005 EMBA
Rosario Bradbury Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) Managing Director 2007 UCLA-NUS
Shelley Smith GrayShell Consulting President and General Counsel 2008 CERT
Kristin Ashcraft Kristin D Ashcraft Consulting Founder 2009 FTMBA
Sasha Ban Khan Academy Senior Content Program Manager 2009 FTMBA
Gunit Bedi Avitas Wealth Management, LLC Senior Relationship Manager 2009 FEMBA
Kimberly Borman Expedia Group Director, Strategic Partnerships 2009 FTMBA
Matthew Brutocao Mattel, Inc. Vice President, Barbie Global Brand Marketing 2009 FTMBA
Suzanne Brutocao Mattel, Inc. n/a 2009 FTMBA
Cleo Burtley Össur General Manager, Patient Care 2009 FTMBA
Shawn Evans n/a n/a 2009 EMBA
Justin Hand Westcove Partners Managing Director 2009 FTMBA
Lokesh Khanna Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp Head of Strategy & Program Delivery 2009 FTMBA
Katherine Przygode /dev/ai CEO 2009 EMBA
Robert Puro Douglas Elliman n/a 2009 FTMBA
Diana Salsa Wonderful Vice President, Marketing 2009 FTMBA
Saleha Siddique Microsoft Senior Product Manager 2009 FTMBA
Chris Wright Kayne Anderson Rudnick Portfolio Manager 2009 FTMBA
Denise Petrulis n/a n/a 2010 FTMBA
Elena Kim n/a n/a 2011 FTMBA
Christopher Changprai Warwick Asset Management Owner 2012 FEMBA
Richard Magnussen B. Riley Sr. Analyst 2012 FEMBA
Joyce Sheu Activision Blizzard / Microsoft Director, Employee Communications 2012 FTMBA
Kenneth Klar Skinny Kenny Enterprises CEO 2013 EMBA
Michael Benedosso Google YouTube Partnerships 2014 FTMBA
Krisina Bidovec Intercom Principal Data Scientist 2014 FTMBA
Keshari Dash Sangram Sisense Inc CISO and Head of IT 2014 EMBA
Joaquin Drewanz Kuna Co-founder & CEO 2014 FTMBA
Kate Edwards Amazon/AWS Startups Tech Startup Business Development 2014 FTMBA
Kyle Forrest Deloitte Consulting LLP Principal 2014 FTMBA
Mark Joshua ProTravel Travel Designer 2014 FTMBA
Andreas Neuman UAV-IQ CEO 2014 EMBA
Mark Nguyen Planet LA Records Founder 2014 UCLA-NUS
Diana Rosen Tenfold Talent Co-founder 2014 FTMBA
Hilary Zalon Fiverr, Inc. Content Designer 2014 EMBA
Zubin Davar Confirm.com VP Business Development & Strategy 2015 FTMBA
Preethi Johnson Meta Finance Manager 2015 FTMBA
Janet Na Kung Accenture Client Account Lead 2015 EMBA
Terry Shea SCAN Health Plan Director of Member Outreach 2016 FEMBA
Aleksandr Agapitov Xsolla CEO 2017 Other
Blair Nichols BBN Creative Management Owner 2017 FEMBA
Raj Kumar Bhaskar Harbor Freight Tools Sr Manager Database Operations 2018 CERT
Qais Alkurdi HQE Systems CEO 2019 EMBA
Hari Anil Kumar HP Enterprise Sr Mgr, Product Management 2019 FTMBA
Stephen Augustyn ESP Inc. Strategy and Operations Manager 2019 EMBA
Alex Beck Microsoft Finance Senior Manager 2019 FTMBA
Nitish Bhagia Amazon Senior Regional Manager 2019 FTMBA
Fidis Bortignoni n/a n/a 2019 FTMBA
Hope Bovenzi n/a n/a 2019 FEMBA
Elizabeth Cercado Rivian n/a 2019 EMBA
Jason Cole Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisor 2019 FTMBA
Geoffrey Danker Sempra Utilities Strategic Planning 2019 EMBA
Kristin Dicenso n/a n/a 2019 FTMBA
Akhil Docca n/a n/a 2019 FEMBA
Shefali Dua Amazon Growth Product Leader, AI/ML 2019 EMBA
Shereen Elserougi n/a n/a 2019 FEMBA
Oxana Ermolova United Way of Greater LA Director, Strategic Partnerships 2019 FTMBA
David Frankel Hanaco Ventures Partner 2019 FTMBA
Nick Galante Audible Associate Director, Content Strategy 2019 FTMBA
Ling Ge n/a n/a 2019 EMBA
Ryan Grier Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Dental Director 2019 EMBA
Prateek Gupta Onmeta Chief Business Officer 2019 FTMBA
Kevin Hamilton n/a n/a 2019 EMBA
Michael Huynh AES Senior Manager, Stakeholder Relations 2019 EMBA
Beverly Ilagan EY Managing Director 2019 EMBA
Sankalp Jain Meta Product Manager 2019 FTMBA
Vikash Jhunjhunwala InterDent SVP Finance 2019 EMBA
Nikhil Karmarkar QArma LLC Owner, Principal Consultant 2019 FEMBA
Konstantin Khrustov CARRIER Regulatory Compliance Program Manager 2019 FEMBA
Christopher King n/a n/a 2019 FTMBA
Nikolai Klyukach ServiceTitan n/a 2019 FEMBA
Michel Labib Thales Avionics, Inc. Director, Program & Product Line Management 2019 EMBA
Eric Lau Amazon Web Services Head of AWS Labs 2019 FEMBA
Leah Loh UCLA Director of Strategic Initiatives 2019 EMBA
Payal Lohia n/a n/a 2019 UCLA-NUS
Shant Mardigian The Walt Disney Company Executive Director, Product & Engineering 2019 EMBA
Joshua Miller Zillow Senior Product Manager 2019 FTMBA
Ahmed Mirza Techstars Investment Director 2019 FEMBA
Ahmed Nagy Kuvera Partners VP of Finance 2019 EMBA
Paul Ngan n/a n/a 2019 EMBA
Shirin Nikaein Upful.ai Co-Founder & CEO / Product 2019 EMBA
James Ouyang PIMCO n/a 2019 EMBA
Nicholas Polytaridis n/a n/a 2019 EMBA
Miranda Proctor DIRECTV Director, Product Marketing 2019 FTMBA
Jorge Santana n/a n/a 2019 FTMBA
Sai Selvaganesan n/a n/a 2019 EMBA
Shawna Sopp Cedars-Sinai Manager, Development Communications 2019 EMBA
Shane Strumwasser PwC n/a 2019 FTMBA
Jaydev Thakkar Biofourmis COO - Chief Operating Officer 2019 EMBA
Yandro Valdez U.S. Bank SVP Commercial Banker 2019 EMBA
Bharath Vijayaraghavan Amazon Technical Program Manager 2019 FEMBA
Mark Weinstock California Commercial Investment Group EVP and General Counsel 2019 EMBA
Kevin Wiseman n/a n/a 2019 FEMBA
Ashley Wright HelloFresh Strategy 2019 FTMBA
Chanchal Yadav Arizona Complete Health, Centene Corporation Chief Medical Officer 2019 EMBA
Tomas Icaza The wonderful company Digital strategy manager 2020 FTMBA
Liza Katsman Interlace Consulting Co-founder 2020 FEMBA
Karl Mecklenborg Dr. Squatch Director, Strategic Operations 2020 FEMBA
Grace Peeler AT&T Associate Director Supply Chain 2020 FEMBA
Carmen Andrea Chávez Unilever |Paula’s Choice Skincare n/a 2021 FTMBA
Matt Vassallo Amazon Studios n/a 2021 EMBA
Chandra Williams CCM Chief Administrative Officer 2021 CERT
Sarah Anderson Concord Companies USA President 2022 FEMBA
Kevin Lee Apex Int’l / Hoolie golf CEO / COO 2022 EMBA
Daniel Paik CuroWork Founder & CEO 2022 EMBA
Eunji Yoo n/a n/a 2022 EMBA
Vaibhav (Vj) Ajmera TitleWave - Fidelity National Financial VP of Finance & Business Intelligence 2023 EMBA
Joy Albritten Big 5 Sporting Goods Visual Marketing Manager 2023 EMBA
Katrin Barnabas Footlocker VP Retail 2023 EMBA
Omar Channer Raytheon Technologies Associate Director, Software Engineering 2023 EMBA
Alexander Corbett Sachem Capital Managing Partner 2023 FTMBA
Jason Guo n/a n/a 2023 FEMBA
Aditi Gupta Amgen Executive Director 2023 EMBA
Sienna Jackson Nortera CEO & Co-Founder 2023 EMBA
Cory Lopez n/a n/a 2023 EMBA
Ali Makhmalchi n/a n/a 2023 FEMBA
Rachel Sollenberger FOX Sports Sr. Director Digital Operations 2023 EMBA
Charles Turner UCLA Administration Executive Director, Finance, Effectiveness, and Sustainability 2023 EMBA
Barry Goch AJA Video Systems Product Marketing Manager 2024 CERT
Joshua Gomez UCLA Software Engineering Manager 2024 CERT
Mark Montes UCLA Senior Director 2024 CERT
Maria Zien WilliamsMarston LLC Managing Director 2024 CERT
Janine Bush Greenbush Capital LLC None n/a n/a
Laurie Chapman n/a n/a n/a n/a
Debora Chaves BRATCHER n/a n/a n/a
Matthew Dudley Common Grounds Coffeehouse Owner n/a n/a
Elizabeth Foster Jelly Belly Candy Co Director n/a n/a
Mariel Furlong Google Strategy, Google Hardware n/a n/a
Jeff Gaul Filmed USA Senior Sales Manager n/a n/a
Darcey Hartigan n/a n/a n/a n/a
Christine Ho n/a n/a n/a n/a
Palak Kapasi A|X Director of Marketing & PR n/a n/a
Susan Long S. B. Long Interiors Inc. Principal n/a n/a
Levi Mcconnell We Are All Music Foundation n/a n/a n/a
Cynthia Morgan n/a n/a n/a n/a
Susan Mueller n/a n/a n/a n/a
Sam Swabb Diamond Development LTD VP n/a n/a
Shipra Thakkar Farmers Insurance Sr Director Application Development n/a n/a
Mike Theil Diamond Development LTD VP n/a n/a
Maria Triska Triska Crane Ridge Vineyards OWNER n/a n/a
Abha Varma n/a n/a n/a n/a