Meet Our Executive DBA 2028 Cohort

Carl Allen is a veteran mergers and acquisitions specialist with over three decades of experience, having led more than 500 deals totaling in excess of $50 billion. Renowned for his strategic insight and financial expertise, he has generated more than $10 billion in revenue growth through innovative roll-up and cross-selling strategies. His mastery of market dynamics, deal structuring, and corporate alignment has made him a sought-after advisor across multiple industries.

Carl is the founder of Dealmaker Wealth Society, the world’s largest M&A coaching platform for small and mid-sized enterprises, where he guides entrepreneurs in scaling through strategic acquisitions. He is also a partner in 9FB Capital, a private equity fund through which he maintains an active portfolio of over 10 U.S.-based small businesses. Collectively, these companies employ more than 250 people and generate annual revenues exceeding $50 million.

Through his ongoing work, Carl continues to help companies unlock value, drive sustainable growth, and build long-term success through acquisition-led strategies.

Alena Bailey is an Enterprise Account Manager at Dandy, a leading dental technology company transforming digital workflows within oral surgery and dental practices. In her current role, she partners with large surgical and dental groups across the East Coast to drive operational innovation, strategic growth, and improved clinical collaboration through the adoption of digital technologies.

Alena brings close to a decade of experience across the healthcare, dental, and medical device sectors, with prior leadership roles at ViiV Healthcare, Nobel Biocare, and Straumann Group. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep interest in organizational culture, leadership behaviors, and their influence on team performance within highly complex and regulated environments such as healthcare and biotech.

She is pursuing the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) to advance research on how psychological safety, inclusive leadership, and mentorship frameworks impact commercial team performance, employee engagement, and organizational resilience—with a particular focus on the healthcare and life sciences industries.

Alena is passionate about developing future leaders and fostering cultures where people can thrive. She looks forward to contributing to the inaugural EDBA cohort and further exploring how evidence-based leadership practices can drive more human-centered and sustainable organizational outcomes.

“When leaders invest in people, the possibilities for innovation and growth are limitless.”
- Alena M Bailey

Armando Cuello is currently the Vice President of Global Quality at ConvaTec, a publicly traded company headquartered in the UK. In this role, Armando leads a global quality organization dedicated to delivering high-quality medical products and solutions for managing chronic health conditions. To achieve this, he blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership, ensuring compliance with international standards while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

With over 20 years of experience, Armando has held senior leadership roles across North America, Latin America, and Europe at ConvaTec, Royal Philips, Johnson & Johnson, and Bard Peripheral Vascular. These roles have shaped his ability to lead diverse teams, navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and build trust across cultures. He believes that inclusive leadership and cultural agility are essential to driving sustainable success in a global organization.

Armando holds an MBA in International Business, an MS in Industrial Engineering, and a BS in Biomedical Engineering—all from the University of Miami. He is also certified in Six Sigma, Lean Principles, and Project Management. Outside of work, he is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and continuously learning from those around him.

Luis Ferreira is the Chief Investment Officer for the Americas and Deputy CEO of EFG Asset Management (Americas), with over 20 years of experience advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families across global markets. Based in Miami, he leads EFG’s investment strategy, discretionary and advisory efforts across the U.S., Switzerland, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Luis oversees asset allocation, manager selection, and investment theme development across public and private markets, aligning global portfolios with clients’ goals and risk profiles. His previous roles include senior positions at EFG Bank in The Bahamas, Delta National Bank in New York, and Banco Alfa in Brazil.

He is a FINRA-registered representative, passionate about cross-border wealth planning and innovation in advisory platforms.

Outside the office, Luis is a father of two, a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and a guitarist in a rock band, bringing discipline and creativity into everything he does.

Dr. Néstor Galvez-Jiménez is a Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. He currently serves on the medical staff of the Miami Neuroscience Institute at Baptist Health South Florida, where he is Director of the Autonomic Neurology Program and the Electrodiagnostic Laboratory.

Previously, Dr. Galvez-Jiménez served as Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Cleveland Clinic Florida and was the inaugural holder of the Pauline Braathen Endowed Chair in Neurology. He also founded and served as the first Director of the Braathen Neurological Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida.

He completed his fellowship training in Movement Disorders at the University of Toronto under the mentorship of Anthony E. Lang, MD, OC, and pursued additional fellowship training in Neuromuscular Disorders and Electrodiagnostic Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Florida under Virgilio Salanga, MD.

Dr. Galvez-Jiménez has authored or co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications, more than 75 scientific abstracts, and 31 book chapters. He is editor or co-editor of several books including Scientific Basis for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease (Taylor & Francis), Uncommon Causes of Movement Disorders (Cambridge University Press), and Parkinson’s Disease: Current and Future Therapeutics and Clinical Trials (Cambridge). He has also served as guest editor for Neurologic Clinics of North America and Seminars in Neurology on topics related to perioperative neurological care and movement disorders.

Nationally, he has held multiple leadership roles with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), including board examiner and member of both the Clinical Examination Committee and the Recertification Committee. He is a reviewer for journals such as Neurology, Movement Disorders, Headache, Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, and the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences.

Dr. Galvez-Jiménez was the founding director of the Movement Disorders Fellowship Program at Cleveland Clinic Florida and remains committed to advancing clinical education, research, and interdisciplinary care in movement and autonomic disorders

Francisco Garcia is the Founder and Chief Data & Strategy Officer of Direcly, a minority-owned consulting firm headquartered in Miami, Florida. Since 2016, the firm has delivered solutions in data, analytics, cloud, AI, and marketing as a certified partner of both Google and Microsoft. Garcia brings over 15 years of experience in marketing analytics, data strategy, and cloud technologies. His career spans leadership roles at top advertising agencies and ad tech firms, where he developed deep expertise in digital media strategy and performance-driven marketing. He later bootstrapped Direcly into a multimillion-dollar consultancy serving clients across the United States and Latin America.

He holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics from the University of Miami and is certified across the Google Marketing Platform, Google Analytics 4, and Microsoft AI. Garcia also teaches Applied AI at Miami Dade College, where he focuses on bridging academic instruction with real-world applications in AI and data science. Garcia’s interests include developing applied AI frameworks, enhancing business intelligence capabilities, and exploring how generative AI and intelligent systems can support decision-making and strategy. He is particularly focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate innovation in data and AI.

Christian Hasenoehrl is a global business leader recognized for advising global Fortune 100 companies on talent strategy and transformation. Most recently, he was a Senior Partner at Korn Ferry where he led global marquee accounts in the consumer and industrial sectors, helping organizations navigate complex transformations by aligning talent with strategy. He previously held leadership roles at a boutique advisory firm in San Francisco where he guided global companies through enterprise-wide digital transformations and at Gallup in London, where he advised global companies on the employee and customer experience.

Christian’s early career includes M&A advisory work at Accenture and international development roles with Walmart and Metro AG, leading retail development across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. A truly global leader, Mr. Hasenoehrl has lived in seven countries and worked in over 50, bringing a deep understanding of cross-cultural business dynamics to his advisory work.

Mr. Hasenoehrl is based in California and active as a private investor and advisory board member. A frequent speaker on global business, he is fluent in English and German. Christian holds an MBA in Finance and MS in International Business from the University of Miami Herbert School of Business and a BBA in Finance from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at both schools. Christian also maintains a passionate interest in viticulture, with investments in several California vineyards.

Gary Higgins is a Senior Manager on the Compliance team at Crosby Advisors, a single-family office based in Salem, NH. In his role, Gary leads the administration and enforcement of the firm's Code of Ethics, regulatory oversight, public and private investment monitoring, and fraud prevention programs. He manages compliance efforts across three of the four affiliated companies under the Crosby Advisors umbrella.

Before joining Crosby Advisors in 2022, Gary spent nine years at Fidelity Investments, where he held roles in Asset Management Risk and the Ethics Office. His work in Risk included conducting risk assessments, overseeing the Sarbanes-Oxley program, and enhancing compliance oversight for leveraged loans in the High-Income division. Within the Ethics Office, he investigated Code of Ethics matters such as personal trade monitoring, insider information handling, and private placements. He also served as a liaison between enterprise compliance and corporate technology, helping to advance compliance automation and innovation initiatives.

Gary holds an MBA from Babson College and a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University. Originally from New Jersey, he has been a dedicated volunteer with Quest Autism Foundation and previously served on the executive board of an employee resource group focused on fostering inclusive and accessible workplaces for individuals with disabilities.

Now based in Boston, MA, Gary is a passionate foodie, golfer, and avid sports fan—loyally cheering on the New York Yankees and Indianapolis Colts.

Kerline Jules is a strategic branding and digital marketing professional with over 10 years of experience helping small businesses and mission-driven organizations grow through compelling storytelling, digital innovation, and data-informed strategy. She is the founder of Jules Management Group, a boutique agency known for elevating minority-owned businesses and nonprofits nationwide. Her client base has included nonprofits such as Urban League affiliates, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and local small businesses—including Yates Legal Group, Therapy Terrace, and MMC Government Solutions—proudly owned and led by fellow University of Miami alums.

In the summer of 2025, Kerline completed her Master of Science in Marketing at Florida International University, focusing on branding, digital marketing, and analytics. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami, majoring in Computer Information Systems and Finance. She is certified as a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) by the American Marketing Association and as a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) by the Digital Marketing Institute. Kerline integrates frameworks like StoryBrand and Level C into her strategic work.

In Fall 2025, she joins the inaugural cohort of the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Miami, her undergraduate alma mater. Kerline is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and is deeply committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.

Annette Marie Kantzler is a dynamic entrepreneur, creative visionary, and proud member of the inaugural Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) cohort at the University of Miami. With a Master’s degree completed in 2019, Annette has since dedicated her career to expanding her leadership capabilities and building a women-owned floral and events business rooted in creativity, empowerment, and excellence.

As the founder and owner of a successful floral company and co-owner of a creative floral, wedding, and events firm, Annette leads with passion and purpose. Her businesses are known for translating clients' visions into breathtaking, tangible experiences through fresh, seasonal florals and customized event design. She is committed to cultivating opportunities for women interested in floral entrepreneurship, particularly those pursuing a second career in this vibrant, empowering industry. Based in South Florida—the heart of the U.S. floral distribution network—Annette continues to grow her business and community impact, with the EDBA program serving as a catalyst for her next chapter in leadership and innovation.

In addition to her creative pursuits, Annette draws from a background in both the medical and holistic wellness fields. She works closely with individuals seeking alternative, integrative approaches to healing and health, driven by a mission to support, uplift, and inspire. Her dual expertise in creativity and care fuels her passion for developing cutting-edge systems and sustainable practices that serve others meaningfully.

Originally from the Midwest, Annette now calls South Florida home—a dream realized through hard work and perseverance. With her children having completed their educational journeys, she is excited to return to the classroom herself. Through the EDBA program, Annette aims to deepen her research, strengthen her leadership, and give back to the communities and industries that have shaped her journey.

David Lane is an Executive Management Consultant, Active Private Investor, and currently Eastern Hemisphere Managing Director of CleanConnect.ai. David is a seasoned leader that builds teams and instills accountability for execution, adding value and now assists clients in utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build emissions monitoring ecosystems that autonomously improve the efficiency of operations, reduce risk and improve safety while working on NetZero objectives. CleanConnect.ai’s proprietary AI visual automation and emissions management and detection not only detects and quantifies emissions, but also monitors gas leaks, liquid leaks, fire and smoke detection, tank level monitoring, HSE and Security all while creating a trading platform for Empirical Energy. Prior to CleanConnect.ai and a Seven (7) day retirement, David was the former President & CEO of Impact Selector International for 23 years, an oil field services technology provider that was sold to Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) on February 1, 2024. David grew Impact Selector from a single location, single product centric business to a full life of well technology solutions provider with locations in 12 different countries and assets in most oil & gas producing regions of the World. David is a Double Cane (BBA 93, MBA 94) and lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and children.

Lautaro David Marra is the Chief Executive Officer of Bull Market Securities Inc., a Miami-based broker-dealer specializing in Latin American private banking and institutional sales & trading. Since founding the firm’s U.S. operations in 2016, he has led its expansion across wealth management, regulatory compliance, and capital markets, including the launch of a Fixed Income Emerging Markets Sales & Trading desk in New York.

With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Lautaro brings deep expertise in cross-border investment, trading across asset classes, and navigating complex regulatory environments. He previously served as Executive Director at Bull Market Brokers S.A. in Buenos Aires, where he managed institutional accounts, directed proprietary trading strategies, and oversaw the trading desk. Earlier in his career, he was a proprietary equities trader at T3 Trading Group in the U.S., focusing on short-term equity trading and market catalysts.

Lautaro holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Miami and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina. He is fluent in English and Spanish and maintains FINRA licenses including Series 7, 24, 4, 27, 57, and 66.

Charlie brings over 35 years of transformational leadership experience at the intersection of business strategy and technology implementation to the University of Miami's inaugural Executive DBA cohort. Currently serving as Client Solutions Executive at World Wide Technology, Charlie defines and drives transformational enterprise-wide technology initiatives for Fortune 500 clients.

Charlie's career journey began with distinguished service as a Nuclear Engineering Supervisor in the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. This foundation in operational discipline launched a remarkable business trajectory, spanning iconic companies that have driven the evolution of the technology industry, including Digital Equipment Corporation, MicroAge, Ernst & Young, Cisco, and Black Box.

His global leadership experience includes directing transformation initiatives across various sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, and energy, with projects spanning over 100 countries. Charlie has pioneered several industry innovations, including implementing the first commercial RosettaNet B2B standard and developing methodologies for emerging technologies such as the Internet-of-Things and X-as-a-Service models.

Throughout his career, Charlie has consistently identified that transformation success hinges on three critical factors: seamless integration between business and technology architectures, disciplined execution orchestration, and effective organizational change management.

Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Arizona State University.

Charlie's planned research focus centers on methodologies that enhance IT organizational effectiveness in large-scale transformation initiatives, combining academic rigor with real-world application to drive sustainable business value.

Angela Mayfield is a strategic marketing leader currently serving as EVP, Growth at Jellyfish: a full-service global digital marketing agency with a particular focus on AI-driven innovation, digital transformation, and performance media solutions. In her role, she leads revenue strategy, spearheading initiatives that unite marketing, sales, and delivery around one goal: solving client business challenges through integrated media and proprietary AI solutions.

With nearly two decades of experience in media, communications, and digital strategy, Angela has held key positions at both independent agencies and large holding companies. Her background spans client services, strategy, and innovation, with a deep understanding of how to connect brand storytelling with performance outcomes. She has partnered with clients across a diverse set of industries including healthcare, finance, and consumer goods.

Angela is passionate about harnessing technology to improve the way brands communicate, compete, and grow. She brings a collaborative, insight-led approach to problem solving and is adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Angela earned her Executive MBA from NYU Stern, specializing in Strategy, Marketing, and Leadership & Change Management. She is also a proud graduate of Princeton University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology with a certificate in African American Studies.

Nicholas C. Sheppard-Miller (Nick) is a seasoned finance and higher education professional with nearly two decades of experience at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). As Director of Budget Services, he oversees the planning and implementation of CSN's multimillion-dollar budget, ensuring compliance, analyzing financial data, and advising executive leadership. His expertise extends to financial reporting, project management, and higher education governance.

Prior to this role, Nick served as a Senior Business Analyst reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and Administration. He had sole responsibility for the HEERF institutional grants totaling over $62 million, designing collegewide operational improvements, and leading cross-functional teams. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping CSN's financial strategies and workforce development programs.

Nick holds an M.A. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University and a B.S. in International Business with a minor in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University, where he graduated magna cum laude. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, he was awarded CSN's Administrative Employee of the Year in 2024. With a strong commitment to belonging, engagement, and all-encompassing culture, Nick brings sound judgment, analytical expertise, and strategic vision to every challenge, driving innovation and efficiency in higher education finance and administration.

Mrs. Ronesha Nation is the founder and principal broker of Our Nation Realty, a multi-state real estate brokerage, serving clients across California, Florida, and Georgia. She is also the creator of EIN to Win Academy, a structured business training and mentorship platform designed to support aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs—particularly from underserved communities—in building sustainable, legally sound enterprises.

A retired U.S. Navy Master Chief, Mrs. Nation brings over 20 years of leadership and operational expertise to her current roles. Her military career, marked by rapid advancement and strategic leadership, deeply influences her data-driven and systems-oriented approach to business development.

She holds an MBA from the University of San Diego and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Miami Herbert Business School. Her research interests focus on the intersection of entrepreneurship, real estate education, and economic mobility, with an emphasis on strategies to address systemic barriers to wealth creation in marginalized populations.

Mrs. Nation’s academic and professional work is rooted in her lifelong commitment to mentorship, education, and equity. Through both her businesses and her research, she seeks to create scalable pathways to economic empowerment through property ownership and entrepreneurial literacy.

Sergio Naylor is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in management consulting, Sergio has held leadership roles across Latin America and globally. He has worked in more than 20 countries throughout Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

He began his career at Accenture in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after earning a degree in Engineering. He has specialized in the Consumer & Packaged Goods industry with a focus on Sales, Trade Marketing, and Distribution. His expertise includes leading commercial transformation programs involving strategy definition, market segmentation, portfolio mix, organization design, channel strategy, customer service, and profitability analysis. He has successfully led more than 15 large-scale transformation initiatives for major consumer goods companies worldwide.

In recent years, he has transitioned into real estate entrepreneurship, managing projects ranging from luxury condominium construction to single-family home development in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. His experience spans build-to-rent and build-to-sell models, financial analysis, new construction, and remodeling.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his spouse, Lili, and their four children—especially cooking and traveling internationally. He is also an avid flute player, a music enthusiast with a taste for classical and rock, and keeps an active lifestyle through tennis, golf, and running.

Ramona Sabau is a Compliance Officer at Jackson Health System and a lecturer in the Management Department at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. Her background encompasses healthcare operations and education, with a career that spans both non-profit and for-profit environments.

Her leadership experience includes managing diverse and multidisciplinary teams and improving operational efficiency through people-centered management. In the educational field, Ramona’s expertise encompasses instructional development, curriculum design, and academic program planning. She is focused on creating learner-centered experiences that develop critical thinking, practical skills, and leadership capacity.

She holds master’s degrees in Business Administration, Public Health, and Hispanic Studies—with a focus on language, literature, and culture. This interdisciplinary and multicultural foundation underlies her approach to management, education, and leadership, aiming to promote cross-sector collaboration and systems-thinking in both academic and professional settings.

Currently, Sean serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Beal University and Beal University Canada. In his daily role he serves as the executive leader of the marketing, information technology, and the center for teaching and learning departments, overseeing all technical integrations, departmental projects, cross-border data flow, and the safety and security of Beal’s stakeholders and their data.

Sean holds an MBA from the University of South Florida, A MS in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) from Brown University, and a Master of National Security Policy from Duke University. While Sean has spent much of his career leading small to medium sized organizations to market, his passion spans the private and public sectors. Specifically, the security challenges that private organizations and government entities face in cyberspace. Most recently, Sean made recommendations for the 2025 national cyber strategy and is currently seeking publication of an article focused on the national security implications of deep-water fiber optic cabling in the Arctic.

In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, two dogs, and traveling.

Nataly Valdez is the Assistant Vice President for Administration at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she partners with senior leadership to strengthen operational excellence and financial strategy. She brings nearly 17 years of progressive leadership experience within the medical school, having held key roles across both clinical and basic science departments.

Her professional journey began in financial operations in the banking and industrial distribution industries before transitioning to academic medicine. At UM, she has led initiatives in grants management, compliance, hospital operations, and administrative transformation, earning recognition for driving sustainable, high-performance results.

Nataly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and an MBA from Florida International University. Beyond her professional role, she serves as a board member for The Lucy Project and is a committed volunteer with Girl Power, a nonprofit supporting girls in Miami’s Overtown community.

As a first-generation American and proud mother of three, Nataly is pursuing the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration to further her impact through applied research. Her goal is to foster a culture of excellence and innovation within academic medicine—advancing not only her institution, but also the communities it serves.

Edwin Joel Vazquez is a seasoned leader with over two decades of military and civilian experience in operations, human resources, and organizational development. Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Joel relocated to New York and learned English by listening to New York Yankees announcers—an early demonstration of adaptability and determination. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years, holding a range of support and combat roles, including assignments with joint nation commands. His military career laid the foundation for his strong leadership style, strategic execution, and commitment to operational excellence.

After retiring from the military, Joel transitioned into the private sector, where he has held key leadership roles including HR Business Partner, Director of Training, and now serves as Director of Shared Services at Texas International Terminals in Galveston, Texas. In his current role, he oversees Training, Information Technology, and interim Human Resources functions across two distinct companies under a shared organizational umbrella.

Joel is passionate about developing people, building scalable systems, and aligning talent with business strategy. He brings a unique blend of military discipline and corporate leadership to his work, and believes deeply that people are the mission and the empowerment comes through continuous learning.