Alumni Chapter Board

About the Alumni Chapter Board

The Robert H. Smith School of Business alumni chapter board (ACB) is an advisory board to the Office of Alumni Relations which advocates on behalf of Smith School alumni. ACB members are ambassadors who promote the school to the greater alumni community and carry out the board's mission and strategic plan.

The mission of the Alumni Chapter Board is to support the vision of the Smith School of Business by creating a vibrant alumni experience and fostering lifelong relationships between the school and the alumni community.

The Alumni Chapter Board will support the Smith School in achieving the following objectives:

  • Strengthen the Smith community through alumni events that are well attended, executed and provide alumni with lifelong learning opportunities.
  • Build a strong alumni bench to tap into for networking, speaking and volunteering experiences.
  • Leverage alumni relationships to help current students identify career paths and secure jobs.

Board Nominations and Requirements

Applications for the Alumni Chapter Board will open in December 2022. To receive notification when the online application is open, please complete this form.

Summary of board expectations:

  • Two-year term commitment beginning in June.
  • One onboarding meeting to take place in the summer.
  • There are three, half-day meetings per year, at least one of which will be in-person.
  • Actively participate in the full board meetings and at least one task force (task forces meet monthly).
  • Attend or volunteer in at least two Smith events and programs in between meetings.
  • Stay current with board materials, minutes, etc.
  • Maintain an active membership in the UMD Alumni Association.
  • Participate in Smith Day and Giving Day.
  • Champion and promote the Smith School.

The Alumni Chapter Board is comprised of Smith alumni representing different degrees, graduate years, business sectors and geographic locations. The ideal nominee is actively engaged with the Smith School. The time requirement includes attending three annual meetings and participating in at least one task force or committee. The term length is two years with the option to renew for another 1-2 year term. To be considered for the board, nominees must be graduates of the Robert H. Smith School of Business and have a current membership with the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

If you are a Smith undergraduate alumni from the last ten years, please consider the Young Alumni Council. Nominations are open through January each year.

If you have questions about the Alumni Chapter Board, please contact us at smithalumni@umd.edu.

2021-22 Alumni Chapter Board Members

Chair

Jitin "Miki" Ahuja Jitin “Miki” Ahuja ’97, MBA/MS ’02
Founder
SpaceJet Media, LLC
“UMD was the right place at the right time for me, and now it’s my opportunity to give to the ecosystem that played an integral role in my development, maturation and success.”

Vice-Chair

Denise Sughrue Denise Sughrue, MBA ’94
Director
Toffler Associates
“I think the Smith School is fantastic and want to do what I can to support its students and alumni!”

Members

Afzal Bari Afzal Bari ’02
COO
National Journal
“I look forward to helping contribute to the success of current and future Smith School grads!”
Kevin Beran Kevin Beran ’10
Senior Program Manager, Experiential Learning
The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
“I am honored to serve on the Smith Alumni Chapter Board and will be forever grateful to Smith; not only for the amazing education I received and the integral role it played in my professional career, but also for the lifelong friends I made there, including the girlfriend who went on to become my wife and loving mother of a future Terp class of 2042!”
Adam Bixler Adam Bixler, EMBA ’20
Global Head, 3rd Party Risk
BlueVoyant
“I’m excited to support the Alumni Chapter Board & the Smith community!”
Richard Blackman Richard Blackman, MBA ’84
Retired Budget Analyst Team Leader
Instructor
Environmental Protection Agency
The Richard Blackman Experience
“Along with a passion for all things UMD, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with the Smith School over the last 10+ years, including meeting and spending time with alumni and mentoring students. Plus, there’s more opportunities for selfies with Testudo!”
Mohamed Boraie Mohamed Boraie, MBA/MFin ’17
Finance Manager
Boston Consulting Group
Nnenna Egwim Nnenna Egwim ’02
Investment and Portfolio Manager, IT Budget and Acquisition Manager
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
“I plan to engage alumni who have not been engaged over the years. It is important to bring a global and diverse perspective while highlighting our pool of amazing talent. I hope to create value along the way through my creativity.”
Nathaniel Forgotson Nathaniel Forgotson, MBA ’07
Vice President
Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
“Participating in the ACB is a way for me to influence ongoing positive change at Maryland Smith so that every student who attends has a transformative life experience.”
Chris Hang Chris Hang ’04
Vice President, Business Development
L Squared Consulting, LLC
Chris Hansen Chris Hansen, MBA/MS ’95
Vice President
Pariveda Solutions
“I wish all professional environments had the smarts, energy, and generosity demonstrated by the Smith ACB.”
Terri Jarboe-Farri Terri Jarboe-Farri, MBA ’19
President & CEO
Buyer’s Title, Inc.
“I’m sure membership has its privileges, but I feel privileged to be a member.”
William Johnston III William Johnston III ’92
Owner
Johnston Automotive
“I find it a joy and a privilege to be able to give back to the Smith community especially during this difficult time.”
Anu Kumar Anu Kumar, MBA ’04
Data Policy Manager
Bank of America
“Giving back to Smith is less about writing a check; It is more about being engaged, getting people and myself really involved, and doing things that haven’t been done before.”
Evette Lewis Evette Lewis ’93
District Sales Coordinator
The MWE Partnership
“I’m excited to have input in activities that will help the Smith Alumni Chapter Board increase exposure, funding and alumni opportunities.”
Chandrika Nigam Chandrika Nigam, MFin ’16
Senior Director, Investor Relations
Adtalem Global Education
“The ACB has expanded my professional network, providing an exclusive opportunity to network with a diverse group of individuals in our pursuit of achieving shared goals.”
Tucker Ophof Tucker Ophof, EMBA ’17
Director, Business Development
Sedgwick
“I love having the opportunity to give back to Smith, given how much Smith gave to me!”
Patricia Potts Patricia Potts ’90
Senior Director of Marketing
National Association of Home Builders
“I think it’s important to give back!”
Bill Sherman Bill Sherman, MBA/MFin ’20
President
Pendulum Analytics, Inc.
“As a member of the Smith Alumni Chapter Board, it’s an excellent opportunity for me to serve the Smith community in an impactful way.”
Blaine Shipler Blaine Shipler ’86, MBA ’93
Vice President
PNC
Mike Stark Mike Stark ’87
Vice President, Property Management Sales
Carpet & Wood Floor Liquidators
“I want to help alumni stay engaged with the Smith School and UMD to create great experiences and lifelong relationships.”
Jonathan Thoupos Jonathan Thoupos ’05, MBA ’20
SVP of Strategic Projects
HealthPro-Heritage, LLC
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to give back to the Smith community that gave me so much by serving on the Smith Alumni Chapter Board.”
Sirish Vattam Sirish Vattam, MBA ’10
Founder & CEO
Vanguard Supply Chain Solutions
Matthew Wolkofsky Matthew Wolkofsky ’92
Key Account Manager
Samsung
“I have represented the University at high school college fairs, sit on the Northern NJ alumni board and review scholarship applications for Maryland, and I want to continue to give back to the school that has given back so much to me via my professional and personal experiences.”
Wing Yeung Wing Yeung, MBA ’19
Program Manager
U.S. Department of Education
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