HEMBA 2013 graduate, Raymond “Ray” Curry of Nashville, TN has been elected to the Daimler AG Supervisory Board at the 2018 Dieter Zetsche Annual Shareholders Meeting in Berlin. Following the voting of nearly 700 delegates from various Daimler plants and offices, Curry was approved for the five-year term. “I am excited about this opportunity and feel so blessed,” stated Curry.
His formal induction to the board will take place in April 2018, after which he will also continue his role as a trade-union representative from outside Germany.
Per the German Co-determination law, the board consists of 20 members who have been selected by either shareholders or employees. As a member of the Supervisory Board, Curry will aid in the monitoring of executive management, appointments to the Board of Management, and the approval of the Operative Planning Board.
Daimler AG is a Fortune 500 German multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. The company is responsible for renowned car brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Smart Car2Go, and the Mercedes-Benz bus.
To learn more about the UA EMBA Program and the international trip experience, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.0954. To request information now, click here.
First Independence Bank announced Kenneth Kelly (TEMBA 1998) as its new chairman and CEO on March 12. Kelly, whom the board of directors appointed in 2017, will be responsible for leading the bank’s financial operations and assets, policies and regulations as well as overseeing the company’s management infrastructure.
“As chairman and CEO, Kenneth brings deep and experienced business leadership to First Independence Bank. His knowledge, relationships, and expertise will be extremely valuable in leading the bank’s growth opportunities in Detroit,” said Linda Forte, member of the board of directors and chairwoman of the Human Resources Committee.
First Independence Bank is the 10th largest African-American-controlled commercial bank in the country (as evaluated by Black Enterprise in 2016). In a recent ratings report, the bank is a five-star ranked financial institution according to BAUERFINANCIAL™, which has conducted independent institution ratings and reporting since 1983.
Kelly has a breadth of business knowledge and financial experiences as a cross-functional leader. As a former business development manager at Southern Company who retired in 2017 after 27 years of service, he also held many leadership positions in the communities he has lived. He achieved success in a variety of roles across engineering, marketing, finance, supply chain, and acquisitions that included leading negotiations for solar projects totaling over $3.4 billion in partnership value.
“We were delighted to hear of Kenneth’s appointment and congratulate him on his success. We are sure that under his great leadership, wisdom and guidance First Independence Bank will strive to much greater heights and achievements,” said Dr. Brian Gray, Associate Dean, Manderson Graduate School of Business.
Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University and his M.B.A. from the University of Alabama Executive MBA Program. He is married and has two children.
To learn more about our UA EMBA Alumni and how you can become a part of the next incoming class, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501. To request information now, click here.
[Reprinted with permission. This LinkedIn article, published August 7, 2017, was written by Sean O’Brien, UA EMBA Class of 2017. O’Brien is Platform Strategist at UPS.]
As I watch my one-year-old daughter begin her journey toward mobility, I am mesmerized by how she, as an infant, has so many lessons to offer an adult.
In the new global e-economy, companies and professionals find themselves frazzled when trying to respond to the emergence of this new commerce. From company boardrooms to collegiate classrooms, adults are confounded as to what they should do and how they should do it. I believe my fifth (and last!) child may provide some answers:
Be Inquisitive
Childhood psychologists have suggested that cognitive and motor skill development could stimulate a child’s ability to start walking. Research revealed that a child’s investigation of her environment (and the verbalization of what is understood) could catapult these first few steps (Walle, E. A., & Campos, J. J.). For any professional or company to win in the e-economy, an inquisitive core is a prerequisite. Comprehending the global environment, customer pain points, opportunities for value creation, how to speak the lingo, and how to keep score; yields the clarity needed to launch forward into the market.
Be Attentive
Anyone who has seen a child learning to walk knows that face – the look of being acutely fixated on the object of his or her short journey. Children succeed in taking those first steps because their focus is unwavering. Many of us are familiar with the child who stumbles and wobbles, but succeeds while repeatedly saying “mama” and reaching out for her hand.
For many companies pursuing digital transformations and winnable strategies, less is often more. If a strategy requires 250 PowerPoint slides and lacks an end goal, companies will fall hard from stumbling and wobbling across the e-economy. Clear messaging is often overlooked as a minor and generally inconsequential piece of the organization. However without it, a company will be unclear about what success looks like and why they should keep pressing forward in the midst of disruption.
Be Positive
Have you ever heard an adult scold a child for attempting those first few steps? Have you ever seen a child learning to walk pessimistically with self-criticism? Have you ever seen a parent grade a child’s walking based upon a set of older rules such as how they should be sitting? A child and the rightful bliss that surrounds them is oftentimes a motivator for their continuation in this new venture.
Too often companies attempt to apply the old rules and scoring systems toward the brand new model of the e-economy. This has always been puzzling to me given the way in which the market (institutional and retail investors) have “scored” and rewarded those playing aggressively to win. Applying old standards to the new order of commerce will always lead to skepticism – but transforming a company to view competitiveness so that it aligns with the e-economy, can lead to a realistic set of criteria and an infectious positivism that motivates the firm to create success. Companies and professionals should not be blindly positive nor positive for positive’s sake, but should offer encouragement through words, incentives, and outward persuasion. They should create an atmosphere that facilitates continual optimism toward digital victory.
Be Active
The number of times a child attempts to take his or her first steps increases exponentially until “walking” is actually realized. Reaching the walking phase demands ever-increasing activity, which is followed by additional activity once one foot has been successfully placed in front of the other. We are probably all familiar with the saying: “Oh, you want that baby to walk now, but once that starts, you will never be able to contain her!”
There have been times in my career when I was asked to “slow down”. Such direction is rarely the correct move, given the fruits of the decision. When someone suggests that professionals or companies slow down, they are often saying – “I can’t contain you!” In the e-economy, companies and professionals have the responsibility and the opportunity to be continuously active – and anyone who orates otherwise should signal a red flag.
One additional point is called for within this idea of being active – there will be some who will recognize the need for activity and the perception of it. They will oftentimes be misguided and become overly active in the wrong areas. Anyone can be active just to proclaim they are active, but being active in the right things means being attentive and positive with the right things.
Be Adaptive
Learning to walk is somewhat easy on a flat, non-slippery surface; however, as a child continues to grow in their mobility, new terrains and circumstances arise. Challenges such as walking on uneven surfaces, turning corners, and avoiding obstacles create the need to learn how to adjust. A child learns how to walk by being adaptive!
In my Executive MBA Program at the University of Alabama, my cohort had many opportunities to engage and participate in (both real and situational) executive committee and boardroom scenarios while being critiqued by our instructors. I will never forget the one group that presented the future outlook of a firm that was greatly challenged by the circumstances of the e-economy. After essentially stating there was nothing to be worried about regarding the company’s future given the past performance of the firm, our professors jumped into action and directly challenged this approach. We were then trained on the essentiality of “Second-Level Thinking” as provided by Howard Marks in his book The Most Important Thing Illuminated: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor:
“First-level thinking is simplistic and superficial, and just about everyone can do it (a bad sign for anything involving an attempt at superiority). All the first-level thinker needs is an opinion about the future, as in ‘The outlook for the company is favorable, meaning the stock will go up.’ Second-level thinking is deep, complex and convoluted.” (Marks)
Wife Hannah and family enjoying the UA campus before Sean’s EMBA class.
I will never forget to discount those who claim they are qualified to lead based on a history of unchallenged, non-adaptive behavior. Anyone is capable of claiming success based on an easy road of mitigating risk – but the leaders needed in the e-economy are those who are second-level thinkers with a track record of recognizing risks, studying them, planning around them, experimenting with them, and adapting to the future – I will follow those leaders into battle every time!
To learn more about the UA EMBA Program and how you can become a part of the next incoming class, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501. To request information now, click here.
Andy Maguire (HEMBA 2018) flies over Bryant-Denny en route to Nashville.
Just a few days before Hurricane Irma was set to make landfall in the U.S., Executive MBA student (2018) Andrew “Andy” Maguire, sent an email that read: “There is a good chance that I will not be able to make it to class this weekend…We will be supporting disaster relief preparation and actual relief from now through the next few weeks.” Signing off with a sincere “Andy”, the Murfreesboro, Tennessee native removed the script ‘A’ embroidered crimson cap and replaced it with the regalia of the Tennessee National Guard.
For the past few weeks, Director of Operations/Aviation Commander Andy Maguire and his unit have been involved in relief efforts throughout Texas, Georgia and Florida. The unit is currently housing the aircraft from those states and presently packing planes with much needed medical supplies and food. “Right now we are breaking down our helicopters to go in C-5 and C-17 jets to support relief in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which have suffered greatly during the hurricane (Irma),” Maguire stated.
National Guard loading cargo jets with helicopters and support equipment bound for U.S. Virgin Islands.
In the EMBA Program at The University of Alabama, our definition of family reaches beyond classroom walls. It encompasses the states, cities, towns and neighborhoods that our students call home. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, we know that now, more than ever, community is important. We want our students and alumni to know that their homes and their communities are important to us.
To those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we want to know that you and your family are okay. Please check in with us on the UAEMBA Facebook page.
To learn more about the UA EMBA community and how you can become a part of the next incoming class, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
Enrolling in an executive MBA program offers many benefits: broadening one’s business skills, obtaining a graduate degree, building a network of colleagues. And then, there is the serendipitous benefit of having a class transform the way you do business. For Zeph Isom (HEMBA 2016), the New Venture Development class in the final semester of The University of Alabama Executive MBA Program continues to serve as guidance, as he works to grow a start-up company he is involved with, Plaid Systems Inc., and its Spruce Irrigation products.According to Isom, “Spruce is a smart irrigation system designed to replace and upgrade your current home irrigation controller or to be included in newly-installed irrigation systems.
The key differentiation between Spruce and others in the market is the full-integration of wireless moisture sensors. Spruce not only ‘looks up’ in the sky by reviewing near-term precipitation forecasts but it will also collect actual soil moisture and temperature levels to determine when and how much to water.”
Isom praises Dr. Craig Armstrong, who teaches the New Venture Development class, for his instruction and knowledge. During the EMBA Program, Isom took what was taught in class and applied the information to help successfully launch the 1st Generation Spruce system with an initial crowdfunding level of over $75,000.
“Gen 1 was, for all intents and purposes, our ‘minimal viable product.’ Feedback from customers helped give us direction on what to focus on and release for the 2nd Generation of Spruce products, which we started shipping to customers in May,” said Isom.
In addition to being involved with Spruce, Isom is also Senior Manager, Customer Service and Supply Chain Planning for Universal Lighting Technologies. He currently resides with his family in Nashville, Tennessee.
For more information about how the UA EMBA Program can transform the way you do business, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205-348-1042.
Professor Lyles teaching students in the MGT 341 Business Ethics class.
David Lyles, TEMBA alumnus, Class of 2012, won the Steve Woodruff Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award from the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama.
The Woodruff Award, presented on April 9, recognizes exemplary classroom teaching by an adjunct faculty member.
Lyles, County Transportation Manager for the Alabama Department of Transportation, is responsible for assisting with the management of projects (local county, city, industrial access, and transportation enhancement) within a six county area.
As an adjunct professor of management at UA since 2012 he teaches students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) path to the MBA program, as well as courses in Leadership and Ethics, and Business Ethics.
“I was deeply honored to receive the Steve Woodruff Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, and to have it presented to me by Dr. Ron Dulek, who is so well-respected and taught me in EMBA, making it a double honor,” said Lyles.
Lyles has been very active with the EMBA Program and EMBA Alumni Network since graduating in 2012. He resides in Tuscaloosa with his wife Lori and his daughter Alexa.
Dr. Lonnie Strickland, John R. Miller Professor of Strategic Management, is the 2016 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Faculty Award honoree. Considered the highest honor The University of Alabama offers. Recipients of the award have demonstrated the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. The Sullivan Faculty Award recognizes the practical application of noble ideals and is based on excellence of character and service to humanity.
Strickland currently teaches Strategy Formulation and Implementation in the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville EMBA Programs. He began teaching at Alabama in 1969 and is one of the founders of and has taught in every EMBA class at Alabama since its inception 31 years ago. He has won every major teaching award the University has to offer. He is also ranked first, second, or third when graduating Culverhouse students are asked a version of the following question, “Name one person who has had a significant influence on your life at Alabama.”
A rigorous, demanding and passionate professor as well as a skillful raconteur who is held in high esteem by his students. According to Jimmy Mauldin (EMBA 2002), Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy-Accra Ghana, “Lonnie Strickland’s classes on strategic management always come to mind … even 13 years later.”
The impact of Strickland’s teaching is evident in the stories our alumni continue to tell. “We grew market share of a key product in a growing segment from 15% to ultimately 100% ($200M annual run rate) over a seven-year period using principles of Michael Porter’s 5-forces model taught in Lonnie Strickland’s Strategy class,” according to Kevin Morgan (EMBA 1998), Director of Cloud and Services Marketing, ADTRAN, “and along the way we put competitors out of business.” Strong testament to the power of a course and a professor who strives to make a difference in a student’s life.
“To Lonnie, teaching is a vocation, not a job,” said long time peer and friend, Dr. Ron Dulek, John R. Miller Professor of Management, and EMBA Professor of Business Communications. “I can assure you, as one who sees him daily either before he goes or after he returns from class, he is as excited about and dedicated to teaching well today as he was in 1969 when he started teaching at Alabama.”
Dr. Strickland entertaining EMBA students and spouses at his home for the annual EMBA End of Class celebration event in Tuscaloosa.
Strickland is co-author of the best-selling strategic management textbook, Crafting and Executing Strategy, which is currently used at 900 universities worldwide. Along the way he has served as National President of Phi Kappa Phi; served on various local, regional and national Boards of Directors, including two Fortune 1000 size companies: the Statesman Group and American Equity; co-founded a number of smaller companies and has been an advisor to countless students in their efforts to start small businesses or advance their corporate careers.
Dr. Strickland has been a tremendous supporter of the EMBA Program and continues to be an inspirational source for our students and alumni. Congratulations Lonnie.
Education: University of Alabama Birmingham, BS, Marketing; The University of Alabama, M.B.A.
Current Occupation/Board Position: Senior Product Manager for Commercial Credit Card at BBVA Compass Bank and 2015-2016 Executive MBA Alumni Network Board President
How has the UA EMBA Program contributed to your career? The EMBA program has absolutely contributed to my advancement. I benefited, not only from the world-class instructors but also the interaction that I had from the diverse set of professional peers.
Beyond career enhancements, what personal gains have you taken away from the EMBA program?
I have developed relationships through my class, and the larger alumni network, many of which I consider to be close friendships. The leadership and financial skills that I learned have helped me to serve on my church’s vestry. The discipline and dedication that I honed in the program have helped me become a better runner. Those are just a few examples of the innumerable benefits I have derived from my EMBA experience.
You have been actively involved in the EMBA Alumni Network since its inception three years ago. What keeps you involved?
What interested me in the Alumni Network was the chance to give back. I feel greatly indebted to the program for all of the opportunities it has afforded me and for all of the ways it has enriched my life. I want to ensure that everyone who comes through the program realizes the full value that it can provide. I hope to continue in the tradition, set forth by past alumni, who have added value to the degree by creating connections among the members.
As the incoming EMBA Alumni Network President what are you looking forward to in the next year?
Regarding the year ahead, I want to challenge everyone to promote the Alumni Network and the Executive MBA Program as a whole. We have a great story to tell and we all benefit when we strengthen the Program by networking, providing continuing educational opportunities, and attracting the best students to the program. We have a very talented Board of Directors and together we are creating a great plan to grow the network and execute on our mission statement.
What is your advice to those seeking an M.B.A.?
For any prospective students, I would strongly urge you to consider the UA EMBA program. You will find that this program, in particular, can provide value in so many different ways. You will receive unparalleled instruction, create lifelong memories and accomplish things, you never thought possible. It is a truly transformational experience.
For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.
Education: Georgia Institute of Technology, BS, Building Construction; University of Alabama, M.B.A.
Previous Occupations/Experience: President, Housing Inc.; Vice President, New Home Building Stores
Current Occupation: Culverhouse College of Commerce, University of Alabama, Instructor, Operations Management
Why did you decide to teach?
I’ve always enjoyed teaching. I’ve always found myself in a position of being a trainer and leaning toward teaching, whether it was coaching or Sunday School or at work. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring others and just kept pursuing the decision to teach.
Did an EMBA professor help you decide to begin teaching or impact your teaching methods?
As far as helping me decide to start teaching, I’d say Dr. King in his Leadership class helped tremendously, and Dr. Strickland in his Strategy class helped lay out the path. Others, like Drs. Dulek, Ellinger, Albright, and Gray, whose personalities, temperaments, and ways of handling difficult course content and making them easier, showed me I could do this and take industry experience and apply it to the classroom.
Why did you enroll in the Tuscaloosa EMBA program?
They accepted me! Seriously, the cost and national reputation was part of it, and it’s close. We were here; my wife teaches at the University. I looked elsewhere, and I just wanted a campus experience instead of an online experience. I’m teaching an online Introduction to Operations Management class now and I don’t see how people do it!
What was your favorite experience in EMBA?
Just the fellow students and being able to interact with peers. I was kind of the old guy, and it was nice to see that I had life and business experience that I could use to improve and to help others with some of their business and class problems. Age has its benefits and I can actually bring something to the table!
What has been the most interesting part of teaching?
The volume of work required! It’s been a good thing, but I’ve been an adjunct before, and it’s always been one or two classes and I’ve been surprised at the volume of work that’s necessary to do it well. There’s a great deal that goes on in the background that you don’t even think of until you’re teaching. It’s great to do and it’s a tremendous and worthwhile experience. Dealing with the students is a lot of fun, even the tough ones!
According to former students of Nathan Chilcutt’s:
“Hands down one of the best teachers in the business school!”
“Like all good teachers, he was less focused on what the book had to say and more focused on what we needed to know for real life applications.”
“Professor Chilcutt is one of the most helpful professors I have had at this university.”
What advice would you give to current EMBA students?
Get to know your professors on a personal level, don’t just deal with them in class. Personal interaction is key; it’s amazing what these people can present to you and provide and want to provide because they want to give something. Get to know and interact with your classmates, ask a lot of questions and just be be open to the experience, that’s the greatest thing-just be a part of it.
For more information on the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501.
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Program: Huntsville EMBA (currently enrolled in the 2016 Class)
Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee
Previous Education: BA in Spanish from Georgetown College
Occupation: Manager of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC), Denials and Medical Necessity for Community Health Systems. Heather manages government and commercial healthcare payer recoupment process for 200 acute care hospitals owned and/or operated by the second largest for-profit hospital operator in the U.S.
Post-UA EMBA Goals
My goal upon completing the EMBA Program is to enter the CEO-In-Training Program. The process involves three 18-24 month steps: step 1) shadowing a C-level executive, step 2) assuming an Assistant CEO role and finally step 3) becoming a COO or CEO of a hospital.
Why did you enroll in Huntsville EMBA Program at The University of Alabama?
I chose the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama because it is a well recognized and respected institution. Having a bachelor’s degree from a small liberal arts college I wanted to obtain my M.B.A. from an acclaimed University. As soon as I visited and met with the UA EMBA staff, I knew this is where I belonged. I liked the blended format, combining the traditional classroom set-up in concert with a modern online hybrid program. Also, as a single working mom the once a month format met my very busy work and family schedule.
What course(s) have been most helpful to you in your current role at Community Health Systems?
I have really enjoyed Dr. King’s Leadership class. In my current management role having effective people skills is as important as understanding concepts. Everyone would bring their own perspective and approach to problem solving during our class debates. Helping you to look at a problem and how to solve it in a different way is invaluable.
What has been your favorite experience in HEMBA so far?
Networking. I enjoy going to class to see everyone. The camaraderie and how we look out for each other. When someone struggles there is someone on the team or in the class who can help.
How can an EMBA assist someone in the healthcare community?
One of the most important returns on investment has been taking a concept and applying it to a healthcare setting. During our discussion of Toyota, and visiting the Nissan Plant in Tennessee, I focused on front end registration processes and how to make it more efficient for our health system. It is important to consider the viewpoints from different industries and ask, “How can this be applicable to my industry?”
What advice would you give to someone considering an Executive MBA Program?
Can you manage the time commitment? Being selfish is okay, you are investing a lot of money. Also when looking at a university select a program that fits your needs. For me, I was looking at my career three years down the road. I set expectations for myself, the program and the University to make sure all were in alignment to fulfill my goals. I am very happy that I chose the Culverhouse Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama.
Heather Martin is one of many healthcare professionals who have selected the Culverhouse EMBA. If you are in the healthcare field and would like to talk with one of our students or alumni in the clinical, pharmaceutical or consulting area, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange for a follow up contact about the program.
The next HEMBA Program will begin Thursday, August 13, 2015. For more information contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
By Donna Blackburn
