About

The MBA Advisory Council supports the mission, values and strategic direction of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business and the MBA program.

Council members serve as thought leaders and industry experts, providing significant insights and a diverse perspective that support the continued innovation and growth of the MBA program.

Throughout the year, the MBA Advisory Council participates in committees designed to move strategic initiatives forward in admissions, student services, career management, alumni engagement, and more. 

This consistent, dedicated work results in growing connections across the college community between alumni, prospective students, current students, faculty and staff. The council creates purposeful engagement opportunities and initiatives that deepen Haslam’s culture of creating meaningful connections and giving back, all growing the value of a Haslam MBA degree.

Responsibilities

Members of the MBA Advisory Council serve initial two-year terms, with the option to extend for an additional term for those who are interested and maintain good standing.

Throughout each year of their term, members:

  • Attend two MBA Advisory Council meetings, one in the fall and one in the spring
  • Serve on one council committee, participating in conference calls and virtual meetings when applicable
  • Engage in at least one MBA student-centered initiative
  • Attend alumni engagement opportunities in their area and on campus, when possible
  • Encourage alumni and friends to participate in alumni engagement activities
  • Engage digitally with Haslam and the MBA program through reading alumni emails and engaging on social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)

MBA Advisory Council Members

Bhava Bahri Image
Bhava Bahri

Ernst & Young LLP

Partner

Vanessa Berkley Image
Vanessa Berkley

Brogan Financial

Financial Advisor

Terrell Broady, Jr Image
Terrell Broady, Jr
Andy Chalache Image
Andy Chalache

First Horizon Advisors, Inc.

Director of Research & Senior Portfolio Strategist

David Ecklund Image
David Ecklund

University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business; Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc.

Lecturer & Director, Executive MBA in Global Supply Chain Management; Vice President, Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc.

Katie Fischer Image
Katie Fischer

Bush Brothers & Co

Division Manager

Kolin Holladay Image
Kolin Holladay

Polsinelli PC

Shareholder and Co-Chair, Business Department

Marcus Jeter Image
Marcus Jeter

Meta

Supplier Relationship & Category Manager, Professional Services

Korri A. Jones Image
Korri A. Jones

Chick-fil-A Inc.

Principal Engineering Team Leader – Advanced Analytics Portfolios

Abhinav Kaura Image
Abhinav Kaura

Amazon

Principal Product Manager Technical

Amy Lambert Image
Amy Lambert

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Director of Marketing Insights, Digital Learning

Jackie McDonald Image
Jackie McDonald

tnAchieves

Chief Operating Officer

Phil Montag Image
Phil Montag

Warner Bros. Discovery

Procurement Director

Pete Pearson Image
Pete Pearson

Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic

Chief Executive Officer

Catherine Porth Image
Catherine Porth

Let Her Speak & Women’s Business Collective of East TN

Founder & Executive Director of Let Her Speak, Executive Director of Women’s Business Collective of East TN

Kimberly Smith Image
Kimberly Smith

Tali Elohi, The Wilderness Society

Owner, Community Conservation Specialist

Andrew Ussery Image
Andrew Ussery

Averitt Express, Inc.

Senior Manager, Dedicated Pricing and Analysis

Lia Winter Image
Lia Winter

Winter Innovations

Startup Coach

Yan (Sally) Wu Image
Yan (Sally) Wu

HP

Director of Product Transition Planning