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Barron is the current Chair of the Advisory Board. Barron is an alumni of the Evening MBA program. He has over 15 years of experience in the industrial automation industry working with Emerson Electric and their impact partner network. He has worked his way up from the role of valve technician, to his current position as an account manager with Caltrol, Inc. He is responsible for managing relationships between Caltrol and the major Southern ����ɫ��ҹoil refineries. He is also acting as strategic site team leader for the Chevron El Segundo Refinery and works to ensure collaboration between all of the separate Emerson business units. Prior to his start with Emerson, Barron served in the United States Marine Corps where he obtained the rank of E-5 and held various leadership and quality control roles throughout his enlistment. Barron earned a B.S. in Business, with a concentration in management, from the University of Phoenix in 2014.

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Sergio was born and raised in San Diego, California. He made the move to Los Angeles after graduating from San Diego State University in 2000 with a B.A. in Communication. He was recruited by Kraft Foods Nabisco where he held the position of sales representative and customer category manager where he assisted in managing national brands such as Oscar Mayer, Kraft Cheese and Post cereals.

Sergio Baez currently holds the role of Senior Manager of Global Brand Partnerships and Licensing for the Walt Disney Company. In his 15+ years with the Walt Disney Company, Sergio has managed over 100+ licensed & promotional relationships and has been responsible for 1,500+ product launches. He has held several roles within Disney’s licensing division inclusive of various category management roles. He now leads various strategic accounts for Disney Parks, Experiences & Products, where he guides the global growth of these partnerships leveraging his cross-enterprise relationships. His strategic accounts include Kimberly Clark, S.C. Johnson, and P&G.

In addition to his day job, Sergio has continued to dedicate time to his passion of diversity in the workplace and passion for empowering others to lead successful careers. In 2018, Sergio co-founded Disney’s Latinx employee resource group, Mas+ (plus).

Aside from earning his Bachelor’s in Communication from San Diego State University, Sergio earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Long Beach State in 2013 and earned his second Masters in Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University in 2015.

Sergio’s passion to teach, mentor, coach and inspire has led him to participate in numerous mentorship programs, community college advisory boards and guest lecturer opportunities. He sits on various executive boards including, Adelante Youth Alliance, ����ɫ��ҹPlacement Association, and ����ɫ��ҹ’s MBA advisory board.

Sergio’s passion has also led him to become an adjunct business instructor at Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Los Angeles, Pasadena City College and Loyola Marymount where he teaches Marketing at the undergraduate and graduate level.

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Ms. Barbara Barcon has been a finance executive with over 30 years of corporate finance leadership in the Aerospace and Energy industries. She has an extensive background in financial planning, M&A and operational management. At Pacific Gas and Electric Company from 2008- 2010 she was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Her career includes over 21 years at Hughes Electronics where she rose to the position of CFO of the satellite manufacturing business unit. From 2001-2007, Ms. Barcon was at TRW/Northrop Grumman for six years where she was Vice President of Financial Process Excellence and was responsible for the development and implementation of a process improvement and management program for Finance across the company. In addition to the above, Ms. Barcon has spent several years with a pass through Private Equity firm where, as a Senior Vice President, she is responsible for portfolio company financial oversight and controls and financial due diligence. Ms. Barcon earned a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and her MBA from ����ɫ��ҹ. She also serves as a member of the College of Engineering Advisory Council.

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Lori Bell - A Managing Partner in a Financial Services Firm, a ����ɫ��ҹ MBA Alum, an experienced non-profit Board member and professional networker/connector. Lori earned both her BS Finance and MBA degrees from ����ɫ��ҹ while working full time. She understands the challenges students face, especially during the pandemic and feels this is the perfect time to join the Board and bring her experience and support to the college. When asked, why join the Board now, she stated that, “this is an important time for alumni who are business people in the Community to get involved and make a difference. She knows she can help be a bridge between the students and industry by leveraging relationships with businesses with the needs of the students and the college. She brings all of this and is already making a difference.

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Deputy City Manager of Lakewood, CA. 

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Sean Boatman

Kurt Brouwer enjoyed a 35-year career with the City of Newport Beach, where he dedicated his entire tenure to the Finance Department. Serving as the Senior Buyer at the time of his retirement, Kurt was responsible for procuring goods and services for all thirteen municipal departments across the city.  He also oversaw operations of the Central Warehouse, managing an inventory of more than a thousand unique items ranging from tools and safety equipment to janitorial supplies.

Kurt has remained deeply engaged in higher education and community service. He began volunteering on campus at KLON (now KKJZ) back in the late 1980’s, and has continued his service across five decades. He currently serves on the MBA Advisory Board and the MPA Alumni Engagement Committee (in the College of Health and Human Services). He also contributed more than ten years of service on the ����ɫ��ҹ Alumni Association Board of Directors, completing two terms as President. Kurt has mentored students through both the Student Center for Professional Development (SCPD) and the Graduate Business Career Services (GBCS) programs.

Kurt earned his Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from ����ɫ��ҹ in 2000. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology (with minors in Psychology and Human Services) from ����ɫ��ҹState University, Fullerton and an Associate’s Degree from Orange Coast College.

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With nearly 30 years of broad executive experience in several countries, today Sharon Eshett uses her background—and her ����ɫ��ҹ degrees—to grow her family’s real estate holdings. A ����ɫ��ҹ Finance graduate, she launched her career at Southern ����ɫ��ҹEdison as a financial analyst. A few years later she returned to ����ɫ��ҹ for her MBA. Next, she followed our globalizing economy with a home decor company in Israel and in Switzerland with Gucci Timepieces. Sharon returned to the U.S. and worked in the executive offices of a corporate holding firm and a real estate investment company, ultimately using her experience in consulting, helping a wide range of clients, particularly in transportation and logistics. Having nearly grown up on campus—in her father’s faculty office—Sharon is happy to be back at ����ɫ��ҹ sharing her extensive business background on the MBA Advisory Board.

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Assistant Manager, Product and Inventory Planning at Epson America Inc.

Norm earned his MBA from ����ɫ��ҹ with an emphasis in Information Systems in 1998.  After  working in the aviation, legal, and management consulting industries, he started his own firm,  Pacific Technologies, in 2015. Through his education and experience, he combines proven  strategies and practical real‐world expertise to create customized solutions. Pacific  Technologies provides technology consulting and support for clients in the legal, medical,  manufacturing, and professional services. He provides business owners with solid advice on the  smart application of hardware and software. He believes the needs of a business must drive  technology decisions so companies become more efficient and competitive. 

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Michael Jolayemi is an astute risk manager who leads risk management processes with a good understanding of risk profiles and recommends strong mitigating controls. He has excellent attention to detail and resourceful problem-solving skills. He has overseen regulatory compliance from a risk management perspective for the past eighteen years. He believes and works for strong team building. He was appointed executive chairman of a medium sized ailing bank in 1995 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) with a goal of reviving the bank for new investors – which he did successfully by 1998. He relocated to the United States with his family in 2006 and has worked in three banks as an internal auditor since 2007. He is currently a Vice President and Senior Auditor with CTBC Bank USA Inc. He is a graduate of Kaduna Polytechnic, and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Nigeria. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in Accounting from ����ɫ��ҹState University, Dominquez Hills (CSUDH). He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and holds a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). Mike is married with three children and lives in Southern California.

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Kerissa is an experienced Digital Marketing and Social Media Brand Manager with a demonstrated history of working with companies in the service, manufacturing, healthcare and CPG industries. Skilled in Digital Marketing, Market Research, Social Media, Advertising, Competitive Analysis, and Public Relations. Strong marketing professional with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused in Business Management and Sustainability from ����ɫ��ҹState University‐Long Beach.

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Grace Maeshiro

Massimo Masini is an expert of continuous improvement leveraging Lean Practices, Quality and Operational Excellence in several custom-engineered, made to order businesses ranging from small companies to Fortune 500 firms. Massimo held Operations leadership positions in several manufacturing industries from high-tech to Aerospace (Technicolor, ThyssenKrupp, B/E Aerospace, TECT Power, Bodycote). While at Bodycote, Massimo built a very strong leadership team that improved OTD from 80% to over 98% in less than one year. He transformed the Business from a reactive to a proactive customer centric culture embracing the “zero defect base” reducing the Cost of Poor Quality by 50% and improving Safety reducing LTIP by 65% currently. Massimo gained global experience managing all international operations while at Technicolor in Thailand, US and three European countries. In addition to holding a B.S. and M.S. in Engineering, Massimo has a MBA from CSU Long Beach; he is Certified Black Belt and Six Sigma. He resides in ����ɫ��ҹwith his wife and two children and as hobby he teaches at ����ɫ��ҹ the “Management & Operations” course in the On-line and the Saturday MBA.

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Frank McEnulty

Kevin Okerstrom - An industry expert in environmental health and safety and an MBA, ����ɫ��ҹ Alum. Kevin was heavily involved in the Student Center for Professional Development (SCPD) Advisory Board for several years. He was Chair of that Board and implemented many new initiatives to enhance the program and it grew greatly under his leadership. He now feels called to contribute in a new way by joining the MBA Board. Bringing an environmental health and safety background will add depth to the Board, as well as bringing experience from another ����ɫ��ҹ Advisory Board. His leadership and strategic skills will have a strong and immediate impact.

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Aivanna Padilla

I am the Employee Experience and Internal Communications Manager at Terran Orbital. I received my bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management with an emphasis on culture and diversity in the workplace from ����ɫ��ҹState University, Long Beach. I recently graduated with a master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University.

I have been in the aerospace industry for about 5 years now. My role consists of employee engagement, communications, managing employee resource groups and clubs, overseeing all learning and development initiatives, and handling rewards and recognition programs.

In my free time, I love to travel, read, hang out with my 8-year-old Basenji named Lincoln, paint, spend hours in thrift stores, go to concerts, and attend baseball games (Go Giants!).

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Jose is an alumni of the Day-Time MBA program. 

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DR. IVAN M. ROSENBERG, the Managing Partner of InVista Associates, has over 30 years experience as a management consultant and change agent, supporting organizations in which the leadership is committed to achieving breakthrough results in organizational performance. In 2010 he co-founded The Aerospace & Defense Forum, an international community of seven chapters and over 1800 individuals that facilitates communication, collaboration, and commerce among A&D business leaders. He also founded and leads The Uniquely Abled Project, which among other projects teaches those with high functioning autism how to operate CNC manufacturing machines.

Ivan received Bachelor and Masters degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Cornell University and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Management from the University of Rochester.

While an Assistant Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and CalPoly San Luis Obispo, he assisted a variety of organizations, including the State of California, in improving business IT systems. In 1981, Dr. Rosenberg founded Distinctive Solutions Corporation, which develops commercial finance software for banks and other financial institutions. Under his leadership, the company raised over $5 million in venture capital, and became a national leader in its field. After 25 years of operation, the company was sold in 2006.

After being elected Chairman of the Board of Distinctive Solutions Corporation in 1988, Dr. Rosenberg became Vice President of E.K. Williams & Co., at the time the world's largest small business accounting and consulting company. During his years with the company he led the implementation of a company culture change, resulting in returning the company to profitability and the establishment of effective management and production systems.

Dr. Rosenberg consults with organizations to produce sales, efficiency, and profitability results far beyond what might be predictable by past performance. His engagements include organizational culture changes, strategic planning, breakthrough problem solving, team and partner building, innovative sales training, and training and coaching senior executives. His clients range from small start-ups to major government agencies, including Amgen, Microsoft, Cubic Corporation, NASA HQ and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson & Johnson, Viewsonic, the W.M. Keck Observatory, the Gemini Observatory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, the Giant Magellan Telescope, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., and Warner Bros. He has directly consulted 19 robotic space missions. Dr. Rosenberg is a highly-rated public speaker and the author of over 130 published articles.

Ivan served on the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Morro Bay. In addition to Distinctive Solutions Corporation, his Board membership has included Legacy Software, Inc., Interex (the international Hewlett-Packard users group), Technology for Results in Elementary Education, the Association for Strategic Planning, The Country School, the Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA), the Southern ����ɫ��ҹChapter of the Institute for Management Consultants, the ����ɫ��ҹWildlife Center, and Exceptional Minds Studio. He has been President of the Los Angeles Venture Association and of a local council of the Boy Scouts of America. Currently he serves on the Boards of CyberNet Communications and AMP SoCal, and on the Los Angeles Mayor’s Aerospace Advisory Council and the Mayor’s Export Council.

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Kaitlin Sanchez

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Karita Webber Business Management Director, Strategic Space Systems Division Northrop Grumman Space Systems.

Karita leads a Functional Homeroom and Cost Management team of ~300 employees.

Karita’s 37+ year career at Northrop Grumman has included many positions of increasing levels of responsibility at the Functional level, and on various Major Programs.

Karita earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business from ����ɫ��ҹState University, Long Beach as well as graduate studies and multiple certifications from UCLA to include Executive Management Program, African-American Leadership Institute, and Professional Designation in Government Contract Management. Karita also has received a Certificate in Effective Leadership from the University of Southern California. Other noteworthy achievements are, she is an alumni of the Women In Leadership (WIL) Cohort Northrop Grumman and a Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute Graduate. Karita is also Six Sigma Green Belt Certificated. Karita believes in giving back to the community.

She is a Certified Motivational Speaker – Courses include: · Interpersonal Skills Training, Etiquette, and Dress For Success

She is the Director of Fine Arts and the Worship Leader – Greater Cornerstone Church, Los Angeles, The Author of “Liturgical Dance Decorum”, a liturgical dance instructional pamphlet, A Youth Motivation Volunteer, and A Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

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Steve Yoho is a retired aerospace business professional with over 34 years experience in Financial Management. He was employed at Northrop Grumman as a Mechanical Cost Manager and as a Deputy Business Manager. Previously, he was employed by Hughes Aircraft and Boeing. He currently serves as the ����ɫ��ҹ MBA Advisory Board Chair. Previously, he served on the Student Center for Professional Development Advisory Board for six years and served one year as chair. He has been mentoring ����ɫ��ҹ business students for 15 years for both the SCPD and MBA programs. He is a 1982 COB graduate with two degrees in Finance. While working at Northrop Grumman, he was the point of contact for hiring business interns from the College of Business. He has helped over 70 students get interviews and internships.

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• Program
  • Evening MBA
• What’s your favorite part of the MBA program?
  • The community, while the Evening MBA is not a cohort, I have had at least one class every semester with many of my peers, enabling us to support each other in our shared goal of academic success and career growth. I have also had multiple professors who are truly invested in the success of their students and clearly go above and beyond. I was fortunate enough to be matched with an outstanding mentor in my first semester through the Graduate Business Mentor Program. Between my peers, professors, and mentor, I feel truly supported by my community in the Evening MBA program.
• If you could have dinner with one business leader, who would it be?
  • Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman

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• Program
  • Online MBA
• What’s your favorite part of the MBA program?
  • My favorite part of the MBA program has been the collaboration and knowledge-sharing fostered during our class time. Despite being in an online format, the interactions with both my professors and peers have been engaging and meaningful, making this experience both enriching and personally rewarding.
• If you could have dinner with one business leader, who would it be?
  • I would love to have dinner with Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. She is someone whom I recently learned about, and her accomplishments and journey have been incredibly inspiring and motivating. Representation is deeply important to me, and the opportunity to listen to the life experiences of someone who has broken barriers in her field would be truly meaningful. It’s also pretty cool that she’s a ����ɫ��ҹ alum!

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• Program
  • Saturday MBA
• What’s your favorite part of the MBA program?
  • What I love most about the ����ɫ��ҹ SMBA program is its dedication and exposure to innovation, the unique study abroad opportunity, and the collaborative cohort learning style.
• If you could have dinner with one business leader, who would it be?
  • I'd jump at the chance to have dinner with Michelle Obama because I believe her firsthand experience in mobilizing communities and building impactful programs on a global scale would be invaluable to learn from.

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• Program
  • Day-Time MBA
• What’s your favorite part of the MBA program? 
  • The sense of community has been my favorite part of the MBA program. From collaborating on group projects to connecting at events, I’ve felt inspired and supported by the diversity of my peers and the welcoming nature of the graduate program.
• If you could have dinner with one business leader, who would it be?
  • I’d choose Kris Jenner. Putting her pop culture presence aside, she’s a savvy business strategist who’s built and managed a multi-brand empire. I’d love to learn how she identifies opportunities, builds strategic partnerships, and maintains brand relevance in a constantly evolving landscape.

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Mark Suazo is the current Dean of the College of Business. Dean Suazo joined ����ɫ��ҹ in Fall 2024 with a wealth of experience in higher education leadership and public service, plus a vision to establish The Beach as the region’s premier destination for business education.

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Ella Gomez is the Director of Development for the College of Business.

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Cynthia Saavedra is the Senior of Development for the College of Business.

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Rod Smith is the Director of Graduate Business Programs. Rod joined ����ɫ��ҹ in 2006 following 6 years at the University of Arkansas. His Ph.D. is from UCI, and he has published research in The Accounting Review, Journal of Information Systems, Journal of Management Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, and the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems. He is a coauthor of the textbook: Accounting Information Systems, published by McGraw-Hill. In an earlier part of his journey through life, he spent 26 years in the U. S. Coast Guard, rising to the rank of Captain. He also serves as the Director of the MS Accountancy program where he helped grow the program from an inaugural cohort of 11 students to over 50 current students.

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Alysa Turkowitz is the Associate Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Education.

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