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Yi Schuler

Dr. Yi Schuler, MBA Interim Director

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the Master of Business Administration, a program that prepares students to make a difference in organizations. Completing graduate work in business offers immersive opportunities to add skills to your toolkit, such as leadership, strategic thinking, data analysis, marketing, finance, accounting, and other applications and theory.

Whether your undergraduate degree was in business or not, we welcome students interested in pursuing a graduate business program. We have a well-learned student body from diverse undergraduate degree backgrounds including health care, journalism, human resources, engineering, graphic design, theology, and more. As employees in the workforce, MBA students provide unique insight and even opportunity to their peers for immersion and exposure to a significant number of areas.

The MBA program offers rigorous curriculum taught by faculty who are practitioners – instructors involved in the business arena themselves. Our classes have a small faculty student ratio, providing an opportunity for individualized attention from these business leaders. In addition, our faculty are Christians with a belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Our classrooms are not Bible studies, but our instructors are comfortable having a discussion about beliefs in the business world. I invite you to view our faculty bios below. I am especially proud of our talented group of professors who are sincerely engaged and available to our students.

Our MBA program here started in 1999, so you are part of a 20 year history of an educational journey focused on business practices with a blend of theory. Students can choose to progress through the program full-time or part-time as they complete five core courses, eight elective courses, and the capstone course. The average completion time for the MBA is 16 to 24 months. Our adult learners are professionals, often already working in the business arena, as they embrace the networking opportunities our program affords, both within the classroom and in the corporate community.

We look forward to building the business leaders of tomorrow – and those leaders of tomorrow include YOU!

Learn from Experience

Our students learn how business is done by the people actually doing it. Concordia MBA professors teach from experience. When they're not in the classroom, many are running successful businesses of their own. Whether you want to advance in an established organization or start your own, you'll learn how to make it happen from instructors who are dedicated to helping students explore and refine their talents. Using their strong backgrounds and credentials in marketing, accounting, finance, management, and data our professors are working to teach you how to do something that works and works well.

Finance

Julius Agbor

Julius Agbor

Experience: Over 20 years of professional experience working for governments, academia, think tank and the private sector in developing, emerging and advanced economy contexts.
Education: Ph.D. Economics, University of Cape Town (South Africa), M.Com. Economics (Cum Laude), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, B.Sc. Economics, University of Yaounde II (Cameroon)
Courses: Economics, Finance

Richard Ingrassia

Richard Ingrassia

Experience: 20+ years in equity research and investment banking. Analyst & Consultant at PwC, Kagan Roth Capital, Digital Offering, Wheelhouse Digital
Education: M.S. Journalism, Northwestern University, B.A. Economics, University of Notre Dame
Courses: Capstone Project and Capstone Business Plan, Investing

Robert McClatchy

Robert McClatchy

Experience: CFO, operations management, and controller, positions in the transportation, finance, and nonprofit sectors
Education: M.B.A., Pepperdine University, B.S. Environmental Science, University of California Riverside
Courses: Economics, Investing, Investing Practicum, Advanced Investing

Jeffrey McNutt

Jeffrey McNutt

Experience: Held positions with a Fortune 500 luxury home builder, a fully integrated public real estate investment trust and one of the largest privately held owner / developers of apartments, office, retail and resorts.
Education: MBA, Corporate Finance Pennsylvania State University. Bachelor of Arts University of California, Santa Barbara
Courses: Real Estate Development

Laszlo Zoltany

Laszlo Zoltany

Experience: Controller and Finance Manager
Education: Controller and Finance Manager
Courses: Accounting


Marketing

Shea Frates

Shea Frates

Experience: Digital Media Strategist at Pacific Life; 10+ years in social media and digital marketing strategy
Education: M.B.A., Concordia University Irvine; B.A. Mass Communication, Concordia University Irvine; M.S. Candidate in Digital Media Management at USC
Courses: Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications

Raj Mitra

Raj Mitra

Experience: VP and Senior Director positions for Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems and Thales. 20+ years in product development and marketing
Education: M.B.A., New York University, Stern School of Business; B.S. Mechanical Engineering, BITS, Pilani, India
Courses: Marketing, New Product Development, Marketing for Results, Marketing Communications

Mary Kay Park

Mary Kay Park

Experience: Global media executive, International business consultant, and part time MBA faculty. Consistently failing at making more time for golf, tennis, kayaking, and piano. Yet, always hopeful. She has guest lectured at many higher education associations such as Harvard Graduate School of Ed (HGSE), Learning in a Globalizing World, Belmont University, MBA International Business, Hope University, Belhaven University, and CAHEA Keynote (Christian Adult Higher Education Association). She has also been a faculty member at Middlebury Institute of International Studies (Grad School), Biola University, and Gateway Seminary.
Education: Ph.D of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies at Biola University
Courses: Entrepreneurship and Effective Communication

Matthew Weiss

Matt Weiss

Experience: Matt Weiss is a data scientist at Facebook, helping lead product analytics in their Reality Labs division. Matt’s work spans across many products and features as he helps development of the company’s AI assistant. Prior to this, Matt was the head of business intelligence at In-N-Out Burger, developing the company's data strategy, building innovative reporting, crafting impactful analyses, and assisting with other wide-reaching initiatives. Additional experience includes leadership roles in analytics at Blizzard Entertainment and Taco Bell, with focuses on marketing, product engagement, and sales optimization.
Education: MBA at the University of California, Irvine, BA in Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz
Courses: Data Analytics


Management

Daniel Adelseck

Daniel Adelseck

Experience: Professor Dan admires productivity, creativity, and passion for work. He graduated summa cum laude and received his doctorate from Grand Canyon University with a focus on scaling micro-enterprises. He is particularly interested in research focused on the intersections of business, technology, and faith.

Kevin Grant

Bruce Dannemeyer

Experience: Professor Dannemeyer is an attorney with over 40 years’ experience representing small businesses and individuals in business and real estate disputes. He volunteers his time as a temporary judge in Superior Court. He has shared his business experience, how faith has played a role in his career, and the value of an MBA in today’s business world.
Education: B.A. degree from Valparaiso University, J.D. degree from University of California, Berkeley
Courses: Essential Business Law, Contract Management, Business Contracts

Kevin Grant

Kevin Grant

Experience: Dr. Grant’s background as a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer has allowed him to serve as a practitioner with a wealth of experience that cuts across the arenas of leadership education, training, and consultant management. His consulting clients include Fortune 500, start-ups, small to medium businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.
Education: Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University; M.B.A. Entrepreneurial Finance, Azusa Pacific University
Courses: Leadership Development, Finance, Economics, Global Leadership, Ethics, Management, Strategy, Human Resources

Karl Hoenecke

Karl Hoenecke - Dean

Experience: Vice President of Business Development at TeamLogic It. 20+ years in developing franchising solutions.
Education: M.B.A., Concordia University Irvine, B.A. University of California Santa Barbara
Courses: Business Franchise Solutions, Management

Yi Schuler

Yi Schuler - MBA Interim Director

Experience: Import & export, senior global account manager with a DLP development company for seven years, graduate program management, program design, curriculum design, intercultural studies, 20+ years of higher education experience
Education: Ph. D., Biola University
Courses: Global Enterprises, Diversity in Organizations, Org Culture and Performance


Sports Business

Mark Christenson

Mark Christenson

Experience: Extensive line management experience in a variety of business settings from Fortune 500 companies and smaller organizations to owning a small business for 15 years. Varied background centered in general and brand management with consumer goods organizations. I have worked for Hunt Wesson Foods (packaged foods), The Upper Deck Company (sports collectibles/event marketing), The Queen Mary (consumer goods and attractions) and K-Co Products (consumer hardware).
Education: BS in Business Administration (Marketing Emphasis) from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from The Claremont Graduate School.
Courses: Marketing Management, International Management, Change Management, Human Resources Management

Anthony Marcus

Anthony Marcus

Experience: Over 35 years of professional experience in the legal industry; worked for the Los Angeles District Attorney, the County Counsel, and Fuller Theological Seminary; owner and founder of Anthony Marcus Law Firm and has acted as a managing partner since its inception; Dr. Marcus has been practicing law since 1989.
Education: Juris Doctorate Degree Cum Laude from Alexandria University, Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
Courses: MBAS 613 Sports Law and Ethics, SPBU 350 Sport Law

Ed Willett

Ed Willett

Experience: Over 30 Years of professional experience in the sports industry. Worked for Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY, ESPN, LPGA, Topgolf and several sports startups
Education: BA, Bucknell University, MBA, University of Denver
Courses: Sports Leadership, Sports Media, Public Relations


Strategy

Greg LeFever

Greg LeFever

Experience: Father, Husband, Coach, Motivator, Educator, Author, and Founder of IMpowered Fitness, the premier holistic wellness center in Orange County. With over two decades of experience in personal and corporate fitness, Coach Greg has made it his mission to help others regain their vitality and health through personalized coaching.Focused on building relationships, he goes beyond fitness training by offering education, motivation, accountability, and strategy. As he says, "I am a Coach, not just a trainer." In addition to his work at IMpowered Fitness, Greg is a bestselling author, the founder of Empowered Youth Life Style, a nonprofit that teaches young people the values of a healthy lifestyle.
Courses: Basic Selling Skills

Ben Olbon

Ben Olbon

Experience: Director of Sales and Training for Breakthrough Sports, Founder of Outcome Elite Mental Strength Coaching and Leadership Development Academy, 20+ years in Sales Training and Sales Leadership in Healthcare and Finance, Captain (O-3) United States Marine Corps, Division I Athlete
Education: M.B.A. Concordia University – Irvine; B.A. Political Science, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Certified Energy Leadership Index - Master Practitioner
Courses: Leadership and Development, Basic Selling Skills, Advanced Selling Skills

Roger Philips

Roger Philips

Experience: 20+ years in senior-level positions for software companies
Education: M.S. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California Berkeley, B.S.E. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Princeton University

Megan Williams

Megan Williams

Experience: Megan Williams is currently working as Senior Project Manager for General Electric (GE) Healthcare. She is an experienced project leader with a proven track record of leading successful clinical projects, technology projects, and product development initiatives to improve patient care.
Megan has extensive experience managing large scale projects pertaining to complex mergers and acquisitions, strategy and innovation/technology. Additionally, Megan has expertise in setting up project management offices and leading global virtual teams. She is passionate about mentoring young professionals and is honored to serve as a Concordia University Irvine MHA advisory board member.
Education: MBA from Concordia University, Irvine, B.A. from University of California, Irvine
Courses: Project Management

Drew Wolf

Drew Wolf

Experience: Fortune 500 Financial Company Management, Non-profit entertainment corporation
Education: EdD Leadership and Management
Courses: Effective Communication, Management, E-commerce, Information Technology/Business Analysis Tools & Business Statistics

Our Full Team

  • adelseck, danielAdelseck, Daniel
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, Biola University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
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Daniel Adelseck

Daniel Adelseck

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Professor Dan admires productivity, creativity, and passion for work. He graduated summa cum laude and received his doctorate from Grand Canyon University with a focus on scaling micro-enterprises. He is particularly interested in research focused on the intersections of business, technology, and faith.

Dan is a practiced investor, entrepreneur, and real estate broker. Dan invested the first years of his career in sales and strategic alliances. During this time, he developed integrated solutions with technology companies including Boeing, Oracle, Ameritrade, Experian, General Dynamics, Microsoft, and Hewlett Packard. He won numerous sales awards and was recognized as the top revenue producer and alliance builder by multiple companies.

In 2001, Dan started a real estate investment business ultimately acquiring 130 rental units in Southern California, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. Today, he has consolidated his assets into three real estate investment corporations and manages them part-time. Additionally, he has also conducted over $40,000,000 of transactions as a licensed real estate broker and investor.

He earned his undergraduate degree at UCLA with a minor in business and two master’s degrees with high honors from Biola University. He loves Jesus Christ, his beautiful wife Amy, their six children, and the gift of life. Dan travels often on trips to places including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Peru, and Mexico to support missions aimed at eradicating disease and poverty.

Dan values an integrated life and the practiced synergy between one’s business, faith, and sense of adventure. Dan teaches alongside and supports organizations aimed at building entrepreneurial productivity in underprivileged areas. He continues to be active in ministry at his local church, serving for a season as Chairman of the Board. For fun, Dan may be found traversing one of our national parks or headed on an adventure around the world. This summer will include trips to the Maldives, Dubai, Alaska, and hopefully South Africa.

His calling to Concordia stems from his passion to share life and business experiences with students with the goal of seeing them succeed in both. Dan sees business as an opportunity to invest in others and better the world around him.

  • Agbor, Julius Agbor, Julius
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics
  • Ph.D. Economics, University of Cape Town (South Africa)
  •  
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Julius Agbor

Agbor, Julius

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Over 20 years of professional experience working for governments, academia, think tanks and the private sector in developing, emerging and advanced economy contexts.

Education

  • Ph.D. Economics, University of Cape Town (South Africa)
  • M.Com. Economics (Cum Laude), University of the Western Cape, Cape Town
  • B.Sc. Economics, University of Yaounde II (Cameroon)

Courses

MBA Courses

  • Economics
  • Finance
  • aguas, jake Aguas, Jake
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • M.A., Organizational Leadership, Biola University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (949) 466-6100

Jake Aguas

aguas, jake

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

With over 25 years of experience in the banking and market research industries, Jake has held leadership positions with two Fortune 100 companies and one of the country's top polling firms. He spent 15 years with JPMorgan Chase as a leader in its retail bank division as the Human Resources Manager for the Western United States, Regional Sales Manager, and Market Director, where he specialized in strategy, training, talent acquisition, and workforce planning.
Jake was actively involved and participated in the JPMorgan Chase and Washington Mutual Bank merger, the largest conversion in US financial services history at the time. He has been recognized by the California State Assembly and the City of Los Angeles for his contributions in business and organizational leadership.
As a consultant, Jake assists businesses with strategy, team building, training, and the design of human resource processes and procedures. He speaks regularly on emotional intelligence, leadership, and current topics in management. He is a course designer and has developed a variety of face-to-face, blended, and online courses.
Jake is bilingual and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, and his current area of interest includes the mega-trends impacting the global business environment, specifically in regards to a multi-generational and changing workforce.

Education

  • M.A., Organizational Leadership, Biola University
  • B.A., Economics, University of California, Los Angeles

Courses

MBA Courses

  • Management Theory and Practice
  • Economics

Undergraduate Courses

  • Organizational Behavior
  • Carter, Arthur Carter, Arthur
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor

Arthur Carter

carter, arthur

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Art Carter is an accomplished senior banker with well developed strategic and operating skills. He has a demonstrated track record in managing client relationships while maintaining a strong focus on company’s market objectives and profitability. He delivers results because of core competencies in New Business Development, Client Relationship Management, Strong Centers of Influence, Team Building and Mentoring, Innovation and Problem Solving, and Competitive Market Intelligence. He has a long career in middle market banking, most recently with Wells Fargo Bank. Art has been an adjunct professor at Concordia University since 2004 and teaches Entrepreneurship and New Venture Finance.

  • Carter, Donna Carter, Donna
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • M.S., Management, Claremont Graduate University
    MBA, Pepperdine University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
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Donna Carter

carter, donna

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Ms. Carter has more than 25 years in marketing and public affairs encompassing strategic planning, operations, systems development, business development and account management. Her clients range from government agencies and national research projects to private sector clients throughout California. Since 2007, she is the owner of J-U Carter.

Ms. Carter literally “wrote the book” on public awareness campaigns for transportation construction projects when she codified for Caltrans the elements of effective public awareness campaigns in 1987. This work was later published with TCRP and has been adopted as model communications not only with the State of California, but also with transportation departments nationwide.

Ms. Carter also works with a roster of healthcare organizations ranging from the second largest insurer in the nation to the third largest health system in the nation to deliver effective marketing programs to members and patients.

Ms. Carter’s strength is developing strong, strategic plans that are objectively driven and use multi-layered tactical communication measures. She thrives working with diverse client agencies and is a master at understanding various customer and constituent groups and getting to the root of how to most effectively communicate with them.

A lifelong learner, she aspires to earn her PhD in management. She is a serial volunteer with leadership positions within Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts. She is also involved in forming and managing two foundations to benefit youth sailing.

Education

  • Master of Science in Management, Claremont Graduate University
  • MBA, Pepperdine University
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of California Los Angeles

Courses

  • Marketing Communication
  • Chatani, Kim Chatani, Kim
  • Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, Finance, Boston University
  • Grimm Hall 206A
  • (949) 214-3382

Kim Chatani

chatani, kimiharu

Professor, School of Business

Biography

Kim Chatani is a Professor in the School of Business at Concordia University, Irvine where he teaches Accounting 604, Finance 606, Governance and Risk Management 615 A and International Finance 621. In addition, he teaches Auditing ACT 419, Financial Statements Analysis ACT 332 and FIN 332 and GASB 350, ACT 311 and 312 Intermediate Accounting at the Undergraduate level.

Professor Chatani’s experience includes numerous senior level positions at notable organizations: Audit Partner at Arthur Andersen, LLP and a Consulting Partner in charge of JD Edwards Business Solutions Group, Consulting Partner and Vice President of Technology Solutions at A.T. Kearney, Inc., Consulting Managing Director at BearingPoint (formerly KPMG Consulting) and Director of Japanese Advisory Practice at KPMG, LLP. He is also an Advisory Partner and Board member at Khronicle Partners, Inc., a boutique management consulting firm based in Irvine, CA. Concurrently, he serves on a number of organizations as a board member and the audit committee chairman.

He is a published author and expert on the topics of fraud and cyber-security, being interviewed numerous times in various publications including Forbes, Moody’s, and American Banker and speaking on Talk Radio. In addition, he is a frequent speaker at conferences with his knowledge cybersecurity and risk management. Professor Chatani is co-author of several Fraud Casebooks published by John Wiley & Sons of New York, is a contributing author for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Examination on IFRS training programs. He also provides his time to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) as the Orange County Chapter’s Vice President and Board member.

Education

  • MBA in Finance from Boston University
  • BS in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
  • Certified Internal Services Auditor (CISA)
  • Forensic Certified Public Accountant (FCPA)
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
  • Fluent in English and Japanese
  • Christenson, Mark Christenson, Mark
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, The Claremont Graduate School
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Mark Christenson

Mark Christenson

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Extensive line management experience in a variety of business settings from Fortune 500 companies and smaller organizations to owning a small business for 15 years. Varied background centered in general and brand management with consumer goods organizations. I have worked for Hunt Wesson Foods (packaged foods), The Upper Deck Company (sports collectibles/event marketing), The Queen Mary (consumer goods and attractions) and K-Co Products (consumer hardware).

Education

  • BS in Business Administration (Marketing Emphasis) from Cal Poly Pomona
  • MBA from The Claremont Graduate School

Courses

  • Marketing Management
  • International Management
  • Change Management
  • Human Resources Management

Bruce Dannemeyer

Dannemeyer, Bruce

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Professor Dannemeyer is an attorney with over 40 years’ experience representing small businesses and individuals in business and real estate disputes. He volunteers his time as a temporary judge in Superior Court. He has shared his business experience, how faith has played a role in his career, and the value of an MBA in today’s business world.

Professor Dannemeyer has taught MBA courses in Essential Business Law, Contract Management, and Business Contracts. He has a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University and a J.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Education

  • B.A. degree from Valparaiso University
  • J.D. degree from the University of California, Berkeley

Courses

  • MBA 610: Contract Management
  • MBA 633: Essential Business Law
  • MBA 637: Business Contracts
  • Mark Francis Francis, Mark
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MA, Sports Administration & University Teaching, University of New Brunswick (Canada)
  • Grimm Hall 202 C
  • (949) 214-3269

Mark Francis

Mark Francis

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Mark holds an MBA and MA in Sports Administration as well as a Diploma in University Teaching from the University of New Brunswick (Canada). He has recently been retained by Concordia University Irvine where he is serving as the Director of the Sports Business program and Assistant Professor. Mark has also served as a Sports Business Professor at UCLA Anderson’s Center for Media, Entertainment and Sports since 2011, and as an academic advisor to educational technology company and UCLA Anderson Academic partner, Athleta-Ed. He is also course developer and professor for the MBA program in Hockey Business at the Business of Hockey Institute for Athabasca University in Edmonton. In 2016, Mark had the privilege of acting as the Lead Instructor for UCLA Extension’s Custom Programs in Sports & Entertainment Marketing in Shanghai, China and served in a similar capacity for Jiaotong University of Shanghai in 2018. Mark currently serves as an advisor to IMPACT Internship LLC.

In addition to his professional academic work, Mark also boasts a wealth of consulting experience through his consulting company, MARK ONE Sports & Entertainment, whose clients have included Athleta-Ed, Edwards Technologies International, Panasonic, Business of Hockey Institute, California Center, BaAM Productions, Concordia University Irvine and UC Irvine.

Mark has in depth experience at all levels of Sports & Entertainment with significant expertise in fan/guest engagement technologies and large-scale event management and marketing. He speaks regularly on numerous topics related to the business of sports, hi-lighted by the 2019 Keynote presentation on the NCAA College Admissions Scandal, 2019 Future of Sports Conference with the LA Chargers, 2019, PrimeTime Sports Management Conference (Toronto), 2018 Keynote Presentation for Sport BC AGM, 2017 UCLA Anderson Big Data Conference, 2015 Gravity Summit & UCLA Sports Technology Panel, 2014 SATE Conference in Themed Entertainment, 2014 LA Dodgers/LA Chamber of Commerce panel on Sports Technology, and the 2014 Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce Panel on the “Art of Negotiation in Sport.”

Through his extensive industry work, Mark has developed a deep professional network of leaders throughout all levels of sports & entertainment, many of whom appear annually during his Sports Business program at UCLA Anderson. He also serves on the international board of advisors for the European-based IBJA Sports Alliance Group.

Mark served Head Coach of the Men’s Ice Hockey program at UCLA from 2010-2017 and won the 2017 PAC 8 Conference Championship, 2013 & 2017 Crosstown Cup and 2017 Los Angeles Kings College Cup. He was also selected as one of two finalists for the PAC 8 Coach of the Year Award for 2012 and was selected as Head Coach of the PAC-8 Selects at the ACHA National Championships in Philadelphia in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Mark served a two-year term as the Associate Executive Director of the PAC 8 Men’s Hockey Conference. Prior to his move to Los Angeles in 2010, Mark served as Head Coach for the University of New Brunswick Women’s Varsity Hockey program from 2004-2007 and holds 2 USports Canada National Silver Medals and 2 Atlantic University Sport Championships as an Assistant Coach with the University of New Brunswick Men’s Ice Hockey program (1999-2004).

  • Frates, Shea Frates, Shea
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MA Business Administration
  •  
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Shea Frates

Frates, Shea

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Shea Frates is a Social Media and Digital Marketing Strategist with 10+ years of experience. Currently, Shea is a Digital Media Strategist at Pacific Life, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Skillfully merging creativity, innovation, and data-driven insights, Shea increases revenue through brand awareness that exceeds stakeholder expectations.

After being crowned Miss Tustin 2013, Shea wanted to learn how to better promote herself and her platform. Her first step was enrolling in a social media class at a local community college, then interning and gaining outside school experiences after transferring to Concordia. After graduation, Shea continued developing her skills at various companies and industries such as e-commerce, technology, travel and tourism, hospitality, and insurance industries. Skillfully merging creativity, innovation, and data-driven insights, Shea increases revenue through brand awareness that exceeds stakeholder expectations.

A lifelong learner, Shea is a candidate in USC’s M.S. in Digital Media Management program, where she continues to hone her digital marketing craft.

Education

  • MBA, Concordia University, Irvine
  • B.A. Mass Communication, Concordia University, Irvine
  • M.S. Candidate in Digital Media Management at USC

Courses

  • Digital Marketing
  • Marketing Communications
  • Grant, KevinGrant, Kevin
  •  
  • Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University
  •  
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Kevin Grant

Grant, Kevin

Biography

Dr. Kevin Grant is a widely published author, sought-after lecturer, and keynote speaker. Recently Dr. Grant was inducted into the International Educator Hall of Fame for his achievements in education. His consulting clients include Fortune 500, start-ups, small to medium businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Dr. Grant’s goal is to help leaders and their businesses create an alternative future to grow profitably and transform their personal leadership, influencing their teams to become more productive, committed, and loyal.

Dr. Grant’s background as a Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer has allowed him to serve as a practitioner with a wealth of experience that cuts across the arenas of leadership education, training, and consultant management. His particular approach builds on real-life situations and needs, current knowledge, a variety of theoretical and methodological “standards”, and strategic thinking.

Dr. Kevin Grant has published journal articles on leadership transformation and written a book. He is currently completing two more books to be published in the near future. Most of Dr. Grant’s material for books and journals draws on his experience living in the UAE, and going to boarding schools in India and Pakistan. As a result, Dr. Grant has worked with and engaged in the International community and sees the world through a unique lens.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Regent University
  • MBA in Entrepreneurial Finance, Azusa Pacific University

Courses

  • Leadership Development
  • Finance
  • Economics
  • Global Leadership
  • Ethics
  • Management
  • Strategy
  • Human Resources
  • hoenecke, karl Hoenecke, Karl
  • Dean, School of Business and Economics
  • MBA, Concordia University Irvine
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (949) 214-3368

Karl Hoenecke

hoenecke, karl

Dean, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Karl Hoenecke completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in History from UC Santa Barbara followed by an MBA from Concordia University in Irvine. Starting at Enterprise Rent-A-Car after college, he worked his way to higher positions at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers as a General Manager and VP of Sales. His career has included stops at Great Clips, Inc. and Starbucks in store development and business advisory. After Starbucks, Karl worked for managed service provider, TeamLogic IT as the VP of Business Development, before beginning his journey with GZ6G. Most recently, Karl worked for Sports and Location Based event company, GZ6G Technologies as the Director of Sales and Operations. GZ6G specializes in media and fan experience technology for sports stadiums and large venues. Karl led the IT Services division supporting enterprise clients and local business clients alike. Hoenecke has been an adjunct professor in the Business School at Concordia for the past several years teaching classes which include, Business Franchise Solutions, Management, Sales and the MBA Capstone.

Education

  • Masters Business Administration, Concordia University, Irvine ('14)
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of California at Santa Barbara ('93)
  • ingrassia, richard Ingrassia, Richard
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • M.S., Journalism, Northwestern University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (949) 466-6100

Richard Ingrassia

ingrassia, richard

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Professor Rich Ingrassia has more than 20 years’ experience as an analyst and consultant in advertising, media and entertainment, conducting primary research, writing industry newsletters and individual company reports and supporting nearly $2 billion in equity financings. Rich has advised senior management on issues of market analysis, business development, organization and operations, and he continues to draw his insights from a wide network of current and former CEOs, professional money managers and other experts in the space. His work spans app- and browser-based mobile and social media; online video, over-the-top TV and related IP broadcast technologies; motion picture production, distribution, finance and exhibition; and all facets of digital marketing and advertising.

Education

  • Northwestern University, M.S. in Journalism
  • University of Notre Dame, B.A. in Economics

Professional Highlights

  • Currently Managing Director of the media/technology practice at Digital Offering LLC, a next-generation venture finance firm in Laguna Beach, CA.
  • Currently CEO of Hash Finance, a start-up technology company in the Digital Offering portfolio that mines social media for stock trading ideas.
  • Formerly Senior Research Analyst at ROTH Capital Partners, where he was among the first on the sell-side to cover Netflix, IMAX, aQuantive, Bankrate.com and many others.
  • Formerly strategy consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Los Angeles, where he guided strategic initiatives for AT&T, Boeing, DreamWorks, MGM and others.
  • Formerly analyst and appraisal specialist at Paul Kagan Associates, where he acted as consultant and expert witness for The Walt Disney Company, Intel, Artisan Entertainment and others.
  • Has appeared on CNBC and Bloomberg TV and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, USA Today and Forbes.

Courses

  • Capstone
  • Investing

Greg LeFever

LeFever, Greg

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Father, Husband, Coach, Motivator, Educator, Author, and Founder of IMpowered Fitness, the premier holistic wellness center in Orange County. With over two decades of experience in personal and corporate fitness, Coach Greg has made it his mission to help others regain their vitality and health through personalized coaching.

In addition to his work at IMpowered Fitness, Greg is a bestselling author, the founder of Empowered Youth Life Style, a nonprofit that teaches young people the values of a healthy lifestyle, and an adjunct MBA professor at Concordia School of Business & Economics where he teaches Basic Selling Skills.

Courses

  • MBA 652: Basic Selling Skill
  • Anthony MarcusMarcus, Anthony
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • J.D. Juris Doctorate, Alexandria University
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Anthony Marcus

Anthony Marcus

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Over 35 years of professional experience in the legal industry. Worked for the Los Angeles District Attorney, the County Counsel, and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Dr. Marcus is the owner and founder of Anthony Marcus Law Firm and has acted as a managing partner since its inception. Dr. Marcus has been practicing law since 1989. He received his Juris Doctorate Degree Cum Laude from Alexandria University, School of Law top 5 percent of his class. To protect the United States Constitution, he later obtained his Ph.D. examining the application of international law in the United States Courts. Dr. Marcus is a dedicated litigator practicing in both Federal and State Courts. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented a diverse clientele in a broad range of complex cases. His previous experience at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has taught him how to be a fierce advocate for justice. Dr. Marcus is practicing before the California Superior Court, United States Southern District of California, United States Central District Court of California, and the California Court of Appeal. Dr. Marcus is affiliated with the American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Los Angeles Bar Association.

Education

  • J.D. Juris Doctorate
  • Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Courses

  • MBAS 613 Sports Law and Ethics
  • SPBU 350 Sport Law
  • Mazer, Alain Mazer, Alain
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  • B.S., Biology, U.C. Irvine; MBA, Concordia University, Irvine
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Alain Mazer

Mazer, Alain

Biography

Alain's history includes startup, M&A, IPO and turnaround roles with United News & Media, Ocean Pacific Apparel (Op), Pacific Sunwear of California (PacSun), Namco Bandai Games, Spy Optic and Razer. Alain’s experiences include marketing and public relations, journalism, publishing, competitive cycling and music performance.

Education

  • MBA, Concordia University, Irvine
  • B.S., Biology, U.C. Irvine

Courses

  • Business Process Management (MBA-686)
  • Strategic Management (MBA-607)
  • McClatchy, RobertMcClatchy, Robert
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, Pepperdine University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
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Robert McClatchy

McClatchy, Robert

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Robert's career spans over the transportation, finance, and nonprofit sectors where he has held operations management, controller, and CFO positions. He currently serves on the boards of Reef Check and Blue Water Photo.

Robert specializes in asset and equity valuations using hard data to develop and test pricing and forecast models.

Education

  • Pepperdine University, MBA
  • UC Riverside, Environmental Science, B.S.
  • Jeffery McNuttMcNutt, Jeffrey
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics
  • MBA, Corporate Finance Pennsylvania State University
    Bachelor of Arts University of California, Santa Barbara
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Jeffrey McNutt

Jeffrey McNutt

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Jeff is a versatile and results driven real estate executive with experience in development, project management, redevelopment and reinvestment, acquisitions, entitlements, underwriting, due diligence and financial analysis. Excels in empirical data analytics, asset implementation and short and long-term strategic planning / execution. Leverages strong communication skills to deliver impactful executive and=board presentations. An accomplished leader who drives financial performance; implements value-generating programs; and consistently exceeds company objectives. He has held positions with a Fortune 500 luxury home builder, a fully integrated public real estate investment trust and one of the largest privately held owner / developers of apartments, office, retail and resorts. His development experience includes mixed-use, apartments, retail, master planned communities, for sale and build-to-rent SFD product with over 4,000 home and apartment units developed with a total project capitalization exceeding $1.8 billion.

  • mitra, raj Mitra, Raj
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, New York University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (909) 287-9470

Raj Mitra

mitra, raj

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Mitra has held vice-president and senior director level leadership roles in global product marketing, product development and product life cycle management with Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems and Thales. His leadership style accelerates collaboration among functions while deploying best practices and processes.

Mitra blends an expertise in translating market insights and business acumen into high impact innovative product portfolios along with a global Go-To-Market skill set. For over twenty years, he has developed, launched and marketed over 100 products for Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Thales, Intel, and Duracell.

Education

  • MBA, New York University, Stern School of Business, New York, NY
  • Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, BITS, Pilani, India

Courses

  • New Product Development
  • Marketing for Results
  • Marketing Communications
  • nagel, kit Nagel, Kit
  • Professor, School of Business and Economics
  • MIM, International Marketing, Thunderbird School of Global Management
  • Grimm Hall 206 H
  • (949) 214-3373

Kit Nagel

Kit Nagel

Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Professor Nagel is an expert in global marketing. His specific areas of expertise in consumer packaging, supply-chain, and large scale turnkey project management have led to extensive global assignments. Most recently, Nagel was in Berlin working with the pharmaceutical firm Bayer on helping realign its global supply chain.

Nagel teaches at both the MBA and undergraduate levels and enjoys bringing a real-world, cross-disciplinary perspective to preparing students for their careers. Senior executives today note the shortage of trade-literate, culturally sensitive managers, and Nagel’s former students have gone on to positions with leading multinationals and government agencies.

On the academic side, his students have gone on to graduate programs at Tufts, NYU, and the London School of Economics.

  • Marketing Manager-Asia with Fortune 100 International Paper Co.
  • VP-Commercial Development with Servrite International
  • Born in the UK; worked and traveled in over 50 countries

Education

  • MIM-AGSIM

Publications

  • International Business: The Challenge of Globalization (Pearson)
  • "Global Market Entry - Rules of Engagement" (Xlibris)
  • "Quants Gone Wild" (WSJ)
  • "Global Marketing Management" (Pearson)
  • "Luther on Trade and Commerce" (CPH)

Courses

  • International Marketing
  • International Finance
  • Marketing Research
  • New Venture/Entrepreneurship
  • History of Economic Thought
  • Global Enterprise

View Curriculum Vitae

  • Olbon, BenOlbon, Ben
  • Professor, School of Business and Economics
  • MBA, Concordia University Irvine
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Ben Olbon

Olbon, Ben

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Education

  • M.B.A. Concordia University – Irvine
  • B.A. Political Science, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
  • Certified Energy Leadership Index - Master Practitioner

Experience

  • Director of Sales and Training for Breakthrough Sports
  • Founder of Outcome Elite Mental Strength Coaching and Leadership Development Academy
  • 20+ years in Sales Training and Sales Leadership in Healthcare and Finance
  • Captain (O-3) United States Marine Corps
  • Division I Athlete

Courses

  • Leadership and Development
  • Basic Selling Skills
  • Advanced Selling Skills
  • Park, MaryPark, Mary Kay
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  • Ph.D of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies, Biola University
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Mary Kay Park

Park, Mary

Biography

Dr. Park’s primary role since 2013 has been to manage a global nonprofit impact media firm with innovative leadership and intercultural communication knowledge providing her firm with many firsts (media analytics, content strategy & innovation, and brining third-party validation such as BBC & VOA programming and a glowing review from the Atlantic to mention a few.

Mary Kay’s passion is helping clients lead in a VUCA world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity, Source: Bennis & Nanus) with clarity, understanding, and agility. Dr. Park’s role in this is by delivering customized learning sessions utilizing experiences in management, intercultural communication, & transnational project management. Additionally, as a serial entrepreneur, I have learned how to fail fast and learn from mistakes. I've learned & grown the most from peers and students where I've been given the chance to share my craft at institutions such as Harvard Grad School of Ed, Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) and Biola University and at fortune 500 corporate training settings.

Navigating and emerging from the global pandemic experience highlighted the following personally: "Essential both in personal & work life are meaningful relationships." And difficult to deny is the fact that building meaningful relationships can be exponentially aided by Intercultural communication Insights.

Education

  • Ph.D of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies, Biola University

Courses

  • Entrepreneurship
  • philips, roger Philips, Roger
  • Professor, School of Business
  • M.S., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California at Berkeley
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
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Roger Philips

philips, roger

Professor, School of Business

Biography

Roger Philips has been in international management for over twenty years. In addition to his consulting practice, he is adjunct professor and lead course instructor for the international business strand of Master of Arts in International Studies program at Concordia University. This program emphasizes study of Chinese business. Prof. Philips also teaches in the MBA program and leads business study tours to Shanghai and Beijing.

View Curriculum Vitae

  • Schuler, Yi Schuler, Yi
  • Professor & Academic Advisor, School of Business and Economics
  • PhD Intercultural Education, Biola University
  • Grimm Hall 202 E
  • (949) 214 3477

Yi Schuler

Yi Schuler

Professor & Academic Advisor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Dr. Schuler has lived and served in higher education in both China and the United States. She has taken on various roles at Concordia since 2008 with experience in teaching, new program development, curriculum design, social research, faculty and student support, student recruitment, advising and retention, risk and change management, budgeting and marketing.

Dr. Schuler also worked seven years in a US high tech company as senior global accounts manager. She is bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and English. She has published and presented at various conferences. Her most recent publication is a book translation (from English to Chinese): Armstrong, J. (2017). Like mother, like daughter? How career women influence their daughters’ ambition, translation published by The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Publishing House (2018).

She is a long term volunteer at her church and other community organizations. Dr. Schuler is a proud mother of two adult children, Michael and Michelle. In her spare time, she enjoys mountaineering, ultra-running, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking.

Education:

  • Ph.D. – Intercultural Education, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
  • M. A. – British and American Literature, Sichuan University, China
  • B. A. – English Language and Culture, Minor – French, Sichuan International Studies University, China

View Curriculum Vitae

  • ukleja, mick Ukleja, Mick
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • Ph.D., Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (714) 761-1380

Mick Ukleja

ukleja, mick

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Mick Ukleja is founder and president of LeadershipTraQ, a leadership-consulting firm based in California. He hosted LeadershipTraQ Televised, an interview-format talk show in Southern California that profiled outstanding leaders. He helped found the Ukleja Center For Ethical Leadership at California State University, Long Beach, the second largest university in the state. His book, Who Are You? What Do You Want? Four Questions That Will Change Your Life, has been praised by legendary coach John Wooden, Grand Slam golf champion Gary Player, and many prominent leaders and CEOs, as “The one book to read that will immediately impact your life.” Mick has also co-authored two other books, The Ethics Challenge, and Managing the Millennials.

Mick has worked with entrepreneurs and corporate executives of businesses and organizations in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Astronauts Memorial Foundation at the Kennedy Space Center, which oversees the Center for Space Education. Mick holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s degree in Semitic languages, and a Ph.D. in theology. He received the President’s Distinguished Service Award from California State University, Long Beach in 2002, and in 2006, was named Distinguished Alumnus from the College of Liberal Arts.

Mick has been featured on Fox News, CNN, Fox Business Network, NBC, and in numerous publications. Click on this video to know more about LeadershipTraQ’s founder and President.


Courses

  • Leadership and Development

Matthew Weiss

Weis, Matthew

Biography

Matt Weiss is currently the head of business intelligence at In-N-Out Burger, located in Irvine, CA. At In-N-Out, Matt helps influence the company's data driven strategy, build innovative reporting, craft impactful analyses, and assist with other wide-reaching initiatives. Prior experience includes leadership roles in analytics at Blizzard Entertainment and Taco Bell, with focuses on marketing, product design, and sales optimization.
 

Matt’s passions center on fostering analytical ability, data-driven storytelling, and intellectual curiosity in his team and with his students.

Education

  • MBA at the University of California, Irvine
  • BA in Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz

Courses

  • Data Analytics
  • Willett, Edward (Ed) Willett, Edward (Ed)
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • BA, Bucknell University, MBA, University of Denver
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Edward Willett

Willett, Edward (Ed)

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Experience

Over 30 Years of professional experience in the sports industry. Worked for Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY, ESPN, LPGA, Topgolf and several sports startups .

Education

Over 30 Years of professional experience in the sports industry. Worked for Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY, ESPN, LPGA, Topgolf and several sports startups.

  • BA, Bucknell University, MBA, University of Denver

Courses

  • Sports Leadership
  • Sports Media
  • Public Relations
  • Williams, Megan Williams, Megan
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, Concordia University Irvine
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Megan Williams

Williams, Megan

Adjunct Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Megan has extensive experience managing large scale projects pertaining to complex mergers and acquisitions, strategy and innovation/technology. Additionally, Megan has expertise in setting up project management offices and leading global virtual teams.

Megan Williams is currently working as Senior Project Manager for General Electric (GE) Healthcare. She is an experienced project leader with a proven track record of leading successful clinical projects, technology projects, and product development initiatives to improve patient care.

She is passionate about mentoring young professionals and is honored to serve as a Concordia University Irvine MHA advisory board member.

Education

  • MBA from Concordia University, Irvine
  • B.A. from University of California, Irvine

Courses

  • Project Management
  • winkler, phillip Winkler, Phillip
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MSEE, Nuclear Fusion and Plasma Dynamics, University of Southern California
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
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Phillip Winkler

winkler, phillip

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Phillip (Todd) Winkler is trained in Electrical Engineering (BSEE - LeTourneau, MSEE - USC) and experienced in multiple disciplines as a data analyst, software programmer, systems design and system engineering. He has 23 years as a systems engineer in IT technical sales. He has deep expertise in servers, data storage, IT systems and data center architectures. Previously he worked in the defense industry for 12 years as a missile systems software designer, data analyst and data visualization expert.

  • He has always been called by his middle name Todd.
  • He has lived in 26 different places in the US and Europe.
  • He enjoys teaching, solving problems and technology.
  • He has been a follower of Christ since 4th grade.
  • He lives in Lake Forest with his beautiful wife Dawn.
  • He has two boys, both in college - Concordia University Irvine and Cal Poly SLO.
  • He has a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from LeTourneau University in east Texas.
  • He has a MSEE from USC in 1992 in Nuclear Fusion and Plasma Dynamics.
  • He loves outdoor sports, travel and racquetball.
  • wolf, drew Wolf, Drew
  • Assistant Professor, School of Business & Economics
  • Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Management, Capella University
  • Grimm Hall 2nd Floor
  • (949) 214-3366

Drew Wolf

Doctor Drew Wolf

Professor, School of Business and Economics

Biography

Dr. Drew Wolf serves Concordia University Irvine School of Business as the MBA Director and Assistant Professor. Before joining Concordia University Irvine nine years ago, Dr. Wolf held a variety of staff and teaching positions at a private Christian university and a large community college, both in Ohio.

Prior to his work in higher education, Dr. Wolf worked in management for a large financial institution as well as for a non-profit company. One of his favorite experiences was working ten years for the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Dr. Wolf’s education includes his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management preceded by degrees in Corporate Communication. Dr. Wolf has had papers presented in California, Ohio, New Mexico, and India. His two most recent peer-reviewed publications focus on the incorporation of a theoretical framework using Appreciative Inquiry to develop resiliency in businesses. He has also served as a peer reviewer for a number of publications including the International Journal of Human Resource Management. He has volunteered for a number of years for LASEC, Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission.

Courses

  • MBA 642 Effective Communication
  • MBA 603 Management
  • MBA 678 E-commerce
  • BUS 261 Information Technology
  • zoltany, laszlo Zoltany, Laszlo
  • Adjunct Professor, School of Business
  • MBA, Finance, Brandman University
  • Grimm Hall 226
  • (949) 214-3379

Laszlo Zoltany

zoltany, laszlo

Adjunct Professor, School of Business

Biography

Professor Zoltany likes to be referred to as an entrepreneur or intrepreneur in business and in education. His philosophy of teaching evolved from embracing the concept around andragogy while working in corporate America and instructing business courses at Concordia University. He has hands on business knowledge as a Financial Manager of national, public and private organizations. Professor Zoltany considers the most important position he has ever had is teaching currently for his alumni at Concordia University as an Adjunct Professor. Some of the organizations he has worked with and learned from include: The Irvine Company, UDR, Inc., Strategic Sanitations, Inc., and The Ticket Group, Inc. His goal is to 'create the savvy business leader' by teaching the importance of global and diversity perspectives in business and future business trends.

On a personal level, my hobbies include "Tennis". My favorite sports include tennis, soccer, and basketball. My door is always open. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Please remember, I am outdoors on weekends and won't always get reception, while on the courts and chasing down tennis balls. I promise to get back to you within 24 hours.

Education

  • MBA, Finance - Brandman University, Chapman University System, Irvine, CA
  • Bachelors of Art, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership - Brandman University, Chapman University System, Irvine, CA

Courses

  • MBA-604-Accounting
  • BAL-309-Finance Basics for Managers
  • BAL-201-Macroeconomics
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