Alumni Association LEAD Council

In 2006, the state of Michigan passed Proposal 2 in order to ban affirmative-action influence in college admissions and hiring, essentially ending special support of underrepresented minorities. In response, the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan started a scholarship program in an effort to increase diversity on campus, offering scholarships to qualified, minority students in need of financial aid.

Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Diversity (LEAD) Scholars create an inclusive learning community and support system for each other. Many LEAD Scholars are first-generation college students who enhance the academic environment and increase diversity on campus.

A council of volunteers for LEAD is essential to provide invaluable guidance toward improving the experience for LEAD Scholars, challenging the Alumni Association to explore ways to grow the community, and create new partnerships. Volunteers also actively assist in the identification and engagement of potential major donors to the Alumni Association and LEAD Scholars program.

Jamar Adams, New York
Vice President in the New York Development Group, The Related Companies

Ellen Agress, New York
Former Senior Vice President, 21st Century Fox

Steve Breaston, Pennsylvania
President, The Steve Breaston Foundation

Lorinda & Fritz Burgess, Minnesota
Vice President of Finance, Medtronic
Spine Specialist, Globus Medical 

Andrew Chadsey, New York

Stan Chadsey, New York

Chris & Dr. Traci Coffman, Michigan
PGA Tour Champions Tournament Director, Ally Challenge
Anesthesiologist, St Joseph Mercy

Steve Dobson, Michigan
Former President, Hylant Group of Ann Arbor

Kimberly Flesner, Texas
Principal, Stress Engineering Services

Elena & Peter Fuentes-Afflick, California
Professor of Pediatrics and Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Faculty Development, University of California, San Francisco
Senior Staff Scientist, Chevron Energy Technology Co.

Dr. Mark & Lynn Gendleman, Illinois
Dermatologist & Manager, Dermatology Practice in Evanston associated with Northshore University Health System

Joseph & Stacy Giles, Illinois
Former President & CEO, Athletico

Pete Goettner, California
Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Crosschq; General Partner, Worldview Technology Partners

Andrew Gottesman, New Jersey
CEO, Gottesman Real Estate Partners & Edison Investment Advisors

Brandon Graham, New York
Football Player for the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL

Brett Hart, Illinois
Executive Vice President, United Airlines

Tom Hawkins, Florida
Private Investor

Ed & Mary Jennings, California
Retired Life Sciences Executive
Retired Adjunct Professor, Special Education

Joel Jones, California
Vice President of Sales & Operations, Facebook

Tony Leoni, Florida
Owner, Leoni Companies

Dr. Ibe & Terika Mbanu, Illinois
Senior Medical Director, Advocate Health Care President, Advocate Trinity Hospital

Ronald & Regina McNeil, Illinois
Founders, The Ronald & Regina McNeil Foundation, Inc.

Ryan Mundy, Illinois
Co-Founder, SWZLE

Debbie Nemensi, Florida
Former Vice President of Sales, IBM

Prakash and Anitha Patel, Michigan

Jeffrey and Hilda Piell, Illinois
Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
Senior Managing Director & Chief Human Resource Officer, CME Group

Jules Pieri and Drew Beja, Massachusetts
Co-Founder and CEO, The Grommet

Dean Rennell, Arizona
Retired Regional President, Wells Fargo Bank

Chris & Colette Rizik, Michigan
CEO, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund

Techy Rodriguez-Doyle, Michigan
LEAD Council Chair

Rich & Susan Rogel, Colorado

Andrew Ross, Ohio
President, Fluid Connectors Group, Parker Hannifin Corp. 

Ignacio Salazar, Michigan
President & CEO, SER National

Robert Scott, Michigan/Florida
Director of Diversity Initiatives, U-M College of Engineering

Alyce Sigler, Michigan
Program Director, Michigan Athletics

Michael Speigl, Florida
President, Williams Automotive Group, LLC

Paul Stephens, Illinois
Partner at Marshall, Gernstein & Borun LLC

Ned and Kristine Stieg, California
Corporate Counsel, ITOCHU International

Donald Sweeney, Illinois
Founder, Ashling Partners

Gaby Teran, New York
Managing Director, Morgan Stanley

Morgan Trent, California
Luxury Estate Director, Compass

Paul Viera, Georgia
CEO & Partner, Ernest Partners

Timothy Wadhams, Michigan
Former CEO & President, Masco Corporation

Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, Illinois
LEAD Co-Chair
Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Robert Wood, Virginia
Partner, McChrystal Group