Kellogg World Alumni Magazine

Meet the senior leadership team

As part of Dean Blount's commitment to operational excellence, Kellogg builds a strong team of internal leaders


The Kellogg School recently created a senior leadership team within the framework of a new organizational structure. This team, comprised of new and existing internal leaders, aims to foster operational excellence in five core areas: the student experience, faculty research and teaching, alumni engagement, corporate partnerships, and marketing and communicating the "Kellogg Way."

"It's been tremendously rewarding to put a new organizational structure in place and recruit incredibly talented senior team members, from both within and outside Kellogg, who are committed to working with me as we set Kellogg's trajectory for the future," said Dean Sally Blount. "I am confident this structure will help to optimize the best-in-class experience that no doubt initially drew our alumni to Kellogg."

Under Blount's direction, the senior leadership team oversees research, teaching, external relations and administrative affairs for Kellogg.

 
  David Austen-Smith
   
 
  Michael Fishman
   
 
  Paul Christensen
   
 
  Elizabeth "Betsy" Ziegler
   
 
  David Eckert
   
   

Research and Teaching Team
David Austen-Smith
Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Research

Background: A distinguished scholar, David Austen-Smith is the Peter G. Peterson Professor of Corporate Ethics, professor of political science and professor of economics. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been a member of the Northwestern University faculty since 1996.

Current objectives: "My focus is to make Kellogg the best place for faculty to do their most creative work. I want to provide the best environment [for attracting] academics from all fields — from economic theory through behavioral decision-making to marketing, strategy and finance."

Michael Fishman
Senior Associate Dean of Curriculum and Teaching

Background: A member of the Kellogg School faculty since 1985, Michael Fishman is the Norman Strunk Professor of Financial Institutions. He is also past chair of the finance department. In July, he was appointed to his new post overseeing curriculum and teaching.

Current objectives: "Since my job centers around curriculum and teaching, I want to help the faculty think of new ways to challenge our students to think about interesting and important problems. Being a resource for faculty and students is my top priority."

Paul Christensen
Associate Dean for Global Programs

Background: Named associate dean in 2011, Paul Christensen is also a clinical associate professor of finance at Kellogg, where he teaches courses on international business and microfinance. Prior to Kellogg, he served as co-founder and president of ShoreCap International Ltd., a $28 million private equity fund that invests in financial service companies in emerging markets across Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Why Kellogg: "With its record for innovation, unique culture and breadth of international programs, Kellogg is the place for me. There's so much to build on as we seek to position Kellogg on the short list of top global business schools. And I love being in an intellectual environment where people are encouraged to think big thoughts."

Elizabeth "Betsy" Ziegler
Associate Dean of MBA Programs and Dean of Students

Background: Before joining the Kellogg School in 2011, Betsy Ziegler served as a principal in McKinsey & Company's Chicago office, where she led the firm's Life Insurance Operations and Technology practice and co-led its Financial Institutions Operations and Technology practice.

Why Kellogg: "I wanted to join an organization that moves quickly, is forward-looking, has a meaningful mission and is respected by its peers — and Kellogg encompasses all of those traits. I'm proud to be a leader at Kellogg as we strive toward operational excellence and creating a best-in-class experience for all of our students."

David Eckert
Interim Chief Executive Education Officer

Background: For more than 20 years, David Eckert has been a serial CEO who specializes in revitalizing businesses. He has run companies in industries ranging from industrial valve manufacturing to oil recycling to retailing, and ranging in annual revenue from $40mm to over $1b.

Why Kellogg: "Kellogg is such an outstanding institution with a great history, faculty, reputation and plenty to build on. Dean Blount wants to grow Kellogg and make it even better and that's an invigorating challenge."

External Relations Team

 
  Jamie Rosman
   
 
  Roxanne Hori
   
 
  Alissa Comella
   
   

Jamie Rosman
Associate Dean and CMO

Background: Jamie Rosman joined Kellogg in 2008. She began her career at Leo Burnett working on Fortune 500 brands like Hallmark, Nintendo and Kellogg Cereal. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served as executive director of marketing communications at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy Studies.

Why Kellogg: "Strong brands must be strategic, nimble and creative, clearly articulating what they stand for in today's ever-changing business environment. It's a privilege to work day in and day out to build upon a world-class brand at the Kellogg School." 

Roxanne Hori
Associate Dean of Corporate Partnerships

Background: Roxanne Hori joined the Kellogg School in 1995 to oversee the Career Management Center. Before that, she served as a vice president for The Northern Trust Company. She was appointed associate dean of corporate partnerships in 2011.

Current objectives: "First, we want to identify our top corporate partners and look at opportunities to engage with them. Then, we want to create easier access to information for everyone in the school. It's about community building and making sure people feel equipped."

Alissa Comella
Associate Dean of Advancement

Background: As associate dean in the Office of Advancement, Alissa Comella oversees all alumni relations and development activities, with a focus on implementing an integrated strategy for enhancing the Kellogg alumni experience and driving the school's fundraising efforts. Previously, Alissa served as executive director of development for the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Current objectives: "The Office of Advancement is committed to creating and delivering an exceptional experience for all Kellogg alumni. This year, we are focused on customizing services, improving alumni network tools, enhancing alumni engagement and achieving operational excellence in all that we do. In addition, one of our key initiatives is reenergizing the campaign."

Administration

 
  Dennis Hareza
   
 
  Carole Cahill
   
 
  Shana Carroll
   

Dennis Hareza
Chief Finance and Administrative Officer

Background: Dennis Hareza is chief finance and administrative officer for Kellogg. He joined the school in 2009. Before that, Hareza worked at PepsiCo for 23 years, most recently serving as the chief financial officer of PepsiCo Chicago.

Why Kellogg: "There's a great culture at Kellogg that makes you look forward to work. You're around intelligent and committed people who are eager to push Kellogg forward."

Carole Cahill
Executive Director, Office of the Dean

Background: Carole Cahill joined Kellogg more than 35 years ago and has held five different roles at the school since that time. In her current role, she manages the Jacobs Center facility, guides special-events functions at Kellogg and oversees the school's Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.

Current objectives: "Because I care so deeply about Kellogg, I want to continue to promote and champion our distinctive culture."

Shana Carroll
Chief of Staff, Office of the Dean

Background: Shana Carroll joined Kellogg in 2010 after nearly a decade at New York University's Stern School of Business, where she worked alongside Dean Blount and served as director of communications and adjunct professor of management communication. She holds an MBA in management and marketing from NYU.

Why Kellogg: "There's an amazing sense of enthusiasm and school spirit at Kellogg that's pervasive across all audiences. It's spectacular to work at a place where people are passionate about the organization and take pride in its success."

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