Iscleidys Mendez (Flex, Baltimore) | President Imendezm@umd.edu
Iscleidys Mendez, a first-generation college student and active-duty Navy sailor, exemplifies resilience and determination. As a 25-year-old Cuban immigrant, he's made a significant impact in just over six years of service in the United States Navy. His journey speaks volumes of his steadfast character, with him not just overcoming obstacles but also enabling others to do so. Passionate about empowering the Latino community, Iscleidys dedicates himself to creating educational opportunities for fellow Latinos and veterans.
His life's mission aligns seamlessly with his professional pursuit, underlining his commitment to service and community.
Kathy Keebaugh (Flex, DC) | Chief Financial Officer kkeebaug@umd.edu
Bobby Fitzgerald (Flex, DC)| Chief Officer of Special Events bfitzger@umd.edu
Bobby has over 7 years of consulting experience with a core focus on process optimization, process simulation, and technology infrastructure. In both the public and private sectors, he has led multidisciplinary teams with a focus on understanding the voice of the customer, designing future state technology architecture, and driving operational efficiency. Designing and implementing large scale simulation initiatives have been a particular point of pride in past engagements. In his spare time, Bobby enjoys exercising his competitive side in fantasy sports, board game tournaments, and golf.
Elizabeth Dozier (Flex, Baltimore)| Chief Marketing & Communications Officer edozier1@umd.edu
Elizabeth is a DC native who received her B.A. in Broadcast Communications/Mass Media from Temple University. She is currently pursuing her MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business with aspirations of securing a CMO position in the future. Elizabeth has worked in television for the past 17 years and is currently the VP Creative Director for an advertising agency in Hunt Valley, MD. She enjoys live music, true crime, and traveling with friends.
Shala Shirazi (Flex, Shady Grove/Rockville) | Chief Professional Development Officer sshirazi@umd.edu
Shala is a 2nd year MBA Candidate based out of the Shady Grove campus. She is from Montgomery County, born and raised, and has a bachelor's degree from UMBC in Business Technology Administration and a masters degree from Towson University in Information Systems Management. Currently she serves as a Product Manager of the IT Development Department at the University System of Maryland Office where she started as a Software Development Engineer in 2017. Shala is a big foodie and enjoys venturing to new restaurants, cooking, traveling, and watching stand up comedy.
Barry Ormand (Flex, Baltimore)| Chief Community Development Officer baormand@umd.edu
Barry is originally from Richmond, VA, and has lived in Baltimore for the past seven years. He graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor’s in Political Science and UMBC with a bachelor’s in Modern Language and Linguistics. Barry enjoys volunteering, outreach efforts, and organizing events with the goal of promoting community and progression.
Mike Barbalace (Online) | Vice President of Online bbarbala@umd.edu
Mike is from Baltimore County, MD, and currently resides in Annapolis, MD with his wife and two dogs. He is a double Terp who graduated from Smith in 2014 with a BS in Finance and Operations Management. Mike works as a commercial real estate advisor for Savills, a global commercial real estate firm. Last year Mike served the Online Program as a Student Track Representative and will be taking over the role of Vice President of Online Programs. In his spare time, Mike enjoys golfing, boating, snowboarding, traveling, and hiking with his dogs.
Jaela Clark (Flex, DC) | Vice President of Washington, DC jclark08@umd.edu
Jaela is a management consultant with over four years of experience in Project and Change Management. As a Change Implementation Lead, she has successfully evaluated, diagnosed, and implemented strategies to improve organizational efficiency. Jaela attributes her achievements in the consulting industry to a combination of factors, including a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the guidance of supportive colleagues and mentors. As a Baltimore City native (Go, Poly!), now based in Washington, DC, Jaela enjoys spending time with her family and puppy and traveling/exploring all the DMV offers. She looks forward to supporting, engaging, and uplifting her classmates as Vice President of the DC Campus.
Nazea Khan (Flex, Shady Grove/Rockville) | Vice President of Shady Grove nkhan46@umd.edu
Nazea Khan is a second-year MBA student and the Vice President of the Rockville campus. A Silver Spring native and triple Terp, she is also a Program Manager for an entrepreneurship program at the University of Maryland, College Park. With a real passion for entrepreneurship, Nazea brings first-hand experience as a first-generation college graduate and working with transfer students. Her strong background in fostering inclusivity extends to diverse groups of students, faculty, and administrators. Outside of academia, Nazea's interests span photography, travel, food, and fitness. She is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and excels in event planning, orchestrating memorable experiences that bring people together. With unwavering commitment, Nazea creates impactful and cohesive connections through social gatherings, networking events, and community initiatives.
Justinia L. Carter (Flex, Baltimore)| Vice President of Baltimore & Chief of Staff jlcarter@umd.edu
Justinia is excited to serve on the PTMBAA board for the 23-24 academic year, representing the Baltimore campus as the Campus VP, as well as working alongside classmate and board President, Iscleidy Mendez, as the board’s Chief of Staff. With over 16 years of management experience in various industries from higher education, to retail, museums and historical societies, and youth-centered non-profit organizations, Justinia brings a deep understanding of supporting and leading diverse teams to meet organizational goals. During her time as an MBA student at Smith, Justinia looks forward to adding more tools to her strategy toolkit and becoming fluent in the language of business. During her tenure on the PTMBAA board, Justinia hopes to bring her professional experience, relationship building, and a DEIB lens to the work in order to enrich the flex student experience. This proud alumna of Spelman College can be found living, working, volunteering– and of course playing– in Baltimore City.