Students: Let’s grab coffee!
The Coffee Club aims to connect current students to College of Business alumni for purposeful conversations on a personal and professional level. Students who engage in this program will meet with an alumni of the College of Business for approximately 1 hour for coffee.
How it Works:
- Review the names and biographies of the current College of Business Alumni Board.
- Find an alumnus who might have a similar professional goal, interest, or expertise with whom you’d like to connect.
- Complete the COB Coffee Club Application.
- You should hear from the alumnus within 72 hours to schedule coffee.
Connect with Alumni
Browse our alumni below to find who best suits you and your career goals.
Hector Arriaran BBA ’16, MMHC ’21
Customer Care Specialist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Key Strengths: Healthcare. Information Technology. Project Management.
Hector earned a B.A. in Political Science and History in 2016 and a Master of Management in Health Care in 2021, both from Lipscomb University. He lives in Nashville with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Hector works at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, using Power BI and Smartsheet to improve healthcare operations and IT systems through data-driven decision-making.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Black coffee
Sydney Ball BBA ’12, MBA ’14
Founder/CEO, Ballpoint Business Solutions
Key Strengths: Connector. Leadership. Strategic Thinker.
With a background that spans corporate strategy, brand building, and interim executive leadership, Sydney partners with organizations to advance strategic plans, expand team capacity, and drive measurable growth. Her leadership style blends data-driven decision-making with a human-centered approach, ensuring that solutions are tailored, sustainable, and aligned with each client’s vision.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Decaf Latte
Faith Statement: Let the light of Christ shine through in your character, attitude, and work ethic. Be the same person in all environments so you can be a person whom others trust - allowing both your personal and professional environments to reflect your faith walk.
Steven Brooks BBA ’77
Retired, President/CEO, Gray Matter Consulting
Key Strengths: Management. Leadership. Higher Education.
Steven has been an educational administrator for over 35 years with a profound dedication to the field of higher education. He and his wife Vanessa currently live in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS degree in Business Administration from Lipscomb University.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Extra hot latte
Faith Statement: Treating people like you want to be treated. Give more than you take. Always do your best and then some. Ask God for wisdom because he’s the only source.
Participation: Only available virtually
Craig Chumley BBA ’19
CEO, Connext
Key Strengths: Technology. Management. Leadership.
Energetic leader focused on building high-performance teams by empowering and developing team members to reach their true potential. I have a passion for leading teams, delivering high value to customers, developing strategic partnerships, and executing winning go-to-market strategies to drive results for the company and its shareholders.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Cappuccino
Faith Statement: My faith leads me in all aspects of my life. I credit God's guidance and wisdom for all that he has allowed me to achieve. Living out my faith at work means I am fair, empathetic, value all team members, care more about the success of our team members than my own success, and create cultures where people can thrive.
Participation: Only available virtually
Carrie Cowart-Johnson BBA ’18 MBA ’20
Project Delivery Specialist, Deloitte Consulting
Key Strengths: Project Management. Government. Leadership.
Carrie brings over 5 years of experience working with state governments to provide innovative enterprise-wide initiatives, mainly focused on modernizing technology. She is currently the Deputy of Operations for Deloitte’s contract with the State of Tennessee, Division of TennCare, LTSS – Pre-Admission Evaluation & Referrals for Long-Term Services and Support (PERLSS).
Favorite Coffee Drink: Hot vanilla oat milk latte
Faith Statement: I strive to lead through service, finding daily opportunities for that in my pubic service career. Philippians 2:3–4 reminds me to act with humility, not for personal gain but for the good of others. Guided by faith, I’m called to support people from all walks of life, putting their needs before my own.
Participation: Available virtually
Garrett Dickerson BBA ’10
Financial Advisor, Thrivent.
Chairman, College of Business Alumni Board.
Key Strengths: Finance. Public Speaking. Leadership.
Garrett is an alumnus from both the College of Business and the College of Education at Lipscomb University. He lives in Gallatin, TN with his wife Kristin and three boys, Anders, Garron, and William. Garrett is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, FBS college football official, and a Partner with Generational Wealth Advisors of Thrivent in Goodlettsville, TN.
Faith Statement: I firmly believe everything we have is a gift from God, and our responsibility is to use our time, talents, and treasures to the best of our ability for Him. No matter our occupation, our vocation is to love God, love people, and love people so much we can't help but tell them how much God loves them.
Christopher Hendon MACC ’11
Director of Accounting, Community Health Systems
Key Strengths: Analysis. Healthcare. Joint Ventures.
Christopher is the Director of Accounting for the Ambulatory Surgery Center division of Community Health Systems in Franklin, TN. He graduated from the MAcc program in 2011 and joined the Alumni Board in 2023. Christopher lives in Nolensville with his wife Becky and their daughter.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Caramel macchiato
Kyle Kraemer BBA ’07, MBA ’11
Assurance Director, PwC
Key Strengths: Accounting. Project Management. Analysis.
Kyle is an audit director at PwC. Kyle has spent 11 years in public accounting PwC assisting public and large private companies primarily in the healthcare space with their financial statements and financial controls. Kyle also is involved with his church youth group and junior achievement using his passion for coaching and giving back. Kyle has run 11 marathons and enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter Collins.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Black coffee
Faith Statement: How I treat people and emphasize doing the right thing should show others my faith. Also looking for opportunities to be there for others.
David Lankford BBA ’78
Senior Vice President, Pinnacle Asset Management
Key Strengths: Finance. Public Speaking. Professional Sales.
David provides asset management and financial planning services to high-net-worth clients as well as retirement plans for small businesses.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Black coffee
Faith Statement: I often tell my clients they are in my prayers, and I look for opportunities to encourage their faith. I want my clients to know that their well-being, both financially and spiritually, is the most important thing I do.
Leighton McBryde BBA ’24
Business Development and Sales Operations Coordinator, CliniComp
Key Strengths: Technology. Healthcare. Sales.
Leighton is a Business Development and Sales Operations Coordinator at CliniComp, supporting sales through CRM optimization and data-driven insights in electronic health records. He began his career at Oracle in healthcare cloud applications. A 2024 Lipscomb University graduate with dual degrees in marketing and management, Leighton earned the College of Business Dean’s Award and held leadership roles as a Presidential Ambassador, campus guide, and social club officer.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Drip coffee with oatmilk
Faith Statement: Working in healthcare technology has a deeper meaning for me. Our solutions help doctors and nurses spend more time showing compassion to patients. It’s rewarding to harness world-class technology with faith-based hospitals, enabling them to fulfill their mission.
Caroline Morin BBA ’19
Customer Experience Marketing Manager, Asurion
Key Strengths: Graphic Design. Marketing. Technology.
Caroline, a 2019 Lipscomb University graduate, studied abroad and spent a year in Myanmar and Thailand supporting local businesses through global mission work. She gained experience in customer journey optimization and strategic marketing at GS&F, LifeWay, SmileDirectClub, and HCA. Caroline now leads email marketing at Asurion, helping to reshape the customer journey.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Latte
Faith Statement: I can do nothing without my faith and God. Being brave to live out your faith in the workspace today is scary, but without Jesus, I am nothing. I don't work for anyone on this earth who is not below my God. Colossians 3:23
Justin Myers MBA ’21
HR Consultant & Early Career Development Program Manager, Schneider Electric
Key Strengths: AI Specialist. Human Resources. Leadership.
Justin is an HR professional who specializes in risk mitigation, conflict management, talent development, and compensation strategy. He is the leader of an early-career development program across America for Schneider Electric, helping to prepare and build the future leaders of the business. He has a passion for recruiting, providing resume reviews, and mock interviews, and helping students & employees reach their full potential.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Cappuccino
Faith Statement: In HR, there isn’t always space to openly share or express my faith. Yet behind the scenes, it plays a vital role in guiding my decisions—especially during tough conversations and business actions. My faith reminds me to lead with courage, empathy, and a deep understanding of our shared humanity in a challenging field.
Madalyn Russell BBA ’19
Human Resources Manager, Schneider Electric
Key Strengths: Engineering. Leadership. Public Speaking.
Madalyn is an internationally experienced Human Resources and Organizational Development professional with 8 years of direct Corporate 500 experience. Currently supporting the deployment of a $75 million dollar investment manufacturing campus in Middle Tennessee.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Vanilla iced latte
Faith Statement: The world of HR requires empathy, patience and a seek-to-understand mentality. Integrating the core values of my faith enables me to show up for those around me with a non-biased and people-first mindset.
Alex Renfro MBA ’19
Investment Strategy Consultant, Schneider Electric
Key Strengths: Industrial Automation. Energy Management. Veteran.
Alex is a 2019 graduate from the Lipscomb MBA program and is currently serving as an Investment Strategy Consultant for Schneider Electric. Before transitioning to a civilian career, he served 13 years as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Alex is deeply passionate about supporting veterans through their military transition into civilian life, leadership concepts, mentorship, and business strategy. Alex spends his free time at the gym, working on cars, and enjoying life with his wife, Allison, and their daughter, Scarlett.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Vanilla sweet cream nitro cold brew
Faith Statement: I work to bridge human-to-human connections, striving to understand how individuals may feel or interpret certain outcomes. I offer support where I can and am unafraid to share my faith when appropriate. I am prayerful over my team, our families, and the outcomes of our work.
Matt Robertson BBA ’05
Affiliate Broker, CARR Real Estate
Key Strengths: Real Estate. Sales. Public Speaking.
Matt specializes in identifying properties that meet the specific needs of dentists, veterinarians, physicians, and other specialists—whether in Tennessee or across the country. His goal is to provide clients with the most options and deliver the best value by aligning real estate solutions with both business objectives and patient care priorities.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Sweet tea
Faith Statement: At the heart of my work is a simple but powerful mission: to do right by others. I aim to serve with purpose, trusting that faith-led service will grow my business and bless those around me. Through real estate, I strive to create value, give back, and be a positive influence in my community.
Bob Sircy BBA ’74
Senior Exec VP, SageSpring Wealth Partners
Key Strengths: Financial Services. Public Speaking. Leadership.
Bob, a Nashville native and Business School graduate, is Sr. Exec. VP of SageSpring Wealth Partners, where he helps families develop long-term financial plans. A former CPA and CFO, he’s active in the community, serving on nonprofit boards including United Way of Middle TN, BrightStone, and High Hopes, as well as industry groups like Financial Executives International and the Financial Planning Association.
Favorite Drink: Hot tea
Faith Statement: We never suggest anything we haven’t done ourselves (or would do). This is one way we try to put “love your neighbor as yourself” into practice.
Reed Sircy MBA ’14
Licensed Realtor at Bradford Real Estate LLC
Reed is a local Nashvillian, realtor, and real estate investor here in Nashville. During college, Reed worked as an independent contractor running a business selling educational book door to door with the Southwestern company. He says that his time there helped him create the habits and skills that made him successful in the sales world. Today when he isn't negotiating million-dollar deals or at an event he is usually hanging out with friends or spending time with his 2 dogs on the back porch putting something on the smoker.
Kevin Walker BBA ’07
Vice President of Investor Relations, Dollar General
Key Strengths: Retail. Finance. Analysis.
Finance and Accounting professional with more than 15 years of experience in various roles at a public accounting firm as well as a Fortune 200 retailer. Currently serving as the Investor Relations officer, where I oversee all company communications and interactions with the investment community.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Black coffee
Faith Statement: My faith informs everything I do, including how I approach my job, albeit imperfectly. This includes the motivation for why I do what I do, how I seek to serve all stakeholders I encounter, and how I handle challenges along the way.
Shelby Woods BBA ’22
Channel Program Strategist, Schneider Electric
Key Strengths: Marketing. Data Analysis. Campaign Design.
Shelby leads Channel Program Strategy at Schneider Electric, where she helps build impactful marketing programs for sales teams. She has a background in automotive marketing at Mitsubishi Motors, quantitative market research, and data management.
Favorite Drink: Caramel oat milk latte
Faith Statement: I prioritize living out my faith through the way I treat others in my workplace, and I strive to work in corporate settings with a strong sense of integrity that is evident in my work products and team dynamics.
Brooke Yoder BBA ’10
Structured Finance Originations Manager, Caterpillar Financial
Key Strengths: Finance. Project Management. Leadership.
Brook graduated from Lipscomb University in 2010 with a degree in Business Management. She is a Structured Finance Originations Manager at Caterpillar Financial. Lead a very experienced and diverse team that helps support North and South America in the Mining industry. She has held various roles within Caterpillar Financial and just celebrated 11 years last month.
Favorite Coffee Drink: Cappuccino
Faith Statement: My faith serves as a foundation for how I lead, communicate, and make decisions. My faith not only shapes what I do but how I do it - with gratitude, grace, and desire to lead by example.