This summer, the 2025-2027 UMGC Alumni Association Advisory Board members were welcomed into office to kick off their term for the next two years. The board is truly a representation of the global UMGC alumni community as it is comprised of graduates across different industries, experiences, and backgrounds.
The UMGC Alumni Association Advisory Board is volunteering their time, talents and resource to help shape the future of the global alumni community.
Take a few minutes to learn more about your 2025-2027 UMGC Alumni Association Advisory Board members.
Dr. S. Raschid Muller - PRESIDENT
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Information Systems Management, Stateside, 2010; Master of Science, Cybersecurity, Stateside, 2012; Master of Business Administration, Stateside, 2013
Employment: Senior Cybersecurity Analyst, United States Department of Defense
Located In: Maryland
Dr. S. Raschid Muller is a Cybersecurity executive in the U.S. federal government. Over the last two decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles and assignments in the Department of Defense. He completed a 2020 LEGIS Congressional Fellowship with The Brookings Institution by serving as the Technical SME on the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee under the House Committee on Homeland Security. As an academic, Dr. Muller served as the DISA Faculty Chair from 2017–2019 at the National Defense University (NDU–Ft. McNair). At NDU, he taught various cyber courses to military commanders, U.S. and NATO allies, and senior leaders throughout the federal space. He is also a six-year adjunct Associate Professor at UMGC’s School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology. Dr. Muller is a 2021 U.C. Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy Fellow in the Goldman School of Public Policy. He is an Iraq War veteran from United States Navy.
Najila Ahsan
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Environmental Management, Stateside, 2022
Employment: Town Planner, Town of Emmitsburg
Located In: Maryland
Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ms. Najila Ahsan moved to the United States as a child. Her time in Dhaka sparked an interest in the natural and built environment and their relationship with each other. Ms. Ahsan is passionate about sustainable urban design and exploring ideas on reducing the negative ecological and social impact of the built environment. During her time at UMGC, she was involved in the Environmental Awareness Club and was the student leader coordinating a virtual Earth Day event and an in-person LEED building tour at the Holabird Academy in Baltimore. Ms. Ahsan currently serves as the Town Planner for the Town of Emmitsburg, Maryland, where she is responsible for managing municipal planning functions, overseeing land use and zoning matters, and supporting long-range planning efforts for the Town's future development.
Kristinn Coleman
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Business Management, Stateside, 1993
Employment: Chief Office of Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Located In: Maryland
Ms. Kristinn Coleman became the chief for the Office of Investigations on Jan. 19, 2020. Before her appointment, she served as the director for Senior Official Investigations with the Office of the Naval Inspector General (NAVINSGEN), U.S. Department of the Navy. In this role, she was responsible for administrative investigations into allegations of misconduct involving flag officers and members of the Senior Executive Service with the DON.
Ms. Coleman also served as a key member of the NAVINSGEN leadership serving in the capacities of deputy director for the Special Inquiries Division, deputy director for the Resources Management Division, and director for the former Investigations Division. She also served as decennial census equal employment opportunity manager with the Department of Commerce, and as senior investigator with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
A native Washingtonian, Ms. Coleman earned her bachelors of science from UMGC and a master’s degree from Georgetown University. She earned her Inspector General Credentials from the Association of Inspectors General, the Department of Defense Join Inspector General School, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. She is also a graduate of the USDA Graduate School Center for Leadership and Management Executive Leadership Program.
Dr. Kenya Dugger
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management, Europe, 2012; Master of Science, Human Resources Management, Stateside, 2014; Foundations of Human Resources Certificate, Stateside, 2014
Employment: Senior Director Corporate Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chemonics International
Located In: Washington D.C.
Dr. Kenya Dugger is a global executive specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He is a highly regarded lecturer at George Washington University. Throughout his career, he has taken on numerous roles in diversity and human resources, focusing on recruiting, promoting multicultural awareness, talent acquisition, and fostering an inclusive environment. Dr. Dugger has served as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer in both public and private sectors. He has been featured on various U.S. and international podcasts, as well as in global panel discussions, where he addresses the differences between collectivism and individualism in the context of inclusion and a variety of DEI topics. Dr. Dugger is also a co-founder of Backbone Leadership Consulting, which supports executive leaders and organizations in building a culture of equity through strategic leadership.
In addition to his consulting work, Dr. Dugger is an adjunct professor and a member of a doctoral dissertation committee. He serves on numerous boards that focus on racial equity by tackling systemic barriers and discriminatory practices in education and the workforce. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the Top 100 International Diversity Experts. Dr. Dugger holds multiple degrees and certifications, including a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a master’s and bachelor’s degree in human resource management from University of Maryland Global Campus, an executive-level certification from Cornell University, and a graduate-level certification in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Dr. Solomon Gebru
UMGC Education: Graduate Certificate, Project Management, Stateside, 2023; Master of Science, Information Technology, Stateside, 2025
Employment: Chief, Virulence Mechanisms Branch, U.S. FDA
Located In: Maryland
Dr. Solomon Gebru is Chief of the Virulence Mechanisms Branch at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he has served in various capacities for over 18 years. As a senior research scientist and subject matter expert in enteric pathogens, Dr. Gebru brings extensive leadership experience in both government and academia.
Originally from Ethiopia, he began his career in public health as a research associate at the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI) and became the youngest dean of the Medical Technology College at the age of 28. He later moved to the United States, earning an M.S. in Clinical Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Cell Biology.
Dr. Gebru has taught life sciences as an adjunct faculty member at Howard University for more than 16 years. He also holds a graduate certificate in Project Management and an M.S. in Information Technology with a specialization in Project Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).
In addition to his professional and academic contributions, Dr. Gebru serves as Vice President of the Society of Ethiopians Established in the Diaspora (SEED), a nonprofit organization that promotes academic excellence, professional development, and community service within the Ethiopian American community.
A. Tony Goodesmith
UMGC Education: Master of Science, Biotechnology, Stateside, 2014
Employment: CEO and Founder, Standard Medical Systems
Located In: Maryland
Mr. Goodesmith is the CEO and Founder of Standard Medical Systems, a certified minority (MBE) Veteran (SDVOSB) owned company, certified by the Center for Veteran Enterprises (CVE), providing high quality medical devices and laboratory equipment. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded several successful start-up businesses including GS Energy Technologies, LLC and Goodesmith Consulting Group, LLC. Mr. Goodesmith served as a highly decorated combat signaler/communications officer in the U.S. Army VII Core Europe Division, & U.S. Stateside, and New Jersey National Guard for over 20 years.
Mr. Goodesmith has been working in the healthcare and medical industry in sales and management for over 35 years at several Fortune 500 pharmaceutical, nutricueticals, biotechnology, and regenerative medical device companies. He has received the Elite Salesman Award, President’s Award, U.S. Congressional VIP Citation, and achieved #1 status in selling various pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices throughout his career. Mr. Goodesmith shares his tremendous expertise as a staff writer for the DC Health-Technology Examiner, based on his exceptional knowledge of the epidemiology of health-related issues and via medical device, regenerative, biological solutions. He is also serving as executive director of The MIA Group, LLC (The Mental Illness Awareness Group) and Commander of AMVETS Post #12 Washington D.C. dedicated to helping and assisting U.S. Veterans and their families to obtain their benefits during, and after completing their honorable service, to the nation.
Velma Hart
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management, Stateside 2018; Human Resources Management Certificate, Stateside, 2018; Business Management Certificate, Stateside, 2018; MBA, Stateside, 2020
Employment: CEO, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC); CEO, Velma Hart and Associates
Located In: Maryland
Ms. Velma Hart is CEO, National Association of Woman in Construction (NAWIC) and CEO, Velma Hart and Associates, her own consulting firm. In her capacity at NAWIC, Ms. Hart enhances the organization's business health and financial strength. She collaborates with the board and a skilled staff team to further NAWIC’s mission, increase member value, and elevate the profile of the organization’s brand reputation. In addition, she is the CEO of Velma Hart and Associates in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, focusing on solving critical organizational challenges related to finance, governance, DEI, and compliance.
A veteran of the Army Reserve, Ms. Hart has worked with various notable organizations, is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a member and officer of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. in the eastern region, is a Fellow of and Past Chair of the Board for the American Society of Association Executives. She has provided commentary for CNBC and MSNBC and has published works on finance, strategic leadership, and diversity and inclusion as well as of the children’s book, Courage in the Fire.
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Samantha Howard
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Arts, Communications, Stateside, 2022
Employment: Latino Affairs Liaison, Office of the County Executive, Prince George’s County, Md.
Located In: Maryland
Ms. Samantha Howard is an accomplished professional with over 18 years of expertise in community engagement and advocacy, currently serving as the Latino Affairs Liaison for the Office of the County Executive in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Howards efforts have transformed the county’s engagement with its Latino community through a series of impactful and high-profile initiatives.
Ms. Howard unites stakeholders, identifies innovative solutions, and delivers impactful results. Prior to her current role, she dedicated over 15 years to Prince George’s Community College as Coordinator of Recruitment and Community Relations, where she championed equity in education and expanded access for undocumented and DACA students.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ms. Howard has been a proud resident of Prince George’s County since 1989. She holds an Associate of Arts in Communication/Speech from Prince George’s Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
David Kamioner
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Government & Politics, Europe, 1986
Employment: Program Manager for the Veterans Office, Arundel Lodge, Inc.
Located In: Maryland
Mr. David Kamioner has been a political media consultant, academic, writer, and corporate PR director with over 30 years of experience in the above fields. A US Army Intelligence veteran who served with NATO forces, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland Global Campus – Europe Division. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the Veterans Office at Arundel Lodge, Inc.
In addition, Mr. Kamioner has served in humanitarian efforts with the American Red Cross during major hurricanes and was the Executive Director of a Philadelphia homeless shelter for military veterans. He authored the book Prisoner of the Chattering Class in 2017, and his writings have appeared in various publications, including American Greatness and Real Clear Policy.
Dr. Manbae Kim
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Stateside, 1983; Master of Science, Computer Systems Management, Stateside, 1992; Master of Science, Telecommunications Management, Stateside, 2010; Master of Science, Cybersecurity, Stateside, 2013; MBA, Stateside, 2017
Employment: Consulting Chief Engineer at a large United States Aerospace and Defense Corporation
Located In: Maryland
Dr. Manbae Kim is a Consulting Chief Engineer at a large US Aerospace and Defense Corporation, and worked on various mission critical Department of Defense projects, including Missile Defense National Team Network and Communication Systems, High Altitude LIDAR systems, Information Assurance and Cyber Security, and Naval Ship System C4I Architecture, Airborne Surveillance Radar, and Electronic Warfare Systems. Dr. Kim is currently working on the Next Generation Airborne Radar System research and development program as the chief engineer.
In addition to his education at UMGC, Dr. Kim received his Master of Divinity in 2003 and his Doctor of Ministry in Church Consulting from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2011. He is the president of IMWTL non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. IMWTL was established by Dr. Kim to provide church planting and small church growth consulting services. Dr. Kim is an avid golf player and is the president of Montgomery Country Club Senior Golf Association.
Dr. Tulinda Larsen
UMGC Education: Doctor of Management, Stateside, 2013
Employment: CEO and founder of Skylark Services
Location: Utah
Dr. Tulinda Larsen is a Principal at NEXA Advisors, an aerospace investment advisory firm. She began her career as an economist at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she gained experience in the air transport industry. For more than 40 years, she has been practicing economist studying various aspects of the aerospace industry. Dr. Larsen is an advocate for women around the globe. Her recognitions include being featured in the 2024 University of Maryland Global Campus Achiever Magazine for her work elevating women in technical fields, named to Utah Business 2023 30 Women to Watch, recognized in 2023 40 Women Over 40, featured in CIO Magazine 2023 10 Most Inspiring Women To Watch and the 2021 Executive Business Leader Award from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She also serves on the boards of the Girls Scouts of Utah and the Columbus in Utah supporting adults with disabilities.
Dr. Jim Payne, Jr.
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Stateside, 2010; Master of Business Administration, Stateside, 2013; Master of Science, Project Management, Stateside, 2014
Employment: Platform Engineer, Naval Sea Systems Command NAVSEA
Location: North Carolina
Dr. Jim Payne has over 14 years of experience overseeing the long-term maintenance planning ensuring the Navy’s twenty-two cruisers achieve their expected service life as a Platform Engineer for NAVSEA. As a Navy veteran, he served 24 years in multiple roles aboard the USS Saipan, USS Nassau, and USS Mitscher. Dr. Payne is a leadership scholar and management analyst that is dedicated to ethics in leadership. He is supporting the next generation of leaders as an Adjunct Faculty member of William Woods University. While serving in the Navy, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus. He continued his studies earning both a Master of Business Administration in 2013 and Master of Science, Project Management in 2014 also from UMGC. Dr. Payne earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Organizational Leadership in 2021 from Regent University.
Bernetta Reese
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Digital Media and Web Technology, UMGC Stateside 2021
Employment: Senior Strategic Leader, U.S. Federal Government
Located In: Maryland
Ms. Reese has served across the federal government working with multiple U.S. Cabinet-level departments and The White House. She has a multidisciplinary background in strategic leadership, communications, policy and governance, technology and innovation, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in several federal initiatives and earned numerous awards including the USDA-FSA Administrator's Award for Service to Agriculture, Letter of Recognition from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Letter of Appreciation from the U.S. Marine Corps SJA General, Award of Honor for Exemplary Leadership in NCA's Combined Federal Campaign, and yearly outstanding performance awards. Ms. Reese also served as Vice President of Undergraduate Affairs for the University System of Maryland Student Council and as the Executive Chair for the University of Maryland Global Campus Student Advisory Council from 2020-2021.
Laurie Sayles
UMGC Education: Bachelor of Science, Social Science, Minor Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, Stateside, 2010, Business Project Management Certificate, Stateside, 2011
Employment: President and CEO, Civility Management Solutions
Location: Maryland
Ms. Laurie Sayles is a serial entrepreneur, author, thought leader, and advocate for veterans and women business owners. Launching Civility Management Solutions at her kitchen table in 2012, she has worked diligently to optimize organizational performance through structured process improvement initiatives and hands-on CIVILITY-centered frameworks. Founded on the principles of Semper Fi, her Marine-built firm implements and transforms local, state, and federal agencies and commercial clients’ operations through supply chain optimization, event management efficiency, and workforce training.
Ms. Sayles holds a host of positions as chair and advisor for organizations that fight for policy changes for veteran and veteran women-owned businesses, small business owners, and persons who have experienced military sexual trauma. Proceeds from her book “As My Leaders Go … So Do I” support programming for survivors of economic domestic violence. Laurie recently launched “R3” (Recognize, Repair, and Repeat), which aims to improve the lives of women who have served in the military and their families by providing them with exposure and access to wealth-building resources for their success.
To further extend her advocacy work, Ms. Sayles continues to serve as Chair of the Women Veteran Business Coalition and is constantly called to represent veterans and women business owners at hearings in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Anil Tailor
UMGC Education: MBA, Stateside, 2020
Employment: Chief Executive Officer, Tailor Consulting Services LLC
Located In: Maryland
Mr. Anil Tailor is a seasoned Chief Executive Officer with a distinguished career marked by exceptional leadership in the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD). With a relentless focus on dynamic results and a stellar track record in P&L management, client engagement, and cybersecurity, he has consistently delivered success in overseeing multibillion-dollar business operations. Mr. Tailor is a strategic thinker skilled in business growth, team building, and financial management, contributing significantly to the achievement of organizational goals.
As Senior Vice President at Leidos, he managed a business unit specializing in Cybersecurity and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) solutions for the IC and DoD. Prior to his role as Senior Vice president, Mr. Tailor was the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the National Security Agency Cybersecurity Operations Center (NCSOC). He provided governance and support for 24X7 cybersecurity operations, managing partnerships with the Intelligence Community, DoD, and government agencies. Mr. Tailor also led $1B+ acquisition programs delivering critical capabilities to meet national security mission requirements around the world.
His distinguished career also includes serving as the Vice Chair of the Signals Intelligence Committee where he managed SIGINT Information Needs for 17 Intelligence Community agencies and military services. His outreach efforts and coordination enhanced intelligence requirements processes and supported critical initiatives, such as the 2018 mid-term election collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Cyber Command.
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