Stuart Bernstein, MBA ’05, has been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Real Estate Commission. With a focus on protecting the public in their interactions with real estate brokers and salespersons, the commission serves as a vital regulatory body. Prior, Bernstein contributed his expertise as a member of the M.D. Anderson Advance Team Board and served as a director of The Texas Lyceum. Joining him in this appointment are Chance Brown and Renee Harvey Lowe.
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Carrie Douglas, BBA ’01, a former partner at Holland & Knight LLP after its merger with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP, has recently become a partner in the healthcare and life sciences practice at Bracewell LLP’s San Antonio office. Carrie’s extensive experience, particularly in the managed care field, will greatly benefit Bracewell’s expanding healthcare team.
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Billy Freed, BBA ’81, and his family have generously donated $1 million to the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center at the McCombs School of Business. Freed’s gift to the McCombs School of Business will support student entrepreneurship by establishing the Freed Family Entrepreneurship Excellence Fund and endowing the Freed Family Pitch Competition. The fund will enable various initiatives at the Kelleher Center, fostering the development of business ideas and providing collaborative opportunities for student founders. McCombs and The Kelleher Center express deep gratitude to Billy Freed and his family for their generous support in the UT community.
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Aaron Lyons, MBA ’11, will be opening a new branch of his Houston-based fast-casual farm-to-table restaurant, Dish Society, in Austin, Texas. With five locations in the greater Houston area, Dish Society will open in Mueller during the Fall of 2023. Guests at the restaurant can indulge in a seasonal menu filled with delectable dishes, along with a wide range of options including cocktails, mocktails, fresh-pressed juices, coffee, and a selection of Texas wines and beers.
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Kris Terrill, MBA ’05, has been recently appointed as the chief financial officer, for VLS Environmental Solutions, a Houston-based environmental services company. Terrill will manage VLS’ financial activities, helping deliver operational and growth results. Prior to this position, he was CFO of FlexSteel Technologies.
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Lionel Foster was recently interviewed by Fortune regarding how to get a job in venture capital.
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Mike Collier has recently been welcomed as Partner for Transaction Advisory Services at Weaver. Mike accepts his role with more than 25 years of experience, including previously leading the transaction services practice for a “Big Four” accounting firm in Houston. Congratulations to Mike!
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Stephen Jaquess was recently announced as a new Partner at BVA Group. Stephen oversees a wide range of engagements relating to economic damages, securities analyses, antitrust, restructuring, insolvency, financial markets, and valuation disputes. Stephen is a trusted advisor to clients and his leadership and contributions towards the firm’s recruiting efforts and analyst program have been instrumental in the continued growth of the firm.
Mark Coplen, MBA ’00, was recently named as vice president of project management for Crowley Wind Services. Bringing extensive expertise in sustainable energy and offshore wind, Coplen will play a vital role in driving the company’s growth and market leadership in the offshore wind industry. Previously, he was president of Ventolines and vice president of AdBm Technologies.
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James C. “Rad” Weaver, BBA ’98, has been reappointed to The University of Texas System Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott. Since February 2017, James C. “Rad” Weaver, has been an active member of The University of Texas System Board of Regents, assuming the position of vice chairman. Prior to this, Governor Abbott appointed him as the presiding officer of the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority.
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