Houston native Bobby Burton was pursuing his accounting degree at McCombs. Then a chance comment by his professor helped him realize how to marry his passion for sports and numbers. Now, as the Longhorns head into their first SEC season, he shares how he got to be the host of the number one Longhorn sports podcast and his predictions for this historic football season.
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Houston.
Q: What brought you to UT Austin?
A: For 4th of July and Labor Day, my parents would take us water skiing and camping on Lake Travis when I was young. I’ve always loved UT and Austin.
Q: Tell us what an impact being a McCombs grad has had on your life?
A: The exposure to so many smart people at Texas, the exposure to different ideas and to people who had the ability to execute those ideas, was an eye opener for me. The UT business school and that exposure gave me the confidence that I could do the things I wanted to with my life and my career.
Q: Share a lasting memory of your time at McCombs.
A: I was an accounting major but I knew I wanted to work in sports when I graduated. So I had begun looking for a way to tie the academics at Texas into my love for sports. I had a great professor, Michael Granoff. One day in class, he talked about the NCAA, college sports’ governing body, only for 30 seconds or so. The next week, I went to his office hours. I shared a book I had read called The Hundred Yard Lie. He borrowed the book from me and ended up reading it himself. The next time I went to his office hours, he had a number of thoughts about the book, about the broad financial impact of college sports in the university setting, and more. He didn’t have to do that, but he did, and I’ll always be grateful to him. In his own way, he showed me that you can marry what you’re studying with what you really want to do with your life.
Q: Tell us how you continue to be involved with McCombs, and why is that important to you?
A: I try to support UT in many ways. Whether that’s by hiring young people from UT or promoting UT more generally. I think it’s important to remember the people and places that shaped you and to give back.
Q: We have just welcomed new students to our campus. Do you have any advice you’d like to share with them as the embark on their college careers?
A: You’ve made it into Texas for a reason. Life is there for the taking. So don’t just go through the motions. Apply yourself in a way that is meaningful to you. It may even take you a while to figure out what that is. But keep searching and when you find it, go for it with everything you’ve got.
Q: What is the greatest thing you’ve accomplished with your career and what do you want to do next?
A: Very early in my career, I played a central role in creating Rivals.com. College sports and recruiting websites, like Rivals and 247Sports, didn’t exist when I was growing up. We created both of those companies. I’m currently doing exactly what I want to do next. I’m going back to my roots. I’m producing On Texas Football. It’s the No. 1 podcast and YouTube channel covering the Texas Longhorns sports programs and recruiting.
Q: What are your predictions for the Longhorn’s first season in the SEC?
A: I’ll go with a 10-2 regular season. And if they can do that, the Longhorns will be in the college football playoffs for the second straight year. Hook ’em!
Priya Kumar, BBA ’07, is using her McCombs degree to its fullest. After tackling the world of supply chain management, she has now launched her own business, Sustainable Inc., where she helps Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies facilitate supply chain issues from the ground up.
She is also giving back to her alma mater by leading the Women of McCombs alumni group and with undergraduates in the Supply Chain Center of Excellence. When asked what inspires her to continue giving back, she said, “My involvement with Women of McCombs brings me to campus often – and I love reading the statement outside of Rowling Hall ‘What starts here changes the world.’ I am set out to do just that!”
Read more about Priya’s journey and what she is up to now:
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Houston, TX
Q: What brought you to UT Austin?
A: I was most interested in being a part of McCombs. I’ve always had a passion for business, markets, and utilizing my creative spirit to deliver something amazing for the world. UT Austin seemed like a perfect place to nurture those interests.
Q:Tell us what an impact being a McCombs grad has had on your life?
A: McCombs provided me with an excellent platform to launch my career. The reputation alone has gotten me a foot in the door multiple times. The school continues to do amazing things for academic community and the greater world and I feel extremely proud to be a part of that legacy. It’s a wonderful feeling to be viewed so positively in the corporate world by peers and leaders.
Q: Share a lasting memory of your time at McCombs.
A: My favorite memory of McCombs was interview season put on by the career services organization. The corporations were so vested in McCombs students and it was extremely heartwarming to see that. The coaching provided was so beneficial and tips I received from the department were extremely formative, so much so that I have continued to share them with other colleagues I mentor. It was also an amazing opportunity to learn how to story-tell my experiences in an impactful way.
Q: Tell us how you continue to be involved with McCombs, and why is that important to you?
A: I have recently taken up the position as president of the Women of McCombs Alumni gorup here in Austin. We have a series of events planned for this year to help alumni connect with each other in meaningful ways. I am also working with the Supply Chain Center of Excellence to help support the undergraduate program. Providing them with case studies, opportunities to participate in real-life projects and sharing new insights and thought leadership in supply chain are all part of the plan.
Q: We’re getting ready to welcome new students to our campus. Do you have any advice you’d like to share with them as they embark on their college careers?
A:
Study abroad! Expand your horizon and find beauty in the ways we are all different, yet absolutely the same.
Find a Mentor. You don’t know what you don’t know. Someone who is where you want to be would be an ideal person to be your mentor. Let them guide you and help you avoid making mistakes.
Join several clubs based on your interests. It’s important to figure out what you want and who you are. Once you have these nailed, life become super easy. Finding those with like-minded interests helps the journey become pleasant and fun.
Q: What are you doing now with your career?
A: I started my own supply chain consulting company, Sustainable Inc., about six years ago. I’ve had the amazing privilege of working with several Fortune 100 and 500 clients in helping them drive savings in their sourcing and procurement operations, elevate their logistics and transportation strategies and reduce their supply chain complexity through various projects utilizing six sigma methodologies. My firm is growing, and I am looking to hire other Longhorns!
Q: Share your life and career ambitions and how McCombs has prepared you to achieve them.
A: My first job out of college was through McCombs. I started my career with Textron as a part of their Supply Chain Leadership program. I could not have had a more perfectly orchestrated beginning to my career journey. The program provided me with the opportunity to work on several special projects with high visibility to leadership and also to interact with several supply chain groups simultaneously. That is all thanks to McCombs! It is this opportunity that positioned me for the other amazing career pivots I have had throughout the years.
My goals now are to grow my firm and to create a circle of supply chain experts to guide thought leadership for the field in the coming decades.
Woodrow “Woody” Watson, MBA ’23, has taken his recently earned degree and run with it. As the Senior Manager of Merchandising Operations at Walmart, Woody has not only established himself in a new position in a new state, but has taken the helm as the newly appointed McCombs Arkansas Alumni Chapter leader where he has spearheaded the establishment and growth of the organization. We caught up with Woody to see how he is enjoying the Natural State and just what he plans to do to keep up the growth momentum of the ever-expanding McCombs Arkansas Alumni Chapter.
Woodrow “Woody” Watson, MBA ’23, is the newly appointed McCombs Arkansas Alumni Chapter Leader
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I am originally from a small town in Kansas called Louisburg that is about 50 miles south of Kansas City. When I was growing up it was primarily an agricultural town, but now it has become more suburban as the city sprawls southward. However, we are known for an apple cider mill that produces all kind of artisanal products that have been found across our country, Canada, Mexico, and into the Caribbean.
Q: What brought you to UT Austin?
A: In 2011, I moved from Kansas to Dallas. After being in the industry for eight years, I knew it was time to go back to school. The McCombs Dallas MBA program was gaining popularity among my colleagues as the top business school program in the city. Being part of one of the largest and most well-known universities was also enticing as I knew I wanted to become a Longhorn and grow my network exponentially.
Q:Tell us what an impact being a McCombs grad has had on your life?
A: Being a McCombs graduate has had a profound impact on my life in numerous ways. I was able to use the McCombs recruiting and career advising team to leverage my experience to find the perfect career progression post-MBA. The knowledge and skills I acquired during my time at UT have equipped me with the necessary tools to excel in my new environment.
I was a “career enhancer/switcher” and was able to make the transition into a new industry seamlessly. Additionally, the network of fellow alumni that I have established and continue to compound has proven to be invaluable in terms of professional connections and support. Moreover, the university’s world-class education has instilled in me a sense of critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Q: Tell us how you continue to be involved with McCombs, and why is that important to you?
A: When I relocated to Arkansas for my career move, I wanted to stay in contact with the University. I had a very positive experience and having a second McCombs family in my new home was imperative. It was determined that no alumni chapter was present after the pandemic, so I decided to take it upon myself to rebuild the chapter with new leadership. Now the chapter has grown from zero to over 50 alumni in less than three months, and we have planned multiple events and celebrations over the coming months.
I was given the opportunity to attend the McCombs MBA Advisory Board meetings as a Chapter leader. Attending these advisory board meetings has allowed me to stay updated on the latest initiatives, curriculum enhancements, and industry trends within the McCombs MBA program. It also provides an opportunity for me to contribute my own experiences and insights as a Chapter leader, representing the perspective of Arkansas alumni.
Lastly, Walmart’s McCombs network is growing rapidly each year. We have a strong core recruiting group that identify and pursue alumni to join our team. I am lucky enough to help speak with prospective hires and share my experience at McCombs and how I transitioned to life at Walmart in Arkansas.
Q: We’re getting ready to welcome a new batch of McCombs students in the fall. Do you have any advice you’d like to share with them as the embark on their college careers?
A: When beginning my time with McCombs, I wanted to focus on a few career-enhancing activities that would help springboard to the next level. I believe that each of these were critically important to my progression.
Get involved: Join clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests. This will help you make friends, develop new skills, and enhance your overall college experience.
Make use of campus resources: Take advantage of the various resources offered by your college, such as libraries, writing centers, tutoring services, and career counseling. These resources are there to support your academic and personal growth.
Have fun and make memories: While academics are important, remember to have fun and enjoy your college years. Make time for social activities, attend campus events, create lifelong friendships, and make lasting memories that you will cherish long after graduation.
Q: What are you doing now with your career?
A: During Fall semester of my second year, I was offered a position with Walmart US located at the Home Office in Bentonville, AR. I am part of an MBA Merchandising Leadership Program that will allow me to experience multiple roles over the course of a few years.
The career progression paths and possibilities are nearly endless. I work with a team of merchandisers, financial planners, and replenishment managers to ensure our customers can purchase a wide selection of products at everyday low prices. Coupled with continued involvement in McCombs programs, I am excited to experience what Walmart has to offer in terms of advancement during a long-tenured career.
11th Annual Executive Mentorship Dinner Provides Connections for Students and Alumni
When entering the business world, it’s often said securing a job is as much about who you know as what you know. Every year, McCombs Alumni Relations combines both during its annual Executive Mentorship Dinner.
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, 142 BBA students enjoyed dinner and conversation with 18 of McCombs’ most illustrious alumni and faculty.
“We are always so excited for this event,” said Christine Burdell, Director of Alumni Relations. “We look forward to seeing how eager the students are to meet these incredible industry leaders. It’s a great opportunity for them.”
Held in the Hall of Honors at McCombs, mentors and students spent time discussing future plans, effective networking strategies, and how to make the most of their McCombs experiences.
“My freshman year, I lacked both dinner etiquette and the ability to ask specific questions to get the most value out of [this event],” said Antonio Meza, a BBA student who attended the event. “Thanks to the McCombs Success Scholars and countless etiquette dinners in partnership with Deloitte, I’ve learned proper dinner etiquette to the point where it’s second nature.”
That is just the kind of experience Christine and the alumni team hope to provide to students on the brink of their careers.
“Our job is to provide as many value-add opportunities as possible for students to connect with alumni,” said Christine. “And I think our mentors get just as much out of it as the students do.”
Any BBA student may attend the dinner, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
McCombs is grateful to the following executive mentors for attending this year’s event:
Brandon Bean, MPA, ’96, Co-Founder and CEO, Lumin Fitness; Former CEO of Gold’s Gym – Dallas, TX
Rozanne Rosenthal, B.S. ’74, and Billy Rosenthal, BBA ’72, pose in front of the UT Tower, which was lit in their honor January 16, 2024, in recognition of their $25 million gift to the McCombs School of Business. (Photo courtesy of Chris Lammert Photography)
On January 16, 2024, the McCombs School of Business established its first named academic department, thanks to a generous $25 million gift by Rozanne and Billy Rosenthal of Fort Worth, Texas. The newly named Rosenthal Department of Management will continue to inspire students to develop management, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. The landmark gift will enable the department to increase its efforts around research, students, faculty, and academic innovation.
To mark the occasion, The University of Texas at Austin and McCombs hosted a series of events, beginning with a naming ceremony and celebration in the Hall of Honors where Dean Lillian Mills and President Jay Hartzell shared their admiration for the couple and their appreciation for their generosity.
The Rosenthals were welcomed by a crowd of more than 100 people as they entered through a balloon tunnel in the Hall of Honors, where a light reception followed the name plaque reveal of new signage for the newly minted Rosenthal Department of Management. The Longhorn band and cheerleaders capped off the event with a rendition of The Eyes of Texas and the UT Fight Song.
“Rozanne and Billy embody what we mean when we say, ‘What Starts Here Changes the World,’” Hartzell said later that evening. “This department is the epicenter of the University’s efforts that prepare students to be leaders in their communities and their chosen fields and through public service.”
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Main Building next to the UT Tower, followed by a dinner where a bespoke box containing messages of thanks from McCombs faculty and students was presented to the couple.
“Over the past few years, as I’ve spent time with Rozanne and Billy, I’m so impressed by their humility, their thoughtful connection and commitment to community, and of course this monumental contribution, not just with us, but to Texas Business,” said Mills. “I’m so happy that the Rosenthals’ vision matches [McCombs’] and our trust and belief in the management department.”
Phil Canfield, benefactor of the Canfield Business Honors Program toasted the couple, saying, “It’s so appropriate that the first named department is the department of management. That’s where you learn to lead, that’s where we learn to be part of a team, and how to work with people. That’s really special.”
The evening concluded with a surprise lighting of the UT Tower in honor of the Rosenthals. Friends and family were invited to join the couple for photos with the Tower in the background.
A gift to support the McCombs School is a great way to invest in student success.Contact our development department to learn how you can leave a legacy that will Change the World.
Jay Steinfeld, BBA ’76, knows a good thing when he sees it. Such as when he saw the potential of the internet as an online retail space when the technology was still in its infancy. He knew that, despite his disdain for accounting, it would be the key to his future success. Even before it was named for Red McCombs, Jay also knew that the business school at The University of Texas at Austin was a special place.
Jay’s success story is one of legend. After working alongside his late wife, Naomi, in the retail blinds business, he became interested in a new platform called the World Wide Web.
“It was this new thing that nobody really understood yet,” he said. “But then I started thinking that maybe it could be used for selling blinds and draperies online. So, we tried it.”
With just $3,000 of start-up money, Jay and Naomi launched a rudimentary website in 1993. From there, he launched another site, Blinds.com, with revenue reaching over $100 million (and eventually over $1 billion) before being acquired by The Home Depot.
“Everything in life is an experiment,” he said. “The point is to continue to get better and help the people around me get better, too. That’s how I live my life.”
It’s also the motto behind how he gives: Philanthropy is an experiment. Investing time and money in causes he believes in, Jay has developed a diverse giving portfolio. He serves on several boards for organizations, such as Hand-in-Hand, which supports schools in Israel.
Never one to leave his Longhorn roots behind, Jay recently endowed a student seat in the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center’s Forty Acres Founders Pre-Accelerator Program, which enables students to learn how to start a business from the ground up, including securing seed funding for their company. He has also generously included McCombs in his estate.
“If it weren’t for UT, I wouldn’t have gotten my first job, which was at one of the big eight accounting firms,” he said. “It was my first step toward becoming an entrepreneur, and it made all the difference.”
He also credits his time at the business school with teaching him how to prioritize the important things over distractions.
“At the time [I attended UT], I didn’t know anything about core values. While I was there, I realized there was so much opportunity, so many choices, good and bad,” he said. “It necessitated learning how to prioritize so I could be productive.
That lesson clearly paid off. In 2013 he was ranked globally as one of the Top 60 CEOs on social media, and he regularly churns out insightful articles on effective leadership for Inc. Magazine and CBS Market Watch under the moniker Chief Effective Officer. As far as giving back is concerned, that is just a byproduct of his philosophy that “you are never going to be as good as you can be.”
“I ask myself, ‘How good can I be? What effect can I have at UT?’ and I try to fulfill that,” he said. “By giving an endowment or scholarship, you are actually investing in a whole set of people who just might change the world. How do you not do that?”
Dean Lillian Mills and President Jay Hartzell helped honor the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees.
On November 2, 2023, notable alumni and friends convened at the AT&T Conference Center for the annual McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame celebration to induct exemplary alumni into its ranks. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees included Connie Duckworth, BBA ’76, Phil Green, BBA ’77, Bill Gurley, MBA ’93, Kyle Hranicky, BBA ’91, and Paul Knopp, MBA ’83. McCombs Dean Lillian Mills also recognized 2023 Rising Stars Amy Bell, BBA and MPA ’03, Zach Petrone, BBA ’05, and Chirag H. Shah, BBA ’98, MBA ’06.
The McCombs School of Business established the Hall of Fame in 1983 as part of The University of Texas at Austin’s centennial celebration. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made outstanding professional contributions to the business community and who, by their exemplary civic, philanthropic, and educational activities have advanced humanity. The Hall of Fame award is the highest honor given by the McCombs School of Business. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee.
In addition, McCombs also recognizes young alumni with the Rising Star Award, established in 2004. This award is presented to younger alumni who have experienced professional success and have shown exemplary service to the McCombs Alumni Network. These are graduates who have presented themselves as consummate professionals and dedicated businesspeople. Dean Mills and the McCombs BBA and MBA Advisory Boards choose Rising Star Award recipients.
Video vignettes showcased Hall of Fame inductees before taking to the podium to share words of appreciation. Learn more about each of their personal and professional stories by viewing the videos below.
2023 Hall of Fame Inductees
Connie Kadrovach Duckworth
B.A. ’76, Plan II
Retired Partner and Managing Director
Goldman Sachs
Founder, Chairman and CEO
ARSU, Inc.
Connie K. Duckworth retired in 2001 from Goldman Sachs following a 20-year career. She was named the first woman sales and trading partner in the firm’s history in 1990 and held leadership roles in the Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York offices.
Deeply committed to women’s economic empowerment, Ms. Duckworth founded ARZU, a social enterprise employing destitute women rug weavers in rural Afghanistan, and served pro bono as chairman and CEO from 2002 until its merger with U.K. charity Turquoise Mountain in 2019. She remains engaged with the plight of Afghan women, serving on The George W. Bush Institute’s Women’s Policy Advisory Council in Dallas and as a founding member of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Duckworth currently chairs the UT International Board of Advisors and is a former McCombs Dean’s Advisory Council member. She is also a director of Steelcase Inc. (SCS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and MP Materials (MP) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The recipient of numerous awards for leadership, social impact, and innovation, Ms. Duckworth holds an MBA in finance and accounting from the Wharton School and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Plan II. She has been married to husband Tom for 37 years and is the mother of four millennials.
Philip D. Green
BBA ’77
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc./ Frost Bankers Inc. and Frost Bank
Phil Green serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc. and Frost Bank. Mr. Green joined the Cullen/Frost organization in July 1980 and served in a number of managerial positions in the company’s financial division before being named chief financial officer in 1995, a position he held until 2015 when he was named president of Cullen/Frost. He became chairman and CEO in 2016.
During Mr. Green’s tenure at Frost, the company has become one of the nation’s 50 largest banks and has increased its common stock dividend for 30 consecutive years. At the same time, Frost has won numerous accolades for excellence and customer service, receiving the highest ranking in customer satisfaction in Texas in the J.D. Power U.S.
Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for 14 consecutive years, and earning the most Greenwich Excellence Awards for service to business clients among banks nationwide for seven consecutive years. Mr. Green graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin in 1977, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Prior to joining Frost, he spent three years in public accounting with Ernst & Ernst. Phil and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 47 years and have six grown children.
Bill Gurley
MBA ‘93
General Partner
Benchmark
Bill Gurley is a prominent venture capitalist and general partner at Benchmark, a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. Born in 1966 in Dickinson, Texas, Mr. Gurley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of Florida and later received an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his career in venture capital, Mr. Gurley spent four years in investment banking, where he had the opportunity to work on the Amazon IPO. Prior to that, he worked as a computer engineer at Compaq in Houston. He has played a crucial role in investing and guiding several successful startups, including Uber, Zillow, Nextdoor, Stitch Fix, Grubhub, and OpenTable. Mr. Gurley is also well known for his insightful blog, “Above the Crowd,” where he shares his thoughts on technology, investing, and business strategy.
Kyle Hranicky
BBA ‘91
Senior Executive Vice President
CEO of Commercial Banking
Wells Fargo & Company
Kyle Hranicky is the CEO of Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo, where he oversees teams dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the diverse needs of emerging middle market, middle market, mid-corporate businesses and government, institutional, and not-for-profit clients. Mr. Hranicky serves on Wells Fargo’s Operating Committee.
Mr. Hranicky began his current role in September 2021. Prior to that, he was head of Middle Market Banking, where he led the integration of three businesses to more effectively apply the capabilities and expertise of those businesses to better serve the financial needs of clients. He has held numerous other leadership roles at Wells Fargo, including head of Corporate Banking group, head of the Energy Group, and regional manager of the Loan Syndication group.
Mr. Hranicky earned his B.A. in business administration from The University of Texas at Austin and his MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona.
He lives in Houston with his wife, Kim. They have three children, two recent college graduates, and one currently attending college. He serves on the Advisory Council for the McCombs Business School at The University of Texas and is an executive sponsor of Wells Fargo’s Native American Connection employee resource network.
Paul Knopp
BBA ’82, MBA ’83
Chair and CEO
KPMG LLP
Paul Knopp is chair and CEO at KPMG LLP – one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing innovative business solutions and audit, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations. He also serves as chair of the Americas region and is a member of both KPMG’s Global Board and Executive Committee.
Knopp is further strengthening KPMG’s inclusive and values-driven culture. He has extensive experience serving large, multinational clients in complex industries and is recognized for his commitment to excellence and quality and for leading KPMG teams with ethics and integrity.
Prior to becoming chair and CEO, Knopp focused on serving leading global companies in the manufacturing, life sciences, transportation, professional services, and technology industries.
Knopp has received numerous accolades including Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People, the National Association of Corporate Directors’ 100 most influential leaders in the boardroom, and Glassdoor’s list of Top CEOs. He is a governing board member of the Center for Audit Quality and a board member of Catalyst, Partnership for New York City and Project Healthy Minds.
He holds BBA and MBA degrees from The University of Texas at Austin.
Rising Star Recipients
Amy Bell
BBA and MPA ‘03
CFO
The Cook’s Nook
Amy Bell has spent the better part of her career demonstrating how business and capital markets can be designed to better the communities in which they operate while growing profitably and sustainably. She brings that experience and passion to The Cook’s Nook as CFO and board director, where she guides strategy and leads finance. Bell’s work at the intersect of business and societal good started at JPMorgan Chase, where she grew the firm’s emerging impact investing business into a market leader, while managing a $100 million portfolio of investments in early stage businesses benefiting low-income and underserved populations across the world. From there, her passion for food and agriculture drove her to advise sustainable agriculture businesses in Latin America and then investing in the high-growth entrepreneurs and trends that drive the supply chain at Whole Foods Market. Bell began her career in consulting and investment banking.
Outside of her work, Bell sits on the boards of the Sustainable Food Center and WaterEquity (an affiliate of Water.org) and remains an active thought leader and adviser in impact investing nationwide. She is a proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and always has something cooking in her own kitchen.
Zack Petrone
BBA ‘05
Chief Investment Officer
Highside Capital
Zach Petrone was raised in Euless, Texas, and attended Euless Trinity High School. He graduated from McCombs in 2005 with a BBA in finance (high honors). After college, he spent four years in New York as an M&A analyst at Greenhill & Co. and as a private equity associate at Providence Equity Partners, the largest global PE firm focused on telecom, media, and technology investments.
Mr. Petrone moved back to Texas in 2009 to join Highside Capital, a $2.5B long/short equity hedge fund where he advanced from analyst to senior analyst to managing director over 2.5 years. In 2016, Mr. Petrone launched a long/short equity fund called Highside Global Management (HGM) focusing on small and mid-cap investments in high-quality companies globally. HGM peaked at $330M of assets with investments from leading endowments, foundations, and family offices across the U.S.
In 2023, Mr. Petrone returned external capital to focus on personal investments. He recently rejoined his former partner at the Highside Capital single family office in Dallas, where he serves as chief investment officer, allocating capital across public equity, credit, and private investments with a long-term orientation.
Outside of investing (and rooting for Longhorn sports!), Mr. Petrone enjoys spending time with his high school sweetheart, Rebecca, and their four young kids.
Chirag H. Shah
BBA ’98, MBA ‘06
Senior Portfolio Manager,
Private Equity
Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
Chirag H. Shah is an Austin-based senior private equity professional with over 18 years of industry experience. He is a senior portfolio manager in private equity at Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, a ~$80B sovereign endowment, leading investments across buyouts, growth equity and venture globally. Shah previously held private equity roles at Deutsche Bank and GE. He started his career in investment banking at Citi/Salomon Smith Barney in New York and Singapore, focusing on M&A and financings.
He is an active UT alumus, serving on the New York for McCombs Council; as an advisory board member for the Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Center for Private Equity Finance; and as a frequent guest lecturer on career building topics.
Shah also serves on the Limited Partner Advisory Council for the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity’s Alternatives Investments program and the U.S. Advisory Council for the American India Foundation, a leading India-focused nonprofit whose Boston chapter he co-founded.
More than 100 alumni and students celebrated the New York for McCombs Council’s Tenth Anniversary on Monday, October 16. New York for McCombs (NYFM) is an alumni advisory council, launched in 2013 in response to the need to enhance connections for McCombs talent, both current and future.
Founding members like George Ackert, BBA ’91, who is senior managing director of strategic advisory at Evercore Partners, enjoyed marking the milestone while still making plans for even more in the future.
“Every day we pass a new milestone with more and more UT students being able to get one, two, five and ten offers from Wall Street firms,” he said. “I can’t think of a school with better placement for a business student aspiring to be an investment banker.”
Council members are accomplished leaders in their communities and industries who help shape the overall student and alumni experience in New York. The Council’s mission is to help raise the McCombs School of Business’ profile in New York and to support the Wall Street for McCombs (WSFM) investment banking training program. Alexandra Burban, BBA ’00, head of corporate development at Standard Industries, and current chair, is excited to see how much the Council has been able to grow and benefit McCombs graduates entering the workforce.
“The fact that we’ve been able to create a pipeline that’s ever-growing of students who are incredibly deserving and accomplished, and, in particular, deserve these opportunities has been an amazing achievement in and of itself,” she said.
The NYFM Council’s fall meeting was preceded by an alumni and student reception at the Penn Club of New York, co-hosted with the Texas Real Estate Center. Wall Street for McCombs and Texas Real Estate students were in Manhattan for their annual company treks and enjoyed visiting with Texas alumni about their experiences living and working in New York.
Listen to this month’s bonus episode of the McCombs Made podcast to hear from Paul Aaron, BBA ’95, and former McCombs dean Tom Gilligan, founding members of New York for McCombs, on what the last 10 years have taught them and what they hope to see in the future.
When Matthew Parson, MBA ’20, began pursuing his master’s degree, it was more than just a way to improve his career prospects. It was an opportunity to carry on a family legacy.
“Both my father and uncle earned their MBAs from McCombs,” he said. “So, it holds a special place in our family tradition.”
Matthew moved to Austin from Dallas Texas, for work with government relations within the Texas A&M University System, but quickly applied – and was accepted – to the McCombs Texas Evening MBA program, which he says was an ideal fit for his career ambitions. Being part of the TEMBA program also provided ample opportunities for Matthew to hone his leadership and entrepreneurial skills as president of the Consulting Club and as part of Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs.
“The Venture Labs shaped many of my future plans,” he said. “It gave me exposure to the possibilities of entrepreneurship.”
The Evening MBA program is one of five pathways for working professionals to advance their education and their careers. Additional programs include Weekend MBA at Houston and MBA at Dallas/Ft. Worth, Full-time MBA, and Executive MBA. The programs combine classroom education with real-world business practice scenarios.
After spending the first half of his career in the public sector, Matthew found his time at McCombs shored up his passion for higher education. Today, he is the Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Innovation at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
“I’m continuing to channel my expertise and dedication into shaping the future of higher education in our great state,” he said. “My journey has been marked by a commitment to public service, and a deep passion for advancing educational opportunities for all Texans.”
Recently, Matthew joined the McCombs MBA Advisory Board, where he is passionately giving back to the school he says “has given me so much.” When asked why it’s important for him to invest his time as part of the McCombs volunteer leadership, he says it’s just how he’s built.
“Community is at the center of purpose for me,” he said. “It’s important to provide a place where individuals can find respite, support, and the occasional glass of wine, a way to connect with others in a casual environment.”
Connie and Ed Easley continue to love and give back to UT.
It would be an understatement to say that the Easley family are Longhorn fans. Despite being the lone Red Raider in their family of four, Connie admits they all “bleed burnt orange.” Their love for the University is what pulled Ed and Connie back to Austin after Ed’s retirement as President of Lennar Multifamily Development and Construction Operations. Their commitment to all things burnt orange is only matched by their desire to give back and make an impact on campus.
The couple have continued to support UT for 20 years, most recently establishing the John “Ed” and Connie J. Easley Forty Acres Founders Endowed Excellence Fund. The Fund will provide support for students participating in the Founders Program within the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center, where Ed was invited to speak to students during this year’s summer session.
“Making this kind of gift was not something I thought about as a student,” said Ed. “But we are very fortunate to be able to give back, and it makes me proud to be able to leave that kind of legacy.”
Ed’s heart has always been in Austin, he admits, even after nearly five decades of traveling coast-to-coast for his job in real estate development. He said that during his nationwide travels, he never felt at home like he does here in Austin. That’s why, shortly before retiring, he and Connie decided to move permanently back to Austin, home of “the most amazing college in Texas,” as Connie said.
“I never really wanted to leave in the first place,” he admits. “But back in 1973, you had to go where the work was. There were not the vast number of job opportunities in Austin that there are now.”
After graduation Ed moved to Lake Tahoe to begin his career, which would include stints at several companies as well as owning his own real estate development business and a couple of restaurants. He survived five recessions and one early retirement before returning to the real estate industry to close out his career at Lennar.
“Lennar was a great way for me to end my career,” he said. “I was able to manage 12 fully integrated divisions from coast-to-coast.”
Looking back, he said he can credit UT and McCombs for helping him prepare for all of the transitions and many of the challenges that were part of his impressive journey.
“The entire experience [of attending UT] was challenging in a good way,” he said. “I felt right at home in the business school and being there taught me a lot. I loved it.”
Connie, a Texas Tech University grad, pursued a career as a teacher in inner-city schools, something she felt was akin to a calling. The daughter of a Baptist minister, Connie says she always felt the need to take care of children.
“My mom always had a spirit of taking care of kids in need,” she said. “So, I always felt drawn to the students who didn’t necessarily have ideal upbringings.”
That spirit of caring for others permeates the couple’s philanthropy philosophy, always seeking out areas with need and doing their best to fill it. Aside from their UT contributions, the Easleys have supported two girls’ orphanages in Peru, and Connie makes quilts for foster care children.
“We‘re lucky people,” said Connie. “We know that, and we want to give back where we can.”
Ed adds, “It’s important to look back and appreciate where you’ve been. It’s truly an honor to give back.”
Reflecting on his own UT experience, Ed thinks carefully about what he would tell the students embarking on their own Longhorn journeys. It comes down to this: “Embrace the UT experience. You don’t realize it now, but this is a defining moment in your life, so make the most of it.”
Houston native Bobby Burton was pursuing his accounting degree at McCombs. Then a chance comment by his professor helped him realize how to marry his passion for sports and numbers. Now, as the Longhorns head into their first SEC season, he shares how he got to be the host of the number one Longhorn sports podcast and his predictions for this historic football season.
Priya Kumar, BBA ’07, is using her McCombs degree to its fullest. After tackling the world of supply chain management, she has now launched her own business, Sustainable Inc., where she helps Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies facilitate supply chain issues from the ground up.
years, most recently establishing the John “Ed” and Connie J. Easley Forty Acres Founders Endowed Excellence Fund. The Fund will provide support for students participating in the Founders Program within the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center, where Ed was invited to speak to students during this year’s summer session.