DBA 12 Candidates

Maggie Abed Gosen

Maggie Abed Gosen has over five years of professional experience in business analytics, with roles at leading international firms including LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Mars Wrigley. She currently serves as a Market Manager at CSX Transportation in Jacksonville, Florida.

She earned her bachelor's degree in international business from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA in Business Intelligence & Analytics from Nova Southeastern University. Now pursuing her Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in International Marketing, Maggie is dedicated to advancing her expertise in leadership and research, with the goal of contributing to academia through teaching.

A first-generation Lebanese American and trilingual professional, Maggie has a passion for global cultures, travel, and lifelong learning. Outside of her career and studies, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children.

Marcel Amu

Marcel Ogbonna Amu is a seasoned geophysicist and energy executive with more than three decades of experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He most recently served as Managing Director of Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he led strategic initiatives in seismic data acquisition, reservoir management, data services, and environmental monitoring. During this period, he also served as a Director on the Board of the Nigerian Gas Company.

Throughout his career, Amu has held senior leadership roles within NNPC and its subsidiaries, including General Manager of Planning and Strategy at NAPIMS, Manager of Exploration for JV Oil Operations, and Deputy Manager of Geophysics. His early career was rooted in seismic data acquisition and geophysics, where he built extensive technical expertise. He has also chaired and contributed to several national committees focused on oil and gas efficiency, strategic alliances, and risk management.

Amu earned his MBA from the University of Benin and his Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists and an active member of several professional societies, including the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.

Elizabeth Ajiboye

Elizabeth Ajiboye serves as a dynamic Senior Manager at a leading telecommunications firm in the United States. Renowned for her strategic insight and results-driven leadership, Elizabeth has consistently excelled in high-value contract management, negotiations and refined procurement strategies that align seamlessly with organizational goals. Her career is marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence, risk management, and cross-functional teamwork. She has a proven ability to lead diverse teams in fast-paced environments, driving efficiency and innovation across complex business landscapes.

Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance (BSc) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), which underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical business realities. Through her doctoral research, she aspires to produce work that is not only intellectually rigorous but also transformative for the corporate landscape, positioning herself as a thought leader in strategic business management.

Originally from Nigeria, and having worked in the Middle East and Africa, Elizabeth brings a global perspective to her work and leadership style. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her husband and children—balancing her ambition with warmth and authenticity.

Lisa Bell

Lisa Bell is the Louis Dawkins Instructor of Accounting and Graduate Studies Coordinator at Henderson State University, an AACSB-accredited institution. She has more than twenty years of experience as an educator and accounting professional, blending classroom instruction with extensive consulting practice. Her professional background includes serving as interim CFO for multi-million-dollar entities, conducting fraud investigations, providing tax and non-profit advisory services, and managing her own consulting firm.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bell earned her MBA from Henderson State University after completing the coursework required to sit for the CPA exam. She has taught a wide range of accounting and business courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and student engagement. Throughout her career, she has received recognition for teaching, service, and leadership, including the Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Teaching Award and the SBA Women in Business Champion Award.

Bell’s research interests focus on internal controls, fraud prevention, and nonprofit organizations. Passionate about mentoring first-generation students, she views the Doctor of Business Administration program at Jacksonville University as a pathway to expand her research contributions, strengthen the accounting profession, and help shape the future of business education.

Tanisha Campbell

Tanisha Campbell is an experienced professional with the U.S. Department of Justice and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) student motivated to combine her leadership experience with research and practice to influence policy and create sustainable community impact.

Before her federal service, Tanisha served as a Master-at-Arms in the United States Navy, specializing in nuclear weapon security.  Earlier in her career, she worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety, where she ensured compliance with public safety regulations and managed licensing operations.

Tanisha holds a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, both from Texas State University. Her research and professional interests focus on driving social and economic change for underrepresented communities and minority entrepreneurs.

Shirley Campos

Shirley Campos is a Nicaraguan American, born and raised in Miami, Florida. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Florida International University (FIU) Honors College, where she was selected as a scholar in the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. She went on to complete a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Epidemiology at FIU, while also assuming leadership roles, including President of the Stempel Public Health Association and Dean’s Student Advisory Board Representative. With her international experience, she has spearheaded programs promoting health and wellness in Nicaragua and collaborated with global health professionals across the Americas.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has contributed to numerous research projects and organizational efforts, which have strengthened her passion for problem-solving and innovation. Building on this background, Shirley has executed strategic initiatives that have enhanced organizational performance, advanced health programs, and generated positive outcomes for diverse communities locally, nationally, and internationally. These experiences inspired her to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), where she focuses on creating practical business strategies that support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term impact.

She currently serves on the media department team at Words of Life Fellowship Church. Shirley’s faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of her life, giving her vision to lead with boldness, excellence, and wisdom. Looking ahead, her aspiration is to step into a C-suite role and establish a business where she can empower others while delivering transformative solutions

Marcus Commander

Marcus Commander is a strategic leader with experience in financial services, human resources, and operations management. He most recently served as a Mortgage Loan Officer with JPMorgan Chase, where he processed thousands of mortgage applications, ranked among the top performers nationally, and contributed to customer service initiatives and corporate training support.

Earlier in his career, Commander held roles as a Human Resources Generalist with Adecco Group North America and as an HR Specialist and Recruiter with East Coast Waffles Inc. He has provided HR support to large organizations, managed recruiting across multiple locations, and developed employee incentive programs that strengthened retention and engagement. His professional background reflects a commitment to strategic problem solving, team development, and operational efficiency.

Commander earned both his Master of Business Administration in Management and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Jacksonville University, where he graduated cum laude and was named to the Dean’s List as an NROTC student.

Anthony Davis

Anthony S. Davis is an accomplished accounting and business management professional whose primary objective is to inspire and prepare students for careers in the accounting field. As an Accounting Instructor at Bethune-Cookman University, he emphasizes making complex concepts accessible through real-world applications, case studies, and interactive learning, equipping students with both technical knowledge and practical skills.

With over two decades of experience, Anthony has held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Sparton Navigation & Exploration, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. His expertise includes cost analysis, financial planning, compliance audits, and contract management. At Lockheed Martin, he served as Senior Analyst on the Cost Control Management Team, providing financial reviews, forecasts, and compliance oversight while delivering cost-saving recommendations.

Anthony earned his MBA from Florida A&M University and a BS in Accounting from Harris-Stowe State University. As a DBA student, he seeks to merge his industry expertise with academic research, focusing on accounting education, professional trust, and the new advanced role of technology in financial decision-making. His long-term goals are to become a tenured professor and cost management consultant. He aspires to advance accounting education and mentor the next generation of accounting professionals.

Linwood "LJ" Edwards

Linwood "LJ" Edward is a former Signal Intelligence Analyst for the US Army. LJ was stationed with the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea and at United States Central Command in Tampa. He deployed in 2015 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, supporting ARCOM, 82nd Airborne, 3rd Corps, 3rd SFG, as well as several Marine units and partner country units. After retiring from the Army, LJ completed his bachelor's degree and started a master's program before pivoting to the DBA. LJ aspires to found a consulting company specializing in assisting veterans transitioning from the military with pursuing their business goals. 

A native of Newport News, VA, LJ is an avid sports fan (football in particular) and a "sneakerhead." 

Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick

Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick serves as Chief Information Officer at CSI Companies, where she leads technology strategy, innovation, and organizational design. With more than 20 years of IT leadership experience, she has built high-impact teams and delivered enterprise solutions across industries including healthcare, energy, financial services, and retail.

Before joining CSI, Fulmore-Hardwick held senior leadership roles at Acosta Sales & Marketing, where she directed enterprise applications and corporate IT, overseeing large-scale system transformations and cloud migrations. She previously served in multiple leadership positions at JEA, Jacksonville’s community-owned utility, where she led business applications, transformation initiatives, and change management strategies. Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior consultant at Oracle, a managing consultant at BearingPoint, and held finance roles with Citicorp Services and Central Florida Investments. A U.S. Army veteran, she began her career as a Finance Specialist and 2nd Lieutenant.

Fulmore-Hardwick earned both her Executive MBA and her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Jacksonville University. She is actively engaged in community and professional organizations, serving on multiple boards and advisory councils, and has been recognized with numerous awards for leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the technology sector.

Odis Wellington Hawkins

Odis Wellington Hawkins is a strategic business leader with over 15 years of experience in sales management, finance, accounting, and organizational leadership. Known for being adaptable and results-driven, he has built a reputation for streamlining operations, implementing effective solutions, and driving success in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. 

He began his career in the Florida Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserves, serving as a Signal Officer and Logistics Readiness Officer. As a Captain, he managed an annual operations budget of $100 million and oversaw strategic equipment valued at more than $100 million at Patrick Air Force Base. His military service instilled discipline, accountability, and a commitment to excellence that continue to guide his career. 
Since 2014, Wellington has served as a State Farm Agent in Jacksonville, Florida, where he provides insurance and financial guidance while building long-term client relationships. He has also contributed to education as an adjunct faculty instructor in finance and accounting and continues to serve as a certified educator in Duval County. 

Wellington holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University, an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Jacksonville University, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History from Francis Marion University. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt and holds FINRA Series 6 and 65 licenses, along with multiple Florida insurance licenses. 

Damian Knight

Damian Knight is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard, where he proudly served in the Infantry for 11 years. His military career instilled in him a relentless work ethic, discipline, and a commitment to excellence that continue to guide his professional endeavors.

After completing active-duty service in the Marine Corps, Damian earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Leadership from the University of North Florida. During this time, he launched his first business, specializing in security consulting and firearms training.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Damian served as a contractor for the U.S. Department of State, working as a Defensive Designated Marksman and playing a key role in security operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. Upon his return, he pursued and completed a Master’s degree in Management at the Coggin College of Business, University of North Florida.

In 2023, Damian founded Forever Athlete Management, which has rapidly grown into one of the fastest-growing sports agencies in America. Today, the agency represents more than 27 athletes, ranging from elite high school players to NFL professionals.

Damian is now pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) to further strengthen his expertise in business strategy and leadership. His goal is to contribute to the field of sports management not only through practice, but also through scholarly research and teaching, ultimately giving back to the community that has fueled his professional journey.

Royce Lopez

Royce Lopez is the Chief Executive Officer of National Truck Insurance LLC, a specialized trucking insurance agency serving clients across the United States. In this role, he has led initiatives to strengthen operations, implement new technologies, and expand carrier partnerships to support agency growth and client service.

Earlier in his career, Lopez worked with A Ready Plus Insurance Services Inc., where he supported underwriting, improved reporting processes, and enhanced customer service efficiencies. He has earned multiple professional designations, including Certified Risk Manager and Trucking Risk Specialist, and holds a 2-20 General Lines Insurance License with endorsements across 34 states.

Lopez earned his Master of Business Administration at Florida Atlantic University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management from Broward College, where he was recognized as Student of the Year and received first place in the Armstrong Student Venture Fund competition.

Sabrina Meumann

Sabrina Meumann serves as a Pediatric Critical Care Float Registered Nurse at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, part of Stanford Children’s Health. In this role, she provides specialized care for critically ill pediatric patients, including those with complex cardiac conditions, traumatic injuries, and multi-organ transplants. She has also contributed to program development, leadership training, and unit design initiatives within the hospital.

Earlier in her career, Meumann gained extensive experience as a traveling nurse across leading children’s hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers nationwide, including assignments in pediatric cardiac intensive care units, neonatal intensive care units, and oncology intensive care units. Her work has spanned institutions such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, Valley Children’s Hospital, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. She has also served as a leader on wound care policy, ethics committees, and evidence-based practice initiatives.

Sabrina earned her Master's of Science in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Daytona State College. 

Matthew Peaster

Matthew Peaster is a Customer Enablement Consultant at Tax.com (a division of Ryan, LLC), where he specializes in product training and instructional design. In this role, he develops e-learning courses, develops product manuals and help desk articles, and delivers live trainings to client organizations.

Earlier in his career, Matthew worked in Ryan’s Business Personal Property Tax division, where he filed hundreds of returns each year on behalf of more than 60 clients with a combined portfolio valued at over $120 million. In addition, he represented clients during audits and provided personalized guidance on compliance strategies to maximize tax savings.

Matthew earned his Master of Business Administration from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA, and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Behavior. His research interest focus on how organizational culture influences employee behavior, and he is committed to contributing to both academia and industry by bridging academic theory with industry experience.

Kourtney Plotzker

Kourtney Plotzker serves as Director of Service Management, Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO), and Application Lifecycle Management for the State of South Carolina. She leads statewide enterprise systems across more than 85 agencies, focusing on service delivery optimization, test automation, and end-to-end application management to drive efficiency, quality assurance, and customer-centered strategic outcomes.

Previously, Kourtney was Associate Director of Enrollment and Technology Compliance at Cornell University, where she led student information systems modernization, regulatory alignment, and governance initiatives. She partnered with campus leaders and advisory boards to integrate technology with a focus on compliance and student-centered results.  She has presented at national conferences, including AACRAO, where she led a session titled “Implementing a Strategic, Compliance-Driven Project and Process Management Approach to Technology Implementation.”

Earlier in her career, Kourtney held leadership roles in local city government in Rochester, NY, managing enterprise process and system programs focused on modernization and cross-departmental collaboration.  

She earned her MBA from St. John Fisher University and her BS in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo. Outside of work and academics, Kourtney is raising two boys with her husband and finds joy in cheering them on at club soccer matches.

Kourtney’s research goals are to examine the unintended consequences of modernization efforts that prioritize technology over people. She aspires to be a thought leader and inspire students to understand the real-world complexities of business strategy, organizational behavior, and the interplay of people, processes, purpose, and technology in business operations.

Joshua Silva, MD

Joshua Silva is a physician and healthcare leader with extensive experience across clinical practice, occupational health, and medical administration. He currently serves as Owner and Physician at Potere Health MD, where he leads a medical clinic focused on patient wellness. In addition, he has served as Medical Director for Premier Image Med Spa and GlobalSync Foundation, contributing to organizational strategy, clinical oversight, and the integration of innovative medical technologies into practice.

Dr. Silva’s career spans diverse roles, including positions as Center Medical and Laboratory Director at Biomat USA, Assistant Chief Medical Officer with the U.S. Army’s Military Entrance Processing Station in Las Vegas, and consulting physician for military medical evaluations across multiple states. His background also includes service as a Medical Advisor for international relief organizations and as an adjunct professor teaching courses in medical assisting and health sciences.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Silva earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, a Master of Occupational Health from the University of Utah, and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Health Care Administration from Ohio University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language from Brigham Young University. Fluent in Spanish and with a strong record of teaching and research, Dr. Silva brings both clinical expertise and strategic vision to his work in healthcare leadership.

Kelah White

Kelah White serves as Administrative and Financial Manager for Conferences and Events at Vanderbilt University. In this capacity, she oversees financial operations, vendor management, compliance processes, and administrative functions to support university priorities. She works closely with leadership and staff to improve workflows, ensure compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.

Previously, Kelah served as Manager of Regional Operations for KIPP Nashville Public Schools, where she oversaw food service operations, insurance and risk management, and regional school support. She also held multiple positions at Vanderbilt University, including Coordinator of Operations and Events and Event Manager, and began her career in event management with Kennesaw State University and Event Partners Inc. .

She earned her Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University.