DBA Cohort 9

Background Kanishka Bhargava is a seasoned IT services executive with more than 20 years of global experience in IT business development, digital transformation and consulting. As associate vice president at HCLTech, he leads the growth of digital services in the manufacturing industry. His expertise spans account management, program governance and strategic consulting. He has held […]

Background Rebecca Borders holds a Master of Business Administration with a focus on data analytics and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Livingstone College. Her professional journey spans more than a decade in higher education, human resources, and compensation strategy, where she has developed a deep understanding of organizational behavior, workplace equity, and […]

Background Bryan S. Bouboulis has served as a full-time faculty member at Appalachian State University for 13 years in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance. He is the director of the department’s Financial Literacy Initiative, collaborating with campus and community organizations to enhance financial knowledge among students and residents of the Boone community. He […]

Background Abby Brannen is a career coach in Business Career Services and a part-time faculty member in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management at Appalachian State University. In these roles, she combines her passions for marketing, education, and leadership. As a career coach, Brannen provides individualized support to undergraduate business students in all […]

Background Brian J. Brearey is an executive leader in operations, compliance, and human resources, with a specialization in performance excellence through strategic planning and change management. Over the course of his 25-year career, he has earned a reputation as an industry expert on market trends and is frequently sought after for his guidance on best […]

Background Mason Brown is an innovative IT strategist and technology leader with a strong track record in leading complex digital transformation initiatives, enterprise system re-architectures, and strategic planning projects. Throughout his career, he has consistently aligned technological advancements with broader business objectives, resulting in measurable improvements in operational efficiency, customer engagement, and revenue growth. Brown […]

Background Amy Bugyis is a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction and transformation specialist with more than 19 years of experience leading complex, global initiatives across both industry and professional services. Her work spans buy- and sell-side deals—including carve-outs, joint ventures, and alliances—focused on achieving long-term value and mitigating risk. She has led revenue, commercial, and […]

Background Harry Cui holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in finance. He currently serves as an investment manager at Panorama Holdings, a Charlotte-based real estate investment and development firm, where he manages a portfolio exceeding $500 million in assets across multifamily, hospitality, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. With more than eight […]

Background Denise De Jesus is an assistant professor of baking and pastry arts at Johnson & Wales University, where she blends her background in hospitality and culinary arts with a growing focus on business strategy and operational efficiency. With 12 years of experience as a pastry chef in several of Miami’s luxury hotels and fine […]

Background Dmitry Fedorov is a Charlotte-based real estate broker, developer, and business owner with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning real estate development, healthcare administration, law, and marketing. He is the founder and owner of Luchy Group Corporation and Luchy Resort—one of the most recognized country clubs in Moscow. Under his leadership, Luchy […]