Smith Profiles
Alumni Profile
Smith MBA Alumnus on Learning at Industry Speed
Marc Russo, MBA ’96
Marc Russo, MBA ’96, is CEO of Careforth, a company supporting family caregivers. He credits his Smith MBA with shaping his leadership path across top healthcare firms and says team-based learning at Smith prepared him for long-term success.
Alumni Profile
A Legacy of Love
Deborah Ahalt ’68, MA ’75; Daniel Ahalt ’73
Deborah ’68, MA ’75, and Daniel Ahalt ’73, inspired by their UMD experiences and modest upbringings, have given over $200,000 to support Smith students and athletes. Their lifelong Terp pride continues through philanthropy, mentorship and cherished university memories.
Alumni Profile
Terp Siblings Share Smith and Paris Olympics Experience
Brooke DeBerdine ’21 and Emma DeBerdine ’23, MiM ’25
Sisters Brooke ’21 and Emma DeBerdine ’23, MiM ’25, played for Maryland and Team USA Field Hockey, competing in the 2024 Olympics. Both earned All-American honors, Big Ten Medals of Honor, and Smith degrees that shaped their paths.
Alumni Profile
From Accounting to Air Jordan
Curtis Polk ’81
Curtis Polk ’81 took a career-defining leap, co-founding FAME with agent David Falk and later managing Michael Jordan’s business empire. The Smith School alum credits his education for building the financial and legal skills that launched his legendary sports business career.
Alumni Profile
Calling the Shots
Mike Williams ’17, MiM ’18
Utah Jazz assistant coach Mike Williams ’17, MS ’18, applies leadership and strategy skills from his Smith degree to develop NBA players and offensive plays, blending coaching, data analysis and player development for team and individual success.
Alumni Profile
Lexy Kessler ’85: A Terp with Tenacity
Lexy Kessler ’85
Lexy Kessler ’85, a partner at Aprio, was recently elected chairman of the AICPA. A longtime volunteer and leader in the field, she credits the Smith School with helping shape her career and encourages students to build strong peer networks.
Alumni Profile
Charity Fundraisers: Building a Quality Product to Benefit Nonprofits
Brian Rechtman ’05
Brian Rechtman ’05, founder of Bluetree Marketing, helps nonprofits raise funds through curated experiences and auctions. Inspired by Smith School advice to “sell the best,” he’s built a social enterprise that’s supported nearly 10,000 charity events worldwide.
Student Profile
Seizing Opportunity: Smith Student Leads While Learning
Darrell Lipscomb, MS Accounting ’25
Darrell Lipscomb, MS Accounting ’25, a former Army chaplain's assistant, leads with service and drive. Now Smith Master’s Student Association president, he’s building community, mentoring peers, and preparing for a finance career—with a KPMG internship and CPA goals ahead.
Faculty Profile
Name That Tune: Smith Professor Combines Academic Rigor, Entrepreneurial Application and Musical Innovation
Daniel McCarthy
Associate Professor Daniel McCarthy blends rigorous research with creative teaching tools—like music—to make marketing analytics memorable. His focus on customer-based valuation, real-world applications, and student engagement helps transform complex concepts into impactful, real-life learning experiences.
Alumni Profile
From PepsiCo to Ocean Spray: How Alumna Utilized Smith MBA to Pivot to Consumer Products
Monisha Dabek, MBA ’06
Monisha Dabek, MBA ’06, credits the Smith School for propelling her into consumer products, starting at PepsiCo and leading to her current role as COO at Ocean Spray. She values the Smith network, career pivots, and supporting women in business.