In other news: October 2024

Steenkamp

Thought leaders

• Professor Jan-Benedict Steenkamp was appointed editor-in-chief of the Journal of Marketing, with his term starting July 1, 2025. Steenkamp also joined the advisory board of the Journal of International Marketing.
• Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology by alumnus Salvatore Affinito (MS ’18, PhD ’21), assistant professor at New York University, and Professor David Hofmann explores how organizational behavior has an impact on the ethical framing of risk-mitigating behavior by employees.
• Professor Pramita Saha and Jesus Fernandez (MBA ’25) discussed the complexities of the investments industry and the comprehensive offerings of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s investment management program on the Clear Admit podcast and in a corresponding article.
• Professor Nur Sunar’s paper “Designing Renewable Power Purchase Agreements: Impact on Green Energy Investment” won the 2024 Amundi-ESSEC ECOMFIN ESG Best Paper Award at the Energy Markets Association annual meeting in Boston.

Standout students and alumni

• Josh Woodward (MBA ’15) was named president and CEO of Lima One Capital, a real estate investment lender. He joined Woodward in 2013 and previously served as CFO.
• Spencer Merritt (MBA ’12) was named a development partner of Middleburg Communities, overseeing the Raleigh-area real estate market.
• Michael Chen (MBA ’03) was named senior managing director, head of capital raising by GEM Realty Capital. He most recently served as global head of capital markets at Madison International Realty.
• Solange Velazquez (BSBA ’06) joined financial advisory film Solomon Partners as managing director of its technology group. She previously served as managing director in the technology investment banking group at William Blair & Company.
• Mike Lubansky (MBA ’09) joined Red Oak Compliance Solutions as senior vice president of product management. He most recently held the same position at COMPLY.

Spotted on social

• Professor Claudia Malhotra shared her excitement after attending the September 2024 Impact Weekend hosted by the UNC Executive MBA Programs in Charlotte. Impact weekends bring together students in the Weekend, Evening and Charlotte Executive MBA Programs for networking, guest speakers and case discussions. “I couldn’t have had a better experience, and the Charlotte campus is as fabulous as everyone says it is!” she shared on LinkedIn.
• Add this one to any to-read list. Khalil Smith (MBA ’13) announced on LinkedIn that his book “The Performance Culture,” written with Chris Weller, will be out Jan. 29, 2025. According to the publisher’s description, it is an “authoritative and practical instruction manual for every leader who wants to create healthy, high-performing cultures.” Smith is vice president of inclusion, diversity and engagement at Akami Technologies.
• Hannah Kirkman (MBA ’25) rarely talks about her studies on LinkedIn, but she couldn’t resist sharing a recent class experience. “When someone in my business strategy class answers a specific question or offers a poignant contribution to class discussion … Professor John Steigerwald (BSBA ’77, MBA ’79) pledges to donate $5-$10 to a charity of that student’s choice,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “Last night that student was me.” Steigerwald’s donation will go toward the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, and Kirkman noted she matched his contribution to help families in western North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene. “John’s lesson is one I will remember for years to come,” Kirkman wrote.