Business Advisory Board

The Business Advisory Board is designed to support the Dean by providing strategic guidance to keep the College’s programs aligned with current marketplace needs and realities, supporting the academic and professional success of students, advancing the College’s strategic priorities, and extending the College’s influence, network and funders. Board members are selected by the Dean and generally serve one or two 3-year terms. For more information, please contact the Dean’s Office at 530-898-6272.

Aaron Colton

Founder, President and CEO, Integrated Communications Systems

Aaron Colton (BS, Business Administration, '82) is the founder, president, and CEO of ICS Integrated Communication Systems, and the former CEO of Ceitronics a SF Bay Area Communications contracting company. Colton has more than 30 years experience in the technology/systems integrations/telecommunications sector. He has an excellent reputation as an exceptional and straightforward manager and people-person who inspires respect, trust, loyalty, and performance and establishes a company culture that motivates all players.

Shaun Davis

Informatics Head, Roche

Shaun Davis (BS, Business Administration, ’04) is a Director of Informatics at Roche Pharmaceuticals in Basel, Switzerland. He leads a team of technology experts across various European, Middle Eastern, and South Asian countries. Davis is a passionate coach who empowers his team to create technology solutions to best serve Roche's patients. Throughout his time at Chico State and his Masters program (MS, Organization Development, ‘08, University of San Francisco), one of the most valuable lessons he learned was the importance of a strong network and the power of connection. He hopes to imbue these principles on future generations of Chico grads.

Cheryl DeLany

Senior VP of Distribution Operations, Franklin Templeton

Cheryl DeLany (BS, Business Administration and International Economics, '02) is the Head of Global Distribution Enablement, responsible for evolving, delivering and supporting capabilities that enable more effective distribution teams with data, insights, automation and digital experiences. DeLany joined Franklin Templeton in 2002 as a Futures Associate and grew her career across several departments and leadership positions. Her Franklin Templeton career has included roles focused on implementing and evolving digital, data and enablement platforms, along with transforming processes and operating models to better meet client expectations and internal needs. She currently leads a global team of over 250 product owners, analysts and operations professionals. 

In additional to her bachelor's degree, DeLany holds a master's in business administration from Golden Gate University. Her passions include solving complex problems, building incredible relationships, and mentoring and inspiring others to reach their potential. 

Rob Donoho

Global VP of Operations and Supply, E. & J. Gallo Winery

Rob Donoho (BS, Business Administration, '84) is the Global Vice President of Operations and Supply at E. & J. Gallo Winery. In this role, he is responsible for all supply chain functions along with quality, logistics, customer service, bottling, cellar, engineering, environmental, health and safety, and sustainability.

Donoho joined Gallo in 1994 and has held progressive positions both within Gallo Winery and its distributors. Donoho earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Chico State and an MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University. His vision for the future is that Gallo expands its global leadership position with a supply chain that is digitally integrated from suppliers to the retail shelf.

In addition to his responsibilities at Gallo, Donoho is active in church leadership. He also enjoys downhill skiing, bicycling and golfing in his free time. 

David Fisch

Venture CEO (Retail Data & Analytics), UP.Labs

David Fisch (BS, Business Administration, '93) is the Chief Executive Officer at Ladders. Fisch is an experienced entrepreneur with executive and founding impact in leading SaaS, ad-technology and consumer companies. Prior to his current role, Fisch was the CEO at Ladders, Shopkick, an executive at Criteo (IPO), a Founder of Miniclip America, GoFish Entertainment (IPO) and SlingShot Media (Mandalay Entertainment). He previously served in key leadership and management roles within Yahoo!, Miller Brewing Company and Gallo Sales Company.

Fisch has had a dynamic career in building and managing world-class sales and marketing organizations. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business, management, and marketing from California State University, Chico in 1993.

Sam Fogleman

Partner, KPMG, LLP (ret.)

Sam Fogleman (BS, Accounting, '85) enjoyed a remarkable career with KPMG culminating in dual roles as Global Lead Partner for a multinational automotive manufacturing company and as the US Industrial Manufacturing Lead – Risk Consulting Practice. As the global lead, Sam closely collaborated with KPMG specialists across audit, tax, and advisory to craft solutions that met his client’s strategic objectives. He worked closely with C-suite executives to bring an outside-in perspective to business operations and issues. His work within the industrial manufacturing group centered around designing solutions that capitalize on the opportunities presented by a rapidly changing environment, (e.g., the rise of digital labor and artificial intelligence) and managing the risk associated with those opportunities.

Sam and his wife Laura (BS, Dietetics, ’85) believe in education and its value at Chico State and are demonstrating that belief through two separate scholarships they have funded over multiple years – one for Accounting students and one for Nutrition and Food Science students. In addition to currently serving on Chico State's College of Business Advisory Board, Sam is chairing a task force to evaluate the accounting curriculum to ensure it equips graduates to excel in today's environment.

Lauren Gruwell

Partner Manager, Apple Pay

Lauren Gruwell (BA, Psychology, 09) is a Partner Manager for Apple Pay, responsible for managing a portfolio of payments partnerships for the Americas. Prior to joining the Apple Pay team, Lauren spent her first 5 years at Apple in the Enterprise Sales organization, focused on Business Development, and building a Global Partner Program. Lauren also serves on the board of a non-profit animal rescue organization, MO4PAWS, where she exercises her passion for protecting the lives of dog and cat companion animals.

Jason Hanks

Chief Commercial Officer & Senior Vice President, Morris & Dickson

Jason Hanks (BS, Finance, ‘87) is currently the head of all procurement operations for the largest independent wholesaler in the U.S. His responsibilities also include supplier relations, developing and scaling up the procurement organization in support of its retail, institutional and GPO customers, product strategy and business development, as well as efficient inventory management.

Over the past 25 years, Hanks has held leadership roles in Finance, Business Development, and Procurement at such healthcare companies as Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, and the McKesson Corporation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at Chico State and also graduated from Golden Gate University with a Master of Business Administration in 1993.

Prabhakar (PK) Kalavacherla

Partner, KPMG, LLP

Prabhakar Kalavacherla (MSA, Accountancy, '93) is KPMG’s National Partner in Charge of Risk Management – Audit and Independence. He also serves as the Risk Management Partner for KPMG’s Americas Region and on the firm’s Global Quality and Risk Management Steering Committee. In addition, Kalavacherla also serves as a board member for the KPMG Global Delivery Center (GDC) Mauritius and India.

Kalavacherla was a member of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in London for five years, the first Indian to be so appointed. He is a Trustee at the University of Silicon Andhra University, a California-based university known worldwide for its innovative programs that infuse and embed the rich traditions of India in its liberal arts based research, sciences, health, technology, and professional programs.

Paul Larson 

President-Financial Lines, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Paul Larson (BS, Finance, ’92) serves as President for Financial Lines Underwriting at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Paul has more than 27 years of industry experience, including six years with CNA Insurance. Prior to CNA, he was Executive Vice President for Chubb where he was responsible for all management liability lines of business for publicly traded companies in the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. Prior to this role, Paul held various leadership roles at Chubb, most notably Senior Vice President, Specialty Risk Center Manager, where he led the design, structure and implementation process for the build-out of its complex underwriting centers in the U.S.

Shady Makar

During his time at Chico State, Shady Makar (BS, Business Information Systems, '19) was heavily involved on campus in various roles. Some of these are working as an Academic Advisor Intern, Instructional Assistant for Application Database Design courses in the COB, and an active member of two technology committees. In addition, Shady landed an internship at Workday as a QA Engineer Intern and became a full-time Engineer with Workday upon graduation. He is an experienced Quality Assurance Engineer and Scrum Master with a demonstrated history of working in diverse industries and environments. 

Tala Makar

Risk & Compliance Engineer II-Slack, Salesforce

Tala Makar (BS, Finance & Management Information Systems, '19) is a Risk & Compliance Engineer at Salesforce in San Francisco, CA, where she works on ensuring compliance within the production systems of Slack. Prior to her time at Salesforce, Tala worked at EY as a Technology Risk Consultant and performed audits with numerous Financial Services clients in San Francisco.

Emily Murphy 

Engagement Delivery Senior Manager, Salesforce 

Emily Murphy (BA, International Relations and Linguistics, '09) is a Delivery Manager with Salesforce in Chicago, Illinois, where she works with companies to transform how they interact with their customers. Emily is a proud Chico State grad with a passion for friends & family, the environment, promoting an inclusive workplace, digital transformation, and leveraging technology to improve the way we live.

Devin Potter 

CFP®, Asset Management Group 

Devin Potter (BS, Business Administration ’11) is an LPL Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner® at Asset Management Group. Potter joined Asset Management Group in 2007 and has since become a managing partner. He works with his team to service large and small business retirement plans (401k), foundations/trusts, medical professionals, business owners, and individuals. Potter also serves his community through his positions on the Chico Rotary Club and Butte Humane Society Board of Directors.

Anne Sena

Director of Technology, St. David's School

Anne Sena (BS, Business Administration with a double major in Management Information Systems & Production and Operations Management, '97) has been in IT and operations roles throughout her career and has a strong record of leading successful change at all levels of global corporate and school organizations. After almost two decades at a Fortune 100 global IT company, Anne intentionally transitioned into the Director of Technology position at St. David's School in Raleigh to use her experience and expertise in support of education. Anne's passion for education and giving back is demonstrated through her existing Chico State scholarship awarded to top-performing Business Information Systems students, which she has funded for almost 20 years. After many years serving on the Business Advisory Board, Anne was named the Chairperson of the Board in spring 2019 and continues in that role today.

Alisha Sharma

Account Executive-Public Sector, LinkedIn

Alisha Sharma (BS, Project Management, '19) is a proud Chico State alum who currently works in Sales at LinkedIn where she connects state and local governments to LinkedIn's solutions that help them attract, hire, and retain their employees. Prior to her time at LinkedIn, Sharma lived in San Francisco and worked at Salesforce.org where she was also in sales, supporting Higher Education institutions to achieve their student success goals - one of her biggest passions. Her other passions include spending time with friends and family, volunteering with organizations and nonprofits that support students from historically marginalized communities, and exploring New York City, where she now lives with other Chico State alums from her class! 

Marti Sutton

Commissioner, City of Livermore, Human Services Commission

Marti Sutton (BS, Business Administration, '92) currently serves as Chair of the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance and serves on the Human Services Commission for the City Livermore. In addition to her involvement with the College of Business Advisory Board, she is a founding member of the Chico State Women’s Philanthropy Council.

Marti has worked more than 20 years with non-profits and government agencies including the Office of Management and Budget in the Clinton Administration and the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. where she worked on social issues such as education and welfare reform. She was also one of the founders of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy (now Power to Decide).

When she moved back to California Marti worked in the Finance Group for the Learning Network, a Pearson Education company. She missed the non-profit world so she decided to volunteer with BayKids and was soon elected Chair of their Board of Directors. She also served on the Las Positas College Foundation Board for 8 years as Treasurer (4 years) and Chairperson (2 years).

Prior to joining the Human Services Commission, Marti served on the Beautification Committee for the City of Livermore. She has seen firsthand how hard non-profits work to raise funds and serve their clients and wants to support these groups and give them the tools they need to be successful.

Glen Thomas

Founder & Of Council, TYS, LLP

Glen Thomas (BS, Business Administration, '83) is a founder and former partner at TYS, LLP, a full service CPA firm with offices in Walnut Creek, CA and Fairport, NY. Thomas helps guide businesses and their shareholders including acquisitions, dispositions and other transitions while focusing on the goals and needs of all parties. Thomas began his career in accounting upon graduation with Jones, Henle & Schunck (formerly Jones & Marzluft) in Danville, California and rose to be the managing partner in 2005. He left in 2007 to form TY, LLP. In 2010 TY merged and became TYS, LLP. Thomas satisfies his passion for education through participation as a committee member and co-chair of the CalCPA Society Accounting Education Committee. He continues to spend time doing what he loves which is building relationships and through those relationships helping clients find solutions to their challenges.

Tom Tognoli

Partner, 1 Flourish Capital

Tom Tognoli is a partner at 1Flourish Capital, a faith-driven venture firm investing in and mentoring early-stage, tech-enabled startups led by high-character, high-capacity entrepreneurs, who recognize culture is critical to success.

Prior to becoming a partner at 1Flourish Capital, Tom co-founded Intero in 2002 and built it into the largest real estate company in Silicon Valley; and one of the top real estate companies in the United States, doing in excess of $12 billion in annual sales volume at the time of his departure. Tom and his business partners sold Intero to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway in April 2014.  

Tom is a passionate entrepreneur with expertise in leadership, building healthy teams and cultures, and human behavior, and performance. Tom is also an active real estate developer, investor, and advisor.

Tom is a dedicated man of faith with a no-nonsense attitude and an authentic approach to both business and life. Tom has been a keynote speaker, a commencement speaker, and was bestowed the honor of Distinguished Alumni from CSU, Chico in 2018. Tom is a growing influencer in traditional and online media platforms, delivering a message of hope in creating a life and business from a foundation of faith, family, friendship, fitness, and finance.

John Trinta

CEO, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services (ret.)

John (BS, Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, '80) retired from Deloitte in June 2020 after 39 years. He had a variety of leadership roles – CEO of Financial Advisory Services, Deputy CEO Advisory Services, Partner in Charge North America Financial Advisory Services, Deputy National Managing Partner – Tax Services and was on Deloitte’s Board from 2003 -2005. John believed in leading by example and always served some of Deloitte’s largest clients throughout his career. John is now involved with several community-related Boards and enjoys family, cooking, and outdoor activities.