Sandy Lee (’84) – President
Sandy graduated from the University of Houston’s College of Education in 1984 and devoted 30 years to teaching in Houston ISD. She is a first-generation college graduate and a proud native Houstonian. Sandy continues to give back to UH through her service as president of the UHAAF and member of UH Board of Visitors. She is involved in the College of Education Alumni Association, and is a UHAA Life Member as well as a Coog Moms Life Member. During her time at UH, she was an active member of Phi Mu sorority and now participates with the Houston alumnae chapter, supporting scholarships and philanthropic events. Sandy enjoys working with other national sorority groups through the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association and its Foundation
Shazia Khan (’84) – Immediate Past President
Shazia Khan’s leadership journey began at the University of Houston, where she was involved in many student organizations. After graduation, she led the Capital Alumni Group in Washington, D.C., and was on the College of Technology board, before joining UHAAF six years ago and serving as President. She is a Life member and a Founding Member of Coog Moms.
As the first Pakistani American president of UHAAF, Shazia Khan is recognized for her thoughtful, inclusive leadership and her commitment to growing alumni engagement through small, meaningful steps. Shazia is passionate about Halo House and enjoys volunteering, traveling and spending time with family and friends and most importantly loves attending UH sporting and campus events.
Scott Rando (’83) – Incoming President
Scott Rando serves as Executive Director within the Valuation & Advisory group of Cushman & Wakefield of Texas, Inc. (C&W), Mr. Rando developed a mature practice, wherein he was responsible for all operations of the Houston office for 20+ years. Currently, a more regional management structure yields economies of operations as the practice has reached a critical level. In 2025, Mr. Rando supports the efforts of the Houston office as directed by the regional management team. In addition to directing the office building specialty practice and co-directing the industrial specialty practice, Mr. Rando is also a member of the Dispute and Litigation Support specialty practice and has testified (in depositions or in court) as an export witness over the past 20+ years. He graduated from The University of Houston in 1983 and has held several instructional and board positions thereafter to include many years as a guest lecturer followed by 11 years (2013-2023) as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Real Estate Program (GREP) in C.T. Bauer.
Jason Payne (’99, JD ’02) – Treasurer
Attorney Jason E. Payne is a native of Port Arthur, Texas who attended the University of Houston and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1999. Mr. Payne later attended law school at the University of Houston Law Center and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 2002. After graduating from the University of Houston Law Center, Mr. Payne began practicing law at the prestigious mid-size law firm and later founded Payne Law Firm, P.C., in 2004, which currently has offices in Houston, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. Payne is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, the State of New York, and the State of North Carolina.
Mr. Payne is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of Texas Boys State.
Shawn Kuehn (’10, MBA ’13, MS ’13) – Secretary
Shawn Kuehn is the Secretary of the University of Houston’s Alumni Foundation Board and a proud three-time graduate of UH. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, where he played key leadership roles managing both the Hall of Honor banquet and the university’s renowned Gourmet Night. Shawn later returned to his alma mater to pursue a Master of Business Administration alongside a master’s degree in hospitality, during which he also taught Restaurant Management at the Hilton College’s student-run operation, Baron’s. Professionally, Shawn serves as the Division Manager of Sponsorship for the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Special Events. In this role, he oversees corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy for many of the city’s largest civic celebrations. His earlier career includes managing a range of hospitality operations, reflecting a long-standing commitment to service, guest experience, and community engagement.
Vanessa Flores (’02) – At-Large
Mohammad Anwar (’03)
Mohammad F. Anwar is the President & CEO of Softway and Culture+, and the co-author of two influential books: the Wall Street Journal Bestselling “Love as a Business Strategy” and “Love as a Change Strategy.” A proud alumnus, Mohammad graduated from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) with a B.S. in Computer Science. At just 20 years old, he founded Softway, building it into a successful global business, and later founded Culture+, where he continues to serve as President and CEO, driving innovation and human-centric approaches in both technology and organizational culture. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia by Indian parents from Bengaluru, Mohammad brings a diverse global perspective to his work.
Jaquie Baly (’90)
Dr. Jacquie Baly is a nationally recognized public policy expert, award-winning academic, and trusted civic leader who helps organizations navigate complex government systems to drive measurable impact. As the founder and CEO of BalyProjects, a premier consulting practice specializing in public affairs and policy strategy, she advises corporations, nonprofits, and government entities on securing public-sector contracts, influencing policy, and executing high-impact initiatives. Dr. Jacquie Baly is a contributing author in the forthcoming business book, a dynamic collaboration showcasing top entrepreneurs and thought leaders. The contribution authored by Dr. Baly delivers impactful lessons shaped by decades of experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and public service, offering readers practical strategies and inspiration for success. With nearly two decades of experience as a professor at the University of Houston, she is known for her engaging teaching style and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of civic and business leaders. Her extensive public service includes key leadership roles in both state and local government. As City Planner for Sugar Land, she oversaw and approved the development of Sugar Land Town Square, a transformative 32-acre mixed-use project encompassing over 1.4 million square feet of civic, office, retail, and residential space. Her vision and leadership helped shape one of the region’s most celebrated developments, recognized by the Houston Business Journal with the Best Community Impact Award and recognized for the Urban Land Institute’s Development of Distinction Award.
Edward Carrizales (’13)
Edward Carrizales earned his undergraduate degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and later graduated with an MBA. He currently serves as an Assistant Vice President in the Corporate Banking group at Amegy Bank. He has been recognized as a Houston LIvestock Show and Rodeo Scholar, a Jesse H. Jones Scholar and a Texas Business Hall of Fame Scholar. During his academic career, he was named Latino of the year by the Association of Latino Professionals for America and received the University of Houston Alumni Association Billie Schneider Outstanding Volunteer Award. Previously, Edward represented over 75,000 students as the Student Regent for the University of Houston System, appointed by Governor Greg Abbott.
Steven Chiara (’07)
Kelly Coleman (’98)
Kelly Coleman, MD is a native Houstonian and a board-certified pediatrician who has worked for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic for about 16 years. She graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College in 1998 and has supported the University of Houston in various ways along with currently serving on the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board. Dr. Coleman created a scholarship in her name for African-American students in the University of Houston College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. She is also a Distinguished Alumni of the University of Houston Black Alumni Association and a member of the UH Natural Science & Mathematics da Vinci Society. Most recently, she has donated to the UH College of Medicine for the Woodland View room (a safe space room) that will be named in her honor.
Keith Cornelius (’83)
Keith E. Cornelius is the Executive Director of the Urban Enrichment Institute (UEI), a 41-year-old community-based organization that serves nine schools and over 200 middle and high school boys in Greater 5th Ward Community of Houston, TX. UEI was founded to “empower boys and young men to become responsible men and productive members of their families and community.” Keith’s lifelong passion is to mentor and to serve young minority males and other youth who were raised in economically and socially challenging environments.
For over 29 years, Keith has been responsible for board development and fundraising strategies that have raised over $49 million for various educational and other non-profit institutions. Recently, Keith was the featured speaker at the National Urban League Young Professional’s Whitney M. Young Urban Leadership Development Conference.
Keith has served on various boards in the Houston area, most notably, the boards of Episcopal High School, AFP-Greater Houston Chapter, UH Athletics Foundation, The Neuhaus Education Center, and The Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Fraternity,
Inc. He is the past chairman of Breakthrough Houston. Keith currently serves on the boards of the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation and The Center for Urban Transformation.
Keith has been married for 40 years to Angel Upshaw Cornelius and they have two grown children.
Brian Crumby (’23, MMH ’24)
Brian Crumby, MHM, CHIA, CED, is an award-winning sales executive and visionary leader in the hospitality industry, currently serving as Director of In-Market Sales & National Events at Caesars Entertainment. A proud two-time graduate of the University of Houston, he earned both an Executive Master of Hospitality Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with distinction. Throughout his career, Brian has championed strategic innovation, revenue growth, and relationship-driven success, consistently expanding markets and elevating brand presence on a national scale. His commitment to service extends beyond the boardroom—he actively advances the industry and community through leadership roles with Meeting Professionals International, the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Alumni Association. In his spare time, Brian plays softball, volleyball, and pickleball competitively.
Juan Davila (’19)
Juan Davila is a dedicated professional and active contributor to the University of Houston community. With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (Class of 2019), Juan currently serves as the Vice-President of the Engineering/Technology Alumni Association (EAA/TAA) for the 2023–2024 term. In addition, he proudly serves as a Board Member of the UH Hispanic Alumni Association. With over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry and eight years in industrial construction, Juan has worn various hats, including Project Engineering, Project Management, Global Product Line Management, and Project Controls Specialist roles. When not cheering on the University of Houston’s football and basketball teams as a loyal season ticket holder for a decade.
Helena Finley (’89)
Helena Finley is a seasoned multifamily executive with more than 25 years of experience in development and construction. As Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Construction, she leads EMBREY’s construction division and oversees all projects across the company’s portfolio. Her leadership reflects EMBREY’s commitment to integrity, quality craftsmanship, and innovation—delivering exceptional results and lasting community impact. Throughout her career, Helena has overseen the construction of 57 multifamily and mixed-use projects totaling more than 15,600 units and $3.1 billion in combined budgets.
Tiffanie Gupton (’08)
Tiffanie Gupton graduated from the University of Houston in 2008 from the Jack J Valenti School of Communications with a Bachelors Degree in Public Relations/Advertising and a minor is Sociology.
After graduation, she worked as Sports Information Director in the Athletics Department before working under the late Coach Joe Curl in Women’s Basketball as the Director of Operations until 2012. Tiffanie is currently and Area Leader of Marketing over 18 Raising Cane’s Restaurants in West Houston, Beaumont, Nacogdoches and Lake Charles areas. In this role, lead the development and execution of Restaurant & DMA level marketing plans that are aligned to brand standards. In addition to consistently driving Customer traffic, goals will include establishing a strong brand with clear market positioning to increase brand loyalty.
Dawn Holiday (’01)
Dawn S. Holiday is a partner in the Houston office of Jackson Walker LLP, where she represents employers in complex labor and employment, trial, and appellate matters. A seasoned courtroom advocate, Dawn has successfully defended companies in state and federal courts, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, and non-competition and trade secret claims. Widely recognized for her excellence and leadership, Dawn has been named among the Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers (2020–2025), Texas Super Lawyers (2023–2025), and H Texas Top Lawyers of Houston (2020), and has been honored by The National Black Lawyers Top 100 (2019–2025). She is also a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, Houston Bar Foundation, and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) (Class of 2018), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence, mentorship, and advancing diversity in the legal profession.
Tracy Kirkland-Payne (’86)
Tracy Kirkland Payne serves as President of Cockrell Client Services, a division of Cockrell Interests LLC—a diversified private investment firm. In addition to her leadership role at Cockrell Interests, Tracy is Vice President of The Cockrell Foundation, Treasurer of Pinto Trust Company, and a member of the Board of Directors for both Houston JetDirect Management and Charter, Inc. and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the University of Houston. Tracy holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston and an MBA from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Her personal interests include supporting University of Houston athletics, international travel, participating in a book club and ladies Bible study, cooking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and three children.
Angela Lott (’84)
Angela Lott, RPh, BCGP, is Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Healix, LLC. Angela is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Pharmacy and is a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist. Prior to joining the Healix corporate team, Angela held various positions at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Houston Methodist Hospital system, Response Oncology, and West Wharton County Hospital District. She has also provided independent geriatric consulting services to the long term care industry. She is an active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She has been honored as a distinguished alumnus by the UH College of Pharmacy and is a Mading Society Member.
Obes Nwabara (’12)
Obes Nwabara graduated from the University of Houston in 2012. He has gained a wealth of experience in a number of different industries, serving as a transformation consultant in food and beverage, a research analyst in energy, a supply chain contract administrator in healthcare, and now a category manager once again in energy. Most notably, he was an integral part in creating a pilot program for Baylor Scott & White Health that allowed patients to use rideshare services to get to their doctor’s appointments at no cost to them. He has also promoted environmental projects, like carbon capture, at a previous employer in an effort to turn the tide on energy industry pollution. He currently serves as President for the Bayou City Art Festival Board of Directors, Houston’s longest running festival.
Alex Obregon (’09, MBA ’14)
Alexander Obregon is the Regional Vice President of Finance & Business Operations, serving as the Chief Financial Officer for Comcast Texas. Obregon is responsible for Comcast Texas’s financial planning and reporting, capital management, business assurance, and the project management office. Obregon holds a BS and an MBA from the University of Houston.
Heather Patrick (’98)
Heather is currently the President and CEO of Prevent Blindness Texas. She is focused on leading a team across Texas to elevate vision care, improve overall health, deliver preventative screenings, navigate clients to resources, educate individuals about risk and advocate for improved access to care for clients. In 2019, Heather was awarded the Women Who Mean Business Award by the Houston Business Journal for her outstanding leadership and excellence in the Nonprofit Industry, and in 2025, she was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Most Admired CEOs in the Greater Houston area. Heather also currently serves as the Executive Vice President for the Klein ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors, serves on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council for Klein ISD, is an advisor to the UHD MA in Nonprofit Management program, and serves on the National Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees. Ms. Patrick earned her BBA from the University of Houston.
Bill Stephenson (’96)
Trent Perez (’05)
Eugenia Vance (’90)
Rolando Cano (’16) – Ex-Officio
Mayra Castillo (’19)
Agnes DeFranco (’83 BS, ’89 MBA, ’93 EdD)
Mike Pede (’89)
Russell Dunlavy
