At Marquette Business, industry connection is not an add-on. It is foundational to how students are prepared to become the next generation of ethical leaders. Through the Executives-in-Residence program, accomplished leaders bring real-world insight directly into the college, shaping innovative curricula, mentoring students and strengthening the talent pipeline that fuels our business community.
These leaders do more than share expertise. They co-create learning experiences and opportunities that ensure students graduate ready to meaningfully contribute from day one.
Advancing industry-aligned learning
Mark Afable, Executive-in-Residence specializing in insurance, exemplifies how deep industry experience translates into meaningful student outcomes. A former Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance and senior executive at American Family Insurance, Afable plays a key role in shaping Marquette’s Insurance Leadership Program. His guidance ensures students develop not only technical knowledge but also a strong understanding of governance, regulation and ethical leadership.
Equally impactful is Linda Gorens-Levey, Executive-in-Residence for real estate, whose leadership helps expand opportunities in a growing and evolving field. As a partner at General Capital and a trailblazer in her industry, she brings a forward-looking perspective to Marquette’s real estate programming. Her mentorship fosters student confidence while reinforcing the importance of representation in the future of the industry.
“Throughout my career, whether in investments or real estate development, I have often been the only woman in the room,” says Gorens-Levey, Partner at General Capital. “If we want to see change, then I, too, have a responsibility to help drive that evolution and serve as a role model for young women beginning their careers.”
Experiential learning in action
Experiential learning is central to the Marquette Business model, and Executive-in-Residence Andrew Jetton brings this to life through Blue & Gold Consulting. Under his guidance, students lead real engagements with external organizations, developing critical skills in structured problem solving, data-driven decision making and executive communication. This results in graduates who understand how to deliver value in complex business environments before they even begin their careers.
With a focus on supply chain management, Brian May helps guide one of the college’s newest programs: ASCEnT (Applied Supply Chain, Engineering and Technology). Drawing on a 37-year career with Accenture, May ensures Marquette’s curriculum reflects the realities of modern supply chains, including cross-functional integration and emerging technologies. His insight helps prepare students to navigate and lead within increasingly complex global systems.
Strengthening the Marquette talent pipeline
Executives-in-Residence also play a vital role in connecting Marquette talent with opportunity. David Reeves brings an entrepreneurial lens to this work, emphasizing Marquette Business’ differentiated value proposition. As founder of OpenGov, which he relocated to Milwaukee from Silicon Valley, Reeves has demonstrated firsthand how strong university-industry collaboration drives regional growth. Today, he continues to support recruitment and innovation initiatives that position Marquette Business as a destination for top talent.
John Schlifske, former Chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual, contributes a strategic perspective shaped by decades of leadership. His engagement with students reinforces the qualities that define Marquette graduates — professionalism, integrity and a commitment to serving others — while helping align academic programs with evolving industry needs.
“I’ve had countless interactions with Marquette students over the years, and they continue to impress,” Schlifske says. “Not only is their professionalism exceptional, but their character is a testament to the quality of leaders found on this campus.”
Evolving curriculum for a changing world
In accounting, Gregg Rusk brings global experience from a 35-year career with Grant Thornton to help modernize the curriculum in response to rapid technological change. His work ensures students are prepared for a profession being reshaped by artificial intelligence, while his mentorship through mock interviews, classroom engagement, and career guidance builds career readiness.
Similarly, Daniel Tranchita strengthens excellence through long-standing engagement with Marquette’s financial programs. A former managing director and portfolio manager at Baird, Tranchita has been instrumental in the creation and success of the Applied Investment Management (AIM) program. His continued involvement connects students to industry expectations and reinforces the program’s strong track record of career outcomes.
Expanding global and social impact
Dr. Shital Vora brings a unique perspective that integrates business education with global impact. As co-founder of Global Brigades, she has helped build the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. At Marquette, she is advancing experiential programs like EDGE, where students engage in international consulting, service learning and partnerships with entrepreneurs worldwide. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of ethical leadership while equipping them with practical, cross-cultural skills.
A collaborative model for lasting impact
Together, Marquette Business Executives-in-Residence represent a powerful model of collaboration between academia and industry. Their influence extends across curriculum design, experiential learning, mentorship and talent development, ensuring Marquette graduates are not only career-ready, but values-driven leaders prepared to make an immediate impact.
For alumni, supporters and partners, this work reflects a shared commitment: investing in students who will strengthen organizations, communities and industry for years to come.
