Staff Listing

Holly Atha

In June of 2020, the MBA Research Board of Trustees chose Holly Atha as the next President/CEO of MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Holly assumed her new role on July 1, 2020.

Holly joined the MBA Research staff in 2015 and has provided leadership for standards research and business engagement. In her most recent role as Director of Business Engagement, she has facilitated numerous business focus groups around the country, recruited business speakers for Conclave, and is currently leading a team to re-engineer the standards development process.

Prior to joining MBA Research, Holly held a number of leadership positions including roles as Executive Director for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Chief Operating Officer and Start-up Strategist for an entrepreneurial effort in Columbus. She has management experience in customer support, account management, and sales. She possesses strong skills in problem-solving and building relationships, as well as experience in developing curriculum/training/testing materials and teaching adult learners. Atha holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“My passion and enthusiasm for our team at MBA Research and the work we do together is unbridled,” says Atha. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead, serve, and collaborate with our many partners as we continue to strengthen CTE and transform business and marketing education together.”

Rick Mangini served as interim CEO while the Board conducted their hiring process. As previously planned, he returned to his position as Executive Vice President.

Rick Mangini

Rick serves as Executive Vice President at MBA Research and is responsible for operations and program of work in conjunction with senior staff. Prior to joining MBA Research in 2012, his career spanned 36 plus years in career and technical education. He spent the last 25 years of his career with the Ohio Department of Education where he served as a consultant for Marketing Education before moving into the position of Assistant Director for Business, Marketing and Information Technology. He finished his career as Associate CTE State Director. Rick was State Advisor for Ohio DECA and Business Professionals of America. He served on the Board of Directors for MBA Research, DECA and BPA. He is an Honorary Life Member of DECA and was inducted into the National Hall of Fame for BPA. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ohio Association of Career Technical Education. The Ohio DECA Board of Trustees named Rick Ohio DECA State Advisor Emeritus.

Marsha Dyer

Marsha joined us in 2002 when she assumed the challenge of providing the absolute best customer service in the world. Odds are, when you call or email, Marsha’s the one who will find the answer to your questions or solution to your challenges. She handles most order processing and you’ll also find her working our booth at trade show exhibits. She’s a major behind-the-scenes leader at the annual MBA Conclave (and has been seen at the infamous Conclave Casino). Recently, Marsha has accepted responsibility for the operations side of our online testing programs.

Tammy Cyrus

Tammy Cyrus is the Vice President of Professional Learning for MBA Research. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences. She was a previous Business Administration teacher in North Carolina. Tammy has received her Master of Arts in Business Education and National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification. She holds a certification in School Administration and industry-recognized certifications in Adobe and Microsoft Office. Additional professional experiences have included teaching at the post-secondary level, working on curriculum development, serving in several leadership roles, and serving as an adviser for FBLA. At MBA Research, she oversees the MBA Research Professional Development Team, Teacher Advisory Network (TAN), MBA Research Conclave, and Leadership Forum. She provides professional learning support for teachers, districts, and state departments nationwide.

Brooke Sackenheim

Brooke Sackenheim joined MBA Research in May of 2023 as Office Manager. Throughout her 20+ year career, she gained extensive experience helping small businesses and nonprofits find system efficiency and innovative office management. From creatively solving problems to cultivating good working relationships to providing exceptional customer service, she takes pride in being the point person for the office. She values a job well done from start to finish.

She has worked with some talented and creative people and organizations and has been fortunate to receive recognition for her work. Because of her curiosity, she continually seeks new ways to expand her knowledge and skills.

Aadil Khan

Aadil has been with the MBA Research & Curriculum Center since May 2024. A Canton, Ohio native, Aadil graduated from The University of Akron in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Public Policy from Duke in 2021. He has worked at the intersection of education and policy with experience working for school districts across Akron, Cleveland, Durham, and Nashville. In his spare time he enjoys watching, talking, and consuming all things games and sports related. He also may or may not secretly be a Wolverines fan (the answer is ‘no’ when he’s in the office for safety reasons).

Zulfa Rizqiya

Zulfa joined MBA Research in 2017 as a production associate and expanded her role to include marketing. Having learned so much about High School of Business™ through her marketing role, and inspired by the accomplishments of both HSB students and teachers, she took on the role of HSB program administrator in 2020. Through this role, she looks forward to helping us grow the program and provide support for HSB teachers and administrators at school across the country.

Zulfa is originally from Athens, OH where she also attended college. She earned her bachelor’s in strategic communications from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. Outside of work, Zulfa enjoys all things music related, running around and exploring Columbus, thrift shopping, and cooking up a good meal.

Laurie Urich

Laurie, who retired from the Colorado Community College System in 2016 joined our staff as a project manager working with the development of the MBA Business Coalition for Education. Currently she is the director working with the development and support for the High School of Business programs.

Laurie comes with broad experience in business and marketing education. A former high school business administration teacher, she also served as program leader for the Colorado secondary and postsecondary programs. In this capacity, she’s been instrumental in the development of Colorado MBA High School of Business™ sites.

Laurie’s leadership skills are evident in the many different responsibilities she assumed and honors she’s received. She’s served as a MBA Board Trustee, Chair of the national FBLA Board, President of the National Association of Supervisors of Business Education, and in various state leadership roles. She’s has been honored by Colorado DECA with its lifetime member recognition, National FBLA Adviser Wall of Fame, and NBEA with its Distinguished Service Award.

Mary Carlisi

Mary joined the team in 1979 when we had typewriters and one new “magic machine,” our first typewriter with memory. She worked as a part-time typist and proofreader while working on her college degree. As Production Manager, Mary is responsible for all of the processes of getting a product to print, including final sign-off on all print masters. More recently, she has assumed a major role in our online publishing via the MBA Learning Center.

Mary may be the only graduate of The Ohio State University who can’t name at least ten years of OSU starting quarterbacks. (On the other hand, she’s one of the few in the world who can spot a production problem from across the room – with or without her glasses.) When she’s not locked in her office, she enjoys being in nature, listening to music, reading, spending time with family and friends, and teaching movement classes.

Christopher Burke

Chris Burke is one of our graphic designers at MBA Research. He is responsible for design of LAPs, various print and exhibit materials, and content on the MBA Learning Center. Chris is a graduate of Columbus College of Art and Design and started at MBA Research in 1989.  When he isn’t working, Chris is interested in art, museums, reading, festivals, listening to and playing music (drums), concerts, movies, camping, hiking, and sports (especially OSU football, GO BUCKS! O-H, I-O).

Anna Haugh

Anna Haugh joined the MBA Research team in July 2022 as a Marketing Associate/Graphic Designer. Born and raised in Long Beach California, she decided to go to college away from home to Ohio University to major in media studies & arts while minoring in marketing. After earning her bachelor’s degree in communication, she moved to Columbus Ohio. She regularly visits her family in California and loves traveling all around the country. On the weekends she enjoys watching movies, eating at new restaurants, and exploring the Columbus area.

Rachel Tennison

Rachel Tennison has been with MBA Research & Curriculum Center since 2020. She graduated from Wittenberg University in 2016 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Communication. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, listening to audiobooks, and filling her apartment with plants.

April Miller

As Vice President of Teaching and Learning for MBA Research, April J. Miller provides guidance and support to educators involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of standards-based curriculum. She oversees the creation of a broad range of instructional materials and products, including LAP modules, curriculum guides, technical skill assessments, programs of study, and the online Learning Center. April represents MBA Research at state- and local-level workshops and seminars and has had multiple articles published in Techniques magazine.

April, who joined MBA Research in 2006, served as senior curriculum research associate prior to assuming her current role as a vice president with the organization. A graduate of Wittenberg University (OH), April is a former high school teacher and corporate trainer in the finance industry. She lives in Galloway, Ohio, with her husband Michael, daughters Maria and Alexandra, and dogs Cutie Pie and Mr. Beefy. In her spare time, April enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her family.

Josiah Cheung

Josiah Cheung joined MBA Research and Curriculum Center in October 2024, shortly after receiving his B.S. in Computer and Information Science from The Ohio State University. Through knowledge gained in pursuit of his degree and writing skills earned through the pursuit of being an English nerd, he assists in the development of technology-related assessments and test item banks. He is a lover of Star Wars, music, video games, exercise, and a good book.

Zachary Leder

Zach has been with MBA Research & Curriculum Center since September of 2024 and helps develop curriculum and assessments. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English Creative Writing and a Master’s in Education Teaching & Learning. Zach enjoys watching movies, writing screenplays, and spending time with his friends and family.

Bill Kosileski

Bill Kosileski has been with MBA Research & Curriculum Center since October of 2021 and helps develop curriculum and assessments as a Writer/Research Associate. A Cleveland, Ohio native, William graduated from The Ohio State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. He worked as a sports writer for various media outlets for five years prior to joining the MBA staff. He lives in Strongsville, Ohio, and enjoys spending time with his wife, watching sports and all things Marvel, going for walks, and dabbling in the art of mixology.

Sam Dunham

Sam Dunham has been with MBA Research & Curriculum Center since February of 2022. He graduated from Allegheny College with a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish. He lives in Lebanon, Ohio, and enjoys playing basketball, taking walks, playing poker, and watching esoteric horror films.

Katherine Shuniak

Katherine Shuniak joined MBA Research & Curriculum Center as an eLearning Developer in March 2021, and has focused on blending instructional technology with traditional MBA Research curriculum. She holds a B.A. in Classics from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from Widener University. Prior to joining MBA Research, she worked in the fields of museum and elementary education. Katherine lives and works remotely from Richmond, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, wine tastings, hiking, and spending time with her partner, J Andrew.

Ann-Marie Martin

Ann-Marie has been with MBA Research since 2017. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BSBA degree in Management Information Systems. She is responsible for providing technical support to our customers and staff. This includes support for the Learning Center, HSB Wiki, and various other applications.

Phil Loaiza

Phil is, in his words, the Technology Ombudsman and Computer Whisperer for our organization. As such, he provides the human connection between all the boxes with blinking lights in our office and our staff teams. On good days, he keeps all those blinking lights blinking harmoniously. To do so, he’s been known to curse silently at the heavens when things go wrong in his attempts to maintain, upgrade, and cajole the organization’s various computers and peripherals. Phil is instrumental in the design and operation of all things technical, including our various websites, the online MBA Learning Center, and the many different databases that support our programs and services.

We asked Phil to share a bit about his professional background. In his words: I started working with computers when I was 14 years old. No big deal you say, but when I was 14 dinosaurs roamed the earth and gas was 25 cents a gallon. I tried to get a formal education in personal computers but such a thing didn’t exist and rather then getting the electrical engineering degree that all my other peers went after I dropped out and started learning everything I could about PCs on my own. Throughout the years I’ve done a little bit of everything where computers are concerned.