A smiling U A H executive M B A student in business attire. Text reads U A H Executive M B A

Learn from Leading Business Experts

In the UAH Executive MBA, you’ll be taught by industry leaders and renowned academic experts who are recognized at the top of their fields. These instructors aren’t just specialists—they are innovators, executives, researchers, and changemakers who actively shape today’s business landscape. Their real-world experience and deep subject-matter expertise bring complex concepts to life, helping you build the strategic insight and executive-level perspective needed to lead with confidence.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Jeremy Barnes

VP, Federal Business Unit at Gray Analytics

Dr. Barnes uses his extensive defense experience from Lockheed Martin, MITRE, and UAH to drive strategic growth and innovation in federal operations.

Dr. Christian Gannon

Director of Investments at Twickenham Advisors

Dr. Gannon leads strategic, long-term investment solutions with deep wealth management and research expertise.

Robert Hamilton

Chief Growth Officer at Ignite

Mr. Hamilton directed FBI NCR operations, a $75M HQ renovation, and oversight of 42 mission-critical sites; now he is driving business growth at Ignite.

Dr. Li-Wu Hsu

Associate Professor of Marketing at UAH

Dr. Hsu is an expert in marketing strategy, franchising, and brand management, with research published in leading marketing journals.

Dr. Valentia Iscaro

Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at UAH

Dr. Iscaro is co-founder of Entrepreneur and Women in Tech, with experience in international business and driving innovation.

Jim Leary

Executive Director at Boeing Defense

Mr. Leary Leads Business Development, Space, Intelligence, and Weapon Systems at Boeing.

Dr. Nic Loyd

Director, Center for Management and Economic Research at UAH

Dr. Loyd is a Lean Six Sigma certified operations and production expert and published author, with experience helping leading companies optimize performance.

Dr. Erin McLaughlin, MBA

Part-Time Instructor of Management at UAH

Dr. McLaughlin is an entrepreneur and consultant with experience founding companies, advising organizations, and teaching executive education.

Ambrosia Patterson

Huntsville Practice Lead at Accenture Federal Services

A former FBI executive, Ms. Patterson is a proven leader in federal strategy and transformation.

Dr. Paula Payton

Head of Center for Machine Intelligence and Data Science at Deloitte

Dr. Payton has taught at top universities as a known leader in data and analytics, behavioral science and strategic insights, and driving innovation in complex organizations.

Dr. Akhil Rao

Chief Economist at Rational Futures

Dr. Rao was former NASA Chief Economist during the agency’s shift toward a stronger commercial space strategy alongside its traditional mission.

Dr. L. Neil Thurgood, LTG (ret.)

SVP at Anduril Industries

Dr. Thurgood is a global leader in defense innovation, strategy, and mission execution.

John Whitcomb

Managing Director at FTI Consulting

Mr. Whitcomb leads organizations in regulated industries to navigate policy, manage crises, and turn regulation into strategic advantage.

Meet Your Faculty Team

Dr. Valentina Iscaro

Clinical Associate Professor: UAH College of Business

Contact

301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
Campus Map

Biography

Dr. Valentina Iscaro is a Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. An experienced entrepreneurship educator and thought leader, she brings over a decade of transformative impact in academia, research, and ecosystem development.

Dr. Iscaro has a proven record of designing innovative curricula, engaging with the business community, and securing external funding to support entrepreneurial initiatives. She has extensive experience teaching across multiple modalities while maintaining an active research portfolio in entrepreneurship education and innovation management.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Iscaro plays a pivotal role in shaping the regional entrepreneurship landscape. She serves on strategic boards and is the founding Director of WIT//HSV. She also mentors early-stage ventures through I2C and the Gener8tor gBETA program, and leads high-impact initiatives such as the beE Competition and the Boost Program.

Her core strengths include curriculum development, community engagement, research excellence, and ecosystem building—all focused on advancing entrepreneurial education and driving economic growth.

Executive MBA Curriculum