Diverse group of people in a business meeting decorative

Collaboration for Success: Business, Technology and Health Care Administration + Capella University

The Advisory Board serves as a brain trust for leaders and key decision makers within the School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration. Composed of leaders and influencers within a wide expanse of industries and functional areas, the board provides insights into the skills, competencies and hands-on learning experiences employees must have to successfully meet the ongoing challenges of a dynamic employment market.

Our purpose

The purpose of the SoBTH Advisory Board is to allow members to provide insights, input, and feedback on the skills that employers demand of business management, information technology and health care administration learners.

The Advisory Board will help ensure that Capella University provides:

  • Academic offerings that are designed with relevant and meaningful curricular and non-curricular learning opportunities
  • High quality, relevant educational programing that is challenging, engaging, supportive, transformative, and diverse
  • Learners with the skills and experiences necessary to lead and contribute to their organizations and communities

Capella faculty working with the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board provides industry and practice-relevant insight to Capella University leaders and faculty to enact on the mission of the school to meet the needs found within business and technology. Capella leaders and faculty collaborate with board members to ensure curricula effectively build the competencies needed in today’s complex business environment.

In addition, the interactions between the board and Capella leadership and faculty ensure Capella’s programs are professionally relevant and provide the flexibility needed for learners to succeed in their educational programs, and have a positive impact on business outcomes.

Board Members

Dan Ahern

Associate Manager, Global Learning & Development Allstate

As a human resources professional driving Allstate's global learning and development programs, Dan is committed to supporting the design and implementation of high-quality learner experiences.  He currently serves as the program owner for the Allstate Tuition Assistance Program. Additionally, Dan leads efforts related to employee credentialing and other initiatives that help make Allstaters more employable.

Dan also proudly serves as a board member of the Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE) employee impact group at Allstate. ABLE advances Allstate’s inclusive diversity, equity, and disability inclusion initiatives by educating and engaging with the Allstate community on the positive impacts of employees with disabilities. 

Dan has a lifelong passion for learning and for helping others grow and develop.   Before joining Allstate, Dan served as an Illinois public-school special education teacher and also coordinated services for the Illinois Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers.  

Elisa Bannon-Jones, MS

Chief People Officer
GNC International

Elisa Bannon-Jones is Chief People Officer for GNC International. She leads the overall human resources strategy, overseeing compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, and performance and development. 

Elisa Bannon-Jones is a Global Human Resource executive with deep experience in consulting and collaborating with CEO, Board, Senior Leadership, functional teams and HR Community to drive organizational and leadership effectiveness. A Talent Strategies expert, her background includes organizational design, change management, recruiting, talent management, performance management and total rewards. Bannon-Jones has an accomplished track record of creating shareholder value through successful Human Resources initiatives aligned with company and functional strategic plans. Her international experience includes working with 57 countries in North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining GNC International, Bannon-Jones served as Chief People Officer for Pep Boys. Her background also includes leadership roles in human resources, sales and operations for Frontier Communications, The Budget Group, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Brightstar Corp.

Bannon-Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Leadership and a Master of Science in Higher Education, specializing in Adult Education, from Capella University. She has certifications from the Kellogg Strategic Human Resources program, Cornell Women in Executive Leadership, and a Master of Human Capital Strategist Designation in Organizational Effectiveness from the Human Capital Institute. She was named the Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year (2020) from HRO Today.

She is a member of the Capella University School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Advisory Board.

Jermaine Edwards, MS

Founder and Chief Customer Growth Adviser
The Irreplaceable Advisory Group Ltd. 

Jermaine is a recognized authority in the field of customer growth and loyalty, passionate about helping small business owners and leaders worldwide compete globally by accessing the untapped potential with their existing customers. 

With two decades in sales leadership and founding six companies leading teams of up to 400, Jermaine speaks from first-hand experience of the challenges, complexities and opportunities of building a company.

Jermaine is invited to speak and advise small and large businesses and has to date been part of 200 growth projects across 22 countries and 30 industries, working with organizations like Dell Technologies and London Business School on growth strategies and customer centricity. 

With a degree in Economics, a Master's degree in Behavioral Psychology, and experience as a Program Director at Bayes Business School, City University of London, Jermaine has developed a deep understanding of the principles that underpin sustainable growth. 

Jermaine is a father of six and passionate about creating education and economic opportunities for vulnerable children. Through his programs he has a mission to change the lives of a million children by 2035.

Melissa Cherrey Johnson

Vice President of Merchant Success of Americas and Europe
EBANX

Melissa Cherrey Johnson is a highly accomplished and tenured sales leader in the ecommerce and technology industry. With a passion for driving business success through revenue growth and a keen focus on women's advancement in business, Melissa has made a significant impact on the global business landscape.

Melissa is currently serving as Vice President of Merchant Success of Americas and Europe at EBANX, the leading payment partner for global companies in rising markets. She leads a global Merchant Success organization focused on driving meaningful impact with global merchants as they navigate the complex and evolving digital landscape, bringing EBANX's merchants' success stories in rising markets to the next level. In this role, Melissa leverages her extensive experience and expertise to navigate complex rising markets, build strategic partnerships, and deliver outstanding results. Previously, Melissa has held leadership and commercial roles at PayPal, Worldpay, and Digital River.

Passionate about advancing women in business, Melissa has completed the Women's Executive Leadership Program, a program offered by UC Berkeley Executive Education, housed within the prestigious Haas School of Business. This program represents an intentional effort to dismantle perceived gender barriers and to foster an understanding of women in business and how their executive management roles influence business agility and a company’s longevity. Imbued with a profound appreciation for the distinctive perspectives and inherent strengths of female leaders, Melissa has emerged from this experience equipped with an invigorated and visionary mindset.

As an Advisory Board member, Melissa will continue to leverage her leadership experience in the technology sector, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and unwavering dedication to DEIB in business to make a meaningful impact on the Capella University SoBTH Advisory Board's mission and vision.

Melissa Lowe, MBA

Director, Executive Education and Leadership Development
Philips

With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, healthcare sales, leadership and talent development, Melissa has held numerous roles at start-up, mid level and large, complex, global healthcare organizations.  As a leader, coach, change agent, strategist and storyteller, she is a five-time learning excellence award winner who thrives on elevating talent, expanding possibilities and achieving results. 

Melissa is an Advisory Council Member of the Life Sciences Trainers and Educators Network (LTEN), a Girl Scout Troop Volunteer Co-Leader and President’s Silver Volunteer Award winner.  She graduated from Lindenwood University with an MBA in International Business and Carthage College with a Bachelor’s in Biology, minoring in Entrepreneurial Studies in the Natural Sciences.

Melissa enjoys the beach, reading, travel, and movies as she and her family are avid Disney and Star Wars fans.  She lives in the Dallas – Ft. Worth metroplex, has been married for 10 years and is the proud mother to one daughter and one dachshund.  Melissa believes in and lives by the following quote from John F. Kennedy – “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Talila Millman, M. Sc.

Managing Director and CTO
MillmanTech

Talila Millman is the managing director and CTO of MillmanTech, a consulting company that helps CEOs and their C-suite leaders grow revenue and scale by optimizing their Product portfolio and creating efficiencies within their Product Management and Engineering workflows. Talila also provides executive coaching and leadership training. 

For over 25 years Talila led product and engineering groups. She served as CTO, SVP of Product and Engineering, VP, and General Manager in Fortune 500 companies such as Stanley Black and Decker, Harris, and Motorola, and privately held companies such as Vidyo and Infinite Convergence Solutions. Talila has a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, operations, and quality. She led turnarounds and business transformations that resulted in efficiencies and revenue growth.

Talila’s book about leadership in times of change, uncertainty, and complexity, is about to be published in 2024 by New Degree Press. 

Talila Millman holds an M.Sc. from Tel-Aviv University in Computer Science. She holds a bachelor's degree in Math and Computer Science from Tel-Aviv University.

Samantha Ogle, DHA, RN, OCN, DP-NAP

Senior Oncology Sales Representative
Amgen

A transformational leader with demonstrated abilities to build and motivate highly effective teams toward strategic goals and outcomes, Dr. Ogle had more than 20 years of progressive experience in the health care industry serving in a variety of roles at Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health, before transitioning her skill set to the world of pharmaceuticals.

Her diverse background includes extensive experience in clinical care, healthcare operations, strategic planning, program management, supervision, education, consulting, project development and implementation, quality compliance, accreditation standards, finance, and community partnerships.

Dr. Ogle is a published author and frequent speaker at industry conferences. She earned her BSN and MSN degrees from Winston Salem State University, and her DHA from Capella University.

Tonika Quick

Enterprise VP of Talent Development
Caesars | Harrah’s | Horseshoe

Tonika is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience driving business results. She serves as Vice President of Talent Development for Caesars Entertainment, a leading gaming and hospitality company, where she oversees learning and development, talent review, succession planning and other internal growth strategies.

In addition to her corporate role, Tonika is deeply involved in her community running a non-profit organization focused on promoting healthy habits for children while also serving as a dedicated mentor, guiding youth as a Girl Scout troop leader and Board Member.

Tonika is a lifelong learner, reflecting her growth mindset. After becoming a mother in her teens, she returned to school, earning a bachelor's degree and a master's in psychology while juggling family and work. Her grit and determination enabled her to thrive despite early challenges.

As an advocate for empowering others, Tonika draws strength from her journey. She embraces hard-earned wisdom and models resilience and leading by example to create possibilities for those around her.

Stacy Romano

Senior Manager, HR Benefits Strategy
CVS Health

Stacy Romano is a Senior Manager, HR Benefits Strategy for CVS Health. She has spent the last fourteen years focusing on financial benefit program design and implementations. She has been a pioneer in financial well-being and has been recognized as a thought-leader in the space, winning numerous awards over the years.

Stacy’s passion for financial well-being was instrumental in transforming the company’s employer-sponsored education benefits to strategically meet employees’ needs in all life stages.  She also has twenty years’ experience in managing global mobility programs for various companies.  Stacy holds an BS in Management from Post University in Waterbury, CT.

Ed Ross

C.E.O.
Michigan & Manchester Consulting Group

Ed is the CEO at Michigan & Manchester Consulting Group, a consulting firm focused on developing and implementing sales enablement strategies to increase revenue and expand market share.

As a creator of the Periodic Table of Leadership Development and a recognized top consultant, Coach and Entrepreneur in Sales Enablement, Ed partners with progressive organizations to build high-performance, sustainable cultures. He does this by focusing on coaching for long-term success rooted heavily within behavior-based organizational strategies.

As a seasoned Coach, Ed leads with emotional intelligence and establishes deep trust-based relationships to help organizations achieve their desired outcomes through high performance.

He is a world-class communicator with deep knowledge in the sciences of sales and business management. Ed has experience pinpointing problems, creating solutions to get results that inspire professionals at all levels from new hires to veterans, frontline to executives alike – applying their talents towards achieving individual goals as well as collective ones too!

Ed is a man of integrity, innovation, and empowerment. He believes in connecting the dots for his clients to make them successful by outshining their competition with increased revenue or growing market share. It's something he frequently demonstrates throughout all aspects of his work--from leading executive conversations at large companies to inspiring individual growth in start-up organizations where people come first.

Ed majored in Business Management, with a Focus in Leadership at DePaul University, Chicago, Ill. 

Kamaria Scott, EdS

Founder and CEO
Enetic

Kamaria is the Founder and CEO of Enetic, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations improve employee engagement, well-being and performance. She has over 20 years’ experience implementing human-centered learning and OD solutions to improve organizational culture, performance and experience in healthcare, financial services, and technology organizations. 

As an internal leader, Kamaria has held senior roles within Fortune 500 companies, such as Accenture, FIS, and BNY Mellon.  Within Accenture, she led the Futurists and Insights team within Global Employee Experience Transformation for Accenture.  Her team used storytelling and a data-driven approach to create a shared vision of Employee Experience and inform the priorities to bring that vision to life. They also used insights to develop strategies that support the organization’s Future of Work initiatives, with specific focus on creating cultural change and developing leadership capabilities that support new ways of working. 

During her time at FIS, Kamaria was the Head of Curriculum Strategy and Instructional Design. Her team developed, implemented, and communicated the learning strategy for global programs and in support of talent management strategic priorities. Initiatives under her leadership supported FIS in being recognized by Chief Learning Officer magazine in 2018 and 2019. 

Kamaria holds an MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Central Florida and an EdS in Adult Education/Human Resource Development from Florida State University. 

Roy Skillicorn, MBA

Senior Director
CX Enablement, Cisco

For more than 20 years, Roy's been helping companies build their brand and deliver value to their customers during times of change and disruption.

Currently, Roy Skillicorn leads portfolio and professional enablement and Emerging Talent onboarding and development for Cisco's Global Customer Experience organization. This organization is responsible for accelerating the transition to software, subscriptions, and customer lifecycle success.

Before focusing on enablement and workforce acceleration, Roy spent 15 years as a Services General Manager, where he built, launched, and led global services and consulting practices for Cisco.

Roy is an active Capella University Advisory Board member and enjoys speaking on multiple industry topics.

John F. Thompson, MBA

Chairman, President and CEO
ShoptoCook, LLC

John Thompson currently serves as President, CEO and Chairman of ShoptoCook, LLC, the grocery industry's only digital marketing platform connecting in-store, web, and mobile into a seamless interactive experience. In this role, Thompson oversees all aspects of the company’s vision and strategic development.

Prior to ShoptoCook, Thompson was Vice President of Strategy and Retail Network Development for Insignia Systems, an in-store media and advertising company, where he managed the access to and growth of more than 20,000 retail locations. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Strategy of Inmar, Inc. where he led the strategy, development and acquisition to support Inmar’s entry into the retail digital marketing industry. Other experience includes leadership roles with Unicous Marketing, Valassis Communications where he was President and General Manager of Valassis of Canada.

Thompson earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology and a master’s of business administration from West Virginia University.

Kinga Vajda

Head, Fractional Organizational Transformation and Effectiveness
Execute Your Intentions, LLC

Kinga Vajda is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience in program management, governance and organizational transformation. As an executive, she has demonstrated expertise in technology, mentoring and profit and loss responsibility, establishing herself as an agile leader skilled in driving change, fostering inclusivity and embracing innovative approaches to tackle challenges.

Throughout her career, Kinga has focused on building positive relationships and lasting change strategies with a people-centered approach. Her experiences include managing mergers and acquisitions, focusing on SaaS software development, and thriving in challenging environments. Kinga has successfully scaled organizations through enterprise-level growth, led multiple large-scale agile tech transformations, and consistently emphasized teamwork and empowering individuals. 

As a Capella University board member, Kinga is committed to leveraging her experience and unique leadership, mentoring and change management approach. She brings a positive and energetic perspective to relationship building and is passionate about creating inclusive environments and promoting agile leadership. Kinga’s dedication to building lasting change strategies collaboratively and fostering adequate progress will contribute to the university’s ongoing success and champion innovative methods for positive change in students, faculty and staff’s lives. 

Barbara Butts Williams, PhD

Executive Dean, Social Responsibility and Community Development, Dean Emerita, School of Business and Technology
Strategic Education, Inc. / Capella University

Dr. Barbara Butts Williams is an independent board director and accomplished corporate, academic, and community leader. A strategic and innovative thinker with strong business acumen leading to business growth and sustainability, Barbara’s expertise in cultural and organizational transformation, talent management, and fluency in diversity, equity, and inclusion has had positive impact on several premier organizations in both regulated and non-regulated industries throughout her career.

In her current role as Executive Dean, Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Barbara is recognized for her compelling work serving and supporting others to make a difference in lives and communities throughout the country. Previously at Capella, she served as dean of School of Business and Technology and dean of School of Education with leadership responsibility for P&L and growth strategies, external relations and business partnerships, academic programs, learner success outcomes, and faculty and staff. A key leader at Capella, she has worked closely with corporate and community leaders, academic institutions, external accreditation agencies and regulatory authorities throughout the U.S. Additionally, she established relationships with universities and businesses in Latin America, India, and UAE. 

Dr. Butts Williams’s roles prior to Capella University included president of Growth Partners Consulting, a firm she founded to provide strategic consulting to small and medium-sized organizations in organizational change, talent management, strategic planning and business development. She also served as chief global officer, Leadership Development, Talent Management and Succession Planning, and chief education officer at the St. Paul Companies (now The Travelers Companies) and with other premier organizations, such as Wilson Learning Corporation, Control Data Corporation (Ceridian), University of Michigan’s School of Business, and Pennsylvania Department of Health, she held senior leadership roles in marketing, strategic business development, portfolio management, diversity, equity and inclusion, talent management, social responsibility and education administration. 

Barbara has served on multiple boards including corporate, non-profit, and private. Her current corporate board assignments include: Chair, Human Resources and Compensation committee and Philanthropy committee member on Allina Health’s board (a $4B+ enterprise), and Executive Loan and Credit, Nominating and Governance committees of HMN Financial Inc./ Home Federal Savings Bank (NASDAQ: HMNF). She served as vice-chair and member of the Board of Commissioners for Minnesota’s Sports Facilities Authority (U.S. Bank Stadium) as well as several other nonprofit, civic and education boards where she has served in leadership roles. Barbara’s leadership and board experience afford her a deep understanding and appreciation for governance best practices and future-focused planning. She is an NACD Board Leadership Fellow and Minnesota Chapter of NACD Board Member. 

Barbara has received numerous recognitions honoring her exceptional board leadership, governance expertise and leadership in social responsibility and community impact including Twin Cities Business Magazine (Outstanding Board Director Award 2019), Junior Achievement Upper-Midwest (Business Hall of Fame Laureate 2019), and AARP/Pollen 50 over 50 (Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Honoree 2017) and Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal (Women in Business Career Achievement Recipient 2016). Dr. Butts Williams is recognized by the National Corporate Board of Directors Association as a Board Leadership Fellow.

Capella School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Leadership

Cheryl Boncuore, PhD

Interim Dean, School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration
Capella University

Dr. Cheryl Boncuore is the associate dean of the School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration at Capella University. In her current position, she enjoys working with faculty to ensure that available technology is used in innovative ways to have the greatest impact on learner success. Her focus on curricular alignment with institutional goals ensures that learners become great leaders that will have a positive and lasting impact on the world around them.

Dr. Boncuore's areas of expertise include technology, assessment, curriculum design, and creating online communities of practice. She has held leadership roles, serving as Dean of Faculty and Degree Programs; academic director of Distance Learning; and director of Instructional Design and Online Learning.

Dr. Boncuore has earned the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Professional Studies with an emphasis on academic technology; a Master of Arts in Training and Development with an emphasis on adult learning theories and technology; and a B.S. in Journalism. 

Constance St. Germain, EdD, JD

President and Provost
Capella University

Dr. Constance St. Germain serves as president and provost for Capella University. She joined Capella University in 2017 as its chief academic officer and senior vice president of academic affairs. In 2019 she was appointed provost and in 2023 became president.

Prior to joining Capella, she was the executive dean for the College of Humanities and Sciences at University of Phoenix. While there, Dr. St. Germain positioned the college as an incubator for continued growth and development to transform students into socially aware, critically thinking global citizens.

In addition to her academic career, Dr. St. Germain is a U.S. Army veteran and served as a major in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. While on active duty, she held assignments as an attorney at military posts including the 82D Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps Fort Bragg, NC.

She holds a Doctor of Education in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University; a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law; and a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University. She is admitted to practice as an attorney in Vermont, Virginia, and Maryland, as well as several federal courts. St. Germain’s research focus is on women and leadership.

Learn More about the School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration Programs

The School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration at Capella University offers online doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees, in addition to graduate and undergraduate certificates, all designed to help advance professionals seeking to advance their careers in the fields of business and information technology.

Our mission is to educate adult learners using highly relevant curriculum and exceptional instruction to deliver competency-based learning, offering the potential for immediate impact on learners’ jobs while laying the foundation for addressing challenges throughout their professional careers.

The School of Business, Technology and Health Care Administration is committed to the continual integration of relevant theory with effective practice. Through the development of business, research, and information technology knowledge, our learners are uniquely equipped to be exceptional problem-solvers who make a positive impact in their organizations and society.

Take the next step

Picture yourself in a cap and gown, ready to take on what’s ahead. Get started on your journey now by connecting with an enrollment counselor. See how Capella may be a good fit for you, and start the application process.