CMSS - Key Persons


Adrian Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Student Engagement & Success & Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics

Alan Gutierrez

Job Titles:
  • Chief, University Police

Albert Bejarano

Job Titles:
  • Aviation Safety Officer for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center
Albert Bejarano is the Aviation Safety Officer for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC) of Excellence and Innovation, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He is responsible for the planning, implemantation, and coordination of safety and environmental programs, procedures, and policies. He also facilitates the identification of safety and environmental risks and promotes reduction or elimination of potential accidents, occupational injuries, illnesses, deaths, and safety-related financial losses to LSUASC. Prior to joining the LSUASC team, Albert served as the Airport Operations Manager for Corpus Christi International Airport and the Airport Operations Supervisor for El Paso International Airport. Albert has also earned his Certified Member (C.M.) certification through the American Association of Airport Executives, AAAE. Albert has over 11 years of aviation experience and currently holds an FAA private pilot license and a UAS Part 107 license. Albert also volunteers in the Civil Air Patrol and is currently assigned as the Safety Officer and Communications Officer for Texas Squadron 26. Albert holds a bachelor's degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale.

Alex Zavala

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Alexis Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Alfred (Freddy) Sustaita

Job Titles:
  • Director, Environmental Health & Safety

Amanda Amaro

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate
  • Executive

Amanda Morales

Job Titles:
  • Director, Islander Housing

Amber Bruner

Job Titles:
  • Director, Annual Giving

Angela Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician I
Angela Martinez is an Aviation Maintenance Technician I for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center of Excellence and Innovation in Corpus Christi. Angela is a member of the Maintenance and Logistics team where her tasks involve the upkeeping of UAS systems and assisting in the logistic planning of equipment and supplies for missions. Prior to working with Lone Star UAS, Angela was involved with GE Aviation for a year, assisting with the refabrication and machining of the aircraft blades. After the pandemic she started working remotely from home for 2 years with Humana Health Insurance assisting members with health plans and benefits. Angela started her education for Aviation Maintenance at Texas State Technical College and completed her basic courses, afterwards transferring to Del Mar College to continue her education in Airframe and Powerplant before changing majors and graduating from South Texas College in McAllen, Texas with an Associates of Applied Science in Manufacturing. Angela is currently working towards earning her FAA Airframe & Powerplant license.

Anissa Ybarra

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager

Arturo Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Unmanned Aircraft Pilot I - Emergency Management Operator
Arturo Rodriguez is an Emergency management UAS operator for Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC). Arturo started his career is UAS technology in the army. In the Army Arturo Flew The RQ-7B (Shadow). Arturo was trained to become an Aircraft Commander in the Military intelligence company of 16th Brigade engineer battalion. During his time in the Army, he accumulated over 300 Hours on his aircraft 150 of which were in combat in Afghanistan. Arturo was known to be dependable and resilient during his time in the Army. Arturo's expertise is in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Ashley Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Benefits & Retirement Coordinator

Ashley Larrabee

Job Titles:
  • Director, Marketing

Ashley Marion

Job Titles:
  • Research and Development
  • Research and Development UAS Pilot I
Ashley Marion joined the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Center of Excellence and Innovation team in November 2020, and serves as the Administrative Coordinator to Executive Director, Michael Sanders. She helps assist LSUASC as the representative for administrative interaction with the Research & Innovation department and TAMUCC. Her responsibilities include helping with quarterly and annual reports, official reports, non-disclosure agreements, travel claims, along with maintaining the executive director's calendar. She also helps with the logistics of large LSUASC events. Having served in the United States Navy for five years, Ashley previously worked in public relations, administration, communications, emergency management control, and public service. She also helped educate the public about America's Navy as a TV broadcaster and journalist for The American Forces Network and The Department of Defense News Channel. Ashley is an Islander Alumni with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management (2019) and a Master's in Business Administration (2020).

Barret Flaminio

Barret Flaminio '21, '24 joined Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Center of Excellence and Innovation team in January 2023 as a UAS Pilot I. Prior to his time with LSUASC, Barret worked in the Marketing and Communications Division of TAMU-CC as a Communications Specialist III. In this role, he wrote web stories, magazine feature articles, scripts, and handled media relations for the university. Barret is an Army veteran of 24 years, with experience in aviation maintenance, landmine and countermine operations, heavy demolitions, and recruitment and public relations activities. Throughout his career he held a variety of leadership positions, and held certifications in CPR/First Aid trainer, Drug and Alcohol Prevention, and Master Resiliency training. Barret is a proud Islander Alumni with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and is currently pursuing a Master's in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.

Barrett Flaminio


Ben Soto

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT User Support Services

Carrie Coursey

Job Titles:
  • Event Services Manager

Cassondra Casanova

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director, Human Resources

Catherine Bridges

Job Titles:
  • Business Coordinator

Chelsea Lanzener

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager, VPIA

Christina Holzheuser

Job Titles:
  • Bursar

Christina Loftin

Job Titles:
  • Research Specialist II - IACUC and IBC

Christopher Giles

Job Titles:
  • Assistant to the Vice President / Director of Strategic Projects

Claudia Amy Ayala

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean of Students, Care and Assistance
  • Associate Dean of Students, Student Care & Assistance

D'Angelo Sands

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Federal Programs

Dana Aikman

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Business Services

David Ramcharan - CIO

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President
  • CIO

David Squires

Job Titles:
  • Affiliated Research Scientist
  • Research and Development
Dr. Squires is a faculty member within the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning Sciences within the College of Education and Human Development. David teaches Master's level graduate courses in Instructional Design and Educational Technology, Hypermedia Development, Learning Management System Development, and Capstone Research Methods. David also teaches Introductory Research for the Department of Educational Leadership. David teaches advanced research methods with emerging technologies and Doctoral level courses within the Curriculum & Instruction Ph.D. granting program for the Instructional Design and Educational Technology Emphasis including research methodologies, Design-Based Research (DBR), and instructional technology for the College of Education & Human Development.

Dean Keck

Job Titles:
  • Airspace Manager

Deb Barak

Job Titles:
  • Program Coordinator

Derek Yu

Job Titles:
  • Director, Office of International Education

Donna Deleon

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate
  • Administrative Associate III
Donna DeLeon is the Administrative Associate III for Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation (LSUASC). She is responsible for coordinating daily office support activities and administrative interactions, such as the maintenance of files, records, office supplies and equipment. Prior to joining the LSUASC team, Donna retired from the City of Corpus Christi, Park and Recreation after 30 years of service. Donna worked with the TAMUK, Human and Performance and The Bilingual Education Department . Donna has experience in Finance, Human Resources and Certification of TEA regulation. Donna DeLeon is a native of Corpus Christi.

Donna Scott

Job Titles:
  • Director, Development - Harte Research Institute

Doris Garza

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Aviation Maintenance

Dr. Ahmed Mahdy - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President
  • Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation

Dr. Andy J. Benoit

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. Clarenda Phillips

Job Titles:
  • Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. David Scott

Job Titles:
  • Collaborative Community Research Center
  • Interim Director
  • Interim Director, Collaborative Community Research Center
David Scott, Ed.D. Dean of the College of Education and Human Development Interim Director 361.825.2660 david.scott@tamucc.edu Faculty Center 205B

Dr. Jacquelyn Flowers - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Human Resources Officer

Dr. Janet Donaldson

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Research

Dr. Jerel Benton

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Student Success

Dr. Keith Muhlestein

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, National Spill Control School

Dr. Kelly M. Miller - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President

Dr. LaMar Black

Job Titles:
  • Director, Academic Advising & Coaching

Dr. Lisa O. Perez

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President, Student Support & Dean of Students / University Center
  • Associate Vice President for Student Support & Dean of Students

Dr. Richard Smith

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director, Conrad Blucher Institute

Dr. Shawnrece Campbell


Dr. Theresa Sharpe

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Counseling Center

Dr. Tianwei Ma


Edrick Ellis

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director for Military & Veteran Services

Elvia Aguilar

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Alumni Engagement

Eric Bird

Job Titles:
  • Aviation Systems Engineer

Eric Shultz

Job Titles:
  • Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Operations

Erin Mulligan-Nguyen

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President of PAIRS

Garth Clayton

Job Titles:
  • Research Development Officer

Gina Concannon

Job Titles:
  • Associate Executive Director

Grady Booth


Hannah Mitchell

Job Titles:
  • Grants Specialist

Hoshi Colina

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer I
Hoshi Colina is a Software Applications Developer at Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation. Prior to joining the team at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, she was a Geospatial Analyst at the University of Texas at Austin. Her technical background includes presenting spatial data at GIS Day, researching the evolution of paid parking programs, mapping the epidemiologic distribution of COVID-19 in the Midwest, routing industrial construction paths, and agricultural science. In her current role, she develops and maintains applications and infrastructure supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Originally from Chicago, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She enjoys baking, crafting, and community service.

Irma San Miguel

Job Titles:
  • HR Administrative Associate IV

Jaclyn Mahlmann

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Finance & Administration

Jaime Nodarse Barrera

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Javier Vera

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer I

Jeannie Gage

Job Titles:
  • Director of Student Financial Assistance

Jennifer Baker

Job Titles:
  • Director, Learning Center

Jennifer Escamilla

Job Titles:
  • Leave and Payroll Manager

Joe Henry

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Business Development

Joe Miller

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, Research Engagement

John Fortiscue

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, CASA

John LaRue - Chief Compliance Officer

Job Titles:
  • Chief Compliance Officer

John Scarpa


Joseph Hayen

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean for Student Access and Support / University Center
  • Associate Dean of Students, Student Access & Support

Josh Boyd

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer IV

Joshua Gonzalez

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Infrastructure & Research Computing

Judith Perales

Job Titles:
  • Director, Academic Testing

Julian Lopez

Job Titles:
  • TAMU - CC Foundation Coordinator

Justin Guajardo

Job Titles:
  • Senior Administrative Coordinator

Karyn Salazar-Vega

Job Titles:
  • I - CARE Case Manager / University Center 2nd Floor, Room 206

Kellie Smith

Job Titles:
  • Director, Center for Faculty Excellence

Kendrick Billings

Job Titles:
  • Director, Academic Support & Mentoring

Kenneth Roberts

Job Titles:
  • Administration, Budget, and Policy
  • Client Technologies Analyst
  • Client Technology Analyst
  • Client Technology Analyst III
Kenneth Roberts is a Client Technology Analyst III for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC) of Excellence and Innovation, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He is responsible for performing complex and non-routine specialized client technology support functions, such as troubleshooting, analysis, research, de-bugging, and problem-solving. He has been with LSUASC since 2019. Prior to working at LSUASC, Kenneth worked for 11 years as a Technical Lead for Microsoft. Using incoming call and online forum data, he worked as a liaison between tier 3 support agents and Windows product groups to resolve high volume issues. He was involved in creating and monitoring pilot projects to help enhance resolutions and reduce call time. Kenneth is a second-generation Air Force veteran. As an Air Force Signals Intelligence Analyst, he used a wide range of complex analysis hardware and software to process signals and extract intelligence data from electromagnetic emissions. Kenneth holds a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Kevin Glynn

Job Titles:
  • Chief Information Security and Privacy Officer

Kevin Martin

Job Titles:
  • Director, Recreational Sports

Kimberly Becerra

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Development

Kimberly Hawkenson

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, Sponsored Research Administration

Kristeen Baum

Job Titles:
  • Student Assistance Case Manager / University Center

Larisa Ford

Job Titles:
  • Senior Research Development Officer

Larry Lloyd

Job Titles:
  • Dive Safety Officer

Leslie Mills

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Career Services

Linda Buckley

Job Titles:
  • Director of Scholarship Services

Lori Flaminio

Job Titles:
  • Director of Orientation

Luis Hernandez

Job Titles:
  • Research Engineer Associate
  • Research Engineer Associate III
Luis Hernandez is a Research Engineer Associate II for the Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC) of Excellence and Innovation, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He is a member of the LSUASC Engineering Team; this team is responsible for the overall engineering and technology development to support the Center's Federal Aviation Administration-mandated mission of safely integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems into the National Airspace System. Before being promoted to Engineer II, Luis served as Engineer/Data Manager for NASA's UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) Project. During Mr. Luis's service at LSUASC, the Engineering Team has integrated several payloads including Counter-UAS technology to various UAS platforms. Mr. Luis is a first-generation college graduate with leadership experience. Mr. Luis graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineer with an emphasis in Mathematics.

Luisa Buttler - CCO

Job Titles:
  • Director, Communications

Marco Longoria

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer II
Marco is a versatile professional who brings a diverse range of skills and experiences to his role as a member of the LSUASC team. Marco's journey in the tech industry started as a Software Developer, where he honed his ability to configure and optimize complex systems. His passion for programming led him to become a Full Stack developer and Web developer, showcasing his expertise in creating dynamic and user-friendly web applications. With his keen interest in data management, Marco also served as a DB Admin and Systems Admin, ensuring the smooth operation and security of critical systems. Recently, he has delved into the fascinating field of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision software, applying his software development skills to create innovative solutions in these cutting-edge technologies. Prior to becoming a Software Engineer, Marco was an experienced Land Survey Draftsman, where he developed a meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of spatial data. With his diverse background and expertise, Marco brings a unique perspective and makes valuable contributions to the LSUASC team here at TAMUCC. In addition to his technical proficiency, Marco is known for his strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning. His extensive background in various roles within the tech industry has equipped him with a comprehensive skill set, enabling him to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Marco's passion for exploring new technologies and his dedication to delivering high-quality solutions make him a valuable asset to the LSUASC team.

Margaret Barnett

Job Titles:
  • Director, IT Enterprise Applications

Margaret Dechant

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Student & Community Relations

Maria Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Coordinator I
  • Facilities Manager for Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation
Maria Martinez is the Facilities Manager for Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation. She is responsible for coordinating the upkeep and maintenance for the main office suites along with all remote office locations. In addition, to her primary objectives she oversees the tracking of inventory from purchasing to distribution to crosschecking inventory to ensure adequate availability for all missions. Prior to joining the LSUASC team, Maria worked with the Admissions Office and was part of the team that created what is now called the College of Graduate Studies (CGS). During her time with CGS, she advanced from Records Evaluator to Admissions Counselor and eventually to Graduate Admissions Coordinator. Maria Martinez is a native of Corpus Christi and has been with TAMUCC since June of 1997. She earned her associate degree in legal assisting from Del Mar Junior College in 1994 and went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in English (2002) and her Master of Arts in Communications (2016) both from TAMUCC. Currently, Maria working on attaining her Project Management certification.

Maria Pedigo

Job Titles:
  • HR Employment Specialist II

Maria Robles

Job Titles:
  • Conduct Officer / University Center

Mariah Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Grants Specialist

Mary Alice Mixon

Job Titles:
  • Grants and Contracts Specialist

Mary Canales

Job Titles:
  • Employee Benefits Manager

Matthew Wesson

Job Titles:
  • Agent
  • Project Manager
  • Logistics & Maintenance
  • UAS Project Manager III
Matthew Wesson is the Project Manager for Lone Star Unmanned Aerial Systems Center (LSUASC) of Excellence and Innovation, Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Matthew is the change agent for the group, utilizing his people skills to drive business results forward as well as, coordinating the planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing of the projects within the organization. Prior to joining the LSUASC Team, Matthew served as a Project Manager and District Supervisor for the Oil & Gas industry for nine years. As a Supervisor, he managed the South Texas District. As a Project Manager, he managed projects in South Texas, Oklahoma, and West Texas, ranging from construction, IT, and customer specific. Matthew has extensive international sales and marketing experience due to time spent in the electronics industry in management. Matthew is an Islander Alumni with a Bachelor of Business Administration (2010) and a Master's in Business Administration (2021).

Melissa Chapa

Job Titles:
  • University Registrar

Michael DeShazo

Job Titles:
  • Program Director
  • Data Visualization & Reporting Analyst

Michael La Torre

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Dean of Students, Conduct and Advocacy / University Center
  • Associate Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Advocacy

Michael Sanders

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director, Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation

Michaela Patton

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Associate III

Michelle Eisenman

Job Titles:
  • Research Specialist II - IRB

Nancy Burns

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant to the Vice President

Neftali Rivera

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Services

Nicolas Tamez

Job Titles:
  • Software Applications Developer II

Oscar Reyna

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of Recruitment and Admissions

Patricia Foster

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Rebecca Ballard

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, Research Compliance

Rick Reyes

Job Titles:
  • Interim Director, University Center

Ronald Sepulveda

Job Titles:
  • Manager, Business Development

Rosanne Gorny

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Vice President and Chief Budget Officer

Sara Morgan

Job Titles:
  • Director, South Texas Institute for the Arts

Scott Meares

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Operations

Seth Foster


Seth Moran

Job Titles:
  • Airspace Manager - Emergency Management

Shannon Mathis

Job Titles:
  • HR Employment Specialist II / Shannon

Sharmeen Ahmed

Job Titles:
  • Program Director, Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Sonia McNeill

Job Titles:
  • Business Coordinator III

Stephanie Schmidt

Job Titles:
  • Director, Student Activities

Susan Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Interim Associate Provost

Suzie Bazemore

Job Titles:
  • Executive Administrative Associate / University Center

Thomas Cantu

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Tom Frierson

Job Titles:
  • UAS Chief Pilot

Trent Spofford

Job Titles:
  • Director, Digital Media

Trent Thigpen

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager

Tuan Phung

Job Titles:
  • Business Manager

Tye Payne

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Operations, Testing, and Evaluation

Veronica Ysaguirre

Job Titles:
  • Conduct Officer / University Center

Victor Bottari

Job Titles:
  • UAS Range Coordinator

Victoria Perez

Job Titles:
  • HR Employment Specialist II

Walter Mills

Job Titles:
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician II

Wendy Jagat

Job Titles:
  • Grant Administrator I

Will Hobart

Job Titles:
  • Director, Procurement & Disbursement

Yolanda Castorena

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President
  • Controller

Zelda Chacon

Job Titles:
  • Director, University Health Centers