WORK AT UMA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
- Strategy Officer
Alexandra Schaffrath is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Ultimate Medical Academy where she responsible for all of the company's financial functions, including accounting, treasury and financial planning. She also oversees the strategic planning and business intelligence departments which support enterprise planning and development, drive analytical initiatives, and develop predictive models to improve student outcomes and identify areas of organizational improvement.
Prior to joining UMA in January 2012, Schaffrath served as Vice President of Development at Laureate Education. She has also held leadership positions with Career Education and served in analytical and consulting roles with Bear Stearns & Co. and KPMG, LLP.
Schaffrath has a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in Finance and Accounting from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner at Ultimate Medical Academy
Amber Jennings is a Talent Acquisition Partner at Ultimate Medical Academy, bringing three years of experience to the team. When discovering candidates, Amber looks for someone who is personable and serious about building relationships. When she isn't scouting candidates, Amber is an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball coach, after having played for four years at the collegiate level.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President of Talent Acquisition at UMA
Andrew Moberg is the Associate Vice President of Talent Acquisition at UMA. Andrew has been helping place the right talent at the right companies for the past 15 years. When he's not focusing on helping you find the right professional "fit," you can find him biking through Florida's flatlands and rolling hills.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer
- Chief Information Officer ( CIO ) for Ultimate Medical Academy
Andy Rhodes serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Ultimate Medical Academy leading strategy and implementation of the technology that helps us connect with our students, graduates, employer partners, and team members.
Rhodes has more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry and most recently worked as the CIO and Head of Digital Transformation for UNICEF USA. While there, he was responsible for overseeing the turnaround of Information Technology and Operation for the high-profile humanitarian nonprofit. Prior to his time with UNICEF, Rhodes also developed strategic initiatives as a leader at major corporations including Mattel and the United States Golf Association.
Rhodes is a builder of innovative, customer-obsessed teams that deliver results in high-growth, high-profile digital transformations. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.
Job Titles:
- Senior Talent Acquisition Partner
- Talent Acquisition Partner at UMA
Angelie Nieves is a Talent Acquisition Partner at UMA. A natural matchmaker with an eye for interior design, Angelie loves to spend her off days hanging out at the beach and catching rays. Her sunny personality helps her form connections with UMA graduates that will help them once they embark upon an exciting new career.
April Neumann leads the placement efforts of the Career Services team. Neumann partners with UMA's executive team on key educational and healthcare priorities, innovative approaches, and community partnerships.
Neumann has played a major role in numerous strategic initiatives, including overseeing the development of an online externship program that now has more than 22,000 site locations. In 2018, she launched the UMA's Corporate Alliance initiative, which placed more than 1,000 graduates with Corporate Alliance partners across the country.
Prior to joining UMA in 2011, Neumann served as director and manager of operations at oneTRUEzone, a professional coaching company. She has more than 12 years of leadership and strategy experience in education and career coaching.
Beraca Pierre-Gilles Talent Acquisition, Concierge Beraca Pierre-Gilles is the Talent Acquisition Concierge at Ultimate Medical Academy. With two years of experience in the Human Resources field, Beraca is motivated by her interactions with diverse, new hires throughout and supporting them throughout their onboarding experience. In her free time, Beraca likes to stay active. She enjoys indoor cycling classes, nature walks, and trips to the beach.
Dr. Hawk is a board-certified family medicine physician who is currently a Hospice and Palliative care fellow at the University of New Mexico. He has previously practiced in Washington state at St. Joseph's Community Hospital and the Lummi Nation Tribal Health Clinic, and was an adjunct professor engaged in clinical research and mentoring in association with the University of Washington.
Before medicine, he worked nationally and internationally on remote construction projects. Through his travels and volunteer efforts for health organizations, Dr. Hawk witnessed how disparities in wealth, education, and access to healthcare often negatively affect outcomes. Seeking a career that could contribute to addressing these disparities, Dr. Hawk entered the medical and educational professions.
Dr. Hawk earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii. He earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Washington.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Talent Acquisition Team at Ultimate Medical Academy
- Director, Talent Acquisition
Dominique Hooks is the Director of the Talent Acquisition team at Ultimate Medical Academy. She has seven years in the talent acquisitions field. What catches Dominique's eye is a candidate's willingness to learn and motivate themself. She always keeps the three Cs in mind: communication, collaboration, and career goals. In her spare time, Dominque loves the outdoors whether it is hiking, fishing, or traveling.
A recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Darlyne Bailey has served as an educator for more than 30 years, with more than 24 of those years also serving as an academic administrator at several prominent institutions, while continuing to make numerous additional professional contributions. As Professor and Dean Emeritus at the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and Special Assistant for Community Partnerships to the President at Bryn Mawr College, Dr. Bailey has previously taught and served as Dean of Professional Schools at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Minnesota, and as Dean and Vice President of Columbia University's Teachers College where she also served as acting president.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Clearwater Campus Director
Dr. Rebecca Sarlo was named Associate Vice President and Director of Ultimate Medical Academy's Clearwater Campus in July 2020 where she oversees both the academic and operational functions at the campus in Clearwater, Florida.
Dr. Sarlo joined UMA in 2013 as Dean of Institutional Effectiveness where she led the creation of the Online Campus and Clearwater Campus program effectiveness plans and supported data-based problem solving. She also oversaw the institution's advisory boards and multi-tiered student intervention services.
Prior to UMA, Dr. Sarlo worked for the Florida Department of Education. There she directed secondary school improvement efforts and led the development and implementation of Florida's Secondary School Problem Solving/Response to Intervention framework to improve Florida's highest risk middle and high schools.
Dr. Sarlo is an author and sought after national speaker on topics including school improvement, student engagement, early warning systems, and the delivery of effective multi-tiered student intervention services. She earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of South Florida College of Education.
Job Titles:
- Board Trustee
- Chief Executive Officer of WMS Corporation
- National Leader
Dr. Saundra Wall Williams is a national leader in corporate governance and leadership development. She has over 25 years of experience as a consultant, leader, and practitioner in the field of information technology as well as enterprise training and development, hardware/software design, and distance learning.
Dr. Williams is the chief executive officer of WMS Corporation, a professional development consulting and training company that supports emerging and established women leaders in corporations, government, education, and non-profit organizations. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at North Carolina State University in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development.
As the former Senior Vice President and Chief of Information Technology, Data, Business Intelligence, Library Systems, Distance Learning and Workforce Development for the North Carolina Community College System, the third largest community college system in the world, Dr. Williams led the implementation of the largest computer information system in higher education in the world.
Dr. Williams has earned several awards during her career as a C-level leader. She was named the Kellogg Foundation Houle Scholar in Adult Education, Azusa Scholar in Divinity, North Carolina State University College of Sciences Alumni of the Year, North Carolina Chief Information Officer of the Year, North Carolina's Technology Woman of the Year, NC ACHI Magazine Woman of Achievement and North Carolina State University Outstanding Black Alumni.
Dr. Williams is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and Doctor of Education in Adult and Community College Education. She holds a Master of Divinity from Regent University. She was also awarded the Honorary Associate of Science degree from Richmond Community College. She is a certified Chief Information Officer with the State of North Carolina through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a certified Strengths Champion Certified Coach® and certified Transformation Coach.
Job Titles:
- Board Trustee
- Professor at the Hunter College ( CUNY ) School of Social Work
For more than 40 years, Dr. Steve Burghardt has been a professor at the Hunter College (CUNY) School of Social Work, where he has focused on areas such as transformative leadership models and community-based action. A prolific author, researcher and an award-winning professor, Dr. Burghardt has also provided service to numerous editorial boards and professional societies.
Dr. Burghardt approaches his teaching instruction with the philosophy of empowering his students to assist others. Additionally, Dr. Burghardt provides coaching to executives, municipal leaders and others regarding community engagement, leadership, strategic planning and communications.
Dr. Burghardt received his undergraduate degree from Lafayette College and his master's and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Talent Acquisition Operations
One of the most listed skills on resumes is "an attention to details". So there's no doubt that details are important, and that is where Elizabeth shines. Her job is to make sure everything runs smoothly so that our team can focus on placements. When she isn't setting up travel for clients, she loves to set it up for herself.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner for Ultimate Medical Academy
Fabiola Bolanos is a Talent Acquisition Partner for Ultimate Medical Academy where she looks to match the specific skillsets of candidates with the department that best suits their growth and satisfaction. Fabiola determines if a candidate is a good fit for UMA and if UMA is a good fit for them. Outside of UMA, Fabiola is a passionate reader and loves spending time with her two cats, collectively named JZ.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner
Gabby Deveau has multiple years of experience in healthcare recruitment and takes pride in exceeding the expectations of others. Gabby's passion for building relationships and making a difference contributes to her success as a recruiter. On days off, you can find Gabby shopping, enjoying nature, or watching Netflix!
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Operations
- Senior Director of Student Finance
Greg Mueller oversees and motivates the Student Finance, Registrar, Learner Services, and Operations Support Services teams to embrace best practices and innovation to achieve successful student outcomes.
Mueller joined UMA in 2010 as Senior Director of Student Finance, overseeing the New Student Finance team. From there, he moved to Vice President of Student Finance, then Vice President of Operations, and in August 2016 to his current role.
Prior to UMA, Mueller worked in the student finance sector of higher education for several years.
Currently serving on the BayCare Health System Board of Trustees, Hugh Campbell brings more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector to the UMA Board of Trustees. Campbell also serves as the Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the CEO Council of Tampa. He is the President of AC4S Technologies, a hybrid cloud solutions provider helping companies with tech support, cloud services, cybersecurity, and intelligent building systems. Campbell has 16 years of experience running a federal business and 10 years of active service in the U.S. Army as a communications officer.
Campbell is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds a master's degree in telecommunications management from Golden Gate University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Talent Acquisition Partner
Jill finds qualified candidates the way she shops: with great enthusiasm. She's been a team member since 2013 and specializes in finding talent quickly and efficiently, like it's the last day of a big sale.
Job Titles:
- Board Trustee
- Vice President of Information Technology and Telecommunications and Chief Information Officer for Tampa Electric
For over 19 years, Karen Mincey has worked as the Vice President of Information Technology and Telecommunications and Chief Information Officer for Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas Company (TECO). Deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community, Mincey also serves on the Advisory Group for the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the University of South Florida Electrical Engineering's Industrial Advisory Board. She also serves as a Corporate Board Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.
Mincey was named a Tampa Bay Business Journal "CIO of the Year" honoree in 2020. In 2010, she joined Oprah Winfrey as one the 75 most powerful women in business, named by Black Enterprise.
Mincey holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University New Orleans.
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Contributor to Fortune
Linda Mignone joined Ultimate Medical Academy in August 2018 and is responsible for overseeing UMA's marketing, communications and admissions efforts. In this role, she helps to elevate the institution's brand, engage new learners, spur adoption of new programs and technologies, and champion student outcomes.
Linda brings 25 years of experience to her role at UMA in strategic, brand, digital, and direct marketing in multiple industries-from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. These include higher education providers like Kaplan, Inc. and transportation and logistics companies like DHL.
Mignone has been a contributor to Fortune and CNN in the areas of leadership and management, and she serves as an advisor to Merci360 and other start-up and incubator organizations. She earned her BBA in Marketing and MBA from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York.
Job Titles:
- Talent Acquisition Partner at Ultimate Medical Academy
Morgan Tietjen is a Talent Acquisition Partner at Ultimate Medical Academy. Prior to this role, Morgan served UMA for three years, first as a Classroom Support Advisor, then as a Learner Services Advisor. The three qualities that Morgan looks for in an ideal candidate are a positive mindset, the ability to work on a team, and authenticity. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, the beach, and TV marathons.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & People Officer, and Corporate Secretary
- People Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Ultimate Medical Academy
- UMA As Senior Counsel - Business & Legal Affairs
Nicole Anzuoni is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & People Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Ultimate Medical Academy, where she has worked for over a decade. Anzuoni leads UMA's legal and people teams, utilizing the goals of the institution's vision and strategic plan to affect organization-wide impact and promote an environment to which people aspire to be a part. In addition to rendering timely and thoughtful advice on a broad range of legal matters relevant to all UMA activities and overseeing the framework for corporate governance required by UMA's Board of Trustees, Anzuoni advances the purposeful development of our culture and team members to align with our vision, hones and nurtures our team members' career aspirations, and weaves diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the tapestry of our culture.
Anzuoni joined UMA as Senior Counsel - Business & Legal Affairs in December 2010. She was responsible for UMA's Continuing Medical Education (CME) division from July 2011 through April 2017 when she became Senior Vice President of Administration. Later that year, Anzuoni was named General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, a role she held until February 2021 when she assumed her current position.
Prior to her work with UMA, Anzuoni practiced corporate law at two leading firms in New York. She was a member of the Business Law Group of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. and started her legal career in the Business & Finance practice group at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP.
Anzuoni holds an A.B. from Harvard University in Government and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. In 2019, the Tampa Bay Business Journal named Anzuoni a Top Corporate Counsel honoree.
Ms. McDevitt has a wealth of experience in educational policy, business ethics and regulatory and corporate compliance. A former chair of the Board of Governors of Florida's State University System, Ms. McDevitt recently concluded her long-term service on the boards of St. Leo University, Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc. (WEDU), and Hillsborough County Bar Foundation. She currently serves as an Emeritus Trustee on each of those boards. She also served on the Board of Directors and as chair of the compliance committee of Bay Cities Bank up until the sale of the Bank.
Beyond her service to numerous educational, civic and professional organizations during her career, Ms. McDevitt served for many years as the senior vice president and general counsel of TECO Energy, Inc. A recognized leader in the Florida business community, Ms. McDevitt has been a member of the Florida Council of 100, has been inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame and received the Outstanding Contribution Award for Pioneering in Business Ethics from the University of Tampa.
Ms. McDevitt received her undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University. She was granted an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from St. Leo University and earned a certificate in Organizational Management from Harvard University Business School.
Sue Edwards - Chief Compliance Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Chief Compliance Officer at Ultimate Medical Academy
Sue Edwards is Chief Compliance Officer at Ultimate Medical Academy where she is responsible for ensuring the school adheres to all regulatory accreditation, state and U.S. Department of Education standards and internal policies.
First joining UMA as Vice President of Compliance in January 2011, Edwards has more than two decades of experience. She has presented to professional development audiences on topics such as compliance basics, accreditation, state licensing standards and requirements, admissions, and career services compliance.
Previously, Edwards served as Vice President of Compliance at Kaplan Higher Education where she oversaw compliance at Kaplan's more than 70 residential campuses and online campus.
Edwards holds an M.A. in Education Administration from the College of Santa Fe.
Theodore Polin has more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, accountant, and advisor with a broad background in major transactions, financial matters, and corporate governance, including for healthcare entities and educational providers. Polin is the General Counsel of Goltens Worldwide, an international service provider, and previously served as a partner for 15 years at the healthcare law firm of Epstein Becker Green. A former Certified Public Accountant, he also earlier worked at KPMG LLP.
Growing up as the child of a university professor and author, he learned from an early age the profound benefits of education in helping oneself and others, a particularly powerful tool in the healthcare field.
Polin earned his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and his law degree from the New York University School of Law.
Job Titles:
- President
- President for Ultimate Medical Academy
Thomas Rametta serves as President for Ultimate Medical Academy. UMA is a Tampa-based nonprofit healthcare educational institution with more than 10,000 students and more than 75,000 alumni nationwide. Rametta leads UMA's Vision 2025, the organization's long-term strategic plan to develop a brighter future for its learners, partners, and team members. Rametta is responsible for leading strategies to fulfill UMA's mission to equip and empower students to excel in healthcare careers. This includes developing a diverse and talented team to support students throughout their journey, ensuring the institution operates with financial responsibility and championing student outcomes.
Prior to UMA, Rametta was Group Finance Director of Enterprise Media Group (EMG), a $700 million segment of Dow Jones. Prior to EMG, he was Director of Management Reporting for Factiva, LLC (also a Dow Jones company).
Rametta is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from James Madison University.