Career Management Center

Laurie Boockvar is an Associate Director in the Career Management Center. Laurie specializes in the core job search skills such as self-assessment, networking, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation and managing the process. She is also a liaison to the Columbia Student Investment Management Association, Equity Research Club, Restructuring and Distressed Investing Group, and General Management Association.

Joni Coughlin is the Senior Associate Director, International, in the Career Management Center coaching MBA students on a wide range of career planning, job search, and professional development issues. Prior to joining the Business School in 2022, Joni worked in Higher Education at both Michigan Ross and Harvard Business School. 

Angela Ding is the Multimedia Manager for the Career Management Center at the Columbia School of Business. She received a dual Bachelor’s of Science in Electronic Media, Arts, and Communications with a focus on Graphic Design as well as in Game and Simulation Arts and Sciences with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has been eagerly applying her skills to cross-cultural communication and the media arts. 

R.A. Farrokhnia, a recipient of the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence, is an Executive Director at the Dean's Office of "Advanced Projects and Applied Research in Fintech." He also teaches courses at Schools of Business and Engineering; in addition, he is a lecturer and Board Member of the Knight-Bagehot Program at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

Lisa is the Executive Director of Employer Relations in the Career Management Center where she leads the employer engagement efforts of the School. Prior to joining CBS, Lisa worked for over twenty five years in the investment banking and technology sectors in NY and London.  

Ali has 10 years of experience in the field of workforce development and employer relations. For 6 years he worked for an International Organization in his home country where he managed the employment services programs. By creating meaningful relationships with employers and managing 4 staff members he successfully placed more than 500 clients into decent jobs. 

Mark Horney oversees a portfolio that includes the CMC’s Columbia Coaching Program, Digital Media Center, and the Career Leadership Institute. He also helps to lead strategy development for programs and services designed for CBS’s experienced-level MBAs. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Mark advises alumni on all aspects of career management and leadership development in addition to facilitating workshops and events. He has previous work experience in the investment banking, healthcare, and media industries.

Sunita is a forward-thinking leader with significant experience in career coaching, human resources, organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her mission is to help individuals find jobs where they can flourish as their authentic selves and experience a sense of belonging. She is a Certified Career Coach with a DEI certificate from Cornell University. She has sharpened her skills in designing high-impact career readiness programs and coaching diverse professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs to find jobs and excel in their workplaces.

Tom is an experienced career advisor and executive coach who has worked with successful professionals at all stages of their careers.  Tom has held a variety of leadership roles within Columbia Business School’s Career Management Center (CMC) for over 15 years.  He currently serves as Executive Director of Experienced Professionals Career Management where he manages the delivery of leadership development and career-related services to CBS Alumni and Executive MBA students.

Ochi Nwokoro has just over 7 years of combined experience in administrative support and candidate experience. She completed her M.A. in Media, Culture & Communication at New York University where she researched bias in ATS systems and within industry practice. She then gained experience supporting high volume recruitment within early career functions in the music and entertainment industry, including organizing diverse hiring events and cultivating partnerships to forward inclusion initiatives from a talent acquisition perspective.

Elana is an events and development professional with an accomplished history in project management, communications, donor and alumni relations, and event production. Elana has a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofit industries and a passion for relationship building and engagement.

James leads the delivery of leadership and career coaching services for the Columbia Business School Executive MBA (EMBA) community. He is an International Coaching Federation (ICF-PCC) certified executive coach and advises clients on all areas of leadership development, career transition, and work-life integration. James is driven by a deep desire to help leaders see themselves with clarity and make conscious choices that positively impact their communities.

Mico Zinty advises alumni on all aspects of career management & professional development including career transitions, internal career mobility, and job search strategies across a broad range of industries and continents. Mico has been with Career Management since 2005 and also develops and leads workshops & Career Action Planning groups.