Career Management Center

Kelsie is a communications and marketing professional with international experience in project management, digital engagement, and storytelling. Having spent over a decade in higher education administration, she is dedicated to using data-driven insights to shape impactful communication strategies for diverse audiences.

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. 

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.

Brandon Kelly joined Columbia Business School in 2019 and is currently Senior Associate Director, Business Applications & Data Operations in the Career Management Center. In this role, he manages multiple technology platforms and data systems, and is the primary contact for external software vendors. Additionally, he provides meaningful and actionable data collection and analysis to the CMC and other school stakeholders.

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.

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.