Each year, the Terry College of Business honors exceptional alumni for their significant achievements in the business world and their community. The 2026 honorees will be recognized at the annual Alumni Awards and Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Scott Sink (BBA '84) has more than 40 years in energy and insurance and has built a legacy of innovation and industry leadership. Sink began his career at Virginia Power before joining Alexander & Alexander as vice president. In 1994, he moved to McGriff, Seibels & Williams, where he helped grow one of the largest power and utility practice groups in the country and later led the firm’s energy division as senior executive vice president. In 2025, he joined Howden as chairman, U.S. natural resources, and head of the Birmingham office. A recipient of UGA’s 2012 Risk Management and Insurance Alumnus of the Year award, he also holds the ARM designation.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Laura Brightwell (BBA '89) earned her BBA in international business from UGA before beginning her career on Capitol Hill with Congressman Lindsay Thomas. She spent 25 years at Coca-Cola Enterprises in Atlanta and London, retiring as senior vice president for public affairs and communications, where she led global teams and oversaw corporate responsibility efforts. A longtime supporter of the Terry College, Brightwell is an emeritus Alumni Board member, past chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, and a founding donor of the Terry Women’s Initiative, now the Terry Edge Network. She also helped create the Sea Island Scholars program, connecting top students with alumni mentors. Brightwell serves on the board of Builders Insurance Group, where she chairs the management development and compensation committee.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Alex Hill (BBA '10) is senior director of investments at Icarus Alternative Investments, leading co-GP investment efforts and supporting capital markets transactions. Before joining Icarus in 2023, he spent a decade at Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group as managing director and partner, completing more than $2.8 billion in real estate transactions. A UGA Terry College finance graduate, Alex began his career at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (now Truist Securities) in the structured real estate group. A former UGA men’s tennis captain, he is also a founder and co-owner of Yonder Yoga, a growing studio brand across the Southeast.

Sam Naeher (BBA '25) has joined the University of Georgia baseball staff as the director of baseball operations. Naeher served as a student manager for the baseball program during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Prior to that, he worked with Olympic Sports Nutrition for the UGAAA from 2022-23. He will organize team travel, handle all equipment, as well as assist all members of the coaching staff in their day-to-day tasks. Additionally, he will direct camps, assist with on campus recruiting, special events and oversee the student managers and interns with the program. Naeher is a 2021 graduate of Athens' Prince Avenue Christian School, where he played baseball and football.

Cat Gayle (BBA '02) is a children’s author whose stories inspire mindfulness, kindness, and courage in young readers. She holds a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and currently teaches at Northside Methodist Preschool in Atlanta, GA. After graduating college, she spent a summer in London, England, followed by a move to New York City. The energy and creativity of both cities sparked her imagination and influenced her writing journey. Her upcoming chapter book series for early independent readers, Cat’s Monster Book Series, helps children navigate fears while learning about mindfulness and good manners. Her acclaimed book, When a Monster Meditates, gently teaches young readers how to find calm within chaos. In 2025, Gayle was honored as the Georgia Author of the Year Silver Finalist for her meaningful contribution to children’s literature, showing that even little monsters can learn big lessons about peace, patience, and kindness.

Tyler Williamson (BBA '11) has been promoted to Principal (Partner) at KPMG. Based in Atlanta, Williamson has built a successful career in audit and advisory, working with clients across diverse industries to deliver trusted insight and measurable impact. Williamson worked as an IT Advisory intern in 2010 before joining full time after graduation in 2011. A graduate of the Terry College  with a degree in Management Information Systems, Williamson reflects on his time at UGA as the foundation of his professional success. Throughout his career, he has exemplified the values of integrity, leadership, and excellence. Williamson remains engaged with the college, returning to campus to connect with students, and is a former Terry College Young Alumni Board member.

Kathleen Phelps (BBA '06, BA '06) has been named the Chief Financial Officer at MCC Label in Atlanta, GA. Phelps brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience across private equity-backed and publicly traded companies in the packaging, manufacturing and industrial sectors. She is a strategic finance leader with deep expertise in capital allocation, portfolio strategy, M&A execution and enterprise transformation. Phelps graduated from the Terry College in 2006 with a BBA in International Business and received an MBA from Columbia University in 2015. Phelps serves on the Terry College Alumni Board and is also a REACH Georgia Board member. 

The Terry College welcomed alumni back to campus for the annual Homecoming Tailgate, bringing together generations of Bulldogs to celebrate their Terry pride. Before kickoff, alumni gathered on the Coca-Cola Plaza to reconnect with classmates, faculty, and friends — reminiscing about their time in Athens and sharing what’s new since their days on campus. It was the perfect start to game day in Athens, made even better when the Dawgs went on to beat the Cats! Find event photos here.

Col. Thomas Wilkinson Mahler Jr. (BBA '72, MBA '73) fondly recalls how his time at the University of Georgia and the Terry College of Business shaped his path in leadership and innovation. As an Air Force ROTC Flying Bulldog and member of the Demosthenian Literary Society, Mahler made the most of his time on campus, building the skills and confidence that would guide his successful career and a lifetime of service. After completing his MBA, an Air Force personnel officer recognized his strong background in quantitative analysis and systems management and selected him to lead major software acquisition programs. The decision marked the beginning of his remarkable 25-year Air Force career. Mahler retired as a colonel and transitioned to the aerospace industry, working for Honeywell Aerospace and Jacobs Engineering. He retired in 2012 after 14 years in the private sector, concluding a distinguished career that merged technology, leadership, and national service.

Mahler and his wife, Mary Debra Kidd Mahler (BSEd '72, MAEd '73)—an accomplished artist whose work includes a portrait of President George H. Bush’s dog named C. Fred—now live in Winchester, Tennessee. Together, they remain proud Bulldogs and steadfast supporters of UGA. Through their support of the Terry College and the Department of Management Information Systems, Mahler continues to invest in the next generation of innovators.

The Terry College of Business is deeply grateful for alumni such as Mahler, whose generosity and commitment opens doors for the next generation of business leaders. His story is a reminder of how one Bulldog’s journey continues to make an impact long after graduation.

The October Alumni of the Day were Olivia Harland, Tate Henshaw, Emma Grace Harrell, Diego Rivadeneira, and David Miller. Harland graduated in 2021 with a Master of Business and Technology and is the President and CEO of Olivia Nicole Inc. Henshaw graduated in 2007 with a BBA in Finance and a BS in Mathematics and is the Co-Founder of Arc Business Management. Harrell graduated in 2019 with a BBA in Marketing and is a Senior Marketing Coordinator at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Rivadeneira graduated in 2022 with a BBA in Finance and is a Financial Planning Associate at Element Wealth Advisors. Miller graduated in 2011 with a BBA in Accounting and in 2012 with a MAcc, and is the founder and managing partner of Pathwise CPA Group & Pathwise Financial Advisors. 

Each week, we feature an Alum of the Day, where alumni share their career, company, activities they enjoy in their downtime, favorite Georgia memories, and how they choose to give back to their community. The goal of the Alum of the Day series is to show current Terry students the types of career opportunities that exist and give them great contacts in their industry. 

Be sure to check out @terryalumni on Facebook and Instagram each Wednesday to see our next featured alum! Head to the Alum of the Day page for more information and to fill out the form. 

Meet Trey Wilson (BBA '26) – a Terry College student, natural people person, and innovative leader. As president of the Black Business Student Association, co-founder of the Keystone Fellowship, and a Student Philanthropy Council member, Wilson is turning big ideas into action on campus and beyond. He helped secure a $50,000 Deloitte grant to support a networking summit, a student-powered venture fund, and a variety of capstone projects. Through this funding, he is launching a global education initiative, distributing solar-powered tablets loaded with offline learning resources to students in Sub-Saharan Africa and rural India.

A finance and management information systems major who also studies psychology, Wilson is gaining the skills he needs to start an educational technology venture while understanding how people learn and thrive. Over the summer, he landed a coveted internship with Monomoy Capital Partners in New York, where his extroverted, affable nature helped him quickly build connections. That same people-first mindset inspired his project, The Subtext, helping busy young adults uncover long-term goals and achieve personal success. 

The Terry College is looking forward to the 15th annual Professional Women's Conference, on Friday, November 7. Hosted by the Coca-Cola Company the conference offers a day of networking and learning through keynote speakers, panel discussions and session with industry leaders, executives and mentors. To view the agenda and learn about the speakers, click here.  The conference is sold out.

The Terry College is grateful to the sponsors whose generosity makes the Professional Women’s Conference possible. Your support helps us bring together hundreds of professionals for a day of leadership, learning, and connection.

An extra-special thank-you to The Coca-Cola Company for graciously hosting us and helping bring this empowering experience to life.

Join us at Terry Third Thursday on November 20 to hear from Charles Watson (MBA '09), CEO of Smalls Sliders — a rapidly growing quick-service restaurant chain specializing in sliders, fries, and milkshakes. Before joining Smalls Sliders in 2024, he helped grow Tropical Smoothie Café from 265 to 1,500 locations nationwide, serving as both Chief Development Officer and later CEO. Watson brings decades of experience in hospitality and franchising, with previous roles at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group, and U.S. Franchise Systems. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear insights from this dynamic leader on brand growth, franchise success, and leadership in the hospitality industry.

This spring, 16 students in the Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA) will embark on an exciting leadership journey to London, where they'll gain global insights through company visits and cultural experiences. With the support of generous donors, we can significantly reduce the financial burden on these students, ensuring that each one can fully engage in this transformative opportunity. The trip costs $2,500 (+ airfare) per student. Make your gift by November 1 to support their leadership journey across the pond. 

ILA is an innovative, ever-evolving certificate program that combines coursework with real-world experience, which is privately funded within the Terry College. ILA is sharpening the next generation of leaders who stand out distinctly because of their unwavering commitment to make values-based, impact-driven decisions. 

After years of dedicated service—creating core courses, advising SMIS, and championing experiential learning—Dr. Mark Huber is retiring at the end of this semester. To honor his incredible commitment to hands-on education, we have established the Dr. Mark Huber Student Support Fund. This fund ensures future MIS students benefit from the same professional development and experiential opportunities Mark has always championed.

“Dr. Huber turned a sprawling campus into a close-knit community where we could practice leadership and gain a real advantage over peers at other universities. He championed hands-on learning and treated students as colleagues and professionals. I’m proud to support this fund so future MIS students can experience the same opportunities and guidance that shaped my career.” — Chris Sanders (MIS '11)

Are you interested in mentoring a current student? Are you looking for a new job? Do you want to connect with classmates and share advice? TerryConnect is the hub for student-alumni networking for the Terry College. Students are encouraged to join and build relationships with Terry Alumni, leading to shared information and advice, hiring opportunities, and long-term networking. Whatever your question, whatever your need: TerryConnect can find a helping hand and keep you connected within the Terry community. Tip: Turn on post notifications so you don't miss any opportunities! 

Terry Third Thursday speaker Susannah Frost (AB '95) and Michael Lage (BBA '05) presented to a sold out crowd in October.

Jay Ferro (AB '96, MBA '03), EVP, Chief Information, Technology & Product Officer at Clario, presented at the October MBA Lunch & Learn. 

Student Philanthropy Council members tabled in Coca-Cola Plaza for Ten for Terry day.

Interim Dean Santanu Chatterjee and Provost Ben Ayers at the Georgia v. Ole Miss football game.

Meet Georgette and Marketing student, Taryn Hooks.

Students participated in Dawg Day of Gratitude, writing thank you notes to donors. 

Follow us on social to see what's happening with Terry alumni!

Have news to share with us?

Let us know!

Click here to send us a message.

Copyright © 2025 Terry College of Business 

Our mailing address is:
Terry College Office of Development & Alumni Relations
University of Georgia
600 S Lumpkin St 
Athens, GA 30602

The University of Georgia Foundation is registered to solicit in every state and provides state-specific registration information at http://www.ugafoundation.org.

communication preferences    | privacy policy | view in browser