Economics Recent Alumni Committee
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The Economics Advisory Committee (EAC) works in conjunction with the Department of Economics to support and strengthen its academic goals, while providing advice on how the Department can better serve its students, the University, and the State of Texas. EAC members serve a three-year term with possible renewal at the end of their term.
The UT Economics Recent Alumni Committee (ERAC) consists of recent alumni, most of whom have graduated in the last three to ten years. ERAC was formed to provide advice and guidance for the Department and to work directly with the Department’s student organizations to enrich their educational journey and to prepare them for careers after graduation. The Committee was instrumental in creating the Alumni Mentory Directory, which became available to Economics students in Fall 2023.
If you are interested in getting more information about ERAC, please e-mail economics@austin.utexas.edu.
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BILL WESTON
ERAC Chair | BA 2011
Partner, WPWealth
LinkedIn
Bill is the inaugural chair of the UT Economics Recent Alumni Committee. Since graduating from UT-Austin with a BA in Economics and minor in Business, Bill has become a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and has also received his Series 66 License (Registered Representative & Uniform Investment Adviser Law) and Group 1 License (Texas Department of Insurance). Throughout his career in financial services, Bill has served institutional and retail clients in the areas of investments, tax, estate, retirement, insurance, and employer sponsored retirement plans. He is currently a Partner at WPWealth in Fort Worth.
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ALI DAREDIA
ERAC Chair-elect | BA 2019
McCord Development, Investment Analyst
LinkedIn
After graduating from UT-Austin, Ali started his career in the energy finance space at Bison Interests, where he led investment research in the oil and gas sector through market research, analyzing portfolio companies, and connecting with management teams. In his current role with McCord, Ali underwrites prospective investments and development projects at Generation Park in Houston and assists in asset management of the McCord commercial portfolio. Ali’s areas of interest include macroeconomics, public equities, and real estate finance.
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BAKTASH ANWAR
BA 2019
Oracle, Field Representative (GPU Cloud & AI Infrastructure)
LinkedIn
Since graduating from UT-Austin, Baktash has entered the Technology industry and supports enterprise organizations in the adoption and utilization of emerging technologies. He has served in several different roles with Oracle in Austin, and he is currently a Field Representative, collaborating with NVIDIA to bring supercomputers to AI researchers, startups, and established companies.
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MATT BYRNES
BA 2008
Integra FEC, Director
LinkedIn
Matt is currently a Director at Integra FEC, a forensic data analytics consulting firm that works with government agencies and law firms to investigate fraud. He applies data analysis to assist clients with solving complicated problems and works to help restore integrity to the financial system. Prior to that, Matt was a Senior Auditor at the Texas State Auditor’s office. He graduated from UT-Austin with degrees in Economics and Government and received an MBA from Texas State University. Originally born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Matt now lives in Austin with his wife and three kids.
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AUSTIN CURLEY
BA 2015
Memorial Hermann Health System, Director (Investments)
LinkedIn
Austin received a Master’s degree in Finance at Vanderbilt University after graduating from UT-Austin. He is currently a Director (Investments) with the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. Previously, Austin was a Senior Associate at Avalon Advisors. In that role, he was a member of the Investment Management team, where he was responsible for sourcing, diligence, and monitoring of investments on behalf of clients.
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KRISTIN DALY
BA 2019
J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Banker
LinkedIn
Kristin is a Banker with J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New York City. In her role, Kristin works with family offices, executives, and business owners to deliver tailored advice to clients around investment management, tax and estate planning, lending, banking, and charitable giving. Prior to moving to New York in 2022, Kristin spent three years in J.P. Morgan's Dallas office working with the Head of the Dallas Region to oversee a team of 100+ bankers and specialists. In her free time, Kristin enjoys traveling, exploring the newest art exhibits in town, cheering on the Longhorns, and spending time with her family and friends.
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LEONARDO GONZALEZ
BA 2016
BlackRock, Associate (Business Strategy Lead)
LinkedIn
Leonardo (“Leo”) is a business and innovation strategist with a focus on the asset management, wealth, and FinTech. Currently, he is an Associate at BlackRock, responsible for driving strategy and growth for the U.S. retirement business. Previously, Leo was a key member of the corporate strategy team at LPL Financial and a user-experience designer at Wells Fargo. As an alumnus, Leo is passionate about student mentorship and career enablement at UT-Austin. He has been an advisor to two student organizations on campus, Texas Convergent and the University Securities Investment Team.
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AUDREY HARDEE
BA 2016
Aeglea Biotherapeurics, HR Manager
LinkedIn
After Audrey left UT-Austin, she started her career in corporate sales and quickly found that her true passion was in Human Resources. She has experience working across fintech, biotech and electronics industries. She's worked in startups to large global companies across a variety of HR disciplines including: benefits, payroll, HR data and compliance.
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ANDREW HARUKI HILL
BA 2017
New York Knicks, Data Scientist
LinkedIn
Andrew was born and raised in New York City and attended UT-Austin because of its unlimited potential and access to undergraduate research opportunities. After graduating, he moved back to New York City to study urban data science at NYU and break into the civic tech space. He worked for the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission for almost two years, integrating data analytics methods into the agency’s processes. He then worked at The Athletic Media Company before taking on his current role with the New York Knicks. In his spare time, you can find Andrew walking his dog around Brooklyn and playing bass with my band around the city.
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GEORGE HO
BA 2013
Chase, Head of Consumer Deposit Products Commercialization
LinkedIn
George is the head of Consumer Deposit Products Commercialization for Chase Bank, responsible for the strategy and distribution of all consumer deposit products across the firm’s retail and digital channels. Prior to this role, he supported various senior leaders in a chief of staff capacity, including J.P. Morgan’s Corporate Client Banking and International Expansion CFO, interim coverage to the Commercial Bank CFO, and head of the Northeast Division for the Consumer Bank and Wealth Management business. George is actively involved in mentorship programs globally and is a member of the firm’s PRIDE Business Resource Group leadership team.
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NABEEL JAWAD
BA 2018
MongoDB, Enterprise Account Executive
LinkedIn
Nabeel is an Enterprise Account Executive at the software company MongoDB. He has been in the technology industry since graduating UT-Austin, working at MongoDB since 2019. Nabeel works closely with technology leaders in organizations and maps solutions to align with their technology modernization strategy. In his free time, Nabeel likes to work on home improvement projects, work out at OrangeTheory, and socialize with his closest friends.
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BEN JOHNSON
BA 2015
Square, Growth Product Marketing Manager
LinkedIn
Ben Johnson graduated from UT-Austin with degrees in Plan II Honors and Economics and was involved with the Plan II Students' Association, the Tejas Club, and Student Government. Since graduating, Ben has worked at several startups and technology companies in New York and Austin. He currently works as Growth Product Marketing Manager at Square. Previously, he worked at HubSpot. Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing guitar, riding his bike, searching out BBQ across Texas, and spending time with family and friends.
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NAMAN MEHRA
BA 2019
Bank of America, Software Engineer
LinkedIn
Naman Mehra is a Software Engineer on the automation and machine learning team at Bank of America, based in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from UT-Austin in 2019 with a BA in Economics and a BS in Applied Mathematics. He enjoys playing flamenco guitar, squash, chess, and reading.
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SAIF MOOLLA
BA 2016
Deloitte, Manager (M&A)
LinkedIn
After graduating UT-Austin, Saif started his professional career in the Tech industry where he led the implementation of energy software at Oil & Gas supermajors. After pivoting into consulting, he worked on digital transformation engagements, advising C-Suites on modernization strategy. Currently, Saif is part of Deloitte's M&A practice where he uses his technical background and experience from various industries such as Banking, Energy, and Transportation to support large-scale acquisitions and separations through IT due diligence, financial modeling, and operating model development. In his free time, Saif enjoys networking, being a foodie, traveling, and snowboarding.
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MARCUS RAMIREZ
BA 2018
Goldman Sachs, Associate (Private Markets Investing & Lending)
LinkedIn
Marcus started his career at JPMorgan Chase as part of a rotational program in the consumer bank. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Goldman Sachs to join the Private Markets Investing & Lending group within the Global Markets Division. Marcus currently sits in a hybrid role that involves credit underwriting, client management, and reporting strategy. Marcus joined the ERAC with the goal of helping the next generation of students prepare for and transition into their dream careers.
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CRISTINA REBELLO
BA 2017
Lazard Asset Management, Vice President (Sustainable Investment & ESG)
LinkedIn
Cristina Rebello is a Vice President on the Sustainable Investing & ESG team at Lazard Asset Management in New York City. She is focused on ESG reporting for clients, supporting sales and client facing individuals with product matters and RFP requests, as well as creating thought-leadership pieces and other marketing collateral. She began working in the investment field in 2017, upon joining Lazard. Prior to her current role, she was a Business Analyst on the Sales & Marketing Management team. Originally from Plano, Cristina graduated from UT-Austin in 2017 with a BA in Economics and a BSA in Mathematics.
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SAADMAN REZA
BA 2017
NMI, Vice President (Revenue Operations and Strategy)
LinkedIn
Saadman is currently Vice President of Revenue Operations and Strategy at NMI, a leading global full commerce enablement platform that processes over $200 billion in payments annually. Previously, he was Senior Director of Business and Revenue Operations at the Austin-based Molecula software company. Saadman’s background is centered around Enterprise SaaS B2B Go-to-market motions and how to optimize the operations in the Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, Channel Alliances, Pre-Sales, Product, and Finance departments to best drive revenue. Saadman is also a huge foodie, hip-hop head, and zealous sports fanatic.
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ROBERT ROCHELLE
BA 2009
QuoteWell, Head of Brokerage
LinkedIn
Robert is currently the Head of Brokerage with QuoteWell, a digital wholesaler built for independent insurance agents. He also founded Steward Risk in 2022 after years of experience across nearly all sectors of the insurance industry. Robert holds designations as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Energy Risk & Insurance Specialist (ERIS) and Construction Risk & Insurance Specialist (CRIS). In 2016, Robert was recognized on the San Antonio Business Journals list of “Who’s Who in Energy” and in 2017, was selected for the publication’s annual “40 Under 40” award. Later that year, Insurance Business America recognized Robert in their “Young Guns” feature as one of the country’s top 50 insurance professionals under 35. Robert was a member of Leadership San Antonio Class 41 and remains an active alumnus. He has actively served as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas Community Program Mentor since 2012 and joined the organization’s Board of Director’s in 2014. He is the past President of the San Antonio Chapters of both Young Professionals in Energy (YPE) and Young Texans Against Cancer (YTAC). He has also served on boards for the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy Board and the San Antonio Housing Authority. Robert and his wife, Hanna, reside in San Antonio and are the proud parents of two young children.
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KRYSTAL TANAKA
BA 2016
Indeed.com, Lead – Client Readiness (CS Strategy)
LinkedIn
Krystal has worked at Indeed.com since graduating from UT-Austin in 2016. She has become a product expert during her journey from Client Success to Marketing to Product Strategy & Commercialization. She is passionate about leaning into finding your "north star" to guide you as you make career decisions. Krystal graduated with her MBA from Rice University in 2022. Now that she is done with school, she loves to spend her free time with her husband and corgi, eating good food with friends and family, and kickboxing at a local kickboxing gym.
