Doctor of Business Administration in Technology and AI Strategies

Faculty

• Dr. Erin Wilkinson Hartung

  

  Dean of Management; Associate Professor, Business Administration
  Phone: 603.428.2301
  Email: ewilkinsonhartung@nec.edu

  Educational Background

  • DBA, Specialization in International Marketing, Alliant International University
  • MBA, Specialization in International Business, U.S. International University
  • BA in International Relations, Second Major in Business Economics, University of San Diego

   

  Bio
  Erin Wilkinson Hartung is an educator, writer, and business consultant with a passion for global learning and entrepreneurial growth. A former Fulbright Scholar in Tanzania, she brings a rich international perspective to the leadership and marketing courses she teaches. Her research focuses on the intersection of small business models and consumer behavior across both emerging and established markets. Outside the classroom, Erin enjoys exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending quality time with her family and two energetic dogs.

• Dr. Jimmy Brown

  

  Educational Background
  PhD in Organization Development, Benedictine University
  MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, University of Tulsa
  BA in Psychology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

  Research Interests
  Currently developing a new 360-degree assessment tool and a personality measure to assess people’s ability to assimilate to new technologies

  Bio
  I began my “work life” by funding my undergraduate education through sales and retail jobs, including two years as a store manager. I have spent the last 25+ years in various consulting roles with leading firms such as Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Accenture, and Hewlett-Packard. My focus right now is on teaching, researching, and executive coaching. I am also a Board-Certified Coach.

  Most of my consulting and academic careers have focused on organizational change, leadership development, and business strategy. I have worked across numerous industries, including government, pharmaceutical, healthcare (both provider and payer), manufacturing, and retail.

• Dr. Joan Lawson

  

  Visiting Assistant Professor MSCIS;
  Program Director, Executive Information Technology & Cybersecurity and Data Science & Analytics
  Office: John Lyons Center
  Email: jlawson@nec.edu

  Educational Background
  EdD in Information Technology, University of the Cumberlands
  MS in Software Engineering with specialization in Database Technologies, Regis University
  BS in Computer Information Systems, Bentley University

  Bio
  Joan Lawson had an extensive career in Information Technology—working in enterprise architecture, IT management, software development, and more—at companies such as IBM, Monster, and Kronos. She has over 15 years as an adjunct professor and completed her doctoral studies to expand her knowledge of the educational environment. Joan joined NEC in 2022 and assumed the role of Program Director in 2023.

  Joan feels very fortunate to have been involved in the evolution of IT. She started with paper tape and punch cards and is now working on artificial intelligence, with so many great experiences on the way. Outside of NEC, Joan loves to travel, cook, quilt, ski, kayak, and camp.

• Dr. Joseph Chavez

  Associate Professor of Business Administration

  Educational Background
  Doctor of Public Administration, Nova Southeastern University
  MS in Urban Affairs, Boston University
  Studies in Administration and Management Graduate Certificate, Harvard University
  BS, UMass Boston

• Dr. Lina Parra

  

  Director, Spanish Language and Graduate Management Programs
  Email: lparra@nec.edu

  Bio
  Born in Medellin, Colombia, Dr. Parra dreamed of acquiring a prestigious education in the United States. She came to the U.S. with an international student visa, and through the years, she had the opportunity to study at institutions such as Miami-Dade College, Barry University, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Nova Southeastern University where she earned her Doctorate in Public Administration. A professional with over 19 years of experience in the field of education, Dr. Parra presents significant contributions as an administrator and faculty member, including exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. She offers 18+ years of multi-site college/university leadership experience gained via exemplary long-term tenures with two of Florida’s largest academic institutions.

  As an Enrollment Services Administrator with a background covering all aspects of undergraduate and graduate student support services, her experience includes:

  • Recruitment and admissions
  • Academic advisement
  • Registration and retention
  • Financial aid
  • Employment services
  • Career/vocational counseling
  • Student academic progress
  • Judicial affairs

   

  Dr. Parra’s ability to work with a diverse population of national and international students has allowed her to oversee academic programs in English and Spanish. This includes teaching from undergraduate to doctoral courses in both languages.

• Dr. Reza Jalili

  

  K. H. William and Andrea Krueger Endowed Faculty Chair in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting
  Email: ajalili@nec.edu

  Expertise and Affiliations

  Expertise

  • Business economics
  • Experimental and behavioral economics
  • International accounting
  • Internal audit
  • Risk management
  • Research and publications in areas of managerial economics, quantitative methods, Middle Eastern economies, and behavioral economics

   

  Affiliations

  • Member of nine academic and professional organizations
  • Reviewer for six academic journals

   

  Educational Background
  PhD in Economics, University of New Hampshire
  MSA in Accounting, Bentley University
  MA in Economics, University of New Hampshire
  MBA in Managerial Accounting, James Madison University
  MS in Operation Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic institute
  BS in Accounting and Finance, N.I.O.C., College of Accountancy and Finance, Tehran, Iran

  Bio
  Dr. Jalili’s accounting career includes five years of experience as a staff accountant and supervising auditor, two years as an internal auditor, and three years as a chief financial officer. Beyond his hands-on accounting experience, he has worked as an independent consultant and has taught at the undergraduate, graduate, and executive levels for over 25 years.

  Dr. Jalili is married with two children. His interests include reading, formulating and solving problems, soccer, martial arts, mountain climbing, watching classic movies, opera, and old boxing matches.