Meet the Team

Kim Rice DeGross, Esq., is the Assistant Dean of the Office of Career Services at the Smith School. She brings over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies, federal and state governments, and C-suite executives across a variety of industries. She spent six years at Gartner and has extensive experience in building long-term employer collaborations and partnerships, which play a key role in helping students secure internships and job offers.

DeGross began her career as a litigator, including serving as an Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland State Police. She later transitioned to the corporate world, with Thomson Reuters, where she moved from managing law firm accounts to leading global consultative sales teams. Her broad experience informs her work in developing outreach strategies to support student career outcomes.

A proud University of Maryland alumna, DeGross was a Benjamin Banneker Scholar, a member of the honors program, recognized as a top-ten freshman, and the first woman elected president of the Student Government Association. She is a lifetime member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and is a lifetime member of the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

DeGross holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland in Hearing & Speech Science, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

Sherri has been with the Robert H. School of Business, the University of Maryland since August 2016. She works directly with the Assistant Dean and Executive Director as a trusted Executive Assistant in the fast-paced and highly-visible environment of the Office of Career Services.

Sherri is highly innovative, mission-driven, fiscally sound and community-oriented. She is the point of contact between the Assistant Dean and internal and external clients, ensuring that stakeholders are cared for and the department is running smoothly.

Sherri is skilled with budget and informational management. She regularly conducts data analyses to provide the Assistant Dean with business intelligence relevant to the office’s financial position.  She ensures that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements, revising projections as necessary to maintain compliance with budgetary goals. Sherri also contributes to strategic communications that engage the community with the Office of Career Service’s mission and commitments. As Executive Assistant, some of her other functions are to maintain the Assistant Dean’s calendar, arrange and confirm meetings and honor requests for appointments.

In addition, Sherri is a Realtor serving the Washington Metropolitan area for over 30 years. Sherri is a graduate of Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

Learner | Harmony | Input | Restorative | Consistency

Sandra Staub joined the Office of Career Services (OCS) in 2007. After earning her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech, she has dedicated over 20 years leveraging technology to provide optimal solutions to internal and external stakeholders. Through evolving roles in OCS, Staub has been instrumental in forecasting the technical needs of the office and continuously seeks to maintain strict oversight of various systems and platforms to lead overall efficiencies.

Additionally, Staub drives and filters the strategic analysis of all data collected by OCS. Much of her work informs business decisions made by school leadership and serves to evaluate overall student satisfaction. Staub is the resident subject matter expert on MBACSEA reporting standards, and interfaces regularly with the governing entities for employment data and trends. She works diligently to ensure compliance.

Staub further represents the interests of OCS by serving on the Smith Data Council as well as the Salesforce advisory board. Staub has been influential in the school-wide integration of Salesforce. Her passion for technology and customer relationship management tools, in general, allowed her to lead the OCS in being the first Smith unit to leverage Salesforce to automate and facilitate lead generation and alumni engagement tracking.

Staub proactively researches and evaluates applicable technical solutions for all Smith student populations, and strives for “customer delight” at every OCS touch point. An innate learner, Staub’s mission is to continue to innovate and transform the experiences of Smith students, Smith employers, and Smith colleagues.

As a Consultant of Employer Development within the Employer Connections team in the Office of Career Services at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Lizeth Gonzalez Smith strives to connect employer partners with opportunities to engage with the Smith School & University of Maryland community while providing an exceptional experience to ensure that all individuals have a positive recruiting experience at Smith.

Lizeth enjoys connecting with diverse companies representing various industries including sports, media and entertainment, financial services, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, energy, real estate & construction, consulting and tech organizations to facilitate connections to talented Terps!

Prior to joining the Smith School of Business, Gonzalez Smith grew in the field of recruiting while working for organizations in the public accounting and real estate industries! A proud double Terp Lizeth graduated from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and holds a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Lizeth is passionate about college student leadership development and has participated in various Terps in the City treks to NYC advising students interested in the fields of Marketing and Design. Since 2009 she has worked with the Alternative Breaks program at the University of Maryland to advise and guide students through community service-learning experiences domestically and abroad. She has also been the advisor to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) at the University of Maryland since 2012 and is on the Board of Directors for NSCS. Lizeth currently resides in Derwood, MD with her husband and daughters.

Bio:
I started at Smith in 2014. As an employer relations program manager in the Office of Career Services at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, I am responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of recruiting partnerships between Smith and companies looking for business talent. I create strategic recruiting plans to fit each company individually, regardless of their company size or hiring needs. I also carry out all recruiting logistics to ensure seamless events and on-campus interviews and manage these recruiting efforts on HireSmith, which is the website specific to Smith students and recruiters.

My responsibilities also include helping to plan and carry out the Smith career fairs, both on campus and virtually.

Education: BA in Spanish from University of Maryland, AA from College of Southern MD

Favorite Sports team: FC Barcelona

Favorite Book: Harry Potter(s)

Favorite Game: Mario Kart (Toad all the way!)

Where I call home: Old Town, Alexandria VA

Kerry Kidwell-Slak joined the Smith Office of Career Services in March 2024 as the Senior Director of Graduate Career Coaching. In this role, she oversees the graduate career coaching team to ensure that every Smith graduate student has access to the resources and coaching needed to secure their individual career goals.

Most recently, Kerry served as the Director of Career Curricula and Communication at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business where she oversaw the onboarding and orientation for all MBA students and led efforts to engage students at all academic levels in ‘One McDonough’ programming around career development topics. Prior to that role, Kerry worked for several non-profits and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to support students and professionals focused on STEM careers. In all of her positions, a common theme has been a commitment to growing people and leveraging a strategic and systems mindset to encourage effective organizations.

Kerry is a Maryland native and current College Park resident. She earned her BS in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University and an MA in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. In addition, she holds a Certification in Career Management Coaching. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the outdoors, watching college basketball, leading a local Girl Scout troop and reading good books.

Dori Jamison has been a member of the graduate career coaching team in the Smith Office of Career Services since July 2012. In her role, Dori provides hands-on coaching to ensure optimal alignment of students’ personal and professional objectives.  Dori enjoys partnering with stakeholders across the OCS team to help build and execute strategies which will enhance student development and employer partnerships.

Prior to her role at Smith, Dori spent almost eight years as a recruiter with PricewaterhouseCoopers. In her campus role with PwC, Jamison’s priority recruiting source was the Smith School, which was consistently a top 10 source for the U.S. firm. In addition to recruiting Smith’s undergraduate students, Dori recruited MBAs for internships and full-time roles and learned quite a bit about the talent and caliber of all programs.

Dori earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bowie State University and Master of Science in Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland, Global Campus. In addition, she holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and a Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC).

Dolores Daly provides comprehensive career coaching to all MS and MBA students, from self-exploration and branding to interviewing and offer negotiations. She is the OCS liaison to several MBA student clubs including: Finance and Venture Capital Club (FVC), Net Impact Chapter, Smith Association of Women MBA Association (SAWMBA)  and the Smith Chapter of the Forte Foundation.  Internally, she is functionally aligned with the Finance Department and works collaboratively with the MFin and MQF Academic Director in support of all masters students.

Dolores joined OCS in 2013, after spending 12 years on Wall Street where she worked for several investment banks in a variety of capacities including: equity research, campus recruiting, training and development, and business operations management. Immediately before joining Smith, she was the assistant academic director at an English language school in Manhattan, where she started as an instructor. Dolores began her career as a legislative assistant to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance where she worked on finance policy.

Dolores received an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a BA in political science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She holds a TESOL Certificate from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dolores is a Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC).

With more than 10 years professional development coaching experience, Adam has helped hundreds of dynamic clients advance in their careers. His passions include developing effective ideas to help clients brand, market, and sell themselves, fostering strategic alliances with companies, establishing connections with professionals from a variety of industries, creating and facilitating professional development workshops, and conducting mock interviews to help candidates win the job. Adam’s inspiration comes from witnessing professionals realize their highest potential and achieve their desired career goals.

Prior to joining Smith in 2016, Adam worked for three years at Temple University’s Fox School of Business guiding undergraduate and alumni business students on all facets of professional development. Prior to his time at Temple, Adam worked for five years in the career strategies department at a large Philadelphia area nonprofit, where he coached adult professionals on employment-related issues including career decision making.

Adam graduated magna cum laude from Binghamton University with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and graduated with honors from Kennesaw State University with his Master of Business Administration.

Lea joins the Smith School of Business supporting graduate students with her 10+ years of career coaching, training, education and facilitation experience in the consulting, government and tech sectors. Most recently she led the curriculum design and transformation of career coaching for a technical school serving aspiring software engineers, data analysts/scientists, UX Design and Digital Marketers. During this work, she coached over 450 students to land a role in their field of study. Prior to this she worked at Deloitte in their Government practice with strategy and analytics practitioners. She has spent time on the ground with clients and also trained rising consultants and senior consultants on career development topics to advance their careers in their field of choice.

Lea brings industry knowledge in consulting, technology, government, startups, working in a large matrix organization, as well as navigating small-to medium size companies. Early in her career Lea spent time in international diplomacy and government affairs/advocacy enabling her the ability to support and provide perspective in a variety of different settings. Lea’s superpower is helping students find their unique value offering for employers, and unique job search strategies to find innovative roles and companies. From story to application, Lea is experienced in supporting students in the full lifecycle of job searching.

An avid learner, Lea brings post degree program certifications in Digital Marketing, UX Design, Analytics, and Product Management alongside a Masters in Public Administration, Masters in International Relations, and B.A. in Political Science. When she isn’t in a coaching session you can find her chasing after her energetic children, crafting, reading or trying a new restaurant.

Seth has been with the Smith School for nearly six years. He is the Assistant Director and Career Coach for the Graduate programs.

He has eight years of experience in executive business development in the public and private sector before coming to the Smith School. Prior to coming to the Smith School, Seth partnered large government integrators with small businesses to execute technical projects. He also supported private organizations within supply chain, hospitality, entertainment, sports and other industries in their technical transformations.

Seth was an Account Executive for Eliassen Group where he developed deep industry knowledge in IT technology. Seth built strong relationships with Directors, Executives and Managers in the Technology, Consumer Products, and Distribution, Transportation and Automotive industries to align their strategic needs with consulting talent. He also served as a Technical Recruiter where he managed and coordinated communications with consultants during the interview and hiring process. In addition, Seth executed all facets of the recruiting life-cycle including candidate sourcing, presentation, selection, offer, negotiation, closing, and initial on-boarding.

Seth’s industry knowledge, relationships with business leaders, and his experience in screening, documenting and presenting consultants equips him with a pragmatic understanding in career preparation to assist students’ career preparation for their future professional business endeavors.

Erin has a true passion for ensuring that students are prepared to succeed as young professionals in the rapidly changing world of work. With more than eight years of experience in higher education, she has demonstrated service to career development, university/employer relations, curriculum development, event planning, consulting, student leadership development, and territory management.

Currently, Erin serves as the assistant director, undergraduate career curriculum in the Office of Career Services (OCS). In this role, she provides overall management of the undergraduate career curriculum, which includes the Career Strategies in Business course (BMGT367), the Independent Study Internship for Credit course (BMGT398a) and the Independent Study-Career Teaching Assistant course (BMGT398). She also provides career coaching to undergraduate business students.

Erin earned a Master of Education in Counselor Education, with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia.

Courtney is a dedicated higher education professional with more than eight years of career services education under her belt. With a master of arts in counseling psychology, Courtney has worked in large public university, community college, and liberal arts school environments. Courtney is passionate about curriculum development, holistic student career services and providing an engaging, safe, fun learning environment in which students can thrive.

As the associate director of undergraduate programming on the undergraduate team in the Office of Career Services (OCS), she oversees the strategic direction of the BMGT 367: Career Search Strategies course, a mandatory core course all undergraduate students must take. She also strategizes implements and manages first year and new student programming. Additionally, she is responsible for the integration of career services at the Shady Grove campus.

Courtney received her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Marist College.

Eva is passionate about higher education and providing students with the support needed to pursue their desired careers. She brings nearly 9 years of experience in career and professional development, experiential education, educational programming, and career advising. Eva has been with the University of Maryland since 2017, serving as the Experiential Education Specialist at the START Center, part of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, prior to joining the Office of Career Services (OCS) Undergraduate Programming Team in 2024.

João Castro (he/him) is a first-year student in the Higher Education, Student Affairs, and International Education Policy (HESI) Master’s Program. Previously, he held a position in human resources consulting at Ernst & Young (EY), acquiring 3+ years of experience in the business advisory field. During his time at EY, he worked and developed relationships with clients in multiple industries including supply chain, manufacturing, power and utilities, and consumer goods.

By serving as the Graduate Assistant for Undergraduate Career Programming, he aspires to share and create knowledge around the business world while also following his passion of aiding college students’ personal and career development. He has held multiple student-facing roles in the past in areas such as welcome week, orientation, residential life, and teaching. He is eager to create a safe and welcoming environment where his peers can continuously develop and grow.

João completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management, and with a minor in Business Analytics. Outside of work, he enjoys playing and watching basketball (especially the Utah Jazz), playing video games, listening to music, and exploring local restaurants.

Jeanne Fineran has held various positions in the Smith School of Business to include supervisor of faculty services, assistant director of technology resources, and her current position of assistant director in the Smith Office of Career Services.

In this role, Fineran oversees the daily needs of visiting employers, Smith faculty, students, and other stakeholders. She contributes to the overall operation of the Office of Career Services by procuring business collateral, conducting student and employer-related research, and guiding the hospitality function of the department’s state of the art employer suite. Additionally, she recruits, guides and directs the professional efforts of a pool of undergraduate student workers who supplement business operations. One of Fineran’s most notable professional attributes is her strong commitment to outstanding customer service and her willingness to go the extra mile.

Coming to campus with an associate of arts degree, Jeanne graduated cum laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Management and earned a certificate in gerontology from the University of Maryland Center on Aging. Before joining the University of Maryland, Fineran spent six years on Capitol Hill working in the offices of two United States senators and completed earlier internships at the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Communications Commission.

A 25-year member of the Terrapin Club, Fineran can be found cheering at the men’s basketball games and at other UMD sporting events.

Jeff’s passion for student success and love of technology have developed during 11+ years at Smith: 5 years career coaching full-time MBA students, and 6+ years OCS technology management. Prior to Smith, Jeff served clients in the financial, non-profit, military logistics, and financial regulatory fields, for 11 years of IT consulting with three firms. Before that, he did software development for 6 years in the telecom technology services and products industries. Jeff earned his BA in Computer Science from Messiah College, and his MBA from the Smith Executive MBA program. He also has earned an Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

I began my career at the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business in April 2007.  As an Employer Relations, Account Manager, my primary role is helping to coordinate and manage all on-campus/virtual recruiting activities for employers who are in the CPG, Energy & Clean Tech, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and Retail industries. I also work closely with employer development and industry/career coaches to ensure that employer partners get connected with our Smith School talent.  My responsibilities also include managing our OCS student events team as well as the OCS Wall Street careers intern.

Education: B.S. in Social Science from University of Maryland Global Campus

Favorite Sports Teams: Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite Things to Do: I enjoy eating crabs and spending time away at the beach

Hometown: Born and raised native of Washington, D.C.

As a member of the Employer Relations team, I primarily focus on building and maintaining meaningful relationships with regional, national, and global employers that align with the rising educational developments from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Through the Office of Career Services (OCS), I provide services to employers in creating recruitment strategies to engage with our talented Smith students. I focus on specific industries: consulting, professional services, government, nonprofit, hospitality, and pharma/healthcare.

Prior to joining the OCS team, I worked on the Employer Relations team at the George Washington University School of Business. I focused my efforts on connecting employers with our business students. Earlier in my career, I was a part of the career coaching team at the University of South Florida’s Office of Career Services.

Education: BS & M.Ed from the University of South Florida

Favorite Sports teams: Jacksonville Jaguars & Juventus F.C.

Hometown: Tampa, FL