ALUMNI IN RESIDENCE

CHRIS YUSKA (ACCOUNTING ’01)

Assurance Partner, EY

Upon graduation Chris accepted an audit position at EY in Des Moines, and has remained at EY since he started. Chris is a Partner in the Assurance practice of the Financial Services Office of EY. Chris is passionate about coaching/ developing his teammates, serving clients, recruiting and spreading his passion about the public accounting profession.

JOE MURPHY (ECONOMICS ’06)

Executive Director, Iowa Business Council

Joe leads an organization comprised of CEOs and top executives from the 22 largest employers in Iowa. The Iowa Business Council serves as a catalyst to elevate Iowa’s long-term economic vitality through global thought leadership, research, and advocacy.

ERIK SKOVGARD (FINANCE ’95)

President & CEO, Lincoln Savings Bank

Erik started with LSB in 1994 and has worked in multiple departments over the years. In 2005 he became the President of LSB Financial overseeing all its departments. Currently he serves as CEO, overseeing all executive-level leadership, strategic planning, and communication with the Board of Directors.

JOYCE PINGEL (MANAGEMENT ’87)

CIO & Chief Digital Officer, Holt Family Companies

Joyce is currently the Chief Information Officer & Chief Digital Officer for the Holt family of companies, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Holt is the largest Caterpillar dealer in the United States and also sells, services, rents, leases, and provides parts for industrial sector companies across the world. Holt also is an emerging premier provider in sustainability.

PERNELL CEZAR (MARKETING ’10)

CEO and Co-Founder, BLK & Bold

Pernell is an accomplished sales executive, successful entrepreneur and leader with more than 10 years of leadership success. BLK & Bold is a specialty coffee and tea company that prioritizes domestic social impact for youth in need. The company is now a top seller in Target and the #1 new coffee brand on Amazon in 2020.

TONY THELEN (MBA ‘01)

Chief Product Officer, John Deere Financial

Tony started as a Manufacturing Engineer at John Deere Waterloo Works in 1991. Over the years he’s served a variety of different departments and roles as manager and director. In 2020 he was promoted to Chief Product Officer where he is responsible for product management, global strategy, and their Fintech partnership group.