DEAN’S REPORT | EXECUTIVE FELLOWS
EXECUTIVE FELLOWS
A Network of Distinguished Business Leaders Executive fellows are selected for their leadership, professional experience, and business expertise. The program was founded in 1992 to connect distinguished business leaders with faculty and students at the UCR School of Business. Executive fellows mentor students in their careers, business ventures, and professional challenges.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Understand the Bridge Between Technology and Humanity Executive Fellow Michael L. Zemetra ’93 shares lessons learned during a successful career across innovative industries Michael L. Zemetra ’93
Current UCR School of Business Executive Fellow Michael L. Zemetra ’93 sees parallels in the school’s Executive Fellows program to his own business undergrad experience, when he discovered the difference that a mentor can make. He was somewhat lost about his career direction until he connected with a professor at UCR who encouraged him and gave him confidence. Now a successful executive, Zemetra is returning the favor. Zemetra is currently the executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer of Veritone Inc., a leading provider of artificial intelligence technology. He joined the Executive Fellows, one of the business school’s signature programs, for the 2020-2021 school year, supporting the school’s strategy of bridging theory and practice by sharing real-world experiences. In fall 2020, he participated in a virtual meet-and-greet with students to talk about his journey from UCR student to the C-suite. He explained that his path was not linear but one that was crafted through careful networking, determination, and resiliency. The students asked questions, which led to a lively discussion surrounding career and life advice. “I don’t think that kind of attention happens at other schools,” says Zemetra. “I would not normally consider myself to be this super successful person, but I do want to be a resource and give back, to help the next generation who are on the first journeys in terms of a career pathway.”
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