Executive Leadership | University of Miami Development and Alumni Relations

Executive leadership Black ALumni Society Executive Leadership

The University of Miami Black Alumni Association is led by a distinguished group of alumni, elected to guide, serve, and lead the society.

2023-2025 UMBAS Executive Board Officers

Jason Starr, B.B.A. '05

President

Senior Strategist, Human Rights Campaign
Jason Starr has over 15 years of experience as an attorney, educator, and strategist in the fight for human rights. His practice is multi-dimensional and spans the public, nonprofit, and social entrepreneurship sectors - employing litigation, public policy advocacy, and organizing - and rooted in meaningful partnership with people and communities. Jason is the former and founding Director of Impact Litigation and current Senior Strategist at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights membership organization, where he built a partnership hub for strategic collaborative pro-bono impact litigation with grassroots legal activists, private law firms, and mutual aid organizations. In this work, he is counsel in cases challenging laws that seek to eliminate legal protections for transgender Americans in healthcare and education. Notably, he is currently challenging discriminatory laws in Florida and Tennessee that prevent transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams and trans youth from using safe school restrooms, respectively. He also represents parties as “friend of the court” in cases addressing legal equality in state and federal court. Jason also manages Global LGBTQ+ Litigation Partnerships, identifying law reform support and partnership opportunities across the Global South.

Astin Hayes, B.S.C. ’06

Immediate past President

Key Account Manager, Remy Cointreau
Since the moment she walked onto the University of Miami campus, Astin Hayes has worked to push the agenda for Black student life through United Black Students, Delta Sigma Theta, Yellow Rose Society, Hurricane Productions, and a host of other activities and organizations. This motivation did not end once she graduated. Astin returns yearly for Homecoming and graduations, gives back to the University, and stays abreast of university news. Astin has served on the board for the last four years. Working alongside other board members to build a strong foundation for the black alumni society.

Guerdiana Thelomar, B.S.Ed. ’15

President- Elect

Community Psychologist and Higher Education Scholar
Guerdiana is a vibrant and passionate Haitian-American higher education professional and scholar from Miami, Florida, currently finishing up her Ph.D. in Community Well-Being at the University of Miami (Class of 2025). She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and Visual Journalism with a minor in Africana Studies from UM and has a master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously served as an Assistant Director in the Office of Undergraduate Admission at UM, overseeing the premier scholarship selection processes and honors & special programs. She has worked closely with the Multicultural Student Affairs office as a graduate assistant, advising students and organizations, and providing support in programmatic development, research and evaluation, and inclusivity training. She is also the former President of UM’s Black Graduate Students Association. Guerdiana has developed a deep commitment to social justice work and creating spaces that equip people with the tools they need to become catalysts of transformational change.

Gabrielle Thomas, J.D. ’24

Vice President

Attorney
Gabrielle A.C. Thomas is an assertive and responsive attorney with experience in full-spectrum civil litigation. She is passionate about creating community and a safe space for Black individuals and students to express themselves.

While at the University of Miami School of Law, she distinguished herself as a Miami Public Interest Scholar, Soia Mentschikoff Scholar, President of the Caribbean Law Student Association, and Fellow of the Human Rights Clinic. As an undergraduate at Davidson College, she founded The Sankofa Journal, the only undergraduate Africana Studies journal in the U.S. at the time. Gabrielle also served in creative roles like production assistant for the first Entrepreneurial Hub at Davidson College, historical narrative specialist for an educational virtual reality game, and intern for the Davidson College communications department.

Aneese Williams, M.P.S. ’15

Secretary

Environmental Management Systems Coordinator, City of West Palm Beach-Public Utilities Department
Aneese Williams is passionate about Environmental Compliance and Environmental Awareness and sits on various committees at work: Climate Resilience and Infrastructure, Clean Streets Task Force, Safety Team and Cybersecurity. She is one of the Co-Organizers to Openscapes Pathways to Open Science, which is a remote event series for Black Environmental & Marine Researchers to build community for the future of data intensive science. She is also on the Science Core Heuristics for Open Science Outcomes in Learning (SCHOOL) Open Science Team (OST) with Columbia Climate School, where she also completed the NASA Open Science 101 Curriculum and received her NASA Transform to Open Science (TOPS) Badge. Aneese is a member of the West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the Executive Board as their Recording Secretary. Lastly, Aneese has served as the Secretary of the Palm Beach County Canes Community Executive Board since 2024.

Kerrol Codallo, B.G.S.C.

Treasurer

Senior Diversity and Inclusion Manager, CarMax
Kerrol Codallo was raised in a home with strong Caribbean influences. He was instilled with the belief that he could be anything he wanted to be, do anything he wanted to do, and that he should always strive to be a leader.  From elementary school to his time at the University of Miami, Codallo’s ability to engage, captivate, and inspire others affirmed his ability to lead. These qualities have taken him on a journey that has included a 20-year plus career as a leader at a Fortune 250 and Top 100 company to work for.   He loves live music performance, grilling, and is a first generation American. Codallo’s endless drive to impact others and continuously reach new levels of personal success is driven by his belief that everyone should live free, expressively, and intentionally.

Dr. George Koonce, Jr., M.S. Ed. ’70, Ed.D. ’76

Historian

Retired past-principal, district director, region superintendent and assistant superintendent of the Florida School System.
Dr. George Koonce has had excellent experiences in working with alumni associations. He is a life member, former chapter, and national president of the Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia. In 2013, George played a key role as vice-chair of the Class of 1963 50-year reunion, most notable for leading the generation of more than $60,000 for scholarships. In his work with non-profits, George chaired a national search committee that led to hiring a CEO for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). As president of FVSU Alumni, George also participated in selecting Dr. Cleveland Pettigrew as university president.

Dr. Christopher Roblész Ed.D. ’24

Executive at Large

UMBAS & Atlanta'Canes Alumni Board Member
Dr. Christopher Roblész is the proud Founder and CEO of Math N’ More, an acute mathematics firm dedicated to closing the math achievement gap through academic enrichment tutoring and innovative programming. An experienced educator and mathematics enthusiast, Dr. Roblész began his career in 2009 as a math interventionist in New York City and has since supported math communities across the East Coast.

Dr. Roblész holds professional teaching certifications in Mathematics and Special Education across several states and recently earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Applied Learning Sciences from the University of Miami, where his research focused on metacognition in secondary math classrooms.

He proudly serves on both the Black Alumni Society and the Atlanta Canes Community Alumni Board.

Outside of education, Dr. Roblész enjoys flying and traveling—his favorite destination being Grand Turk.

Dr. Tracy Timberlake, B.B.A. ’04

Executive at Large

Co-Founder of Flourish Media and Creator of The Mantle Assessment™
Dr. Tracy Timberlake is an award-winning business coach, speaker, and Co-Founder of Flourish Media and Creator of The Mantle Assessment™ with a deep passion for purpose-driven leadership. A proud Cane, she earned her business degree from the University of Miami (Class of '04) before going on to impact thousands through coaching, speaking, and digital education. She blends faith, strategy, and science to help leaders unlock bold success personally, professionally, and spiritually. Known for her dynamic style and powerful mindset work, Dr. Tracy doesn’t just inspire, she activates. Her life’s work is to help others walk confidently in calling and creating lasting legacy.

Remembering Arthur Faison, B.B.A. '09

FORMER Treasurer

Arthur Faison's profound connection to the University of Miami amplified his fit for the fundraising and treasurer role. A devoted husband and father of two future Hurricanes, he embodied family values and community spirit. His campus tenure was marked by influential leadership roles, including Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity's Iota Chi Chapter and President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. His prowess extended to the business sphere as Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity. His impact was also felt through roles like Chair of a Week for Life and Co-Chair of the Student Orientation Committee. Arthur's dedication and leadership aligned perfectly with the UM Black Alumni Society's vision.

The University of Miami Alumni Association is dedicated to creating an open and welcoming environment where every member of the Hurricane family is invited to engage, connect, and participate. For more information, please contact the Office of Engagement at 1-866-UMALUMS (862-5867) or alumni@miami.edu.

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