Indian American Leader Madhumita Das (Madhu) Named to University of Denver Daniels College of Business 2026–2027 Marketing Advisory Board: The University of Denver Daniels College of Business has announced its 2026–2027 Marketing Advisory Board, a strategic industry body aimed at strengthening student placement, industry engagement, and curriculum relevance through direct collaboration with leading global professionals.
The Board is co-chaired by Jack Buffington, professor at the University of Denver, and Jen Lester, CEO of Philosophy Communication, Inc. It serves as an active governing platform that connects students with employers and ensures that academic training aligns with evolving industry needs.
“The Board is transforming into an active governing seat,” said Buffington. “Higher education continues to be more and more competitive, and we need advocates who are championing the University’s excellence and helping our students find jobs. It’s that simple.”
Lester emphasized the importance of industry access and collective action toward student success. “We need to tap into our connections to achieve the University’s goal of 100% student placement,” she said.
Among the newly appointed members is Indian American technology and engineering leader Madhumita Das, known professionally as Madhu, who currently serves as Vice President of OCIO Quality Engineering at Empower, a financial services and retirement solutions company.
Madhu began her career in the software industry in 1995 as a software developer. Driven by a strong passion for quality assurance, she transitioned into the quality engineering field in 1998—an area that would define her nearly three-decade career.
Over the years, she has held a wide range of roles including software developer, tester, manager, agile enabler, and senior leadership positions. Her work has consistently focused on quality engineering, spanning testing methodologies, automation frameworks, quality metrics, and, more recently, the integration of artificial intelligence into automated testing systems.
She has led quality and engineering initiatives across global organizations, including senior leadership roles at CenturyLink (formerly Qwest Communications) and Pearson. In her current role at Empower, she drives enterprise-wide quality engineering strategies for a company specializing in retirement planning, investment management, and wealth management services.
Madhu holds an engineering degree in computer science from Bangalore University in India. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about cooking and Bollywood dancing. She resides in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with her husband, daughter, and their golden doodle.
The 2026–2027 Marketing Advisory Board includes senior executives from Microsoft, Salesforce, Mars United Commerce (Publicis Groupe), Leprino Foods, and other leading global organizations across marketing, technology, and consulting sectors.
Key members include Debra Dodson (Microsoft), Craig Elston (Mars United Commerce), Mark Lohmann (Birdcall), Heather Moran (Salesforce), Melissa Kellogg (Leprino Foods), Lisa Kislak (fractional CMO), Scott Prindle (Spatial Matters), and Troy Lerner (Booyah Advertising), alongside Buffington and Lester.
The Board’s focus this academic year will center on two initiatives: “Engaging Industry with the Classroom” and “Student Success,” aimed at strengthening real-world learning and expanding employment pipelines for graduates.
The Advisory Board meets every six weeks and is supported by faculty members including Melissa Akaka, Ana Babic-Rosario, Ali Besharat, Jenny Dobmeier, Bob Kumagai, Michael Myers, and Cristin Tarr.
Board composition is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with evolving industry needs and to maintain strong engagement between academia and the global marketing and business community.
For participation inquiries, contact Dr. Ali Besharat, Chair of the Marketing Department at Daniels College of Business.
The Advisory Board continues to serve as a critical bridge between industry and academia, preparing students for competitive careers in an increasingly technology-driven global marketplace.
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