The MBA Teacher Advisory Network counsels the organization’s staff regarding work to support high school and college business and marketing education nationwide. Advisors provide both structured and informal feedback on a wide range of national initiatives designed to ensure that local programs align curricula with the needs of the business community with the ultimate goal of ensuring that high school and college graduates develop key skills critical to employability.
Teachers selected for the network were screened on the basis of professional qualifications, including experience with contemporary business curricula, active support of an appropriate student organization such as BPA, DECA, or FBLA, engagement of the local business community, and proof-of-learning activities such as testing and realistic project work.
To maintain their positions in the network, teachers will undergo annual training and orientation and participate in a variety of distance-based activities including conference calls, webinars, and survey work.
In exchange for their participation in the unpaid advisory network, advisers’ schools will receive a number of direct benefits, including free access to the online Learning Center, professional development activities for the adviser, and free use of various proof-of-learning assessments used nationally.
Teachers across the country were named to the network this spring and will serve three-year terms. (Additional appointments will be made each spring.)
Weigh in with your ideas and suggestions regarding agenda topics or suggest areas for consideration by the Teacher Advisory Network. Email Service@MBAResearch.org
Appointed July 1, 2026
Bridget B. Davis is a Business Education teacher at the Lowndes County Career Technical Center (LCCTC) in Hayneville, Alabama, where she teaches the Management & Entrepreneurship program. With more than 15 years of experience in Career and Technical Education, she is passionate about preparing students for success in business, leadership, and the workforce through innovative instruction and real-world learning experiences.
Bridget currently serves as the President of the Alabama Association for Career and Technical Education (ALACTE) Business Section and serves on the Alabama FBLA Administrative Board as the Alabama Advisers’ Mentor. Previously, she served as an Alabama FBLA State Officer Adviser for four consecutive terms (2022–2026), mentoring Alabama’s state officer team and helping develop student leaders across the state. Through her leadership roles, she continues to support business educators, strengthen Career and Technical Education programs, and promote student leadership and achievement throughout Alabama.
As the adviser of the award-winning LCCTC FBLA Chapter, Bridget has led her students to numerous state and national accomplishments, including recognition as a Chapter of Distinction, Alabama Blueprint for Success Outstanding Chapter, Gold Seal Chapter, March of Dimes Outstanding Chapter, and Largest Chapter in District IV. Her students consistently earn top honors at the Alabama FBLA State Leadership Conference and qualify to compete at the National Leadership Conference. Her Business Education students have also achieved a 100% Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification pass rate in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. In recognition of her outstanding commitment to student leadership and business education, Bridget was honored as the 2025 Alabama Outstanding Adviser during the National FBLA Leadership Conference.
Bridget earned her Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing Education from Alabama State University and her Master’s in Business/Marketing Education from Ball State University. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s in Instructional Leadership at Auburn University at Montgomery. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as the Choir Director at Central Hayneville High School and is a member of her school’s Leadership Team, where she collaborates with fellow educators to support school improvement initiatives and student success.
Outside of the classroom, Bridget enjoys traveling, singing, attending comedy shows, and spending time with family and friends. She is committed to developing future business leaders by inspiring excellence, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.
New TAN member coming soon!
New TAN member coming soon!
Appointed September 1, 2025
Kirsten Tuz is the Marketing Teacher and DECA Advisor at Danbury High School in Danbury, Connecticut. She currently teaches Marketing and Fashion Marketing to grades 9-12. Kirsten oversees the school-based enterprise, the “Hatters Hotspot”. Kirsten has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Sacred Heart University. The first 23 years of her career were spent in various marketing positions in children’s publishing. She left the corporate environment to spend more time with her young family and transitioned to working in Special Education before earning her Master’s in Education from the University of Bridgeport. In the three years she has been at Danbury High School, she and her students have rebranded the school store, updating the physical space, initiating a social media presence, bringing in popular teen apparel, and updating the POS system. Short term goals include online ordering capabilities and operating an apparel print shop within the SBE. While working in Special Education, Kirsten coached Unified Sports. Under her guidance, the program was chosen as a Unified Champion School.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Anna Terry is the Business Teacher and DECA Advisor at Portland High School in Portland, Connecticut. She teaches Introduction to Business, Marketing, Accounting, Personal Finance, and Introduction to Computers to grades 9-12. Anna has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Albertus Magnus College and a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of New Haven. Before obtaining her business degree, Anna worked in the healthcare, insurance, and banking industries. She entered public education to spend more time with her young daughters. In her eight years at Portland High School, she and her students have participated in many DECA conferences, growing Portland DECA every year. Short-term goals include creating an SBE printing shop with the DECA students.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Lisa Cline is a seasoned Marketing educator at North Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA, where she has dedicated the last 11 years to teaching and inspiring students. With a career spanning 23 years, she is set to embark on her 24th year in the fall. Lisa previously taught in North Carolina before bringing her expertise to North Forsyth.
At North Forsyth, Lisa teaches the Marketing Management Pathway, guiding students through the intricacies of marketing in various industries. She is the lead DECA Advisor, mentoring students in the school’s DECA chapter and overseeing Raider Station, the school’s successful enterprise. As the CTAE Department Head, Lisa plays a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and supporting her colleagues.
Lisa’s involvement with the GA DECA Board of Directors spans over 9 years, during which she has held various positions, culminating in her current role as President. Her passion for Marketing and Entrepreneurship is evident in her commitment to showing students the vast opportunities these fields offer.
Outside the classroom, Lisa enjoys immersing herself in audiobooks, exploring nature through hiking, spending quality time with her family, and training her new Goldendoodle, Freya. Her dedication to education and her students is matched only by her enthusiasm for continuous learning and personal growth.
New TAN member coming soon!
Tami Perez is an accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in career and technical education, instructional leadership, professional development, and community partnership development. With over a decade of experience as both a classroom teacher and national trainer for the High School of Business curriculum, she is recognized for her expertise in project-based learning, ethics integration, online instruction, and career readiness. Throughout her career, Tami has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering educators, improving student outcomes, and strengthening programs by leading instructional coaching initiatives, facilitating statewide professional development, expanding dual credit and work-based learning, and building collaborative partnerships with families, industry, and community organizations.
New TAN members coming soon!
Appointed July 1, 2024
Andrew Thonstad currently teaches business and computer classes for Sioux Center High School in Sioux Center, Iowa. Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, focusing on Human Resource Management and Finance, from Central Washington University. After working for 12+ years in the human resource management field, Andrew returned to the classroom to complete his master’s degree in Teaching from the University of Sioux Falls. This is his 10th year in the classroom. Andrew is the co-advisor for the Sioux Center FBLA chapter and has held numerous leadership positions within the school and around the state of Iowa with the Iowa Business Education Association.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Jamie Busby enters her 9th year of teaching and 7th at Indianola High School where she teaches Accounting, Marketing, Microsoft, and School to Career, in addition to being the DECA advisor and adjunct faculty member at Simpson College. She also serves on the Iowa DECA board of directors and is the District 3 Chair. Before teaching, Jamie earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, and Accounting from Simpson College. After spending three years at one of the Big Four in corporate tax, she returned to Simpson College to get a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Sarah Sweet is in her 16th year of teaching at Emporia High School. She is the business department chair and currently teaches Marketing, Marketing Applications, Consumer &Personal Finance, Business Management, and Applied Business Development. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Emporia State University and also holds an ESL endorsement from Kansas State University. She serves as a co-adviser of FBLA and is the adviser of National Technical Honor Society. Sarah has been married for 17 years, and they have one son who is active in sports. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, and crafting
Appointed July 1, 2026
Reece Spears is a Business and Marketing teacher at Greenwood High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he teaches Accounting and Finance Foundations, Advanced Accounting, Business and Marketing Essentials, and Ethical Leadership. Reece graduated from Morehead State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management, focusing on Human Resources. After graduation, he worked as a college admissions counselor before transitioning into teaching in 2018. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has achieved a number of certifications in various fields. He is a Gold Certified High Achiever of the MBA Research Ethics ASK Exam and holds certifications in Tax, Investing, and Advanced Investing through Next Generation Personal Finance. He is also certified in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and holds his Google Level 1 and 2 Certifications. His dedication to education has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was recognized as a Kentucky Master Teacher of Personal Finance, and currently serves on the Kentucky Business Educators Association Board as a Regional Representative and is also the sponsor of the IGNITE: Inspiring and Guiding the Next Innovative Teen Entrepreneurs program and the Academic Team Coach for Greenwood High School.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Jess Thompson is a Business Education Instructor at Ignite Academy North in Richmond, Kentucky, where she teaches Business and Marketing Essentials, Principles of Entrepreneurship, Introduction to Management, and Personal Finance. She has been teaching for six years. Jess graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and from the University of the Cumberlands in 2017 with a Masters in Business Administration. She is pursuing her doctorate in P-12 Administrative Leadership from Morehead State University. Before teaching, Jess worked as a warranty and billing administrator in the automotive industry. Her dedication to education and her students extends well beyond the classroom. Jess currently serves as the National Business Education Association Representative for the Kentucky Business Education Association. She is also the FBLA Adviser for Ignite North, where she received the Region 6 Outstanding Adviser award in 2024. Jess holds certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and A*S*K Fundamental Business Concepts. When she is not in the classroom, you can find her on adventures with her daughter, traveling and exploring new places, or singing along to Taylor Swift.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Michelle L. Early is a Business teacher at Walkersville High School (WHS) in Frederick County, Maryland. Currently, she serves as the Ethics Integration Specialist for her district; club advisor for Mentoring Young Men, The Black Student Union, and the Students of Color Alliance (a program of the Frederick County Public Schools Board of Education); and a co-advisor for the seniors at WHS. In the 2022/2023 school year, Michelle was invited to serve on the Teachers Advisory Council of Frederick County, now known as the System Improvement Teams for Blueprint Implementation, and has worked alongside other leaders in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) to bring the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to the district efficiently and effectively. Michelle also serves as her school’s Equity Representative, working to ensure equitable education and workspace for her entire WHS community. Additionally, Michelle has served as a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Frederick County Teachers Association since July 2023 and thoroughly enjoys working with and for the over 3,300 teacher members within FCPS.
As a career changer, Michelle has firsthand experience working within the sectors that she teaches her students about on a daily basis. With a history in retail and nonprofit management, Michelle has a unique ability to connect with those around her and create opportunities for growth for all. Michelle believes that her passion for helping others and her insatiable desire to learn make her the educator she is today.
When Michelle is not working, she enjoys writing, curating, and serving within the ministry lane as well as the business that she was led to create in 2017. She is a fan of all things Baltimore, Maryland – as that is her hometown – and believes that all questions can be answered with two simple words: Roll Tide!
Jennifer Milke is a Marketing, Small Business, and Personal Finance teacher, as well as a DECA advisor at Henry Ford II High School in Sterling Heights, MI. Jennifer received her BS in secondary education from Central Michigan University and is vocationally certified in marketing and business. She received her Master’s in public administration with an emphasis in educational administration at the University of Michigan Flint. She became an International DECA Certified Trainer in 2012 and trained teachers at the the state and regional levels. She has been on the Michigan Marketing Educators (MME) Board since 2009, and served as the president and secretary. In 2010, Jennifer received the Dr. Jack T. Humbert New Professional of the Year Award. She was selected as a lead teacher for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Marketing in Economics Curriculum Integration Grant administered through Berrien RESA. Her leadership resulted in the development of 45 lesson plans aligned to the State’s economics standards allowing teachers to grant state graduation credit through State Approved Marketing Education Programs.
Appointed July 1, 2026
Kristal Swopes is the Marketing teacher and DECA Advisor at El Dorado Springs R-2 High School in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. She is currently in her 26th year of teaching, including the past 16 years at El Dorado Springs R-2.
Kristal teaches Marketing I and II, Entrepreneurship, and Sports and Entertainment Marketing. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she serves as Senior Class Sponsor and is a member of the Professional Development Committee and Principal’s Advisory Committee. A passionate advocate for marketing education and DECA, Kristal serves on the Marketing Educators of Missouri (MEMO) Board as Treasurer and is the Missouri DECA District Advisor for District 10. Her dedication to DECA and her students has earned her the District 10 DECA Diamond Award in both 2020 and 2026. Kristal is a proud graduate of Missouri Southern State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Business Education. She later earned a Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology from Northwest Missouri State University.
Outside of the classroom, Kristal enjoys reading, cheering on her favorite team, the Kansas City Royals, and supporting the El Dorado Springs Bulldogs. She is also a devoted Ted Lasso fan and appreciates the show’s emphasis on positivity, leadership, teamwork, and believing in others.
Throughout her career, Kristal has been committed to empowering students through business education, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities, helping prepare the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
New TAN member coming soon!
New TAN member coming soon!
Currently unavailable.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Crystal Gallegos, who returned to her rural hometown in northern New Mexico, is beginning her 23rd year in education. As an advisor for Business Professionals of America (BPA), HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), she has successfully guided her students to top state and national placements in competitive events and community service. As an adjunct faculty member for Northern New Mexico Community College, she offers onsite dual credit courses in business, film, and digital media arts while overseeing their mixed trades and health sciences pathways. In addition, as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator, she is committed to preparing students for college and career readiness opportunities, empowering them to drive positive change. She is actively involved in various professional organizations and committees, including serving on the state BPA board. Committed to continuous growth for herself and her students, she has also been recognized with accolades such as the 2022-2023 CTE Teacher of the Year, 2023 New Mexico School Boards Association (NMSBA) Excellence in Student Achievement Award, 2016 Centerra and Los Alamos National Laboratories Foundation’s Rio Arriba Excellence in Teaching Award, and 2009 Golden Apple Award. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and discovering innovative approaches to enhance student outcomes in her free time.
New TAN member coming soon!
Michelle Bardsley is a career and technical education (CTE) educator in business, finance, IT, and marketing with Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina. Since 2010, Michelle has successfully implemented MBA Research materials and strategies into classroom instruction. She is a lead BFM teacher in North Carolina Public Schools (in both face-to-face and online classrooms) who implements technology, effective instructional strategies, project-based learning, and real-world experiences to motivate students toward strong academic success. Michelle leads the DECA chapter at Rockingham County High School and has also served as an FBLA adviser.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from Old Dominion University. She serves her community as the Board Chairwoman for FCA, a member of Rotary International, and an appointed Commissioner to the NC Domestic Violence Commission. Michelle holds certifications in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and A*S*K Marketing, Business, & Entrepreneurship. Michelle has presented at numerous NC CTE conferences, managed FBLA conferences, leads DECA at Rockingham County High School, and directed a summer STEM camp. She has a passion for encouraging educators, equipping her students with 21st-century career skills, and building strong relationships with local community stakeholders.
New TAN members coming soon!
Appointed July 1, 2024
Greg Anderson is a seasoned educator with over 35 years of experience in business education. Currently a Business Management Associate Professor at the North Dakota State College of Science, Greg has a deep-rooted passion for fostering the next generation of business leaders.
Prior to joining the college faculty, Greg served as a Marketing Education Teacher Coordinator at the secondary level for ten years. During this time, he became a dedicated DECA advisor, guiding students to success in competitive business events. This year will mark his thirty-fifth year as a DECA Advisor at the combined high school and College levels. Greg also served as a Collegiate DECA National Officer in 1988-1989.
With a strong foundation in business education, Greg has a long-standing relationship with MBA Research, dating back to their early days as a teacher in training. Through three name changes (IDECC, MarkEd, MBAResearch), he has had exposure to this consortium, shaping his approach to teaching and learning. In 1998, Greg furthered his professional development by completing the MarkEd Model Program, and to this day, he still incorporates elements of that valuable experience into college-level courses.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Kelly Olson has 15 years of teaching experience in Montana and North Dakota. She is a dedicated business and English Learners teacher and has spent the last eight years at Dickinson High School and Southwest CTE Academy. Kelly teaches Word Processing, Webpage Design, Business Law, Graphic Design, and Digital Media. Her favorite subjects to teach are Intro to Business and Entrepreneurship, where she enjoys helping students create and present their business ideas.
Kelly uses the MBA Research curriculum, serves as an adviser for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and is a former Business Professionals of America adviser. Outside of teaching, she loves traveling, spending time with her family, and snuggling with her dogs.
Nadine Scott is a Marketing Instructor and DECA Advisor for the Penta Career Center at Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Ohio. Over the past twenty years, she has taught several courses and is currently teaching Digital Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Marketing Applications and Strategic Entrepreneurship. Mrs. Scott holds two bachelor’s degrees from Bowling Green State University in business and secondary education. She received her Master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University. Her work experience also includes eleven years in the financial services industry and teaching at a local community college. Nadine’s leadership roles include Ohio Marketing Education Association executive board where she has held the titles of membership chair and president. For the past ten years, Nadine has been a co-chair for DECA District 2 and has been instrumental in organizing several DECA events. She has been a top-ten honored educator for Ottawa County on three separate occasions. In 2012, she received the Ohio ACTE Outstanding CTE Professional in Community Service.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Debra Coffey is a Career Tech instructor at Broken Arrow High School, in Broken Arrow, OK. She currently teaches Accounting, Marketing Fundamentals, Intro to Entrepreneurship and Business Management. She has been a DECA advisor for 15 years and has been teaching her entire 18-year career at Broken Arrow. Prior to becoming a Career Tech teacher, she taught Personal Finance, Bookkeeping and Microsoft Office classes. Her previous career was as an attorney for 13 years in both Oklahoma and Arkansas. She received her B.S. in Business Administration from John Brown University and her J.D. from the University of Arkansas. In addition to “calling the hogs”, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, 3 grown children and two grandchildren.
Appointed July 1, 2024
Teresa Karnes is the Business and Information Technology teacher at Cashion High School in Cashion, Oklahoma. This year is her 26th year of teaching, the last 13 years at Cashion. She teaches Fundamentals of Technology, Fundamentals of Administrative Technologies, Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design, Digital Editing and Production Photography, and Digital Media Production. She is the Business Professionals of America (BPA) advisor, advises “The Wildcat” yearbook staff, Senior Class Sponsor, Graduation Coordinator, Esports coach, and Academic Team co-coach. In 2022, she was named the Oklahoma BPA Secondary Advisor of the Year, the Cashion High School Teacher of the Year, and the District Teacher of the Year. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees from Missouri Southern State University and a Master’s of Education in Instructional Technology from Northwest Missouri State University. Teresa has two daughters and five grandchildren.
New TAN member coming soon!
Appointed July 1, 2024
Tanya Torres-Steen teaches Business and Marketing A & B, Retail Store Operations, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Yearbook at Graham Kapowsin High School in Graham, WA. She has a BA in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing and a Minor in Economics from New Mexico State University. She also obtained a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from NMSU. This is her 23rd year teaching and is her 23rd year as a DECA Advisor. She is the current treasurer of the Washington Association of Marketing Educators and MBA Project Management trainer. She has been married for 26 years and has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Appointed July 1, 2026
Marian Morris serves as Chapter Development & Advisor Engagement Manager for Washington DECA, where she supports advisors, strengthens chapters, and helps launch new programs across the state. She leads advisor professional development, creates training resources, and develops tools and events that help educators build meaningful experiences for student leaders.
Prior to joining Washington DECA, Marian spent 17 years as a business and marketing educator, DECA advisor, and mock trial coach at King’s High School. Her classroom experience gives her a practical understanding of what advisors need to engage students, grow chapters, and create impactful learning opportunities. Marian is passionate about advisor support, student leadership development, and expanding access to career and technical education throughout Washington.
Adam Feazell is in his eighth year of teaching in Putnam County, WV. He started his career as a technology integration specialist in the elementary and middle grade levels, then spent the next 4 years as a business education and special education teacher. The past two years he has worked as a business/marketing education teacher. Adam attended WVU Institute of Technology’s Community College where he received his AS in Accounting, and then attended Marshall University to earn a BS in Business Education. He obtained an MA in Multi-Category Special Education and an MA in Leadership Studies. When he started teaching, Adam served as a school advisor for both FBLA and DECA. This is Adam’s second year as the West Virginia DECA’s Chartered Association Advisor.
Appointed July 1, 2026
Georganna Mansfield has taught for 42 years. She currently teaches marketing and economics. Previously she taught accounting and entrepreneurship. She is the DECA advisor at Mineral County Technical Center and the Chartered Association Officer Advisor for West Virginia. She is a retired teacher from Missouri and has taught for the last 16 years in West Virginia. She has a BSed in Marketing Education and a MSed in Vocational Education from the University of Missouri.
Georganna and her husband owned a construction company in Missouri for 25 years. They now own a bowling center in West Virginia for the last 18 years.
Appointed September 1, 2025
Shawna Michelena is a Business Education and Computer Science teacher at Tongue River High School, in Dayton, Wyoming. While teaching classes such as Introduction to Business, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Introduction to Computer Science, Career and Independent Living, and Digital Media, she is also the FBLA Adviser and Sophomore Sponsor. She also serves as a district technology liaison. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration with endorsements in early childhood education, early childhood special education, middle school, and computer science. In addition, she is pursuing an endorsement in instructional technology K-12. Aside from being a teacher, Shawna enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and hiking in the Bighorn Mountains. She and her husband have three children who keep them busy with volleyball, basketball, and track.
New TAN member coming soon!
Learn more about the process for becoming part of our Teacher Advisory Network by contacting us today.