Alumni Spotlight

Finance alumnus Andres Aleson had one goal in mind when he pursued a college education at BYU Marriott: “I wanted to become a leader in whatever career I pick, where I can make a positive social impact in people’s lives.”

Nate Mortensen, cofounder of drone-show company Open Sky, transforms dark skies into shared experiences—from Stadium of Fire to small-town rodeos.

The following are alumni who were highlighted on page 10 of BYU Marriott's 2025 Annual Report.

Emma Nisbet began her career amid the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic—an experience she describes as “terrible and amazing and bittersweet.”

Dale Tolley is a creative powerhouse who is redefining HR at Procter & Gamble. Whether rocking a costume, belting out parody songs, or designing games that teach policies, Tolley turns HR tasks into full-blown productions.

MBA students. Career-builders. Mothers. Friends. Megan Eliason Shaw and Noelle Christensen Perkins have worn all these hats while forging a friendship that has spanned decades, states, and family milestones.

Jon Richards is a compulsive experimenter. “Whether business, health, or personal-growth related, I’m constantly testing ideas,” he says. “Trying new things helps me progress.” That mindset has propelled Richards as he’s grown Nomatic, a travel-gear company, with his cousin Jacob Durham.

After earning an MPA from BYU Marriott in 1970, Michael Dyal focused his career on creating a culture of continual improvement and customer service in each of the four cities where he worked as a city manager.

Ginger Belnap, a landscape designer, shares that she's humbled by the simple beauties that God has given us. “There is healing being in the dirt and being with the Earth.”

Cameron Moll never expected that the insert that fell out of The Daily Universe would eventually lead him to a career spanning the Church, Meta, and beyond.

Flipping through The Wall Street Journal each Saturday morning and discussing stock picks with his grandpa helped James Fletcher realize the real investment wasn’t in equities—it was in Fletcher himself.

From performing arts to chemistry to business to family, BYU Marriott MBA alumna Mandy Crane has forged a variety of paths. “In some ways,” she says, “when you follow a path that no one else is following, you’re creating a better experience for yourself and for your family.”

Almost every part of a fan’s experience at a professional sports event is designed to optimize their emotional connection to the sport. As part of a team that specializes in sports sponsorships, ExDM alum McKade Peterson carefully considers the factors that maximize sports fans’ experiences around the globe.

Google software engineer, Joshua Lyman, says the skillset he developed in the information systems program at the BYU Marriott School of Business has propelled him through diverse career opportunities.

Throughout her 29-year career, Jenifer Greenwood has trusted God for guidance to help her find opportunities for growth, including completing the EMPA program at BYU Marriott.

Mike Eads, an information systems alum from the BYU Marriott School of Business, trusted the skills he developed in the information systems program to take on roles within and outside the realm of his MISM.

Alum Kevin Smith carved out a gnarly career in his nearly 40 years at AT&T. He has also touched hundreds of lives through his optimism, genuine caring, and love for outdoor adventures. You’ve never met a surfer dude quite like him.

"A generous act changed the trajectory of my life in every single way,” says Gene Hayes, who completed his MBA in 1996. Later, as founding director for BYU–Idaho’s Pathway International, he "saw thousands of lives changed.”