Top Executives Series: Ellis Alumni in leadership across the accounting profession

As The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership begins an exciting new chapter, it does so with deep gratitude for the legacy of the Anderson School of Management that shaped generations of alumni and helped establish a foundation for continued success. The achievements, traditions, and relationships built under the Anderson name remain an enduring part of the school's identity.

That legacy is reflected in the accomplishments of the school's alumni, who have made meaningful contributions across a wide range of industries and professions. Among them are graduates who have risen to senior positions within the accounting profession, guiding organizations and individuals through complex financial decisions. While their work often happens behind the scenes, accountants play a critical role in the success and growth of institutions.

"Accountants are essential to sound decision-making and organizational success. Their expertise supports financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and sustainable growth, making them indispensable partners to businesses, nonprofits, and public institutions alike. We are proud to see our alumni leading in this profession and making a meaningful impact across industries and communities."

- Alina Chircu, dean, The James & Gail Ellis School of Business Leadership

In this installment of the Top Executives Series, five alumni share their professional journeys, reflect on the qualities that define effective accounting leaders, and discuss how their education at the Anderson School of Management, now the Ellis School of Business Leadership, helped prepare them for successful and influential careers.

Individual stories will be posted on a weekly basis starting June 24.

Carol Cochran, BBA '84, EMBA '18

Carol Cochran's career has been guided by the simple principal that life is about continuously improving and learning new things. After earning her accounting degree from the Anderson School of Management in 1984, she built a distinguished 40-year career, including 33 years at REDW, where she helped grow multiple service areas and mentored future leaders.

Cochran later returned to school to earn an Executive MBA from the Anderson School of Management in 2018 and most recently, she received her law degree from Mitchell Hamlin School of Law, fulfilling a longtime goal of becoming an attorney.

"Everything is changing so fast, that really learning how to change at the same time, how to reinvent yourself, how to continuously improve your skills, and broaden your areas of interest are a good thing."

Today, she practices law while remaining deeply engaged with the Ellis School of Business Leadership and UNM as an adjunct professor for the Executive MBA program, a Foundation trustee, and supporter of student and faculty success. Her professional achievements earned her induction into the school's Hall of Fame in 2010.

Brad Preber, BBA '82

Brad Preber's career reflects the power of curiosity and servant leadership. Preber initially considered a degree in mathematics but was directed to the accounting program after a discussion with his professor.

After earning his accounting degree from Anderson with honors in 1982, he built a distinguished career that culminated in serving as CEO and Chairman of Grant Thornton LLP, a multibillion-dollar revenue accounting firm.

Preber emphasized helping others succeed and leading by example have been key components in rising within organizations. Since retiring in 2022, he has continued serving through various board leadership roles. He is passionate about leading with community and creating impact.

"A lot of success is about curiosity, resilience, and humility. No matter what you decide to pursue, you'll go through many changes in your life and career, and adapting to those changes takes resilience. Humility is what allows you to achieve success in a way that makes you proud of who you are and gives your family reason to be proud of you as well."

Tom Broderick, MACCT '06

Tom Broderick's career demonstrates the impact of client-focused service and creating genuine connections. After returning to Albuquerque to help with his family's accounting practice, Broderick earned a master's degree in accounting with a concentration in taxation from Anderson while working full time.

Today, Broderick serves in dual leadership roles as the Managing Principal of U.S. Geographic Markets and Southwest Regional Managing Principal at Baker Tilly.

Although his role now operates on a national scale, he continues to draw lessons from the business leaders and entrepreneurs he worked alongside throughout New Mexico.

Broderick encourages students and young professionals to focus less on titles and more on excellence in their current role.

"Leadership happens at every level," Broderick said. "It's good to have ambition, but you move forward by engaging in what you're doing and doing it with excellence every day."

Emily Wilson, BBA '16, MACCT '17

Emily Wilson's career reflects the power of relationships and mentorship. A lifelong Albuquerque resident, Wilson discovered her passion for accounting after enrolling in a few courses and recognizing the profession's versatility, stability, and opportunities for growth.

She completed both her bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting in just four years and credits a teaching assistant role at Anderson with helping her develop the leadership and mentoring skills that continue to shape her career.

Wilson is now a principal at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) specializing in state and local government services.

Wilson is committed to supporting her team's success, mentoring future accountants, and helping students navigate their own professional journeys. She believes meaningful relationships and genuine investment in others are the foundation of effective leadership and long-term career success.

"Accounting and business are people-driven professions," Wilson said. "Build relationships with your classmates, your professors, and the professionals you meet along the way. Those connections will stay with you throughout your career and can open so many doors.

Damon Chronis, BBA '98

Damon Chronis's career has been defined by hard work, specialization, and purpose-driven leadership. A native New Mexican, he initially explored engineering before discovering his path in accounting.

While working his way through college, Chronis served as manager of the Ranchers Club of New Mexico restaurant, a role he held at just 22 years old. There, he developed a strong foundation in customer service, leadership, and accountability.

His career trajectory shifted when an Anderson career services director introduced him to Ryan, then a small, emerging firm in Dallas, Texas with about 100 employees. That connection ultimately launched a nearly three-decade career with the organization.

Today, Chronis serves as president of U.S. operations for Ryan, now the largest firm in the world focused exclusively on business taxes. Throughout his tenure, he has helped shape the firm's growth while building deep expertise in his field.

Reflecting on his career, Chronis emphasizes the importance of specialization, mentorship, and aligning work with a sense of purpose.

"Success is becoming the premier brand in whatever space you occupy," he said. "Trust is earned, and everything else follows from that."