LEXINGTON, Ky., (April 16, 2024) —The University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics recognized five remarkable alumni at its annual Alumni Hall of Fame. This prestigious lifetime award recognizes Gatton alumni who have earned exceptional career and community success.
“Our 30th class of the Alumni Hall of Fame are among the finest and most accomplished graduates of the Gatton College of Business and Economics,” said Simon Sheather, dean of the Gatton College. "As members of the Hall of Fame, these inductees join a group of outstanding individuals who have demonstrated leadership, creativity, service, and excellence in all they do.”
2024 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
Dave Calzi is the CEO and Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1983 from the Gatton College of Business and Economics. A native of Buffalo, New York, Dave was blessed to enjoy a successful 37-year-long career in public accounting with two of the largest global firms in the world, Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young (EY). Dave served as EY’s managing partner for over 15 years in the Louisville, Kentucky office. Dave has served and continues to serve on numerous nonprofit boards focusing on education and the arts and continues to support the University of Kentucky in many ways. Watch Dave's video
Marsha Coyle Couch earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting with honors from the Gatton College of Business and Economics in 1992. After graduation, she worked with Hughes Aircraft Company starting as staff accountant and rising to the position of controller. She left Hughes Aircraft following her entrepreneurial passion and teamed up with her business partner, Mike Tetterton, to work with a start-up hotel company that grew into a regional brand purchased by Red Roof Inn. They also founded Creative Lodging Solutions, which grew into a national brand and was named one of Kentucky’s Best Places to Work. It received Lexington’s Small Business of the Year Award before it was purchased by a public company in 2017. Watch Marsha's video
Julie Talbott received her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Gatton College of Business and Economics in 1977. She started her career in advertising at Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn advertising agency where she worked as supervisor of media planning and buying. She then transitioned to MJI Broadcasting, where she spent 19 years as COO. Talbott was instrumental in growing the company and acquiring the exclusive radio rights of the Country Music Awards and the CMA Music Festival. Talbott has served as the President of Premiere Networks since 2014 after joining the company as senior vice president of integrated marketing solutions following the company’s acquisition of MJI Broadcasting in 1999. Watch Julie's video
2024 Distinguished Young Alumni Recipients
Keisha Raspberry currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Teremana Tequila, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial operations and strategic planning initiatives of one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in history. Prior to joining Teremana, Keisha held the position of Vice President, Finance & Strategy for the US & Canada at Brown-Forman, a global leader in premium spirits, where she spearheaded financial operations and led revenue growth management strategies for the company's largest region. Keisha has held expansive roles at MillerCoors, Texas Roadhouse, Lexmark International, and Brown-Forman, where she worked for 13 years. Watch Keisha's video
Joel Traut joined KKR in 2015 and is a partner at the firm and is a real estate team member. He serves as Head of Originations for KKR Real Estate Credit and is responsible for business development, the origination process, and team coordination across the real estate direct lending business. Prior to joining KKR, Joel spent thirteen years at GE Capital, where he led their northeast commercial team. He focused on investing in real estate credit strategies including first mortgage and mezzanine loans. Joel joined GE in 2002 as part of GE Capital's financial management program and worked across multiple GE Capital business segments during his tenure. Watch Joel's video
For more information about each of these amazing alumni and to watch their videos, visit here.
Pictured L-R, Dave Calzi, Julie Talbott, Joel Traut, Marsha Couch and Keisha Raspberry