LEXINGTON, Ky. April 17, 2026 — The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics recognized three distinguished alumni during its Hall of Fame and Centennial Celebration on April 17, 2026, honoring their professional achievement, leadership and impact during a milestone year for the college.
This year’s honorees include Allan J. Zachariah and Michael S. McMahon, who were inducted into the Gatton Alumni Hall of Fame, and Keith A. Carlson, who was named the college’s 2026 Distinguished Young Alumnus.
All three honorees of the evening are first-generation college graduates which showcased the transformative role of higher education in their careers and reflects a broader Gatton story of expanding opportunity.
The recognition took place as part of Gatton’s Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years of business education at the University of Kentucky. Over the past century, nearly 40,000 students have graduated from the college, contributing to industries, communities and organizations across Kentucky and beyond.
“One of the clearest measures of a college’s impact is the success and character of its alumni,” Dean Simon Sheather said during the event. “This year’s honorees reflect what Gatton has represented for 100 years—opportunity, preparation and the ability to create meaningful impact.”
Keith A. Carlson (Finance, 2005) Carlson is the founder and managing partner of Roebling Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on building lower middle market companies. He also serves as a managing director at Dean Dorton, where he leads mergers and acquisitions advisory engagements.
Over the course of his career, Carlson has closed more than 200 transactions and deployed over $500 million of capital across deals totaling more than $1.5 billion in enterprise value. He began his career in investment banking and later advanced through private equity roles before launching his own firm.
A native of Russellville, Kentucky, Carlson credits his early exposure to entrepreneurship and his time at Gatton with shaping his approach to business and leadership. He remains actively engaged with the university, serving on the UK Finance Advisory Board and supporting organizations across the Commonwealth.
Michael S. McMahon (Finance, 1992) McMahon is managing director and head of the asset management practice within Houlihan Lokey’s financial services group. He has spent his career advising on complex financial transactions across asset management, specialty finance and government sectors.
Prior to joining Houlihan Lokey, McMahon held senior leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse, where he led capital raising and advisory engagements for financial institutions. His experience includes advising on major restructuring efforts, including the first successful bankruptcy of a U.S. bank holding company, as well as work with the U.S. Treasury during the 2008 financial crisis.
Throughout his career, McMahon has been recognized for his ability to navigate complex financial environments and deliver strategic guidance at the highest levels of the industry.
Allan J. Zachariah (Accounting, 1981) Zachariah is co-founder and co-chairman of Pathstone, a national wealth advisory firm serving families and institutions. With more than four decades of experience, he has built a career advising clients on wealth management, estate planning and long-term financial strategy.
Before founding Pathstone, Zachariah held leadership roles at Harris myCFO, Grant Thornton and BDO Seidman, and began his career with Arthur Andersen. He is widely recognized for his work in family office structures and wealth transfer strategies.
Zachariah remains actively involved in professional and civic organizations and continues to support the Gatton College through advisory leadership and engagement with students and faculty.
This year’s inductees were recognized during a program that highlighted both the history and future of the college. The evening brought together alumni, faculty, students and friends of Gatton to reflect on the college’s first 100 years and the role its graduates have played in shaping business and economic leadership.
“These individuals represent what is possible for our students,” Sheather said. “Their careers reflect not only personal success, but the broader reach of this college and its alumni community.”
