UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS SCHOOL

university of washington business school

The E is for experience

“The E should stand for experience. The UW Executive MBA will be 

unlike any other academic experience you may have had in the past 

or will have in the future. The workload, especially the first year is 

unbelievable. It’s beyond the concept of immersion, you become 

the EMBA. You live it and breath it therefore you learn it. It’s a rite 

of passage. The personal satisfaction of finishing one class, one term, 

one year is like no other achievement I have ever experienced.” 

SuSie HaSty 

EMBA Class of 2007 

Manager, Children’s Division 

Evergreen Memorial Hospital and Medical Center 

UW ExEcUTIvE MBA progrAM

3 experience the university of Washington executive MBa 

5 the Heart of the executive MBa experience (Study Groups) 

6 Meet your Guides to the uW executive MBa Program 

8 intellectually Challenging, immediately Relevant (Curriculum) 

11 Faculty Who Shape the experience 

12 Formats to Fit your Work and travel Schedules 

14 Focus on Learning, not Logistics 

17 Return on investment 

18 Making Connections, Building Relationships 

20 executive MBa at-a-Glance 

23 is the uW executive MBa Right for you? 

24 the university of Washington 

the Pacific Northwest’s Global Business Connections 

Executive MBA students present at the 2007 Business Plan Competition, 

a capstone learning experience at the end of their two-year program. 


University of washington bUsiness school execUtive Mba PrograM 

exPeRieNCe tHe uNiveRSity oF WaSHiNGtoN exeCutive MBa 

How does the University of Washington’s Executive MBA Program 

transform already accomplished professionals into confident, 

successful leaders? 

The Executive MBA’s reputation is built on its highly respected faculty, 

dynamic collaborative approach and robust curriculum; students, however, 

also describe the overall “experience” of the program as significantly 

contributing to both their professional and personal development. 

To provide a candid behind-the-scenes look at the UW Executive 

MBA Program, members of the Class of 2007 – as well as first year 

students and alumni – share their perceptions, insights, and challenges. 

Explore the Executive MBA experience through the eyes of your peers – 

successful men and women with diverse backgrounds, perspectives 

and goals. 

Let their experiences help you decide if the University of Washington 

Executive MBA is right for you. 


CHRiStoPHeR WeSt 

Finance Product Manager 

Toyota/Lexus 

Financial Services 

UW ExEcUTIvE MBA progrAM 

RaNdy MeyeRSoN 

Director, Program Management 

Medio 

NoaH B. edeLSteiN 

Principal Project Manager, 

Microsoft 

KRiSteNa a. Louie 

Product Marketing Engineer, 

Intel Corporation 

eoGHaN C. o’LeaRy 

Distributor Manager, 

Diageo Guinness USA

GiNa t. HaRRiS 

Director, Technology 

Infrastructure Management 

Univar USA Inc 

tHe HeaRt oF tHe 

exeCutive MBa exPeRieNCe 

Ask an Executive MBA student at the University of Washington’s 

Business School to describe the most powerful aspect of his 

or her experience, and the first words you’re likely to hear are 

“study group.” 

carefully developed to represent a diverse mix of professional backgrounds, industries 

and areas of expertise, each study group consists of five or six people who work together 

for the 21-month program. 

providing mutual support and forging bonds that often last beyond graduation, study 

groups create a stimulating and dynamic environment for learning. To test new business 

solutions and best practices, study groups often use one of their own organizations as 

a laboratory. one study group member may lead one study session while a teammate 

with different expertise facilitates the next, drawing on the strengths of each member 

in turn. Team members divide responsibility for projects, negotiate workloads and 

participate together in the business plan competition, a culminating experience in the 

Executive MBA program. 

Identified by colors, study groups are referred to as teams, such as the red Team, 

Silver Team and orange Team. 

Join the six members of the White team from the Class of 2007, who have offered 

to be your guides to the university of Washington’s executive MBa experience. 

i never expected in my wildest dreams to 

gain such insights and knowledge from 

the group. you learn from each other as 

much as from the professors. 


the relationships that i have formed in 

study group are some of the strongest 

in my adult life. 


working closely with the team has been 

the best way to really learn, embrace and 

experience that other people see the 

world in a different way. 

NoaH edeLSteiN 

the study team is the crux of the eMba 

experience. it is the class outside of class. 

KRiSteNa Louie 

working with the study team has helped 

broaden my perspective with regard 

to my education and, consequently, 

my everyday work life. 


the diversity of our industries, experiences, 

and personality types jelled into a replica 

of a real management team. 

GiNa HaRRiS 


youR GuideS to tHe uW exeCutive MBa PRoGRaM 

NoaH B. edeLSteiN 

Principal Project Manager, 

Microsoft 

BS, Psychology, 

Washington State University, 1993 

Noah, who has worked at Microsoft 

for 14 years, is on the chief 

Technology officer’s team, where he 

focuses on upcoming technologies. 

i wanted a better understanding 

of “the language and basics of 

business” to help me continue to 

progress in my software engineering 

program management career path. 

i also was starting to question 

whether or not i wanted to stay in 

engineering, and i saw the eMba as 

a way to broaden my horizons and 

make a discipline/career change. 

being in the eMba Program is 

intense. Microsoft is famous for 

being a place where you “drink from 

a fire hose,” but this program… that’s 

a fire hose. it’s not just the time 

commitment, which is significant, 

but also the sheer amount of 

academic ground covered. 


GiNa t. HaRRiS 

Director, 

Technology Infrastructure Management, 

Univar USA Inc 

BA, English Composition, 

University of Washington, 1982 

responsible for Univar USA’s information 

technology infrastructure, gina manages 

a $13 million budget and a staff of 85 for 

the leading chemical distributor in the 

United States. 

at the time i applied, i was experiencing 

a lull at work and feeling the need for 

a mental challenge – an intellectual 

“iron Man.” the ranking of the Uw’s 

business school was a compelling factor 

in my decision to attend Uw. 

it has been an intellectual triathlon 

requiring tenacity, endurance, and 

commitment. entering the program was 

one of the best decisions i’ve ever made. 

KRiSteNa a. Louie 

Product Marketing Engineer, 


BS, Electrical Engineering, 

University of Washington, 2000 

Kristena, who has more than nine years 

of experience in the semiconductor 

industry, manages Intel’s Dual-core 

and Quad core xeon processor product 

line of servers and works with Tier 1 

oEM customers. 

this was the perfect time to pursue 

the Mba because i was transitioning 

from an engineering position to a 

business marketing position within 

my company. 

the eMba experience has been so 

much more than i ever could have 

imagined. the professors, curriculum, 

faculty and staff have all exceeded 

my expectations. it changes the way 

you think, approach problems, and 

ask questions in just about every 

aspect of work and in life.


Director, Program Management, 

Medio 

BA, Architecture, Middlebury College, 1992 

When he first enrolled in the 

Executive MBA program, randy was 

product manager for connexion, 

a stand-alone business unit of The 

Boeing company. randy is now 

Director, program Management at 

Medio Systems, a small mobile search 

and advertising company in Seattle. 

i considered getting an Mba for a 

number of years, but couldn’t make 

the leap between what i was doing 

and what i thought i would learn in an 

Mba program. i finally reached a point 

where i could clearly see the direct 

application of the course materials to 

my current and desired roles. 

the week-long retreats, the day a 

week in class, the nights and weekends 

of studying are all so intense that 

you can’t fully wrap your head around 

it. the experience can be difficult, 

intensely introspective and deeply 

satisfying by turns. 


Distributor Manager, 

Diageo Guinness USA 

BS, Food Technology, 

University of College Cork (Ireland), 1997 

As a distributor manager with the 

world’s largest adult beverage company, 

Eogan restructured the company’s pacific 

Northwest distributor network and 

currently oversees several states as well 

as the on-premise business in Seattle. 

He also worked in research and 

development in Dublin, Ireland. 

since i have worked for the same 

company my entire career in various 

roles, both in the Us and europe, 

i wanted to give myself more depth and 

breadth. this program appealed to my 

goal of achieving an Mba while working. 

the eMba experience has been 

challenging, rigorous, stretching and 

rewarding. 

CHRiStoPHeR S. WeSt 

Finance Product Manager, 

Toyota/Lexus Financial Services 

BS, Finance, 

Weber State University, Utah, 1991 

chris provides leadership and training 

for Western region field associates as 

well as Toyota and Lexus dealership 

associates. In this position, he provides 

expertise in support of all finance and 

wholesale products and services as well 

as analyses dealer metrics to identify 

new sales opportunities. 

in order to continue advancing 

within my organization, i believed 

that an Mba would not only update 

my skills but also open new career 

opportunities, and i knew i wanted a 

degree from an elite business school 

with top national rankings. 

i have been challenged in my personal 

thinking about life, our culture, 

our economy and our country. 



“I had the opportunity to immediately apply many of the concepts that i learned 

in our finance class in my work situation. i was fairly comfortable with reviewing financial 

statements and analyzing key ratios prior to taking the class, but the concepts i learned 

took my understanding and knowledge to another level. we really learned how to 

dissect and understand an organization’s operations and their true financial picture.” 


iNteLLeCtuaLLy CHaLLeNGiNG 

iMMediateLy ReLevaNt 

Collaborative learning, classroom lectures and one-on-one opportunities with 

faculty create a dynamic and supportive learning environment. The Executive 

MBA Program offers an academically challenging curriculum that relates to today’s 

global business concerns. 

• general management courses emphasize leadership, strategic thinking and decision-making tools 

• projects focus on developing solutions to your company or organization's current real-time challenges 

• program courses and an optional international seminar examine global business practices 

With a focus on leadership development and strategic thinking, the Executive MBA program is designed to expand 

your understanding and knowledge of business fundamentals within the context of your professional expertise. 

case studies and group projects link theory with current business practices, allowing you to immediately apply 

what you're learning. 

Students frequently use their own organizations for study group assignments then bring the results back to class 

for further discussion and analysis. Most students spend 15-20 hours outside of class studying and meeting with 

their study group to review course materials. 

tHe aRt oF LeadeRSHiP 

The EMBA experience gives you the confidence and skills 

to successfully develop and manage the responsibilities of 

leadership. 

• Understand what motivates employees in a company 

• Learn how to sell an initiative to both the board of directors 

and the teams that will implement it 

• Achieve results without damaging relationships 

• create a framework for making ethical decisions in a fiercely 

competitive environment 

• Add new win-win techniques to your negotiation toolkit 

Your leadership skills also are strengthened by the EMBA 

program’s collaborative format, which requires students to 

create and deliver effective group presentations. 

As part of the EMBA experience, you will assess your personal 

leadership strengths and deficiencies through a comprehensive, 

independent performance review. Individual sessions with an 

executive coach will then help you address your limitations and 

focus on your leadership goals. 

dyNaMiC, iNteGRated CuRRiCuLuM 

First year courses focus on accounting, economics, finance, 

statistics, team building and leadership. The second year makes 

the connections between operations and strategy, including 

discussions about marketing, integrative management and 

entrepreneurship. The impact of current business trends, such 

as technology and globalization, is incorporated throughout the 

entire curriculum.

exeCutive MBa CuRRiCuLuM 

Fall year 1 

teamwork and Managerial effectiveness 

financial reporting and analysis 

Dynamics of negotiation 

organizational leadership 

general Management and strategy i 

Winter year 1 

strategic competitive analysis 

Managerial accounting 

legal environment of business 

Spring year 1 

statistics for Management 

corporate finance 

global economic environment of the firm 

ethical leadership 

Fall year 2 

strategic hr 

enhancing leadership effectiveness 

Decision Models for Management 

Marketing Management 

Winter year 2 

operations Management 

international study seminar (optional) 

Marketing strategies 

Spring year 2 

international finance 

international Management 

corporate entrepreneurship 

general Management and strategy ii 


“I like having professors who are skilled in the art of teaching but recognize that 

we’re all professionals and then allow the conversations to be exchanges rather 

than lessons. the exceptional faculty members we get are outstanding in their field 

but not threatened by students and willing to debate and discuss issues inside 

and outside of the classroom. ” 

NoaH edeLSteiN 

dR. SuReSH KotHa Professor of organization anD ManageMent 

Internationally recognized as an expert on competitive strategy, 

strategic management of technology and innovation, and entrepreneurship, 

Dr. Kotha believes the Executive MBA program is 

more that just learning business tools and theory. “It inculcates a 

way of thinking about strategic problems, and more importantly, 

it is a passport to an elite club consisting of graduates in senior 

positions in large corporations,” he says. 

professor Kotha, who has been a member of the Business School 

faculty since 1996, describes the EMBA classroom experience 

as especially rich in terms of substance and applicability to the 

real-world situations. He attributes this to the level of corporate 

0 UW ExEcUTIvE MBA progrAM 

experience students bring to the classroom. professor Kotha 

brings his personal consulting experience at major companies 

such as Boeing, realNetworks, Freshnetventures.com and 

Wonderhorse.com. 

professor Kotha emphasizes the importance of having enough 

time to invest in an Executive MBA program. “The more time you 

invest, the more you will get out of it. remember learning does 

not occur automatically.” His also advises anyone considering 

an Executive MBA program to consider the quality of the people 

enrolling in the program because “these colleagues are likely to 

become your lifelong friends.”

FaCuLty WHo SHaPe tHe exPeRieNCe 

The reputation of the University of Washington’s Business School is built on the 

credentials and expertise of its world class faculty members, who are recognized 

for their academic accomplishments as well as extensive consulting experience. 

Exceptional credentials are only part of the equation. Professors in the Executive MBA 

Program are also selected for their desire and ability to take on the challenges of 

teaching highly motivated, experienced professionals. 

Bringing current business issues to the classroom, faculty members offer thought-provoking lectures and stimulating 

classroom discussions. With a focus on practical solutions as well as theory and strategy, Executive MBA professors 

work with students to integrate classroom learning to their specific business challenges. Faculty members make a point 

of connecting with students, whether it’s through one-on-one meetings after class or by e-mail. professors also join 

students on the program’s optional international study seminar, which has been held in Europe, Asia and South America. 

professors offer optional help sessions for classes on weekday evenings; teaching assistants also are available for 

individual consultation and to help study groups. 

diStiNGuiSHed SPeaKeRS SeRieS 

prominent business leaders and guest lectures speak candidly about their organizations, management styles and challenges 

in the Executive MBA lunchtime Distinguished Speakers Series. past speakers have included: 

Bill ayer 

Chairman and 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Alaska Airlines 

Jeff Brotman 

Chairman, Costco 

John Buller 

President & CEO, 

Tully’s Coffee Corporation 

Phyllis Campbell 

President and CEO, 

The Seattle Foundation 

Joan enticknap 

President and COO, 

HomeStreet Bank 

dan evans 

Chairman, 

Daniel J. Evans Associates; 

former US Senator and Governor, 

State of Washington 

anne Farrell 

President Emeritus, 

The Seattle Foundation 

Greg Gottesman 

Managing Partner, 

Madrona Venture Group 

Bob Herbold 

Managing Director, 

The Herbold Group, LLC; 

retired EVP/ COO, 

Microsoft Corporation 

Sally Jewell 

President and CEO, 

REI 

Kerry Killinger 

Chairman and 


Washington Mutual, Inc. 

Leslie Koo 

President, 

Taiwan Cement Corporation 

Craig Lawson 

Vice President, Administration, 

Univar Corporation 

Gary Locke 

Partner, 

Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP; 

former Governor, 

State of Washington 

Bill Mcaleer 

Managing Director, 

Voyager Capital 

Brian Mcandrews 

President & CEO, 

aQuantive, Inc. 

david Norris 

Chairman and CEO, 

OnRequest Images 

Mark Pigott 

Chairman and 


PACCAR, Inc. 

Lisa Quast 

Vice President, Strategy Planning, 

Philips Medical Systems 

Brad Rutherford 

Director, 

Snow Leopard Trust 

Paul Shoemaker 

Executive Director, 

Social Venture Partners 


“The Regional EMBA’s weekly meeting format was a great fit for me, 

but the monthly north america format is a great alternative for 

anyone who travels a lot or lives outside the seattle area.” 


FoRMatS to Fit youR 

WoRK aNd tRaveL SCHeduLeS 

The Executive MBA Program is available in two formats: the Regional format offers 

weekly classes while the North America format meets monthly. Although both formats 

have identical curriculum and are presented over two academic years, they meet different 

work and travel schedules. The Regional format is designed for students who work in 

the Seattle area and can attend class weekly; the monthly North America format appeals 

to working professionals from outside greater Seattle as well as students who prefer a 

more concentrated class schedule or local residents whose jobs require frequent travel. 

Because the North America class is geographically diverse, this results in a different representation of industries. 

And instead of weekly in-person study group meetings, North America class study groups rely on virtual meetings. 

Students in the North America program may see each other less frequently but the time they spend together is intense. 

Arriving from as far away as Boston and Alaska to as close as Bellevue and Belltown, students in the North America class 

spend three or four days together each month (housing is provided near the UW campus). Four students from the 

North America class of 2007 describe the program’s collegiate, in-residence experience. 

the intensity of the 

on-site sessions is truly 

a bonding experience 

– plenty of long days 

and nights, but also time 

to spend together as 

colleagues and friends. 

i travel somewhere virtually every week. 

My travel schedule is unpredictable, and 

i’m frequently on the road with little or 

no advance notice. the eMba Program 

requires you to be self-managed to a 

pretty significant degree, but travel per se 

should not present a major impediment 

to completing the eMba Program. 

SCott LeNtz 

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO 

Picis, Inc. 

Boston, Massachusetts 


i travel roughly 20 percent 

of the time, and the 

north america format 

was a better fit for my 

personal schedule. i also 

felt this format would 

offer additional geographic 

diversity among the students. 

given the fact that we’re pretty spread out, 

my study group is forced to be flexible, 

and rely primarily on e-mail and conference 

calls late at night or during weekends. 

time zones differences can occasionally 

be an issue, but the challenges are similar 

to those many of us face working within 

a global company. i’m able to do a fair 

amount of school work on flights or in 

hotel rooms while on the road. 

eRiC PaPeSH 

Senior Research Analyst 

Russell Investment Group 

Tacoma, Washington 

this program clearly is on 

par and maybe even 

better than executive 

Mba programs like 

wharton, University of 

chicago and Duke geMba 

but at half the cost or 

less. tools like live Meeting and blackboard 

helped me stay connected with my cohort 

and professors when we’re not on campus. 

commuting to seattle was about three and 

one-half hours each way. the traffic was 

not an issue but taking the amtrak train was 

much better, and i could easily get some 

reading done while traveling on the train. 

once in the area, i really didn’t need a car 

since the hotel has a shuttle to Uw and 

neighborhood dinner spots. 

SRiNidHi tHiRuMaLa 

Enterprise Data Analytics Manager 


Hillsboro, Oregon

The North America schedule and program are ideally suited to the “traveling executive.” 

I usually travel once or twice per month and often to international destinations, which 

makes attending a once-weekly class almost impossible – and completing the EMBA a 

real challenge. Fortunately the program effectively uses many Web-based tools…. being 

overseas didn’t mean I couldn’t be productive and keep up with school. 

The team was generally very good at moving the workload around to accommodate a 

team member who was pressed at the moment. It all balanced out. 

KeNNetH PRiCe 

Regional Director, Marketing 

Boeing Commercial Airplanes 

Renton, Washington 



“The EMBA staff facilitates the studying experience both during and outside of class. 

they organize all of the necessary elements so that both the professors and students 

can focus on the objective of learning. from the first day of the residence week to 

the last day in class, the staff accommodates all requests and requirements that the 

students may have. they are fantastic at what they do.” 

eoGHaN o’LeaRy 

FoCuS oN LeaRNiNG 

Not LoGiStiCS 

Working full time while earning an MBA from a top-ranked university is not only 

intellectually challenging – it’s a major time commitment for business executives 

with demanding careers and serious responsibilities. But at the University of 

Washington, students in the Executive MBA Program receive a full range of support 

that allows them to concentrate on learning instead of logistics. 

adMiNiStRative SuPPoRt: 

registration is completed for you and all of your books and materials are provided. Free parking is offered 

on-site during classes. EMBA students never need to worry about their meals while attending classes. 

High quality snacks and catered meals from local restaurants are offered on-site. 

WoRLd-CLaSS ReSouRCeS: 

Attend classes at the Bank of America Executive Education center on the University of Washington 

campus in Seattle. The center features wireless broadband connectivity and access to the comprehensive 

Foster Business Library. regional classes occasionally meet at the UW Business School’s Eastside Executive 

center, a new state of the art facility near Microsoft. 

State oF tHe aRt teCHNoLoGy: 

Whether you’re at home, at work or traveling, Web-based resources let you participate in assignments, 

share files with your study group, hold discussions and coordinate projects. Between on-campus classes, 

professors provide learning materials and narrated slide shows online to complement your classroom 

experiences. Log on to chat with faculty and fellow students as well as to access syllabi, course content 

and exams. 

tRaveL aCCoMModatioNS FoR NoRtH aMeRiCa StudeNtS: 

Seattle’s international airport offers easy access from most major cities in the U.S. and canada; students 

in the monthly North America class are eligible for reduced-rate airfare and provided with convenient 

lodging during class sessions.


“I have applied the knowledge I’ve gained in the program to better 

understand and propose solutions for business problems. for example, 

i relied on skills learned in Managerial accounting and finance to 

enhance the process by which we evaluate business cases to determine 

which cases bring the greatest financial benefits.” 

GiNa HaRRiS 

iMPRoviNG tHe FiNaNCiaL HeaLtH oF yaKiMa vaLLey MeMoRiaL HoSPitaL 

Jackie Earl ray, a student in the North America program, is already 

applying concepts from the Executive MBA program to her work at 

the Yakima valley Memorial Hospital, where she is the Director of 

rehabilitation Services. 

Jackie’s study group used the not-for-profit hospital to test the 

balanced scorecard, an objective method to align individual performance 

with an organization’s strategic goals. “We were able to 

look at my clinical area and develop an objective, quantifiable tool 

to track the progress and success of the program,” Jackie explained. 

The balanced scorecard is now being used on a quarterly basis; 

Jackie’s next step will be to implement it at two other clinical sites 

and, ultimately, take it department-wide. Although it’s too early to 


Jackie Ray EMBA 2008 and 

COO Russ Myers at Yakima 

Valley Memorial Hospital. 

quantify how much money will be saved, Jackie said, “I can state 

that by achieving the goals on the scorecard, we will reduce our 

no-show cancellation rate and our employee sick call, which will 

increase overall revenue.” 

The Executive MBA, however, is not just benefiting Yakima valley 

Memorial Hospital. Jackie was recently promoted to her current 

position and now has a major increase in responsibility and 

considerably more staff. “I really believe that the EMBA definitely 

played a part in this promotion,” she said. 

russ Myers, chief operating officer at the hospital and Jackie’s 

boss, agrees. “The enhanced perspective and business skills that 

Jackie has gained from being in the EMBA program is adding to her 

natural leadership calling and to her contributions at Memorial.”

RetuRN oN iNveStMeNt 

By sponsoring accomplished managers and executives through UW’s Executive MBA 

Program, companies not only gain more effective leaders but also profit from their 

employee’s ability to make better, more insightful decisions. Over the past 25 years, 

students from more than 700 companies have graduated from the Executive MBA Program. 

The return on investment not only helps companies retain employees but also allows key employees to increase their 

contributions by moving to the next level of leadership. Students can immediately apply new business models and share 

their knowledge and perspectives with colleagues and staff. Time away from the office is minimal – generally only two to three 

weekdays a month, which creates a seamless connection between school and work. 

The opportunity to network with and learn from other senior managers in the program is an added benefit, impacting students 

as well as their sponsoring companies. Exposure to business practices in companies of different sizes and across a range of 

industries and geographical regions gives students new perspectives and insights. 

The Executive MBA program recognizes that sponsoring a student is a substantial investment. Sponsors, therefore, receive 

updates about new developments in the program and are invited to attend class sessions and also hear guest speakers. 

The UW Executive MBA program is more than an investment in an employee – it’s also an investment in the company. 

SPoNSoRiNG oRGaNizatioNS 

companies that sponsor Executive MBA students range from Fortune 1000 corporations to start-up enterprises and nonprofit 

organizations. Small and mid-size companies also understand the value and benefit of supporting key employees in the 

UW Executive MBA program. The following list represents just some of the companies and organizations that have sponsored 

employees to this program: 

accenture 

afognak native corporation 

alaska airlines 

alaska Distributors 

amgen 

at&t wireless services 

avenue a | razorfish 

bc wood specialties group 

the boeing company 

bristol Myers squibb 

campusPoint corporation 

cascade natural gas corporation 

children’s hospital regional Medical 

city of seattle 

clearwire 

coeur d’alene casino & resort hotel 

costco wholesale 

Disney internet group 

endogastric solutions, inc. 

esophyx, inc 

expedia 

fluke networks 

frank russell company 

fred hutchinson cancer research ctr. 

general electric co. 

getty images 

group health cooperative 

habitat for humanity 

hewlett-Packard company 

honeywell international 

icos corporation 

immunex corporation 

Jack in the box 

Micron technology 

Microsoft corporation 

nordstrom 

northwest biotherapeutics 

Paccar, inc 

Pacific northwest national laboratory 

Port of seattle 

Premera blue cross 

Puget sound energy 

realnetworks 

safeco insurance 

schnitzer northwest 

starbucks 

seattle times 

Us bank 

weyerhaeuser 

wizards of the coast 


MaKiNG CoNNeCtioNS 

BuiLdiNG ReLatioNSHiPS 

“The greatest assets of the EMBA Program are the business acumen you 

gain and the invaluable relationships you develop with your cohort.” 

KRiSteNa Louie 

Since 1983, more than 1,125 men and women have graduated from the UW Executive MBA 

Program. This select group of business professionals has built an influential alumni network 

that shares the collective Executive MBA experience. 

Personal and professional relationships are not only forged within individual classes and study 

group but also within companies. 

HoW exeCutive MBa GRadS aRe MaKiNG a diFFeReNCe at aLaSKa aiRLiNeS 

For more than a decade, Alaska Airlines has sponsored senior 

managers to the Executive MBA program, creating a leadership 

team that shares a unique bond as well as common business 

knowledge and perspectives. 

Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines’ cFo and Executive vice president 

of Finance and planning, was the company’s first EMBA graduate. 

He believes there is a “huge benefit” when a company has a 

cohort of EMBA graduates. “Having a critical mass of people with 

common education background helps us to frame issues and 

more quickly get to the best answer for Alaska and Horizon,” 

he says. 

Alaska Airlines’ most recent EMBA graduate is Joe Sprague, Staff 

vice president for Inflight Services. He reports that the shared 

Executive MBA experience often comes through during senior 

leadership meetings, explaining, “our similar academic backgrounds 

lead to a common and very robust lens from which to 

consider decisions.” 

For David Keith, Director of vendor Heavy Maintenance, having 

EMBA graduates throughout different areas of Alaska Airlines 

helps support corporate decision-making. “The individuals who 

complete the program develop a set of skills that allows them 

to make more informed and accurate decisions to align with 

the company goals,” he explained. 


Kelley Dobbs, vice president, Human resources Strategy and 

culture, agrees the EMBA investment in the right people makes 

absolute sense and says, “The success or failure of a business 

depends on the people who lead it.” Describing fellow EMBA 

alumni as sharing a “life-altering experience,” she adds, “We 

are able to draw upon our collective experiences in the EMBA 

program and translate those experiences into the decisionmaking 

process, which in the end drives a better decision.” 

Ann Ardizzone, Managing Director of customer Experience, 

just survived her first year in the program but already sees the 

value of working with EMBA alumni. Anne believes the EMBA 

gives executives the knowledge and skills from a range of 

business disciplines. She says, “The EMBA program encourages 

comprehensive problem solving, and we have a greater 

appreciation for considering relevant perspectives.” 

When asked if there is a special connection between Alaska 

Airline executives who share the Executive MBA experience, 

Managing Director of Investor relations Shannon Alberts replied, 

“Are you kidding? It’s like having served in the same army. 

We experience the same terror, sleepless nights, favorite professors, 

relief that certain classes are over, and exhilaration over 

finally graduating.” 

our eMba graduates come back and immediately apply what 

they learn. the “r” in the “roi” is easily recognizable. 

BRad tiLdeN 

CFO and Executive Vice President of Finance & Planning, Class of 1997

Stay CoNNeCted tHRouGHout youR CaReeR 

Current and future alumni of the University of Washington 

Executive MBA Program at Alaska Airlines, from left to right: 

Ann Ardizzone EMBA 2008, Shannon Alberts EMBA 2005, 

Brad Tilden EMBA 1997, Joe Sprague EMBA 2007, 

Kelley Dobbs EMBA 2005, and David Keith EMBA 2003. 

Executive MBA graduates, faculty and staff stay in touch at alumni events, such as the annual 

Economic Forecast Breakfast and the summer barbeque. Alumni have access to the EMBA Web site, 

receive e-newsletters and learn about continuing educational opportunities. 

As a graduate of the Executive MBA program, you join a network of 44,000 successful and respected 

professionals who have graduated from the UW Business School since it was founded in 1917. 

The Business School also provides all alumni with opportunities for continuing education and 

professional networking as well as meaningful ways to contribute wisdom and expertise to today’s 

students. To stay connected, volunteer class agents help alumni maintain their professional and 

personal relationships by facilitating communications between each class and the Business School. 

other alumni benefits include career services, alumni events and group travel programs. 


exeCutive MBa 

at-a-GLaNCe 

WHo atteNdS uW’S eMBa PRoGRaM? 

When you become part of an EMBA class, you join an elite group of 40 to 50 accomplished mid-level managers, senior managers and 

executives with outstanding career achievements. Typically in their thirties and forties, participants have an average of 10 years work 

experience, including five years in management. Each new EMBA class represents a range of industries and includes a mix of cEos, 

cFos and directors of business units as well as consultants and entrepreneurs with extensive business experience. 

ClAss profIlE 

00 Entering Class 

Average class Size 

Male 0% 

Female 0% 

Ethnic Minority % 

Average Age 

Average Years of Work Experience 

professional 

Management 

Education 

Undergraduate % 

Master Degree % 

ph.D. / Ed.D. % 

Undergraduate Majors 

Engineering % 

Business Administration % 

Social Science % 

Science / Math % 

computer Science % 

gEogrAphICAl ArEAs rEprEsEntEd 

Alaska 

colorado 

Idaho 

oregon 

New York 

Washington 

0 UW ExEcUTIvE MBA progrAM 

IndUstrY MIx 

Financial/Banking % 

Healthcare/Biotech % 

job fUnCtIon 

Advertising/consulting % 

Utilities/Transport/Forest prod. % 

communications % 

Aerospace % 

Healthcare Management % 

Financial/Investments % 

production/operations % 

other (real Estate/Entrep) % 

Marketing/Sales % 

other/Non-profit/gov’t % 

Manufacturing % 

High Tech/comp Svcs % 

Hr Management % Information Technology % 

general Management 0% 

Engineering % 

corp/Strategic planning %

WeeKLy oR MoNtHLy FoRMatS to Fit WoRK aNd PeRSoNaL SCHeduLeS 

Designed to accommodate your work and life commitments, the Executive MBA program allows you to earn an MBA 

degree while working full time. The program offers two flexible formats: The weekly regional schedule is ideal for 

greater puget Sound area professionals; the monthly North America schedule supports those who live, travel or work 

throughout North America. 

CoMpArE sChEdUlE optIons 

Program Length 

Classes Meet 

Schedule designed For 

Location 

Residence Sessions 

international Seminar 

typical Class Size 

Program Cost includes 

WeeKLy ReGioNaL MoNtHLy NoRtH aMeRiCa 

Alternating Fridays and Saturdays 

(2 weekdays a month) 

Working professionals in greater puget Sound area 

provides weekly in-person class and team 

interaction, continuous application of learning 

at work 

UW Seattle campus and 

Eastside Executive center, Kirkland 

Year one: 

5 days in September and 5 days in March/April 

Year Two: 

5 days in September 

registration, books, materials, meals, 

residency sessions 

21 months 

Year 1: September – June with summer off 

Year 2: September – June 

once a month for three or four days 

(Wednesday or Thursday through Saturday) 

Working professionals from across North America 

(and local residents who travel frequently) 

provides weekly activities and continuous online 

contact with class and team members between 

monthly class sessions; continuous application of 

learning at work 

UW Seattle campus 

Year Two: 3-4 day residency 

optional 8-10 day tour (additional cost) 

40-50 students 

registration, books, materials, meals, residency 

session, Seattle lodging (discount airfare offered) 



“Make sure you are personally and professionally ready to embark 

upon an experience of a lifetime. it is by no means an easy journey, 

but well worth the hard work and effort.” 

KRiSteNa Louie

iS tHe uW exeCutive MBa RiGHt FoR you? 

The Executive MBA staff offers a range of opportunities to help you evaluate if this is the 

best program to meet your personal and professional goals. 

viSit ouR WeB Site 

For the most up-to-date information about class schedules, 

program fees, application details and upcoming information 

events, visit the Executive MBA Web site at 

www.emba.washington.edu. 

exPLoRe tHe PRoGRaM 

Join us at an information reception or a Business School open 

house to meet Executive MBA staff, ask questions, and talk to 

current students and faculty. Discover how the monthly Executive 

MBA schedule accommodates people who live or work 

outside of greater Seattle or if a weekly schedule better meets 

your personal and professional situation. 

• Information receptions: 

offered in cities throughout the western U.S. and canada each 

year, information receptions provide specific information about 

the Executive MBA program and a chance to meet the staff and 

ask questions. EMBA graduates or current students are often 

available. 

• business school open houses: 

presented in the fall, winter and spring, Business School open 

houses provide an overview of different MBA programs as well 

as the opportunity to explore the Executive MBA facilities, pick 

up application materials and talk to staff, students and alumni. 

exPeRieNCe a CLaSS 

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to experience the 

Executive MBA program. A current student will be your guide 

for the partial or full-day class, and you’ll also meet with other 

students and faculty. To make arrangements, e-mail us or call 

the Executive MBA office. 

SCHeduLe aN iNFoRMatioNaL iNteRvieW 

Arrange for a telephone or in-person appointment to meet 

with an Executive MBA staff member to discuss your qualifications 

and explain the admission process. call 206.685.1333 

or toll free at 888.622.3932 to schedule an appointment. 

aPPLy FoR adMiSSioN 

If you have decided this Executive MBA program is the right 

choice for you, it is advisable to begin the admission process 

early to secure sponsorship, get references and take the graduate 

Management Admissions Test (gMAT). 

Successful candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for 

business and convey a strong commitment to fulfill the program 

requirements. 

You can download and print a pDF version of the EMBA 

application at www.emba.washington.edu. The EMBA staff offers 

small group sessions to assist you in completing your application. 

aPPLiCatioN deadLiNeS 

february 

Early deadline for all students and final deadline for international 

students, who require a visa. 

May 

Final deadline. 

iF you Have aNy QueStioNS, PLeaSe CoNtaCt uS at: 

emba@u.washington.edu 

206.685.1333 

888.622.3932 (toll free) 


tHe uNiveRSity oF WaSHiNGtoN 

BuSiNeSS SCHooL 

ranked among the nation’s top business schools, the University of Washington 

Business School enrolls more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students 

each year as well as more than 1,000 working professionals in Executive 

Education programs. 

Nearly 50,000 students have graduated from the UW Business School since it 

was established in 1917. The oldest institution of management education on 

the West coast, the UW Business School is accredited by AAcSB International 

– the Association to Advance collegiate Schools of Business. It also is one of only 

two business schools in the U.S. to hold EQUIS accreditation from the European 

Foundation for Management Development. 

reflecting the University Washington’s commitment to excellence, UW Business 

School offers a wide variety of educational programs to meet the professional 

needs of current and future executives. In addition to the Executive MBA, other 

graduate and executive education opportunities include: 

technology Management MbA program: 

18-month MBA program for technology professionals interested in 

expanding management expertise. www.tmmba.washington.edu 

Evening MbA program: 

professionals seeking specialized knowledge and skills can earn an MBA in 

8-10 quarters; classes meet two nights a week. www.evemba.washington.edu 

full-time MbA program: 

full-time, two-year immersion program. www.mba.washington.edu 

global MbA program: 

intensive one-year program for international business professionals. 

www.globalmba.washington.edu 

Executive development program: 

nine-month certificate program which provides skills and knowledge for 

managers with leadership potential. www.execed.washington.edu/edp 

Executive seminars: 

one or two day practical but professional level programs on topics of special interest 

to managers, senior managers and executives. www.execed.washington.edu 

Master of professional Accounting in Auditing & Assurance or taxation: 

a full-time, three quarters long program for students with a BA in Accounting, 

who want to specialize in either Audit & Assurance or Taxation. 

www.bschool.washington.edu/mpacc 

global Executive MbA: 

specifically for executives from Korea, who earn an MBA from the University 

of Washington and a certificate from Yonsei University, Seoul. 

www.gemba.washington.edu 


tHe PaCiFiC NoRtHWeSt’S 

GLoBaL BuSiNeSS CoNNeCtioNS 

The University of Washington Business School 

is part of a dynamic business community with 

major international connections. Seattle’s 

strategic port location and access to the 

pacific rim make it an economic hub for 

high technology, aerospace and international 

commerce. UW Business School graduates 

and faculty have ties to many of the pacific 

Northwest’s Fortune 500 companies, including 

costco, Microsoft, The Boeing company, 

Weyerhaeuser, Washington Mutual, pAccAr, 

Amazon.com, and Starbucks. The Executive 

MBA program utilizes these relationships to 

provide students with the opportunity to 

meet and learn from key leaders in the local 

corporate community.

ExEcutivE MBA PROGRAM 

uNivERSitY OF WASHiNGtON BuSiNESS ScHOOL 

BOx 353220 

SEAttLE, WA 98i95-3220 

tEL: 206.685.1333 

tOLL-FREE: 1.888.622.3932 

FAx: 206.543.6872 

E-MAiL: EMBA@u.WASHiNGtON.Edu 

WEB: WWW.EMBA.WASHiNGtON.Edu 

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, 

age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal 

and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, 

programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process 

contact the department at 206.685.1333 or the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450 (voice), 206.543.6452 (TTY ), 

206.685.7264 (fax), or e-mail at dso@u.washington.edu. 

Published by the University of Washington Business School 

Photography: Matt Hagen, Gavin Sisk

ExEcutivE MBA PROGRAM 

uNivERSitY OF WASHiNGtON BuSiNESS ScHOOL 

BOx 353220 

SEAttLE, WA 98i95-3220 

tEL: 206.685.1333 

tOLL-FREE: 1.888.622.3932 

FAx: 206.543.6872 

E-MAiL: EMBA@u.WASHiNGtON.Edu 

WEB: WWW.EMBA.WASHiNGtON.Edu

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS SCHOOL

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