Operational Cabinet

Tim, Assistant Dean of Executive Education at the Marshall School of Business, transitioned from a 28-year corporate career to academia. As a leadership development specialist, he works with executives globally across various sectors, aiming to unlock their potential for maximum organizational success

Sara McLachlan is the senior associate director for the specialized masters programs and manages seven of Marshall’s graduate certificate programs. She is a founding member of the DEI fellows program, serves on the Marshall Staff Council (including one term as chair), and serves on the operational cabinet.

Grace manages the Marshall Technology Support team which is made up of classroom and computer technicians. Grace joined Marshall in August 2000 and started her tenure working in the MOR department and moved over to the IT group in 2006. Besides her job responsibilities, she is a member of the Marshall Operational Cabinet and Staff Council.

Steve A. Adcook serves as the Assistant Dean and Director of Finance at the USC Marshall School of Business. With over three decades of experience at the University of Southern California, Steve leads the finance and payroll teams, overseeing all financial operations for the school. Previously, Steve was the Director of Human Resources at USC Marshall, where he guided workforce planning and payroll operations. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at the USC Annenberg Center for Communication and the USC Alumni Association, where he managed both financial and administrative operations. Steve holds an MBA in Finance and a BS in Business Administration from the USC Marshall School of Business.

Tonisha Jester, Program Director, at the USC, Marshall School of Business Office ofDiversity, Equity & Inclusion is a catalyst for change and passionate about infusing values around diversity, inclusion, climate and equity into all programs and activities. Tonisha has over 20 years of experience in higher education, program planning and implementation, project, and budget management; the breadth of her experience is comprehensive.

Tonisha’seducational background is in Sociology with an emphasis in the sociology of education and communities and urban sociology; also includes organization al leadership, project management and enrollment management and policy.

Tonisha’s personal mantra, “Lift as I Climb” is her guiding life principle. She believes we all achieve much more when we collaborate, share resources, and support others to be the best they can be.