Investment Fund Management, Board and Advisors

The Student Executive Board is overseen by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of Faculty Advisors that provide fundamental direction and guidance for the fund.

Board of Directors 

Name
Position
  • Dr. Govind Hariharan

    Professor of Economics

    gharihar@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6580
    BB 407

    Secretary, ASFIP Foundation.

    Co-Chair, Aging Advisory Committee, Atlanta Regional Commission.

    Professor of Economics and HMI Fellow, Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis.

  • Dr. Tom Miller

    Professor of Finance

    tmiller@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6494
    BB 348

    Professor of Finance, Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis.

    DBA: Indiana University.

  • Dr. Roger Tutterow

    Henssler Financial Endowed Chair, Director of the Econometric Center and Professor of Economics

    rtuttero@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3278
    BB 323

    Director, the Econometrics Center 

    Henssler Financial Endowed Chair

    Chief Economic Advisor for the Henssler Financial Group

  • Dr. David Bray

    Professor of Finance

    dbray1@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6429
    BB 319

    Professor of Finance, Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis.

    Ph.D., The Florida State University  

 

Industry Advisors by Industry Group

Multi Sector: Thomas Garr; Adjunct Professor, 草榴视频 State University

Healthcare: Mr. Jim Budzinski; CFO, Wellstar Health Systems

Information Technology: Mr. Anurag Rana; Sector Head and Senior Analyst for IT, Bloomberg

Consumer Staples: Mr. Scott Bomar; VP and Treasurer, Home Depot

Industrials: Mr. John Eichorn; M&A Manager, UPS

Consumer Discretionary: Mr. Walter Stackow, CFA; Senior Vice President & Research Analyst, Oak Ridge Investments

Financials: Mr. Troy Harmon, CFA & CVA; CIO, Henssler Financial

Energy: Mrs. Xia Liu; CFO, Gulf Power

Modeling and Economics Research: Mr. Brian Robertson; Quantitative Research Specialist, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Management

Keegan Thottam

CEO - Keegan Thottam

Keegan Thottam is a senior pursuing a BSc. in Mechatronics engineering with minors in mathematics and finance. As the current Chief Executive Officer, he has served the fund since 2022 and has competed at various intercollegiate competitions representing 草榴视频. Keegan is eager to work with junior talent in building foundational concepts and navigating the internship search. He also aims to grow the fixed-income sector. His internship experience includes roles in wealth management, corporate FP&A, private equity, small business valuation, and fixed income sales and trading. He will be returning to Wells Fargo next year as a fixed income options trader.

COO - Kirsten Cowart

Kirsten Cowart is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. She joined SMIF in the Spring of 2023 and is the current Chief Operating Officer. She has participated in the Game Forum Competition multiple times and was also a part of the CFA Ethics Competition in the Fall of 2023. She just completed an internship at J.P. Morgan in Jersey City as a Payments Summer Analyst where she worked on the Healthcare Sales team. Outside of school and work, her hobbies include reading, traveling, cooking and hiking.
Kirsten Cowart
Lukas Ollivier

CIO - Lukas Ollivier

Lukas Ollivier is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. Since joining the Student Managed Investments Fund in Fall 2023, he has represented 草榴视频 in multiple intercollegiate competitions and was awarded Senior Analyst of the Semester. His professional experience includes a wealth management internship with Paces Ferry Wealth Advisors in Atlanta, GA and, most recently, a venture capital and private equity analyst internship with Dysruptek in Jacksonville, FL during summer 2025. He currently serves as SMIF鈥檚 Chief Investments Officer. Outside of Finance, Lukas enjoys the outdoors, lifting, and cooking.

CSO - Britton Rellinger

Britton Rellinger is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. After switching majors in Fall 2023, he joined the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), where he was awarded Junior Analyst of the Semester. Since then, he has taken on several management roles and competed on the 2024 UGA Stock Pitch Competition team. Britton is currently an Equity Research Intern at Henssler Financial where he supports in the management of two public equity portfolios. In the fall, Britton will begin serving as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Outside of academics, Britton enjoys lifting, camping, and hiking.
Britton Rellinger
Daniel Halliday

CE - Daniel Halliday

Daniel Halliday is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. He has been an active member in SMIF since Spring of 2024 and currently serves as Chief Economist of the fund. Daniel represented SMIF in both the CFA Research Competition and the CFA Ethics Competition and was awarded Senior Analyst of the Semester for the Fall of 2024. Outside of school, Daniel just finished an internship as a financial analyst at NCR Atleos and in his free time, he enjoys lifting, running, and golfing.

VP of Marketing - Natalia Matos

Natalia Matos is a senior at 草榴视频 State University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. With a strong academic track record, Natalia joined SMIF in the Spring of 2024. She now serves as Vice President of Marketing and continues to leverage her skills in financial analysis to mentor incoming analysts. Natalia recently completed a Commercial Banking Summer Internship with Wells Fargo where she worked on the Regional ABL Originations team. In addition to her academics, Natalia works for 草榴视频 State Athletics in Operations Management. Her leadership and organizational skills have driven impactful results, demonstrating her dedication to excellence in every endeavor.
Natalia Matos
Jamie Hordines

Human Resources - Jamie Hordines

Jamie Hordines is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics with a minor in data science and analytics at 草榴视频 State University. Since joining SMIF in Spring 2024, he鈥檚 served as an analyst, associate director, and ultimately the director of human resources. In the summer of 2024, Jamie interned at Alpha Creek Accounting, which transitioned into Asset Living Property Management. He currently works as a business analyst at CashPath Advisors where he assists clients with cash flows exceeding a billion dollars, specializing in data analytics, forecasting and projection, cash management, and documentation. After graduation, he aspires to continue his career as an economist, econometrician, or business analyst.

Managing Directors

Ian Pedersen

Ian Pedersen

Ian Pedersen is a senior at 草榴视频 State University, graduating this fall with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Upon joining SMIF in January 2024, Ian gradually advanced through the program and is currently the managing director for the Fixed Income sector after gaining valuable experience in the fixed income industry. He has recently completed an internship with the Georgia Office of the State Treasurer and will be continuing his role in investment operations as a part time employee this fall. Ian has a passion for education and is committed to bolstering the newly founded fixed income sector within SMIF.

Mason Grandy

Mason Grandy is an aspiring financial professional, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. He has an unbreakable work ethic and a strong passion for learning, and he intends to forge a meaningful experience for himself and others at the 草榴视频 Student Managed Investment Fund. Mason has been a part of 草榴视频 SMIF since the Fall of 2024, where he has sharpened his skills in financial analysis, equity research, forecasting, and company valuation. Mason currently works at an Atlanta-based investment firm, Bretwood Capital Partners L.L.C., as an Investment Analyst Intern.
Mason Grandy
Carson Rudd

Carson Rudd

Carson Rudd is a senior at 草榴视频 State University, graduating in December with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Chinese Studies. As a Double Owl student, he plans to pursue his MBA beginning in Spring 2026. Carson joined the Student Managed Investment Fund in Spring 2024 and currently serves as Managing Director. He recently completed a corporate Financial Planning & Analysis internship with Georgia-Pacific. Outside of SMIF, Carson enjoys listening to music, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Matt Hammer

Matt Hammer is a senior Finance major at 草榴视频 State University and a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund, where he serves as a Managing Director, and the Coles Leadership Scholars. He has interned with State Farm, where he automated budget reporting and built Power BI dashboards, and with TK Elevator, where he created a 鈥淏udget Playbook鈥 for the Americas FP&A team. Matt has also studied abroad in Italy and Costa Rica, gaining experience in global business, civic collaboration, and sustainability. Outside of school, he enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, and backpacking, and recently married his wife, Addison. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in corporate finance or commercial banking, applying his leadership skills and problem-solving mindset.

Matt Hammer
Bennett Clark

Bennett Clark

Bennett Clark is a senior at 草榴视频 State University pursuing a BBA in Finance. He has been a member of SMIF since January of 2024 and is currently a Managing Director. In the summer of 2025, Bennett interned as a Financial Analyst with Cox Communications. He plans to build a career in corporate finance or financial advising after his graduation in December 2025. Outside of school he enjoys playing frisbee, working out, and watching sports.

Associate Directors

Jenny Remer

Jenny Remer

Jenny Remer is a senior at 草榴视频 State University, double majoring in Finance and Economics, and has been a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund since Fall of 2024. In Spring 2025, she served as a senior analyst in the Fund鈥檚 newly launched Fixed Income sector, where she played a key role in developing its structure, research process, and analytical framework. During this time, she discovered her passion for the fixed income market, particularly in understanding credit risk, macroeconomic factors that shape bond performance, monetary policy and yield curve expectations. As Associate Director, she is committed to further establishing SMIF鈥檚 Fixed Income portfolio while fostering a deeper understanding of debt markets and macroeconomic analysis among analysts and helping build a sustainable foundation for fixed income investing within the fund. Outside of school, she is passionate about her involvement in church and enjoys spending time hiking, running, and reading.

Dylan Burns

Dylan Burns is a senior at 草榴视频 State University graduating this fall with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Upon joining the Student Managed Investment Fund in the Spring of 2025, he earned Junior Analyst of the Semester and now serves as an Associate Director. Dylan is passionate about finance as well as law and intends to earn a JD/MBA following graduation. He recently completed an internship at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Working with both the Real Estate and Capital Markets teams, as well as the M&A team, he was responsible for reviewing high value loan agreements, conducting thorough due diligence, and analyzing litigation risks to facilitate deal execution. In his free time, Dylan enjoys lifting weights, playing basketball, and volunteering.
Dylan Burns
Jonathan Melton

Jonathan Melton

Jonathan Melton is a junior at 草榴视频 State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management. He joined the Student Managed Investment Fund in Fall 2024, where he was named Junior Analyst of the Semester. He went on to serve as a Senior Analyst in the Spring of 2025 and now holds the role of Associate Director. Through his time in SMIF, Jonathan has developed key investment skills including financial analysis, financial modeling, industry and equity research, and company valuation, while also gaining exposure to portfolio management concepts. Jonathan is currently concluding a Financial Analyst internship at Cox Communications where he worked within their Communities financial segment. Outside of school, Jonathan is actively involved with Cru, enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis and pickleball, and loves traveling the globe. 

Blaine Friedman

Blaine Friedman is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at 草榴视频 State University. He joined the Student Managed Investment Fund in Fall 2024. In the Spring of 2025, he served as a Senior Analyst and now he has the role of an Associate Director. Blaine has a strong work ethic and is committed to helping himself and others learn in the Student Managed Investment Fund. Outside of SMIF, he鈥檚 involved with CRU where he serves as Treasurer, and enjoys doing outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.
Blaine Friedman
James Spurlin

James Spurlin

James Spurlin is a rising junior studying Finance and an Associate Director in 草榴视频鈥檚 Student Managed Investment Fund. James has a strong interest and passion for Commercial Real Estate and is starting as a property management intern at American Landmark. Long term, James has a dream of building his own multi-family apartment complex. Outside of school, James really enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.