We are MBA alums from various business schools.

A dedication to learning and networking unites us.

The DFW MBA Alumni Association fosters community

among MBA alums by connecting and collaborating with them.

Meet the Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Charles Fife

Tres is an attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana. He is 54 years old. He grew up along the Mississippi River eventually moving to Memphis for high school, where he attended Memphis University School. As an undergraduate, he studied history at the Johns Hopkins University prior to attending law school at Louisiana State University. Ironically, he was accepted to SMU’s law school but decided not to attend because he did not anticipate living in Texas (where he has been with his wife for the past 17 years.) Tres has been involved in the oil and gas business as an entrepreneur and as an attorney for most of his career. He was lucky enough to finally make it to SMU in 2013 when he enrolled in the EMBA program there. His hobbies are reading and golf, and he is involved with multiple veterans organizations.

Board - President

Adam Tunks

Adam earned his MBA from Southern Methodist University in 2020. He is a lifelong learner and passionate about helping other people. Professionally, Adam is a commercial real estate lender and entrepreneur.

Board - Treasurer

John Mathew

John has been in the Dallas Area since 1985. He started his career as an engineer graduating from Texas A&M University and then transitioned to Executive leadership roles with an MBA from SMU. Previous employment include Texas Instruments and Raytheon with a secret clearance. John has traveled to 6 out of the 7 continents and speaks 5 languages. Today John is CEO of Republic Investment Group and fund manager for a 506 C fund. John is a visionary who sees the real estate market and identifies the best opportunities for his investors. John is also on the Board of a few NonProfit organizations that help the community with Housing needs. John is married to Lee Mathew and has twins, a boy and a girl. He coaches the basketball team and the soccer team for his kids and actively participates in church related activities.

Board - Secretary

Jake Sweeney

Jake is a Commercial Insurance Producer & Risk Consultant with CBIZ, Inc. Jake transitioned into the insurance industry 5 years ago after being in the media business for 15 years and completing his MBA from Southern Methodist University. Jake is a relationship builder, and thoroughly enjoys helping others find what they are looking for through his vast network. Jake and his wife Jen have been married for 18 years, and have three children - daughter Bella 16, son Finn 12, and their Bichon/Shih Tzu named Zoe who is 5.

Board Member

Harini Madhira

DO, heard it somewhere, means dangerously optimistic, and that’s ME!As an entrepreneur by profession and musician, Harini founded Cisne Events, a corporate life, hybrid, and virtual events company, 13 +years ago. Her company has some of the most prestigious corporates as her clients. A master’s degree holder in Indian Classical music from Miranda House, Delhi University, learning doesn’t seem to stop for her. Covid prompted her to return to school and secure her EMBA degree from SMU Cox Business school in Dallas in 2022. She is deeply committed to promoting Indian art forms and making a difference in underprivileged kids’ education space. Indian organizations like COWE and Metropolitan Ladies Circle Secunderabad have recognized her contribution to art.Her forte is planning and organizing online virtual, in-person, and hybrid events while developing and leading cross-functional teams within numerous industries to achieve shared goals and create dynamic synergy. Many moons ago, she was a long-distance runner and now taking baby steps toward returning to it. Designing Pitch decks, or the word DESIGN itself excites her.

Board Member

Hannah Dale

I have been in the nonprofit sector for over seven years resulting in a strong understanding of nonprofit organizations and their operations. With my work ethic, time management, and problem-solving skills, I can increase the efficiency of processes and projects while coordinating with people across an organization. In my free time, I am an avid volunteer with local organizations in both activity and fundraising capacities. I am currently working with Hank's Friends, a nonprofit organization, to help coordinate fundraising efforts. I have now achieved a Master's in Business Administration in International Business from Texas A&M International University. My goal is to combine my knowledge and experience in the private and nonprofit sectors to support an organization's mission and increase lines of giving.

Board Member

James Dowd

Entrepreneurial and highly qualified, I bring extensive global experience in developing and implementing operational and financial strategies, and driving ethical operational improvements along with increasing optimal production output. I am adept at establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing long-term partnership and business opportunities, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. I am an expert at generating revenue opportunities through operational means and supporting sales functions, evaluating performance, and enhancing customer satisfaction. I offer a track record of success in conducting financial analysis, managing human capital, and driving efficiencies in all business segments. Engaging and collaborative, I am a trusted partner to C-level leadership, relied upon to identify and capitalize on opportunities for major savings and process improvements. I utilize superior communication methodologies.