Business Faculty
MBA Program Faculty Highlights
Our general hiring principles
- A passion for business practices that move our global economy towards increased sustainability
- Doctoral-level credentials and current in their professions
- Proven track records with online learning communities
High-level examples
One of our Business Law professors graduated cum laude with his JD from prestigious Willamette University College of Law, has experience in large corporate law settings, and currently works in a firm specializing in general business real estate and land use. In addition, he performs pro bono immigration work and writes novels.
Our professor of quantitative subjects hails from Poland, holds two Master’s degrees plus a Doctorate of Business Administration from US institutions, and has extensive professional experience in his field. Like all of our faculty members, he teaches with the goal of making sure these subjects are both accessible and relevant to students.
Another of our faculty members is an expert with professional experience in sustainable agriculture and global supply chains, with an undergraduate degree in Food Science cum laude from Cornell University, a Doctorate of Business Administration, credentials in Human Resources, with business and family ties to Japan.
Susan E. Marcus, MS, MBA, PhD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-elizabeth-marcus/
With a Ph.D. in Systems Science/Business Administration from Portland State University, Susan’s scholarly endeavors focus on the intersection of business and community, including the ways organizational decision making influences health and wellbeing at all levels of society. She has experience in several business sectors, nonprofit, public, and private, including roles in finance, retail, project management, and higher education administration. Her most recent enterprise involved a retail venue for first-time entrepreneurs.
Susan is also the dean and worked closely with our Program Advisory Council to create an MBA program that is both global and local in scope. Each course reflects a global mindset in combination with application at the community level. She assembled a diverse group of entrepreneurs and leaders across several sectors including healthcare, information technology, social enterprise, transportation, government, nonprofit, and private enterprise. Having been chair over the largest MBA program in the region, Susan drew from her network of professionals with academic credentials to serve as faculty members at ACHS. Each has practical experience in their respective areas of expertise.
Dr. Marcus specializes in organizational development, marketing and communications, and guiding students through their Applied Capstone experience.
Koffi Dessou, MBA, DBA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-koffi-dessou-a93b0b17/
Dr. Koffi Dessou has 30 years of experience in public administration, business administration, nonprofit administration, and community-based leadership. He was Interim Director of the City of Portland’s Office of Equity and Human Rights from 2017 to 2019 and created the City’s Equity Training and Education Program while serving as the bureau’s Equity and Business Operations Manager. Koffi earned a Doctor of Business Administration in 2018 and holds an MBA in Global Management. He earned a Superior Diploma in executive business and organizational administrative principles and applications from the University of Lomé, Togo and received training from the U.S. Foreign Service Institute in political and economic analysis, international trade, commercial tradecraft, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Dessou also received training from the U.S. Institute of Peace in conflict analysis, interfaith conflict resolution, and negotiation and conflict management.
Dr. Dessou specializes in organizational and human resource development.
Krzysztof Bryniuk, MA, MBA, DBA
Our professor of quantitative subjects hails from Poland, holds two Master’s degrees from Florida Atlantic University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from George Fox University plus two graduate degrees from The Poznan University of Economics, Poznan, Poland. Dr. Bryniuk has extensive, current professional experience in his field through ownership over the past ten years of an accounting firm, and like all of our faculty members, teaches with the goal of making sure these subjects are both accessible and relevant to students. He writes for scholarly and professional publications, engages in curriculum development, and maintains professional memberships in his field.
Dr. Bryniuk specializes in quantitative topics.
Joel Augee, JD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelaugee/
Joel graduated cum laude with his JD from Willamette University College of Law in Oregon. After spending time in the corporate law department for a large retailer, Joel’s current legal practice is with a small, local firm providing more direct attorney-client interactions focused on general commercial matters including acquisitions and dispositions, commercial financing from the borrower’s perspective, and in the negotiation and documentation of agreements. With experience throughout his career as an instructor and higher education administrator in a large business department, Joel brings a diverse set of skills to his work with students at ACHS. He is also an author and performs pro bono immigration work.
Professor Augee specializes in law, human resources, and sustainable development.
Debra Austin, MBA, DBA, PMP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraaustin/
Dr. Austin brings strength in project management and information technology. She is active in the project management community and is past-president of the Society for Information Management (SIM), Portland Chapter. Debra stays active professionally by providing project management and instructional design consulting services in several industries. She brings project management principles together with practical application adapted to a context that is relevant for students. Her extensive track record is one of adding significant value for students and organizations alike.
Dr. Austin specializes in project management. In addition, students taking the Project Management course will accrue the educational hours necessary for eligibility to take the Project Management Institute examination, potentially resulting in the CAPM credential.
Please note: these are planned faculty and subject to change.
Updated 10/22/20
Industry Leaders
ACHS Partnerships & Affiliations
Industry Leaders
ACHS Partnerships & Affiliations