2026 AMA Leadership Labs

Bennie Johnson

Bennie F. Johnson is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Marketing Association (AMA). As the leading global professional marketing association, the AMA is the essential community for marketers. From students and practitioners to executives and academics, AMA aims to elevate the profession, deepen knowledge, and make a lasting impact. AMA’s vibrant community of marketers spans more than 70 chapters and has a presence on 350 college campuses across North America. AMA is home to awardwinning content, PCM® professional certification, five premiere academic journals, and industry-leading live and virtual training events. Bennie is the host of AMA’s podcast, Marketing / And.

He most recently served as the Executive Director of AIGA, the largest professional association for design. AIGA grows the power of design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, business driver and catalyst for positive impact. While at AIGA, Bennie hosted the acclaimed Design Adjacent podcast and the design leadership fireside chat series from 2020 to 2022.

Currently, he serves on the Board of Overseers for Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, and is a former Board Chair of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Bennie is also a special advisor to the People’s Graphic Design Archive. He was recently named to the Board of the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.

Bennie thrives on the connections between marketing, technology, education and innovation. With experience in strategic and consumer marketing, brand management and innovation management, he is drawn to opportunities that allow him to lead and create new modes for business engagement. He has broad experience growing brands, businesses and organizations with a special focus on venture launch and brand relaunch business environments.

Bennie graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and from Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies with a M.S., Strategic Communications.

Suzanne McBride

Suzanne McBride is Interim Senior Vice President and Provost and a Professor of Journalism at Columbia College Chicago. In her 21 years at the college, she has also served as dean of Faculty Affairs; dean of the School of Graduate Studies; and chair of the Communication Department. Suzanne has lectured extensively in Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States; she served as a Fulbright Scholar in Ireland (2012) and as a specialist for the U.S. Department of State in Thailand (2009), Kuwait (virtually, 2021) and Fiji (2023). Before joining Columbia in 2005, Suzanne worked as an editor and reporter for The Indianapolis Star and other newspapers in the Midwest as well as at the NBC affiliate (Channel 13/WTHR) in Indianapolis. She has been an editor at the Chicago Sun-Times since 2016 and launched two online news startups that feature the work of Columbia College Chicago students.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Iowa, Suzanne also holds a master’s of science degree in journalism from Northwestern University.

Rishad Tobaccowala

David Broz

David Broz, AIA is an architect, educator, and civic leader focused on the future of vibrant downtowns and the power of design to reconnect people to place. Over a 25-year career at a global design firm, he helped deliver projects around the world, guided by a belief that architecture succeeds when it strengthens the social and emotional fabric of communities.

In Chicago, that belief became civic action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dave played a key role in shaping Sundays on State Street with the Chicago Loop Alliance, transforming the iconic corridor into a car-free public promenade and helping residents rediscover the joy of gathering downtown. He also advanced Alley Activation, reimagining overlooked urban spaces as sites of culture, memory, and connection. As former Chair of the Chicago Loop Alliance Board and a contributor to an Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel on the future of State Street he brings both design expertise and hands-on leadership to conversations about Urban Revitalization. Currently, as Visiting Professor at the Design School at Columbia College Chicago,

Dave channels this experience into the classroom. He leads immersive explorations of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, guiding students through on-site research, community observation, and real-world design “insertions.” His teaching challenges students to see architecture not just as form making, but as civic responsibility—equipping the next generation to design more equitable, resilient, and joyful urban futures.

Philippe Ravanas

Philippe Ravanas, a native of France, is a Professor and Chairman Emeritus in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago. He is a Visiting Professor of the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, China and of KEDGE Business School in Paris, France. He is a past VP of Corporate Communications for Euro Disney in Paris. He has also worked for Christie’s Auction House in London and New York. He is the co-author of the book Marketing Culture and the Arts, 5th edition.

Sandra Kumorowski

Sandra Kumorowski is an Associate Professor, Marketing & Design Program Coordinator, and Prague Global Marketing Program Director in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Columbia College Chicago.

She is also a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Communication Studies and Journalism at Charles University in Prague, where her research focuses on arts marketing and management, creative placemaking, art economics, contemporary art market, and cultural geography. Her 20-year industry experience as an international brand strategist includes projects for global brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Starbucks, Audi, Rivian, Vogue, and Art Basel.

Monika Jaiswal Oliver

Monika Jaiswal Oliver is a dynamic educator and global-minded leader known for blending strategy with real-world insight. As an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago, she teaches marketing, leadership, and international strategy—empowering the next generation to lead with confidence and purpose.

Drawing on her background in international education, strategic operations, and program development, Monika is recognized for turning ideas into action and creating experiences that spark both growth and connection.

She holds an MBA in E-Business and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University and is passionate about developing leaders through experiential learning and a global perspective.