2022 Tillman Scholar Impact Round Up: Business

In conjunction with our 60 Days of Scholars feature, we are taking a look at the different impact areas of our remarkable 2022 class of Tillman Scholars. Our scholar community has found their passions leading them to diverse fields of studies all with the same goal in mind, unite others and advance ideas that change the world. From business and STEM to education and public service, each week we will be highlighting our brand new scholars and how they plan to make their impact.

First up, we are checking out the scholars who look to make their impact on the world of business. Continuing their education, these individuals are demonstrating the core values of our organization inspire by Pat, to continue his legacy in the private sector.

Michael Arth, Stanford University

“COMMITMENT AND PASSION AREN’T THE ONLY CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED TO OVERCOME TOUGH ODDS, BUT 13 YEARS IN THE MILITARY HAS TAUGHT ME THAT THEY ARE THE BEST FOUNDATION FROM WHICH TO START.”

As a special operations pilot, Mike delivered small teams and critical logistics support to remote and austere airfields on five continents and witnessed first-hand the ability of dedicated, passionate individuals working together to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Frequently, he experienced the difficulties that come with driving change in large, complex organizations. Spending his last four years on active duty as a staff officer at Joint Special Operations Command and Air Force Special Operations Command Headquarters, he focused on bringing cutting-edge technologies into special operations and driving a culture of innovation among operational units and staff organizations. Mike will attend Stanford’s Graduate School of Business where he will focus his studies on innovation and change management and ultimately hopes to serve in government again to help drive adaptation and innovation in public organizations.

Adam Barber, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“AS AN ARMY LEADER AND AVIATOR, I WAS COMMITTED TO SELFLESS SERVICE. AS A LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY, I WILL CONTINUE MY SERVICE BY IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN COMMUNITIES WHILE PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT.”

As an Army officer, Adam was humbled to lead several amazing aviation teams through countless attack, security, and reconnaissance missions, both at home and overseas. In addition to serving two Apache helicopter company commands, Adam broadened professionally with Army engineers where he earned an M.S. in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology and graduated from the Sapper Leader Course. After 9 years of service, Adam enrolled in the Leaders for Global Operations program at MIT to earn an M.B.A. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His current research focus is sustainability and equity in the energy sector. He has enjoyed learning from and contributing to the experiences of his incredibly talented and diverse classmates, with whom he shares a passion for bettering the human condition through leadership in technology.

Justin Kan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD IS A TEAM SPORT. I WANT TO BE THE COACH WHO HELPS RALLY THE VARIOUS PLAYERS INTO A COHESIVE AND WINNING TEAM IN CLEAN VENTURES.”

Leaving the service, Justin sees climate change as the most urgent threat to long-term human prosperity. As a brand new father and avid outdoorsman, he’s passionate about fighting back. He is pursuing concurrent business and policy degrees to understand the roles government and private business will need to play in pursuit of a comprehensive climate solution. He plans to begin his post-grad career by focusing on clean and sustainable business practices that work hand in hand with government policies and regulations. Justin believes collaboration is key to finding lasting solutions and is excited to devote himself to cultivating meaningful relationships within private industry and government.

Lindsay Temes, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“I WILL DEDICATE MY WORK TO PROTECTING SOCIETY AND PRESERVING PRIVACY AT THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS, POLICY, AND TECHNOLOGY.”

Committed to continuing to work for the public good, Lindsay completed her master’s in public administration at the Harvard Kennedy School along with a child protection certificate from Harvard University’s François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights. Through her studies, Lindsay learned about the power of emerging technologies and their ability to mitigate the proliferation of online threats. While technology has been a catalyst for the spread of extremist content and abuse imagery online, it can also be part of the solution. Lindsay is pursuing her MBA at MIT to complement her policy skillset and law enforcement background to address the challenges facing organizations in their quest to responsibly preserve user privacy and ensure public safety.

Nicholas Maynes, University of California – Berkley

“I BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION IS THE CLOSEST THING TO MAGIC THAT WE HAVE IN THIS WORLD.”

Realizing that education is at the center of many of the world’s crises today, Nick has now decided to pursue an MBA at The Haas School of Business. He hopes to gain the entrepreneurial knowledge and requisite business acumen to construct an organization that simultaneously balances its revenue and expenses while tackling the systemic problems that underserved students face. Following business school, Nick aspires to return to his hometown of El Paso, Texas, and build a public, college-preparatory boarding school that will motivate children to pursue their passions despite perceived barriers of race or financial circumstances.

Eric Snyder, University of Chicago

“THERE IS NO SUCCESS IN MOVING FORWARD IF IT MEANS LEAVING OTHERS BEHIND. WITH A PHD IN ECONOMICS, I HOPE TO HELP DEVELOP THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.”

After receiving a serious injury, Eric ended his career and began attending University of Chicago to receive his degree in Economics and Religious Studies. His experiences in Syria, Iraq, and Central America aiding in rebuilding infrastructure and providing humanitarian support fostered his passion for international economic development. Taking inspiration from Max Weber, Eric decided that combining the field of economics and religion would give him a unique perspective on economic development and help with his desire to develop infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Eric hopes to obtain his Ph.D. in economics and help foster international relationships by aiding in building infrastructure and trade agreements between the U.S. and emerging markets. He hopes to also build the strength of the local community by promoting diversity in business and creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.