The Future of Crummer Alumni Engagement: Meet Zack Poe ’23MBA

Alumni are vital to the Crummer Graduate School of Business as they serve as ambassadors and advocates, promoting the school’s reputation and influence in the global business community. Their professional successes and achievements enhance the school’s prestige, attracting prospective students and fostering a robust network of industry connections. Alumni also play a crucial role in mentoring current students, providing career guidance, and offering valuable insights based on their real-world experiences. Additionally, their financial contributions and support for various initiatives ensure that Crummer can continue to offer exceptional educational programs and resources, thereby maintaining its commitment to excellence in business education. 

In order to fully support our alumni community, Zack Poe ’23MBA has been appointed the Director of Alumni Engagement for Crummer, bringing years of experience in alumni community outreach through his work in the Rollins Office of Alumni Engagement. Having a Crummer alum in this role is invaluable, as his firsthand experience and deep connection to the school uniquely position him to foster strong relationships and build a vibrant, supportive alumni community.  

Rollins College was also pleased to announce Olivia Demarco ’02, ‘15MBA as the new executive director of alumni engagement for the school. Olivia is thrilled to oversee the alumni programs for Rollins undergraduates, the Hamilton Holt School, and the Crummer Graduate School of Business.   

“Fueled by the vision of Dean Menon, as well as our own strategic initiatives, we are working toward a ‘One Rollins’ alumni community,” Olivia said. “This means that while celebrating the distinct and elite Crummer identity, we are expanding overall Rollins alumni engagement to fully embrace all three schools, together. Crummer alumni should look forward to expanded events, more volunteer and mentorship opportunities, and the chance to grow their alumni network to include the full Rollins alumni community of +40,000 across the globe. It’s an exciting time to be in the Rollins alumni family!”  

As far as Crummer alumni in particular, three pillars of engagement have been developed: community building and events, professional development and volunteerism, and early engagement.  These pillars align with the simultaneous work of the undergraduate/Holt alumni board as well.  

Community engagement and events for Crummer alumni are essential for fostering a strong, interconnected network that extends beyond graduation. These activities provide alumni with opportunities to share knowledge and experiences and support one another in their career journeys. Engaging in community events helps maintain a sense of belonging and loyalty to the Crummer community, ensuring that alumni remain actively involved and invested in the school’s ongoing success. Additionally, these interactions create valuable connections that can lead to new business opportunities, mentorship relationships, and collaborative projects, ultimately enhancing the overall impact and reputation of the Crummer Graduate School of Business. 

Professional development and volunteerism are vital for alumni as they ensure continuous growth and active engagement within the community. By participating in professional development opportunities, alumni can stay updated with the latest industry trends, sharpen their skills, and maintain a competitive edge in the job market. Volunteerism, on the other hand, allows alumni to give back to the community, share their expertise, and mentor current students, creating a cycle of support and empowerment. These activities not only enhance the personal and professional lives of alumni but also strengthen the Crummer network, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, leadership, and service.  

Early engagement for Crummer alumni is crucial for building a strong and supportive community from the outset. By establishing connections soon after graduation, alumni can seamlessly transition from student life to professional networks, benefiting from mentorship, career guidance, and valuable industry contacts. Early engagement also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment to the Crummer community, encouraging alumni to participate in events, contribute to initiatives, and support future graduates. This proactive involvement not only enriches the personal and professional lives of alumni but also strengthens the overall Crummer network, ensuring a vibrant and interconnected community that thrives on collaboration and mutual support.  

Zack will be working diligently to focus on each of these pillars, building on his Rollins roots. He grew up in Winter Park, FL, and his mother is a proud Rollins College Holt alumna. Zack earned his BA in political science from New College of Florida in 2016 and recently graduated from Crummer with his MBA in 2023. For over five years, Zack has worked with Rollins College alumni, starting as the assistant director of Leadership Annual Giving in 2019 before joining the Office of Alumni Engagement in 2020.   

Among his notable accomplishments during his tenure in the Rollins Office of Alumni Engagement, Zack helped organize and execute our recent record-breaking Alumni Weekends, collaborated with the undergraduate Alumni Board on launching key initiatives, and managed an award-winning volunteer program started during COVID to support students in need.  

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job over the years at Rollins has been meeting our inspiring alumni and learning about the amazing impact they’re making in their communities. Although my work has always intersected with Crummer, I’m excited to move into a role that lets me focus entirely on my new alma mater. I’ll strive to find new ways to broaden our proud alumni community, to make sure their voices are heard, and to continue to provide enriching opportunities that bring value to our alumni,” Zack said.   

With the dynamic leadership of Olivia Demarco and Zack Poe, the future of alumni engagement at Crummer Graduate School of Business looks exceptionally bright. Their shared vision of a cohesive and inclusive “One Rollins” community, combined with strategic initiatives focused on community building, professional development, and early engagement, promises to enhance the Crummer experience for all alumni. Through their efforts, Crummer alumni will benefit from expanded opportunities for connection, mentorship, and growth, ensuring that they remain active and influential members of the broader Rollins network. As Crummer continues to evolve and thrive, its alumni will play a pivotal role in shaping its legacy of excellence and innovation in business education.