Tulanians: Class Notes

Kenneth Ducote (A&S ’71) presented at the Conference of the International Society for Educational Planning, held at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa. His presentation examined the complex dynamics of renaming public schools, highlighting parallels between New Orleans’ renaming efforts and similar initiatives in South Africa.

Deborah Sabalot Deane (NC ’74) received a Doctor of Philosophy in Law from Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand in December 2025. Her dissertation subject was “The Evolving Client-Firm Relationship: Fiduciary Duties and Regulatory Rules — Are the English Courts and the UK Financial Conduct Regulator on a Collision Course?”

Lloyd N. “Sonny” Shields (A ’74, L ’77) was inducted into the National Trust Advisors Program with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Tommie Graham Jr. (A&S ’76) recently retired after 45 years in the energy industry in which he served in sales and operations management in locations around the world. Currently, he serves as a mentor at a middle school in the Spring Branch Independent School District and is also volunteering for a candidate for the U.S. House during midterm elections.

Scott Fleming (A&S ’83) published “The Quest of Kip Saunders.” The novel explores themes of regret, redemption and the choices that shape a life.

Jill Lewis Smith (A ’85, A ’88) was elected regional director of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. The organization facilitates licensure and credentialing for architects in the United States.

Steve Carpenter (B ’86) recently published his book “The Allure and Peril of the Appalachian Trail” with Globe Pequot Press. The book explores the joys of the Appalachian Trail along with its storied history.

Thomas M. Flanagan (L ’89) has been recognized in the 33rd edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” directory.

Laeton Pang (M ’89, PHTM ’89) received the American College of Radiation Oncology Gold Medal Award on Feb. 6, 2026.

Sarah Ahmad (NC ’92) was named to Modern Healthcare’s 2025 List of the 100 Most Influential People. She has headed the payer-backed data and processes organization DataSpring, powered by CAQH, since 2023.

Sarah Gilbreath Ford (G ’92, G ’97) published “Of Women and Water: Submersion Stories in Eudora Welty’s Fiction” with University Press of Mississippi.

Morgan Stone Grether (A&S ’92) married Elaine Schimek on Dec. 5, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.

Robert Henry Young (A ’92) has been elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, one of the highest honors in the architecture profession.

Keith Gerchak (A ’93) made his directorial debut with the film “Lost & Found in Cleveland,” which premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival and was shown in 500 theaters nationwide.

Monte Hurst (A&S ’93) joined the Dallas office of Munsch Hardt as a shareholder in the Labor & Employment practice group. Hurst brings decades of experience advising businesses on employment challenges.

Leslie Snadowsky (NC ’93) received the Public Relations Society of America’s first-place 2026 Silver Anvil Organizational Award for “Best In-House Team: Associations/Nonprofit Organizations.”

Leigh Verbois (NC ’97) was named CEO of Rx-360, a consortium that works to protect patient safety by securing quality and security across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Suzana I. Sinatra (L ’98) was recently elevated to principal at nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. She is an attorney in the firm’s San Diego office, where she represents management in employment litigation matters.

Brad Miller (L ’01) was appointed chief executive officer of ComplyAuto, the leading compliance software and services provider to the automotive industry.

Angie Christina (L ’03) recently joined Flanagan Partners LLP, where she will continue her practice in commercial litigation, government contracts and insurance law. She has also been recognized in the 33rd edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” directory.

Victor Li (L ’04) recently published “Supreme Pressure: The Rejection of John J. Parker and the Birth of the Modern Supreme Court Confirmation Process.” The book examines the 1930 Supreme Court nomination of John J. Parker, a turning point in American judicial politics that symbolized a profound clash of ideologies, political agendas, economic doctrines and interpretations of the Constitution.

Laurent Demosthenidy (L ’06) has been recognized in the 33rd edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” directory.

Damian Aufiero (SLA ’07) was awarded the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate Excellence in Civic Education Award on Oct. 26, 2025, as part of the Institute’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.

Matthew Grand (B ’07) was chosen to be the new chief strategy officer at Rodale Institute, where he will support the institute in strategic financial planning, mission-driven strategy and sustainable food systems.

James H. Gilbert (SLA ’11, L ’15) was named to the 7th edition of the “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America” list.

Camille E. Gauthier (L ’12) has been recognized in the 33rd edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” directory.

Anders Holmgren (L ’12) has been recognized in the 33rd edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” directory.

Christian Truman (SLA ’12) became a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP on Jan. 1, 2026.

Grace Fary (SLA ’15) and Peter Clifton (SLA ’15) were married in November 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Spencer Sinclair (L ’15) was named a partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP.

Brook LaFloe (SSE ’16) was named a 2026 National Girls & Women in Sports Day-Minnesota honoree for the Breaking Barriers Award. She was recognized during the 2026 National Girls & Women in Sports Day-Minnesota Celebration on Feb. 4.

Carly Cruickshank (SLA ’17) has joined Mika Meyers PLC as an associate. She will work at the firm’s Grand Rapids office, where she will concentrate her practice on municipal and employment law.

Gabrielle A. Ball (SLA ’18, L ’20) was named to the 7th edition of the “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America” list.

Price Ciolino (L ’21) joined the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., as an associate in the Litigation Practice Group. He represents domestic and international businesses, educational institutions, municipalities and government entities in complex commercial and employment-related disputes in state and federal courts.

Brian Mounce (L ’21) was appointed chief legal counsel to the Memphis Independent Monitor for Police Reform as well as assistant city attorney for Germantown, Tennessee.