UNF Alumni

Each year, the Jacksonville Business Journal honors 40 rising stars in the local business world who have distinguished themselves in their companies, their communities and their industries — all before their 40th birthday.

As always, we’re excited when we see Ospreys on the list, but in 2026, University of North Florida alumni made up 20%! We figured they deserve a little more recognition this summer.

First up, Director at SS&C Technologies, Alexandria Palangio Hernandez (’08), is working at the center of global investment strategy, leading a team focused on alternative investments. Her work sits at the intersection of finance and machine learning, helping streamline complex data and, more importantly, expanding access to investment opportunities that historically weren’t built for everyone.

At England-Thims & Miller, Inc., Grant Bledsoe (’15), Principal Vice President, is deep in the mechanics of a growing city. From utility capacity to stormwater systems, he’s working on the infrastructure problems that only show up when a region scales quickly. At the same time, he’s investing in the next generation of engineers, ensuring those elevating in their fields are ready for a more complex version of Jacksonville.

If you’ve been to a large-scale event in Jacksonville, there’s a good chance Niko Negron (’16), Vice President of Business Strategy & Logistics at PRI Productions, had something to do with it. Niko moved from client-facing sales into operations, now leading logistics, warehouse teams, and full event ex*****on. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that doesn’t get spotlighted, but without it, none of those moments actually happen.

And at the JAX Chamber, Alanna Luksha (’22), Vice President of Events & NextUp JAX, is thinking less about individual events and more about the bigger picture, how leaders across business, nonprofit, and civic spaces actually connect and move ideas forward. Through work like NextUp JAX and leadership programming, she’s helping build the network that decisions in this city depend on.

They’re all working in completely different spaces, but they keep showing up at the same pressure points: growth, infrastructure, connection, and what comes next for Jacksonville. Tune in tomorrow to see the next four!

The first step to becoming Osprey alumni is becoming an Osprey student. As the begins to move in to the University of North Florida, our Assistant Director Ainsley McCormick is joined by alumnus (and former Orientation Leader) Xavier Swearin (‘25) to make sure the newest members of our Osprey family stay hydrated and have a smooth start to their UNF experience.

You know the motto: The Osprey doesn’t fall far from The Nest. But as we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, there are a couple more Mottos you should know about.

An alumnus of the UNF Coggin College of Business, Greg Motto (’97) serves as the EVP, CFO and Assistant Treasurer of NASCAR. A life rooted in faith as a community leader and devoted husband and father, he watched with pride as his son Noah (’20, ‘24) crossed the same graduation stage with his accounting degree and MBA.

Originally from Orange Park, Greg didn’t have a clear path for what to do with his life, besides surfing and skating. He earned his AA at the Florida State College at Jacksonville but then transferred to the University of North Florida to elevate his prospects through the business school – while still being close to ride the waves between classes. “The experience I gained helped prepare professional growth for me,” he said. “I learned not just to complete the projects, but how to communicate the purpose, my approach, the results and most importantly what I learned and what I would do differently – this style provided leadership development that differentiated me throughout my career.”

After graduation, he was accepted to the GE Financial Management Program and served as a Financial Analyst for GE Capital. He then joined the International Speedway Corporation in 2000, serving in a handful of positions including Financial Analyst, Assistant Controller and Director of Strategic Planning and Controller. He rose all the way to EVP, CFO and Treasurer for ISC, where he led all financial matters leading to the ISC/NASCAR merger in 2019.

Motto brings over 26 years of experience overseeing capital allocation, shareholder relations and financial planning to his current role, ensuring long-term financial stability and strength for the company and prudent strategic investment for growth. He has assembled a team to lead compliance over financial reporting, internal controls, tax, accounting, and integrated financial planning. “My goal is to ensure capital availability and financial discipline to fund strategic investments that will grow the business, this is enhanced by structuring a talented team that is balanced with technical financial expertise and the desire to advance aided by new technology.”

“I believe in sharing my experiences and talents by serving the community,” he said. He serves on the Coggin College of Business Advisory Council, finance and investment committees at Halifax Health and as an Elder and Board member at Salty Church. He currently lives in Ormond Beach with his wife, Michelle, where they raised their sons Noah and Mason.

Growing up watching his father build a career in finance played a big role in shaping Noah’s interests. He started college at FIU as a member of their football team, but stepped away to enroll in UNF’s accounting program, balancing classes with work to better fit his long-term goals.

“I commuted from Ormond Beach and worked full-time throughout my undergraduate degree,” Noah said. “The flexibility of the program made a huge difference.”

Smaller class sizes and a focus on real-world application gave him fundamentals he could build on, starting on his first day on the job. He landed an internship with James Moore & Co. during his senior year which turned into a full-time accountant role after graduation.
“The pace picks up quickly in public accounting, but the preparation I got from UNF gave me the confidence to adapt early on.”

Noah wanted a broader understanding of how businesses operate beyond accounting, so he rejoined UNF at the UNF Graduate School. Enrolling in a couple classes per semester, he was able to apply his teachings directly to his work. He also pursued his CPA license and passed all four parts of the exam within six months.

As his career progressed, he moved from staff accountant to senior, and then into leadership roles as a tax supervisor and tax manager. He believes there’s no secret to success, just consistency. “I’ve always tried to take on responsibility early, produce high-quality work, and build strong relationships with both clients and coworkers,” he said.

After nearly six years with James Moore, he joined Solutions Group Accounting Firm, Inc., which has allowed him to grow both his technical and leadership skills, advancing from Tax Manager to Tax Director, and now, Partner. His responsibilities go beyond just technical tax work and include managing client relationships, mentoring and developing his team, and helping shape the overall direction of the firm.

Looking ahead, both Mottos are prioritizing growth and leadership. Noah is developing his team while expanding his client base and building stronger relationships, while Greg’s priorities lie in supporting the growth of NASCAR. He also has another venture on the horizon as he anticipates opening LINE-X North America of Daytona Beach in 2027. However, like father, like son, both continue to stay active and enjoy activities outside of work.

Good food. Good friends. Good games. Good vibes. Good night. Thanks to everyone who rocked the Block with us for our Third Thursday pop-up!

Don’t forget, we’ll still be out and about for July’s Third Thursday, but your furry friends can join you as we head to Brewhound Dog Park + Bar. Register now at https://gift.unf.edu/TTJuly26

We’ve shared the other new members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, but our final one represents an additional 9 Ospreys! Patrick Courson’s (’06) family's connection to the University of North Florida spans more than four decades, three generations, and nearly every branch of the family tree.

The legacy began with Patrick's mother-in-law, Sharon Achey (’84, M.A. Social Studies). Over the years, it grew to include Patrick's brother, Rick Courson (’91, B.B.A.), sister-in-law Lisa Courson (’91, B.S.N.), wife Tara Courson (’04, B.A. Political Science), brother-in-law Travis Achey (’11, B.A. Criminal Justice), and Patrick himself (’06, B.B.A. T&L).

The next generation followed. His son Nicholas (’16, B.H.A.) and daughters Anastasia (’21, B.A. Psychology) and Lauren (’26, B.B.A. Marketing) graduated from UNF. This fall, his youngest Trevor will begin his first semester as a mechanical engineering student, continuing a family tradition that has become woven into the fabric of their lives.

For Patrick, UNF entered the picture when he returned to Jacksonville after serving in military transportation and logistics. While working full-time and raising a family, he enrolled in UNF Coggin College of Business' transportation and logistics program, attending classes in the evenings and on weekends. The degree helped him transition into the civilian transportation industry and launch a successful career in operations, sales, and executive leadership.

The Coursons have remaAtlantic Logisticss of the Osprey community. They've attended North Florida Ospreys baseball and basketball games, participated in Swoop the Loop, explored the campus trails, and watched the University evolve. Now, North Florida Ospreysard, Patrick is looking forward to helping the university continue that growth.

For the Courson family, UNF has been the backdrop for graduations, game days, family traditions, and lifelong friendships. And as one Courson prepares to graduate, another begins their journey, continuing their lifelong legacy within The Nest.

Continuing where we left off yesterday, Ally Steeg (’13) earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications with a focus in Public Relations from the College of Arts and Sciences and now leads talent sourcing and employer branding at Haskell. Her work is all about people and how organizations grow the right way. Outside of work, she is a mom who spends her time outdoors with her family, taking full advantage of everything Northeast Florida has to offer.

Chris Toms (‘18) earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the UNF Coggin College of Business and never really left the community side of campus. He started out working events at the Student Union and now runs leadership programs at the JAX Chamber, helping develop people who are shaping Jacksonville. He is a Jacksonville native, an Eagle Scout, and someone who has stayed consistent about showing up locally.

Phil Reboli (‘05) earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the College of Arts and Sciences before pursuing graduate work in international law. His career has taken him from the United Nations in Geneva to the U.S. Senate, and now into government relations. His path has moved well beyond Jacksonville, but it all started here.

That's nine new members of the Alumni Association board down, one to go!

We can’t let end without posting something about our favorite feathery friend!

Since joining us in 1988, Ozzie has gone through several iterations (including a recent glow-up in the weight room), but has always been an integral part of our Osprey family!

We also want to shoutout the other incredible mascots in Jacksonville (many of whom are also UNF alumni 🤫 🤐)

Next up on our list of new Alumni Association board members, we have Jen Lesshafft (’10), who earned her Bachelor of Science from the UNF School of Communication. She now works with nonprofits nationwide at EverTrue, helping them better understand their data, their donors, and how to grow both. Her focus on mission-driven work carries into her personal life, too. She and her family are working toward running a 5K in all 50 states, in addition to making it to a game in every major league ballpark!

You’ve seen us talk about Rich Phelan (’01) before, but it’s time we officially welcome him to the board! He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the UNF Coggin College of Business, served in the U.S. Navy, and now works as a financial advisor helping clients think long-term about their goals. He has stayed deeply connected to UNF for more than two decades, showing up for students and alumni through events, mentorship, and his leadership of the Osprey Alumni Advisors Network.

Chad Corcoran (’17) earned his Bachelor of Political Sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences, and got his start through internships before stepping into roles with the Florida Senate. He now works in legislative affairs for the Florida Department of Children and Families, staying close to the work of policy and how it plays out in real communities across the state.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s time to introduce the newest members of the Alumni Association Board! Get to know them as you’ll be seeing them a bunch this year!

First up, Carleigh Eagle (’21) earned her Bachelor of Science in Physics from the College of Arts and Sciences. She is now a Lead Engineer at Mayo Clinic, working in additive manufacturing to create patient-specific medical models used in real procedures. She was recently named UNF’s Young Alumni Award winner, and it makes sense once you see the work she’s doing. She has already contributed to more than 1,000 builds and is continuing her education while working full-time.

Next up, Dan Davis (’92, ’97) earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management and a Master of Business Administration from the UNF Coggin College of Business. He has built a long career that now has him serving as Senior Vice President at Bank of America. His wife, Beth Davis (’97), is an alumna and all 4 of his kids, Brooke (’22), Brantley (’26), Brynn and Bryce, have ended up at UNF. Outside of work, he keeps things interesting with improv comedy and a neighborhood podcast.

Adrian Wilson (’17) earned his Master of Statistics from the UNF Graduate School. A brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and former track and field star, he’s remained rooted in the community through coaching track and field and cross country in addition to serving on boards to grow the sport. His impact shows up in the relationships he builds every day with athletes and families, and in the consistency he brings as a mentor and leader.

Stay tuned as we have many more to come…