Alumni Spotlights

Eddie Perkin is the author of Running Against the Herd: Battling Biases to Make Better Investment Decisions (Columbia Business School Publishing 2026). He is a former chief investment officer at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Eaton Vance. He now serves as an independent mutual fund director and as an executive-in-residence at Babson College where he mentors and trains the next generation of investors on the Babson College Fund. Over a 25-year career in asset management, he has developed a deep interest in how cognitive biases and decision-making frameworks shape real-world outcomes. Running Against the Herd translates behavioral finance into practical tools for improving judgment under pressure. Eddie also works with investment teams, boards, and corporate groups, leading discussions on decision-making, behavioral bias, and improving performance under uncertainty.

Camille Fritsch is a conservationist, scientist, and entrepreneur whose lifelong passion for wildlife and the environment has shaped his career. Originally a Music major at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he discovered his calling through UCSB’s environmental programs and ultimately earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies in 2012. He later moved to South Africa to pursue graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in hippo ecology and building a career in conservation and biodiversity. His work gave him firsthand insight into the ecological and human challenges facing wildlife and protected areas, reinforcing his belief that successful conservation must include the communities living alongside nature. In 2026, Camille committed himself full-time to international biodiversity consulting and Legacy Conservation Safaris, a safari company designed to connect travelers more deeply with conservation. Through the company, guests meet researchers and conservationists, learn about Africa’s wildlife and communities, and directly support conservation projects through their travels. Today, Camille remains passionate about sharing South Africa’s natural world while creating meaningful connections between people and nature—and returning to the field and the outdoor adventures that first inspired his path.

Jamal Lloyd Johnson is a television and film actor, entrepreneur, and former collegiate athlete whose career reflects the power of resilience, reinvention, and following a calling—even when the path is not linear. He earned his B.A. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, where he played basketball after originally envisioning himself as a two-sport collegiate athlete in basketball and football. When he arrived at UCSB, however, the university had already discontinued its football program, offering him an early lesson in adapting when the path ahead changes unexpectedly. After graduating, Jamal earned a master’s degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco and went on to build a multifaceted career spanning entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and sales. His work included developing programs for professional athletes and helping generate millions of dollars in revenue across health-and-wellness and other high-ticket industries. Across each chapter, he continued developing the communication, leadership, empathy, and understanding of human behavior that would ultimately serve him as an actor. Although acting and storytelling had long been part of his life, Jamal eventually decided he could no longer leave that ambition for “one day.” He studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and television writing at UCLA Extension before committing himself fully to building a career in entertainment. That commitment has led to roles in productions for Marvel and Disney, CBS, Paramount+, BET+, and Netflix. His credits include The Punisher: One Last Kill, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and Dexter: Original Sin. Through each opportunity, Jamal brings together the discipline he learned through athletics, the initiative required by entrepreneurship, and the insight into people that began with his Communication studies at UCSB. His journey is a reminder that the experiences that appear unrelated can ultimately prepare someone for the same larger purpose—and that it is never too late to pursue something you feel deeply called to do.

Gayle Windom is an educator and leader whose career has been dedicated to supporting students and strengthening urban education systems. After earning her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara with majors in Speech and Hearing and African American Studies, she went on to receive her master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, launching her career in public education. She later earned her doctorate in educational leadership, further deepening her focus on equitable and culturally responsive practices. Gayle spent decades working across public schools, serving in roles ranging from speech pathologist, teacher, principal and district and charter school leader. Her work centered on supporting diverse student populations, including those in urban communities and students with varying learning needs. Known for her adaptability and hands-on leadership, she brought a wide range of experiences into each role, helping to guide both students and educators. Now retired from full-time work, Gayle continues to consult and remains engaged in education while also pursuing her passion for travel. Through her global experiences, she reflects on educational systems and cultural connections around the world. Grounded in a lifelong commitment to mentorship and service, Gayle continues to inspire others to navigate challenges, set goals, and lead with purpose.

Maximilian “Max” Ibel (Ph.D. ’00, Computer Science) is a seasoned technology executive, venture capitalist, and dedicated UC Santa Barbara leader. After earning his doctorate from UCSB, Max joined Google during its early years, and spent 17 years there, including as a Senior Engineering Director leading critical initiatives in web search infrastructure, web crawling, and identity management, resulting in over 10 co-authored patents. He later transitioned into venture capital as a Partner at Amino Capital from 2017 to 2023, where he backed high-growth, data-driven startups in cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced systems. Today, Max remains deeply committed to advancing his alma mater’s mission, contributing his strategic expertise as a UCSB Foundation Trustee and a member of the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering Dean’s Cabinet.

Joel Katz’s work centers on using sport to strengthen communities and expand access to recreational spaces. He earned his B.A. in Geography with a minor in Sport Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where his involvement in Rec Sports and club soccer shaped his leadership and community-focused mindset. After graduation, Joel spent a decade working in the NBA, gaining experience in the community engagement side of professional sports. Today, he serves as Vice President of Community Impact for San Diego FC and sits on the board of the San Diego Parks Foundation, where he focuses on expanding access to youth sports, safe play spaces, and community programming that brings people together through sport.