Christian A. Dominguez

Rutgers Business School Executive MBA

Age: 42

“Loving husband and a dedicated father of two, balancing my roles with being a finance leader.”

Hometown: Wayne, N.J.

Family Members: Dana (wife); daughter Madison, 11; and son Christian Jr., 7.

Fun fact about yourself: I speak multiple languages (English and Spanish).

Undergraduate School and Degree:

William Paterson University, Bachelor’s degree, Accounting

William Paterson University, Bachelor’s degree, Finance

Where are you currently working? Atlantic Health Systems. I am the director of accounting, reporting, and reimbursement. I lead and coordinate Atlantic Health System’s internal and external financial reporting, including system and all subsidiaries, pension, cost reports, and debt financing functions. I have significant direct oversight of corporate accounting, treasury, accounts payable, foundations, reimbursement and grants, and clinical trials of finance to ensure collaboration across the system.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association
• Activities include golf, basketball, exercising, and coaching my son’s basketball team

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Completing the Rutgers Executive MBA program is my most proud academic achievement. The journey of pursuing this degree demanded immense dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice, making the accomplishment all the more meaningful. Throughout the program, I consistently pushed myself beyond my limits, balancing work, family, and studies. The rigorous curriculum enhanced my business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic thinking, empowering me to tackle complex challenges in the corporate world. The camaraderie and collaborations with my diverse cohort further enriched my learning experience.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) and earning my Executive MBA. These achievements are essential in my professional career, as they directly contribute to my long-term goal of someday becoming a chief financial officer. The CPA certification showcases my accounting and financial management expertise, providing a solid foundation for financial leadership. The Executive MBA, on the other hand, equips me with comprehensive knowledge and skills in various aspects of business, including strategy, decision-making, and organizational management. Together, these achievements demonstrate my dedication, commitment, and continuous pursuit of excellence, positioning me for success in my desired role as a CFO.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite Executive MBA professor was Farrokh Langdana. His unwavering belief in my potential and the unique contributions I could bring to the program set him apart. He not only focused on expanding my knowledge, but also instilled confidence in my abilities, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. His genuine nature and mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey, and I credit many of my current successes to his guidance.

Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose the Rutgers Executive MBA program for several reasons. During my initial meeting with Professor Farrokh Langdana, I sensed that the Rutgers Executive MBA program would be an ideal fit for my academic journey. Moreover, the program’s convenient location was an added advantage, making it easily accessible for me. The structure of the classes, with weekend sessions and dedicated weeks in residence each semester, perfectly aligns with my professional commitments. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on collaboration, networking, and fostering a strong bond among classmates resonates with my belief in the value of relationships and teamwork. This program offered a comprehensive educational experience aligned with my goals and aspirations, making it the perfect choice for my executive MBA journey.

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I gained during my time in the Executive MBA program was my belief in myself. Initially, I wondered if I truly belonged in the program. However, as time passed, I developed confidence in my abilities and realized I possessed the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. This new-found belief in myself has been invaluable in my professional life. When I started a new role during my time in the Executive MBA program, I not only applied the technical skills I acquired, but also the soft skills required to navigate relationships at the C-Suite level. The Executive MBA program equipped me with the essential skills needed to thrive as an executive now and in the future.

Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family, and education? During my time in the Executive MBA program, I successfully managed the demands of work, family, and education required careful coordination and determination. Fortunately, I was blessed with the unwavering support of my wife, who had experienced the commitment necessary to complete her master’s degree. Understanding the sacrifices I would need to make, she provided the encouragement and understanding that propelled me forward. I often delved into schoolwork around 9 p.m. after a full day of work and spending time with my family. Once my children were tucked into bed, I dedicated my evenings to studying, knowing that my efforts would benefit me and pave the way for a brighter future for my loved ones. The juggling act was demanding, but the determination to succeed and the support of my wife were instrumental in navigating this enriching and transformative journey.

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? To a student looking to enter an executive MBA program, I would advise being disciplined with your time, as the program demands dedication and efficient time management. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of leaning on your classmates – collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from their diverse perspectives. Finally, make the most of the program by actively engaging with your classmates and professors, fostering meaningful relationships that can enhance your learning experience and open doors for future opportunities. Building a strong network and creating lasting connections will be invaluable in your executive MBA journey and beyond.

What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest regret in business school was not applying to the program sooner. For years, I found myself wanting to pursue this opportunity but constantly waited for the elusive “perfect time” to come along. However, I eventually came to the realization that there is never a truly perfect time, and I should have acted upon my interest when it initially sparked.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire my Executive MBA classmate, Zanetta Glover. Throughout our journey, Zanetta consistently displayed her willingness to assist me in subjects where she excelled. She generously dedicated her time to reviewing the course material with me, ensuring I was well-prepared for exams. What started as a classmate relationship has blossomed into a genuine friendship. Zanetta’s exceptional leadership skills, gained from her successful executive background, have been a great source of inspiration. Furthermore, she actively mentors me and other students in our program, highlighting her commitment to personal and professional growth beyond academics. Zanetta’s combination of kindness, expertise, and dedication has left an indelible impression on me.

What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The main reason for choosing an Executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives was its alignment with my career and personal circumstances. Balancing my family life and a full-time work schedule was made possible by the weekend course load, allowing me to meet the program’s demands without sacrificing my job. The in-person learning aspect appealed to me as I believe it facilitates my best learning experience. Additionally, the opportunity to network and collaborate with other executives at similar career stages was a valuable aspect of the Executive MBA program, enabling me to form connections and gain insights from like-minded individuals. These factors combined made the Executive MBA program the ideal choice for me.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to become a CFO in a prominent organization. With my recent transition from a finance director role at a publicly-traded company to joining a leading non-profit healthcare system in New Jersey, I am committed to leveraging my expertise and experience to drive the financial strategy and contribute to the organization’s success. My enrollment in the Executive MBA program at Rutgers Business School has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this goal, allowing me to make informed decisions, navigate complex financial landscapes, and confidently lead. I am dedicated to continuously expanding my skill set, building strong relationships, and delivering measurable results as I work towards my aspiration of becoming a CFO.

What made Christian such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2023?

“Christian Dominguez is one of the all-stars of this year’s graduating class of students from the Rutgers Executive MBA Program – The Powerhouse. He has the unique ability to “marry” his extensive accounting, finance, and economics background with superlative presentation skills. The man is a naturally gifted speaker. Combine the above with his amazing “old world” manners, and in him, we have the quintessential gentleman. During his final semester in Rutgers EMBA, Christian made a significant transition from a high-level financial executive position in a major cosmetic company in Manhattan, to an even more challenging financial role in the healthcare sector where his skills and training will be fully unleashed.”

Professor Farrokh Langdana, finance and economics
RBS Dean’s Professor of Business
Director, Rutgers Executive MBA Program

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