Stephanie L. Hannan
University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
Age: 45
“I have an unbreakable will to thrive, fueled by laughter, love, and grit.”
Hometown: Mountainhome, PA
Family Members: Jesse Hannan, Husband. Hunter Hannan (21) and Roosevelt Hannan (14), sons.
Fun fact about yourself: I recently went scuba diving for the very first time!
Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Pittsburgh College of Arts & Sciences – B.A. Communications
Where are you currently working? Huntington Private Bank, VP and Senior Wealth Advisor
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I am a full-time soccer mom who loves to travel, hike, read, and enjoy the outdoors. I am also a Broadway season ticket holder.
I previously served as Committee Chair for Cub Scout Pack #171 in Ingomar, and as Vice-Chair and Board Member for Dress for Success Pittsburgh.
At my previous institution, I held leadership positions as the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Chair for the Pittsburgh market and served as Community Development Chair for the company’s Employee Business Resource Group.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of my work on our Global Practicum research topic, where I explored gender disparity in finance and business sectors in Denmark.
Initially expecting to learn best practices from Denmark’s progressive gender policies, I instead discovered an even wider gap in women’s representation compared to the U.S. Through interviews and research, I uncovered cultural influences, educational paths, and a lack of business policy as key factors.
This experience challenged my own assumptions, reshaped my cultural perspective, and reinforced the importance of questioning the status quo. It was transformational both academically and personally.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? After nearly two decades of success at a well-established company, I made the courageous decision to pivot my career. Motivated by the unexpected loss of my brother, my personal journey through breast cancer, and a deep-seated commitment to continual growth, I chose to step away from the comfort of a secure environment to pursue new opportunities — including enrolling at Katz.
For the first time in my career, I deliberately placed personal development and future potential ahead of familiarity and stability. Taking that leap stands as the achievement I am most proud of. It required resilience, self-belief, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. In doing so, I not only rediscovered my confidence and passion but also redefined what success means to me — setting the foundation for an even more impactful future.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? While it’s difficult to choose just one, Professor Elise Boyas had the most significant impact on my MBA experience. She not only interviewed and encouraged me before the program started, but her course structure also reignited my study habits. Elise’s leadership on our Global Practicum trip was equally inspiring—well-prepared, engaging, and enriching both academically and culturally. Her guidance helped define both the beginning and end of my EMBA journey, and I am deeply grateful for her support.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? It was always going to be Pitt!
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and proudly served as a Pitt Pathfinder ambassador.
Although life initially delayed my graduate school plans, the timing aligned perfectly after overcoming breast cancer and refocusing on my personal and professional growth.
The Pitt EMBA program fit my life goals and schedule exactly—and it was an easy decision to come home to Pitt.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of leading authentically and finding my own voice.
Through Dr. Kim Abel’s Leadership course, I discovered that true leadership is rooted in personal values—not just adapting to others.This has influenced the way I approach leadership at work, ensuring I stay aligned with my own “North Star.”
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? During our fourth term’s final weekend, I faced a true juggling act.
My son had his first major soccer tournament with his new team in Virginia, while I had final presentations, including one for the Pittsburgh Steelers Marketing Team. I quite literally needed to be in two places at once.
Thanks to my incredible group, I was able to present virtually while traveling, coordinated my son’s schedules across multiple families, attended all my son’s games, and met all academic obligations without missing a beat. The boys also took first place in the tournament!
It was a masterclass in teamwork, planning, and perseverance—and a weekend I’ll never forget.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Just do it! There will never be a “perfect” time. If you have the support, motivation, and drive to fully engage, this program is truly transformational and will pay dividends personally and professionally.
What was your biggest regret in business school? I have no regrets. Throughout the program, I put myself out there, challenged myself, and worked hard. I’m incredibly proud of what I accomplished and wouldn’t change a thing. While I do feel a sense of sadness that this chapter has closed, I carry no regrets — only gratitude for the experience.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? This is a particularly challenging question, as I hold a deep respect for every one of my classmates — each brought something distinct and admirable to our cohort.
If I had to choose one, I would say I most admire Dave Niemira. Dave possesses a rare combination of intellect, empathy, and purpose. In an industry where many professionals are understandably focused on climbing the corporate ladder, Dave has chosen a different — and deeply impactful — path. He has the capability and vision to serve as a CFO for a major middle-market or even Fortune 500 company, yet he has dedicated his talents to public education.
Dave is currently focused on the Fairview school district, where he applies his expertise to drive operational improvements, foster community partnerships, and navigate complex regulatory environments — all in service of expanding educational access and outcomes. His commitment to underserved communities and to improving the broader education system is nothing short of inspiring.
He is a quiet yet powerful advocate for equity, and he leads with both humility and conviction. Equally admirable is his dedication to his family — his wife, Rachael, and daughter, Esme, are as grounded, gracious, and remarkable as he is. Dave is the kind of person who not only elevates those around him but reminds us what true leadership looks like.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I’m someone who thrives in collaborative, people-centered environments. I learn best through discussion, accountability, and shared experiences. While I’ve tried online coursework in the past, I often found it difficult to stay engaged and didn’t gain as much value from the material.
The structure of the executive MBA — with monthly in-person sessions — was a perfect fit. It allowed for meaningful interaction with a cohort of driven professionals, creating space for deeper dialogue and stronger relationships. I valued starting and finishing the program with the same group, building a network of trusted peers who have become both personal and professional allies.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? Financing the program was certainly a challenge, especially with one child in college and another preparing to enter in the near future. I approached it pragmatically, using a combination of grants, student loans, and personal funds to manage the cost.
While it required careful planning and trade-offs, I view the investment as one of the most worthwhile decisions I’ve made. It’s already yielding personal and professional returns — and I expect that to only grow over time.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term goal is to continue evolving — to grow as a leader, expand my skills, and stay grounded in purpose-driven work. I’m committed to remaining curious, adaptable, and aligned with opportunities that reflect my values.
After graduation, I plan to take some time to reflect on all that I’ve learned and chart a clear, intentional path forward. I’m energized by what lies ahead and know that whatever direction I take, it will be centered around people, authenticity, and impact.
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