Team
Drew Marcantonio
Dr. Richard (Drew) Marcantonio is a researcher, teacher, and practitioner focused on regenerative and durable enterprise, environmental management and policy, environmental and other violence, and peacebuilding. He is the author of Environmental Violence: In the Earth System and the Human Niche (2022; Cambridge University Press) and co-author of the textbook Environmental Management: Concepts and Practical Skills (2022; Cambridge University Press), and has published numerous peer- reviewed, policy, and public facing articles in periodicals ranging from PLOS ONE to Small Wars and Insurgencies to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. He has conducted research and practice on these critical issues on five continents working with communities, elected officials, regulators, corporations, and NGOs alike. Additionally, Drew is a US Marine combat veteran, a certified Wilderness First Responder and American Mountain Guide Association Climbing Instructor, and an experiential leadership development professional.
Kelly Rubey
Kelly Rubey is an assistant teaching professor in the Management & Organization Department at the University of Notre Dame. After years supporting Business on the Frontlines projects in various capacities in Timor-Leste, Uganda, Colombia and Honduras, Kelly officially joined the faculty at the Mendoza College of Business in 2020 to extend the work of the program in serving vulnerable populations both globally and within the United States through the launch of the Frontlines in America course. Kelly brings a dedication for delivering positive impact for partners as well as a commitment to designing transformational experiences for students as they become the next generation of leaders.
Kelly spent several years in the technology industry, most recently with IBM where she was a client executive leading multinational client teams on technology transformation initiatives. Prior to IBM, Kelly worked in product marketing at Thomson Reuters serving clients in the legal industry. These professional experiences taught Kelly the importance of collaboration and inclusion in driving empowerment and business results and have been formative in her approach to building impact from the ground-up.
Joe Sweeney
Joe Sweeney is an assistant teaching professor in the Management & Organization Department and academic director for the MBA Program. His primary teaching focus is within the Meyer Business on the Frontlines Program with a focus on international partnerships and further development of new courses to serve partners closer to Notre Dame’s campus. Joe’s passion for utilizing the tools of business to serve communities suffering from some of the world’s toughest challenges was honed in the field, first as a student in Egypt, and later as an advisor to student teams serving in Ghana, Tunisia, and Colombia. His work has explored key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, focusing on job creation and setting the economic conditions for growth. As an instructor, his teams have explored additional challenges including remote supply chains, human trafficking, business education, and illicit economies.
Samantha Fisher
Samantha "Sam" Fisher serves as the managing director for the Meyer Business on the Frontlines Program. In this role, and in partnership with the team, global partners, and campus partners, she leads the work that will define our strategic frameworks, operational activities, and stewardship engagements to facilitate and deliver our goals and objectives in alignment with the University and College's mission and vision.
Sam earned her bachelor's degree from East Carolina University, double majoring in communications and anthropology and an Executive MBA from Notre Dame. Prior to joining Notre Dame, she spent 20 years serving in corporate real estate roles in the retail, finance and tech industries.
Paige Risser
Paige Risser is the communications strategist for the Meyer Business on the Frontlines Program. She shares decades of storytelling and cross-cultural experience from her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, the director of communications for Native American tribal government, and her work in the Middle East with a marketing firm. Her role with Frontlines brings together her passion for social impact, strategic communications, and inspirational stories.
Most recently Paige was the director of communications and marketing at Indiana University South Bend. She holds a BA in journalism from Indiana University and an MFA in creative writing from George Mason University. She is fluent in Spanish and earned an Accreditation in Public Relations in 2016.
Teaching Assistants:
Lydia Knoll
Lydia Knoll is pursuing a dual MBA and Master of Global Affairs from the University of Notre Dame and supports Business on the Frontlines as a teaching and research assistant. She recently traveled to Uganda with BOTFL XV. Prior to attending Notre Dame, she was leading adidas's North America Community Programming efforts in Portland, OR. Her early career impact with the brand won her the Front Office Sports "Rising 25" award and the CSM and Sports Business Journal "Game Changers Mentee" title.
While in school, Lydia serves on the Board of Advisors with the Good Game Foundation and has founded her own ESG strategy agency, called Evergood, to increase the positive impact of small businesses, nonprofits, and activists.
Anna Thomas
Anna Thomas is a dual degree MGA/MBA candidate studying sustainable development and strategy. After receiving a BA in political science and environmental studies from Elon University, Anna served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, where she worked with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture techniques. Continuing her work on food security, Anna joined AmeriCorps VISTA and helped develop the nonprofit Highwater Farm in Colorado.
During her time at Notre Dame, she has had the opportunity to work on projects with Catholic Relief Services, Chemonics, PASO Colombia and UNICEF. After graduating, Anna is dedicated to bridging the gap between private and public sector partnerships.
Dylan Van Sky
Dylan Van Sky is a second-year law student originally from Denver, Colorado. He attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania for his undergraduate degree, studying accounting. While there, Dylan played NCAA Division III baseball, served on student government, and was active with the local city government. Dylan's time in Beaver Falls inspired him to attend law school, hoping he could find a way to use the law to inspire economic development in post-industrial communities. After graduation, Dylan hopes to work for a large law firm in Pittsburgh, working in the private equity and venture capital space.