Executive Leadership

Society President Sharhonda Rush is an Optimization Consulting Manager at BlackLine, a leading provider of cloud accounting software. In her role, she collaborates with finance and accounting professionals to optimize processes and enhance efficiency through the strategic use of technology. Throughout her finance and accounting career, Rush has gained extensive experience in strategic thinking, collaborating with others, and implementing innovative solutions. Growing up as a military brat, Rush was exposed to diverse cultures, which has made her highly adaptable and skilled in facilitating change. Her dedication to education and being a lifelong learner is exemplified by earning two master’s degrees, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of education. She consistently challenges the status quo and values collaboration, drawing on diverse perspectives to drive meaningful and impactful change. This mindset, combined with her natural curiosity and eagerness to innovate, makes her exceptionally well-suited to bring a unique blend of experience to the role of Society President. As president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for the 2024-2026 biennium, Rush will work with the board and executive leadership team offering valuable insights and implementing meaningful solutions to develop and implement a new strategic and fundraising plan for the Society and further enhance governance and strategic oversight. At this pivotal time for the Society, Rush will leverage her talent to continuously devise solutions to inspire and drive the Society based on its new strategic directions.

The first African American president of Phi Kappa Phi and the first president who works outside of academia, Rush was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as a graduate student by the Jacksonville University chapter in 2016. Wanting to make a difference and eager to drive change, she became involved at the national level in 2020 when she was elected as a Director on the 2020-2022 Society Board of Directors and chaired the Finance and Budget Committee. During the 2022-2024 biennium as Society President-Elect and as chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, she witnessed the power of collective thinking and transformation through creative and innovative strategies that will benefit the Society in the years ahead. Rush also served as an ex-officio member on all other standing committees.

Rush earned a Master’s in Public Policy and an MBA from Jacksonville University after receiving a BS in Accounting from Christopher Newport University and is a CPA. Rush is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to various community-based sorority initiatives, Rush has volunteered as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, JTA Cares programs, serving homeless individuals and families transitioning from homelessness. She is a board member at Jacksonville University (JUBA) and a member of the NABA, where she provides mentoring to college students majoring in accounting. Rush is also a board member of the North Florida UNCF Leadership Council, reflecting her strong commitment to education and leadership development.

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Bradley Newcomer assumed stewardship of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi in January 2022 as its 12th executive director. He was initiated into the Society at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012.

Newcomer previously served at James Madison University where he directed the process of establishing the Honors College. Under his leadership, the College’s enrollment grew almost 60 percent and was recognized by the Fulbright Program as a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students for consecutive years.

Prior to his time at JMU, Newcomer served at UAB in a variety of positions.

As executive director and CEO, Newcomer works with the Society’s board of directors to develop a strategic plan for Phi Kappa Phi that supports its mission “to recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.” He also oversees the day-to-day operations of the Phi Kappa Phi national office and participates in field activities such as campus visits and chapter installations.

Newcomer earned a bachelor of science in physics from Juniata College, a master of physics and Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Wright State University and a master of business administration from UAB.

To request Dr. Newcomer as a speaker at your event, please complete this form.

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