Administrative

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

As comptroller for Edvance Research, George Vickrey is responsible for all financial reporting and compliance activities, including financial transactions, budgets and strategic plans, as well as special studies implemented under the direction of the chief administrative officer.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Vickrey held a variety of budgeting, forecasting, fiscal planning and general accounting positions at Harcourt Assessment, Baylor University and Pennzoil-Quaker State. Vickrey holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University and he is a certified public accountant (CPA) in Texas. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

My Viewpoint

"It is the role of Finance to ensure that Edvance Research follows sound fiscal practices that are sensitive to the budget realities of our customers."

Kristin Newkirk
Director of Strategic Relations more

As Director of Strategic Relations, Kristin Newkirk works closely with the Executive Management team to ensure that executive initiatives and projects are completed in a timely manner and stays focused on company goals. She serves as the liaison for the REL Southwest Governing Board and is responsible for forming long-standing and successful relationships with external customers.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Newkirk was director of special projects for the Texas Ethics Commission, where she established project goals and objectives and developed, monitored, and maintained project plans, work assignments, standards and budgets for a number of projects, including a project to rewrite the agency’s campaign finance electronic filing software. Newkirk was also a program manager at Harcourt Assessment, where she oversaw four custom statewide assessment programs, and provided services such as contract development, financial management, operational design, and overall project management.

Newkirk holds a bachelor’s degree in geography, with concentrations in urban planning, spatial analysis and resource planning, from the University of Texas at Austin, where she has also pursued graduate course work in community and regional planning.

My Viewpoint

"I’ve learned over the years that for a project to be successful, the first step is to ensure that all stakeholders agree to the definition of the project requirements."

Shannon A. Hunter, PHR
Manager, Human Resources and Contracts more

Shannon Hunter joined Edvance Research with more than 12 years of prior experience in the field of human resources. As the company’s manager of human resources and contracts, Hunter’s primary responsibilities include benefits administration, policy development, performance management, staffing, and contracts administration.

Hunter’s previous experience includes virtually every aspect of human resources management, including recruiting and new-hire orientation, benefits administration, employee relations, performance management and the implementation of new HR initiatives and special projects. Hunter has worked in a wide variety of industries, including Big Four accounting and consulting, petrochemical, maritime, education, and banking, at companies such as Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, Sabic Americas, Lloyd’s Register, Harcourt Assessment, and Security Service Federal Credit Union.

Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree in personnel administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and is certified as a professional in human resources (PHR). She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), the San Antonio Human Resources Association, and the Employment Management Association.

While living in Houston, Hunter was very active in the Houston Human Resources Management Association, serving on the organization’s board as secretary, as well as being a member of numerous committees, including Diversity, Membership, Welfare-to-Work, Community & Volunteer, and the Mentoring Initiative. In 2001, the organization recognized Hunter as Volunteer of the Year for her work on the Welfare-to-Work committee. Hunter was also a charter member of the Houston chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources.

My Viewpoint

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

Michael Repper
Director of Finance more

As Director of Finance, Michael Repper is responsible for all forward-looking analyses and projections, including annual budgets, long-range strategic plans, and economic and cash planning activities, as well as special projects implemented at the direction of the comptroller. He also assists the comptroller with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and other regulatory compliance issues.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Repper held financial analysis positions at Harcourt Assessment. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting from Allentown College. Repper is a candidate for a master’s degree in accounting systems at Strayer University, and he has been certified as a financial analyst by the American Management Association.

My Viewpoint

"Sound financial analysis is key to understanding how well a company is doing and where it is going."

Terri Robertson
Business Manager more

As Business Manager, Terri Robertson is responsible for the daily accounting functions including accounts payable, employee expense statements, accounts receivable log, and project budget support. She assists the Comptroller and Finance Manager with month close and reporting.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Robertson was the publishing analytics manager at Harcourt Assessment where she provided financial analyses, annual budgeting and project related reporting for the Clinical Division. Robertson has an Associates degree in Accounting from Mankato Business College.

My Viewpoint

"I’m excited to be part of a company that is committed to improving education."

Brian Ziger
Accounting Associate more

At Edvance Research Brian Ziger serves in the role of Accounting Associate. Ziger facilitates the internal processes of accounting in the areas of scheduling and planning. He works with project management to monitor deadlines for budgets and facilitates budget change requests and budget processes. In addition he maintains data integrity and completes data entry in the financial system to ensure data is current and accurate for reporting purposes.

Prior to joining Edvance, Ziger was an Accounting Clerk and Tax Preparer for Sterling Security – Asez Inc., and E-Tax Express.

Brian attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

My Viewpoint

"Everyone at Edvance Research plays an integral role in the success as a whole, I’m glad to be part of such an outstanding team that allows me to be a piece of such an intricate puzzle."

Antonio Quiroz, C.P.A.
Financial Systems Analyst more

Antonio Quiroz comes to Edvance Research with vast experience in implementation and management of business applications systems. As a Financial Systems Analyst, Quiroz supports both the financial systems as well as the budgeting tools to ensure a smooth day to day operation. He analyzes current processes and provides guidance on where systems can be utilized to improve turnaround time and performance. Quiroz works with project management focusing on report writing and development to accommodate their needs for budgeted information.

Prior to joining Edvance, Quiroz held a variety of programmer, system analyst, and accounting positions with companies such as Wachovia Bank, Clear Channel Communications, Bank One and McGladrey and Pullen, LLP.

Quiroz holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Science degree in Information Technology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

My Viewpoint

"I have great respect for the work that my colleagues perform and value the role I play in assisting them in achieving success through providing a streamlined process as well as financial parameters."

Sandy Doty, C.P.S.
Executive Assistant more

Sandy Doty provides administrative support services to the chief executive officer, the chief administrative officer, the comptroller and the manager of human resources and contracts. In this capacity she schedules meetings, travel and departmental activities, and also coordinates board meetings for REL Southwest. Before joining Edvance Research, Doty held several executive assistant positions supporting senior officers at Harcourt Assessment. Prior to that she held executive assistant and client services positions at the Holt Companies, and executive and administrative support positions at Bruns Production Company, the Superior Oil Company and Coastal States Gas Producing Company.

Doty is a certified professional secretary (CPS) through Professional Secretaries International. She has studied business at Del Mar College and nursing at the University of Texas at Austin and Wharton County Junior College. Doty serves on the San Antonio College Human Resources Advisory Committee.

My Viewpoint

"I have a strong sense of ethics and fairness, and so does Edvance Research. That’s why it’s such a great place to work."

Ally Ibarra
Executive Assistant more

Ally Ibarra joins Edvance Research as Executive Assistant to provide administrative support to the President, the research and development team, and Human Resources. In this capacity she schedules meetings, travel and departmental activities. In addition, she coordinates contract services. Ally has over 13 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, serving senior officers in large to medium size companies in the US and in Mexico and 4 years of Project Management for an International Import/Export firm in California. She studied Business Administration at Sacramento City College.

My Viewpoint

"An organization that is well managed, structured and organized with quality individuals as employees is one that can provide optimal service to its clients at all times."

Trina Hibbard
Executive Assistant more

As Executive Assistant to the Vice Presidents of Marketing and Program Operations, Trina Hibbard provides administrative duties, including travel arrangements and meeting planning. She supports the Marketing and Program Operations teams across all functional areas and projects. In addition, Hibbard assists with web development activities and event planning.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Hibbard had been a Marketing Specialist with a Customer Service background for the past 12 years for both the Cyberlog and NCR Corporations. Hibbard also was a Research Associate at the University of Texas at San Antonio managing a Neurobiology Research Lab for 3 years, teaching students laboratory practices and statistical analyses and managing the lab’s government grants. Hibbard earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Biology from UTSA.

My Viewpoint

"Education played a huge part in making me into the person I am. Our work at Edvance Research will help mold the next generation. "

Kimberly Bruster
Executive Assistant more

As Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Emerging Practices, Kimberly Bruster provides administrative duties, including travel arrangements and meeting planning. In addition, she provides support to the TEA 21st Century Community Learning Centers project team.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Bruster has held several executive assistant positions to senior level staff in various industries including Education, Real Estate, Engineering and Technology. She is a current member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

My Viewpoint

"In my career, I’ve been involved in very diverse industries, including Education. It has been fulfilling to be involved in education initiatives as strong educational background is the key to success for future generations".

Kimberly Gwinnup
Executive Assistant more

As Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer, Kimberly Gwinnup provides administrative duties, including travel arrangements and meeting planning. She provides support for the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation Statewide Teaching Tools for Excellence project, as well as the Information Technology and Finance teams.

Prior to joining Edvance Research, Kimberly has held several executive assistant roles in various industries, including Education, Aerospace, Engineering, and Manufacturing. Most recently, she served as the Assistant to the Chief Information Officer of Harcourt Assessment.

Kimberly has vast experience working on special team projects and her experience in education technology is utilized across Edvance projects. She has attended The University of North Dakota and St. Philip’s College with the focus on Business Administration.

My Viewpoint

"I am very excited to continue working in an organization in which the end result of our research and teamwork will benefit the children now and in the future."