Meet the Class of 2026: Marie Jeoboam 26EMBA
This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School‘s Class of 2026. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Marie Jeoboam, a graduating Executive MBA student whose journey is shaped by resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing patient-centered healthcare. In this Q&A, she reflects on how her time at Goizueta strengthened her ability to lead at the intersection of medicine and business—while empowering her to advocate for more equitable, human-centered systems of care.
Hometown: Born in Leogane, Haiti; raised in Miami, Florida; currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia
Current Job Title: Medical Director; Chief Medical Officer; Commander, United States Public Health System (USPHS)
Current Company: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Previous Education: University of Miami School of Arts and Sciences (BS), Barry University School of Natural Health and Sciences (MS), Florida State University College of Medicine (MD)
Previous Employment: Commander, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Officer, Clinical Director, Indian Health Service (IHS), Civil Servant Physician, Indian Health Service (IHS)
Clubs/Activities: Fellow of American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Advocacy Ambassador for AAFP, Member of American Legion
Student Leadership: Delegate for ClimateCAP Summit 2026
What drew you to Goizueta Business School initially? What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered?
What drew me to Goizueta specifically was the intersection of timing and fit. As I transitioned to Atlanta for work in 2023, the opportunity felt deeply aligned. Just as important, Goizueta embodied what I was looking for in an executive MBA: a rigorous, practical, and thoughtfully designed program for experienced professionals ready to grow as strategic leaders. From the start, the culture felt close-knit, collaborative, and high-energy. The cohort was clearly curated with care, and being surrounded by peers from different industries, backgrounds, and leadership paths made the learning richer and the discussions more expansive.
The curriculum stood out because it invited us to apply learning in real time, not just discuss it in theory. I valued the chance to work through real-world business challenges, learn alongside accomplished peers, and engage globally in ways that stretched my thinking. The international immersion was a highlight, both for the exposure to complex geopolitical issues and, unexpectedly, for the chance to meet Prince Albert of Monaco.
As an Army veteran and active-duty Commissioned Corps officer, I also deeply appreciated the program’s flexibility and intentional support, which allowed me to stay fully engaged while continuing to meet service obligations. That combination of thoughtful community-building, practical learning, and genuine support made Goizueta the clear choice for me.
What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta?
My most memorable experience at Goizueta was the Leadership Reaction Course during onboarding. Working with my first collaborative learning group in a high-trust environment reshaped how I think about leadership, communication, and teamwork. It reminded me that strong leadership is not just about stepping up — it is also about listening, adapting, and knowing when to support others. That experience crystallized the leadership principles I will carry forward: trustworthy, visionary, strategic, and empowering.
How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step?
My Goizueta education has strengthened my ability to lead at the intersection of healthcare, business, and public service. As a physician and Commissioned Corps officer, I entered the program with a strong clinical and service foundation, and Goizueta sharpened that foundation through finance, operations, leadership, and data-driven decision-making. It expanded how I think about organizations, resource allocation, and the role of leadership in driving systems-level impact.
Just as importantly, Goizueta gave me the language, tools, and confidence to pursue opportunities that integrate clinical expertise with business acumen — positioning me to grow into roles where I can strengthen organizational performance while improving patient outcomes.
What advice would you give to incoming students in your program?
If I were to leave incoming students with a few guiding reminders, they would be these:
- The time is now: Take the leap and trust the timing. The experience moves quickly, so stay open to what unfolds.
- Stay true to yourself: Do not lose your identity trying to fit a certain mold. Let your values guide your path.
- Leverage support systems: Lean on the people who want to see you succeed. Ask for help when needed; that is true wisdom, not weakness.
- Build authentic connections: Be intentional about building real relationships with classmates, faculty, and alumni.
What’s one piece of advice you received at Goizueta that you’ll carry with you throughout your career?
One piece of advice I received at Goizueta that I will carry with me is: if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. If you are not present in the room where decisions are being made, your perspective, your values, and the interests of the people you serve may be left out entirely and sometimes leadership is not just about earning a seat at an existing table — it is about having the courage to build a new one.
How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation?
I plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community in meaningful ways — celebrating classmates’ milestones, sharing opportunities, and staying engaged through alumni events and service. The Goizueta network is more than a professional resource; it is a community I hope to keep learning from, contributing to, and growing alongside throughout my career.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself making an impact in your chosen field?
My long-term career goals center on advancing into senior executive leadership while progressing toward the rank of Captain. I aim to champion a more human-centered model of medicine that balances fiscal responsibility with the dignity, well-being, and lived experiences, ensuring success is measured not only by financial outcomes but in lives enhanced and patient experience elevated.
What grounds me is the belief to Live Now — to lead with heart, serve with intention, and not wait for the perfect moment to make a difference. I want my life and work to reflect compassion, courage, and meaningful impact in both the people I serve and the spaces I help shape.
