Robert Grossman

Student Leadership Profile: MBAA President Rob Grossman, MBA Candidate 2008

From afar, Robert Grossman seems quiet, almost shy, but that impression is completely changed when you talk to him. To many in the student body, he is the easy-going chap with an avid interest in planes -- an interest so intense it has carried him all over the world as a pilot. This term, he adds another facet to this profile of quiet intensity: an interested and warm Mr. President.

Always charming, Grossman simply states the reason he decided to run for presidency was because he felt he “could make a difference to the Smith MBA program and most importantly, ensure that every student has a stake in our community”. As it is early in his term, Grossman is asking a lot of questions. In this stage, he’s gathering the information he’ll need to be successful over the next 52 weeks.

Grossman asks how better communication can be established between the Office of Career Management (OCM) and the student body to ensure each students’ career needs are met. To deal with the concerns expressed by a lot of the student body regarding what electives to take to effectively position themselves as leaders within their respective fields – and leaders for the digital economy -- Grossman wants to pilot an advisor program with Smith’s renowned faculty, who have extensive experience in the different industries.

Originally from Bethesda, Md., Grossman obtained his undergraduate degree from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. He interned at American Airlines during 9/11/01, assisting the fleet managers on fulfilling the newly drafted Security Requirements. Realizing that getting a job as an airline pilot would be very difficult post 9/11, and filled with career risks and restrictions, Grossman focused on working in corporate aviation. His solution was to co-pilot the private jet of the president of the World Bank, Jim Wolfensohn. Traveling the world became routine for Grossman as he jetted between such exotic locations as Morocco and India. When in the area, Grossman also worked as a flight instructor for Montgomery Aviation, LTD here in Maryland. Inevitably, Grossman’s ever-present, wickedly cool aviator shades make it into photographs of him.

Grossman appreciates what an education can bring, as his mother has been molding the young minds of 2nd graders at the Norwood School in Maryland for about 20 years. If he follows in his father’s footsteps then he’ll also be a fair president; his father is an administrative law judge. Grossman laughed to himself as he mentioned he met his lovely wife Tiffany on AOL’s Instant Messenger Service, eight years ago, proving an early interest in the digital economy. These qualities -- an interest in a good education, a sense of fairness, a belief in the Internet – when coupled with his other attributes – a high-flying sense of adventure, a commitment to his community, and a quiet command of situations – will make him an excellent MBAA president.

▓ Iffy Kaja, MBA Candidate 2008, Smith Media Group