Richard A. Mayo Center for Asset Management

Mayo Center - Darden Capital Management - Darden Executive Fund

Darden Executive Fund

Darden Executive Fund

The Darden Executive Fund (DEF) is the investment platform for Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA students at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Its mission is to provide hands-on experience in real capital management through disciplined, team-based strategy investment. Operating under the principles of integrity, accountability, and long-term thinking, DEF enables students to apply core concepts in valuation, asset allocation, and risk analysis in a real-world investment environment. In short, The Darden Executive Fund empowers Executive and Part-Time MBA students to apply real-world investing principles through collaborative, disciplined strategy management.

The DEF is designed to mirror the professionalism of Darden Capital Management (DCM) while creating a distinct, high-performance culture within the Executive and Part-Time MBA community. It serves as a capstone for investment education and leadership development, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and strategic execution.

To reflect both the complexity of modern capital markets and the need for focused team accountability, the DEF is structured into three distinct strategies. Each strategy is responsible for a strategic subset of the US equity landscape, grouped by complementary GICS sectors. This design allows DEF members to build deep sector expertise while also fostering collaboration across economic themes. Each strategy is led by a designated Vice President who guides research priorities, manages team coordination, and ensures alignment with DEF’s mission. Together, the strategies create a holistic framework for investment decision-making across asset classes and market environments.

  • Leadership Team

    Leadership Team

    DEF CEOSteven Miller, Chief Executive Officer
    Full Time Role: Chief Growth Officer, Sciolex Corporation

    Steven Miller is the Chief Growth Officer of Sciolex Corporation, where he leads corporate strategy, growth, and global operations. He has overseen the company’s transformation from a nine-person firm into an enterprise of more than 1,300 employees across 20 international locations. Under his leadership, Sciolex achieved $340M in net growth while building the systems, processes, and partnerships necessary to sustain scale. Steven is recognized for aligning culture with strategy, driving enterprise-wide efficiency, and guiding organizations through periods of rapid expansion. He is a Darden MBA candidate (Class of 2026) and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from George Mason University.

     

    DEF CIOPhillip Hunter, Chief Investment Officer
    Full Time Role: Investment Associate, Burkholder & Associates, LLC

    Phillip Hunter is an Investment Associate at Burkholder & Associates, where he manages client portfolio strategies and has driven significant growth in assets under management, including onboarding $35M in new client capital. He is recognized for combining advanced expertise in game theory and quantitative analysis with clear, strategic communication that helps clients and organizations make better decisions. Phillip’s career spans wealth management and retail operations, where he launched new business units, led teams through growth phases, and delivered sustained revenue performance. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Virginia, a Graduate Certificate in Business Economics from Harvard University, and is pursuing his Executive MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF CIOClayton Hicks, Chief Operating Officer
    Full Time Role: Plant Manager, Evonik Corporation

    Clayton Hicks is Plant Manager at Evonik Corporation, where he leads polyether production operations, managing a multimillion-dollar annual budget and directing teams in engineering, safety, and process optimization. He has introduced new products that expanded plant output by 10% and has guided operational improvements that enhanced profitability and efficiency. Clayton’s career includes progressive leadership roles in engineering and manufacturing across the energy and industrial sectors, with experience in project execution, capital planning, and organizational development. A Project Management Professional (PMP), Clayton earned his B.S. in Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and is pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF DEDanny Buddhakorala, Director of Education
    Full Time Role: Vice President of Investments, Private Client Advisor, JP Morgan Wealth Management

    Danny Buddhakorala is a senior financial advisor with more than a decade of experience leading wealth management and financial planning teams across North America. At CIBC, he grew net managed money by 500% and consistently ranked among the top advisors in the country, driving over $190M in new portfolio inflows. Danny later joined Fidelity Investments, where he advised high-value clients and enhanced compliance and training processes across advisory teams. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Project Management Professional (PMP), he has led teams of 30+ while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and mentoring junior colleagues. Danny holds a B.A. in Health Studies & International Development Studies from the University of Toronto and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF DRHugo Bonilla, Director of Research
    Full Time Role: Vice President, Finance and Corporate Development, Olympian Motors

    Hugo Bonilla is a former Senior Business Analyst at Capital One, where he developed credit policy strategies that enabled over $1B in annual spending and managed multi-billion-dollar exposures across partnership portfolios. He also led deposit analytics initiatives at Pentagon Federal Credit Union, building systems to track balance flows and inform policy decisions on multibillion-dollar assets. Beyond his professional work, Hugo has demonstrated leadership in founding UVA’s Board of Audit and Management and creating the University Olympics student organization. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

  • The Jefferson Strategy

    The Jefferson Strategy

    Strategy Overview

    The Jefferson Strategy is the forward-looking engine of the Darden Executive Fund, focused on innovation, disruption, and transformative potential. Covering technology, communications, and health care, this strategy aligns with the intellectual and visionary legacy of Thomas Jefferson - founder of the University of Virginia and champion of the Enlightenment. Just as Jefferson believed in progress through knowledge and invention, this strategy seeks opportunities in sectors that redefine how we live, connect, and heal. The Jefferson Strategy embraces complexity, plans for uncertainty, and invests in companies positioned to lead future systems, platforms, and breakthroughs.

    Sectors: Technology, Communications, Health Care

     

    DEF Jefferson StrategyWills Denton, Vice President – Jefferson Strategy
    Full Time Role: Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, First Citizens Bank

    Wills Denton is Vice President and Commercial Banker at First Citizens Bank, where he manages a $120M portfolio of credit exposure and deposits, consistently ranking as one of the firm’s top producers across the Carolinas. He has more than 14 years of experience in commercial lending, capital markets, and policy, including leadership roles at Citigroup’s Institutional Clients Group, CME Group, and the U.S. Congress. His career spans Wall Street, Capitol Hill, and regional banking, with a focus on relationship management, debt origination, and credit structuring. Wills has also demonstrated civic commitment as a board member with Trident United Way and community organizations in Charleston, SC. He holds a B.A. in History from Wake Forest University and is pursuing his Executive MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Jefferson StrategyGavin Aydelotte, Portfolio Manager – Jefferson Strategy
    Full Time Role: Vice President, Business Development, Good Idea Solar

    Gavin Aydelotte is the founder of Leadership Progress Coaching, where he advises professionals on organizational effectiveness and career transitions. A former U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, Gavin commanded units of 40+ soldiers, led international operations, and developed strategic partnerships across the military and civilian sectors. He later worked at Cisco in sales operations, where he built training programs that significantly accelerated onboarding and improved fulfillment efficiency. Gavin holds a B.S. in Management from Case Western Reserve University and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Jefferson StrategyHugo Bonilla, Portfolio Manager – Jefferson Strategy
    Full Time Role: Vice President, Finance and Corporate Development, Olympian Motors

    Hugo Bonilla is a former Senior Business Analyst at Capital One, where he developed credit policy strategies that enabled over $1B in annual spending and managed multi-billion-dollar exposures across partnership portfolios. He also led deposit analytics initiatives at Pentagon Federal Credit Union, building systems to track balance flows and inform policy decisions on multibillion-dollar assets. Beyond his professional work, Hugo has demonstrated leadership in founding UVA’s Board of Audit and Management and creating the University Olympics student organization. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and is currently pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Jefferson StrategySteven Miller, Portfolio Manager – Jefferson Strategy
    Full Time Role: Chief Growth Officer, Sciolex Corporation

    Steven Miller is the Chief Growth Officer of Sciolex Corporation, where he leads corporate strategy, growth, and global operations. He has overseen the company’s transformation from a nine-person firm into an enterprise of more than 1,300 employees across 20 international locations. Under his leadership, Sciolex achieved $340M in net growth while building the systems, processes, and partnerships necessary to sustain scale. Steven is recognized for aligning culture with strategy, driving enterprise-wide efficiency, and guiding organizations through periods of rapid expansion. He is a Darden MBA candidate (Class of 2026) and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from George Mason University.

     

    DEF Jefferson StrategyThonda Taylor, Portfolio Manager – Jefferson Strategy
    Full Time Role: Lead Site Reliability Engineer, Mediaocean

    Thonda Taylor is an experienced technologist and financial professional with a background in algorithmic trading, quantitative analysis, and investment strategy. He has designed and tested trading models for SPY and SPX options and brings deep expertise in derivatives, technical analysis, and macroeconomic insights. Thonda previously worked as a Financial Advisor with PFS Investments, holding FINRA certifications including Series 6 and 63. He earned a B.A. in Computer Science from Elon University, where he was both a Division I student-athlete and orchestra performer. He is currently pursuing his Executive MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

  • The Madison Strategy

    The Madison Strategy

    Strategy Overview

    The Madison Strategy centers on the flow of capital, consumption, and the institutions that support economic life. Its sectors - consumer staples, consumer discretionary, financials, and real estate - reflect how people live, spend, save, and build. Modeled after James Madison, the architect of the U.S. Constitution and a steward of systemic design, this strategy is focused on companies and sectors that represent both individual choice and collective infrastructure. The Madison Strategy emphasizes balance, fundamental value, and responsiveness to shifting economic conditions - grounded in an understanding of how policy, demographics, and sentiment shape both markets and society.

    Sectors: Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, Financials, Real Estate

     

    DEF Madison StrategyGuillermo Montenegro, Vice President – Madison Strategy
    Full Time Role: Investment Associate, Cambridge Associates

    Guillermo Garcia Montenegro is an Investment Associate at Cambridge Associates, where he researches global asset classes and advises on portfolio strategies with a focus on emerging markets and Latin America. He brings international experience from roles at Exiger, where he conducted pre-IPO and M&A due diligence for Fortune 500 clients, and at the Inter-American Dialogue, where he led research on China–Latin America commercial and financial ties. Guillermo is also a published author, contributing to Forbes and policy think tanks on issues of international economics, dollarization, and global trade. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Mandarin, he has studied in China, the U.S., and Latin America, and holds degrees from Johns Hopkins SAIS, Nanjing University, and Kenyon College. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Madison StrategyClayton Hicks, Portfolio Manager – Madison Strategy
    Full Time Role: Plant Manager, Evonik Corporation

    Clayton Hicks is Plant Manager at Evonik Corporation, where he leads polyether production operations, managing a multimillion-dollar annual budget and directing teams in engineering, safety, and process optimization. He has introduced new products that expanded plant output by 10% and has guided operational improvements that enhanced profitability and efficiency. Clayton’s career includes progressive leadership roles in engineering and manufacturing across the energy and industrial sectors, with experience in project execution, capital planning, and organizational development. A Project Management Professional (PMP), Clayton earned his B.S. in Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University and is pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF DEDanny Buddhakorala, Portfolio Manager – Madison Strategy
    Full Time Role: Vice President of Investments, Private Client Advisor, JP Morgan Wealth Management

    Danny Buddhakorala is a senior financial advisor with more than a decade of experience leading wealth management and financial planning teams across North America. At CIBC, he grew net managed money by 500% and consistently ranked among the top advisors in the country, driving over $190M in new portfolio inflows. Danny later joined Fidelity Investments, where he advised high-value clients and enhanced compliance and training processes across advisory teams. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Project Management Professional (PMP), he has led teams of 30+ while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and mentoring junior colleagues. Danny holds a B.A. in Health Studies & International Development Studies from the University of Toronto and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF DEDrew Dabney, Portfolio Manager – Madison Strategy
    Full Time Role: Teacher, Business & Economics, Arlington Public Schools

    Drew Dabney is an economics and business teacher at Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA, where he leads advanced placement courses in economics and personal finance. He is recognized as an award-winning educator, named 2024 Outstanding Economic Educator for the GMU Region. Drew previously taught internationally in Cambodia and has coached debate and golf teams in addition to founding student economics clubs. He earned his M.T. in Social Studies Education from the University of Virginia and is pursuing his Executive MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Madison StrategyMickey Fortune, Portfolio Manager – Madison Strategy
    Full Time Role: Associate Executive Director, RadTech

    Mickey Fortune is Associate Executive Director of RadTech, where he has led organizational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and coalition building across advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and public health sectors. He has more than 20 years of experience in trade associations, directing global conferences, digital campaigns, and regulatory engagement initiatives. Mickey holds a B.S. in Electronic Media & Film from Towson University and is pursuing his MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).

  • The Monroe Strategy

    The Monroe Strategy

    Strategy Overview

    The Monroe Strategy is grounded in strength, resilience, and the foundational elements of economic growth. Focused on sectors that underpin the physical infrastructure of society - energy, materials, industrials, and utilities - this strategy reflects the pragmatic legacy of President James Monroe, whose leadership was marked by nation-building, expansion, and stability. Just as Monroe’s doctrine protected national interests and projected strength, the strategy’s strategy emphasizes durable business models, capital-intensive industries, and macro-driven investments. The Monroe Strategy brings an execution-first mindset, navigating cyclical industries with a long-term lens and a disciplined approach to operational and structural risk.

    Sectors: Energy, Materials, Industrials, Utilities

     

    DEF Monroe StrategyMichael Caston, Vice President – Monroe Strategy
    Full Time Role: Director, Americas Sustainability Partnerships & Policy, Boeing

    Michael Caston is Senior Manager of Sustainability Engagements and Partnerships for the Americas at Boeing, where he leads strategy and investment initiatives to advance carbon net-zero aviation. He oversees $50M in carbon removal and sustainable aviation fuel procurements, and serves as a board member of United Airlines’ $225M Sustainable Flight Fund. Previously, Michael directed corporate strategy for Boeing’s Space & Launch division, shaping investment planning for a $2B business line, and co-led the stand-up of Boeing–Embraer Defense, coordinating international joint venture teams across the U.S. and Brazil. He began his career as a financial analyst in Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division, later advancing into corporate strategy roles guiding $800M+ in R&D allocation. Michael holds a B.S. in Global Business from the University of Redlands, studied abroad at the University of St. Andrews, and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Monroe StrategyAlessio Mencarelli, Portfolio Manager – Monroe Strategy
    Full Time Role: Senior Analyst, International Business Development, Nestle

    Alessio Mencarelli is a Senior Business Development Analyst at Nestlé, where he manages market expansion initiatives and develops analytical tools to support executive decision-making across sales, supply chain, and ROI. He has held roles in sales leadership, field management, and business analytics, driving revenue growth and training adoption across U.S. markets. Alessio earned his B.S. in Business Economics from the University of Maine and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Monroe StrategyClark Kennedy, Portfolio Manager – Monroe Strategy
    Full Time Role: Transportation Engineer, Kimley-Horn

    Clark Kennedy is a licensed Professional Engineer and Project Manager at Kimley-Horn, where he leads a transportation engineering practice responsible for $1.5M in annual projects. Over a 15-year career, he has managed multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects, grown regional practices, and generated over $30M in new revenue. Clark holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Monroe StrategyDavid Carver, Portfolio Manager – Monroe Strategy
    Full Time Role: Director, Recorded Future

    David Carver is Director of Cyber Threat Research at Recorded Future, where he leads a global team of analysts and managers supporting clients across multiple industries. He has driven business growth from $1M to $10M in five years, introduced AI-enabled workflows, and managed client engagements for Fortune 500 companies. Previously, he worked as a threat intelligence analyst at FireEye, where he developed tools and research on social media manipulation during the 2016 U.S. elections. David holds a B.A. in Literature from Patrick Henry College and is an MBA candidate at Darden (Class of 2026).

     

    DEF Monroe StrategyPhillip Hunter, Portfolio Manager – Monroe Strategy
    Full Time Role: Investment Associate, Burkholder & Associates, LLC

    Phillip Hunter is an Investment Associate at Burkholder & Associates, where he manages client portfolio strategies and has driven significant growth in assets under management, including onboarding $35M in new client capital. He is recognized for combining advanced expertise in game theory and quantitative analysis with clear, strategic communication that helps clients and organizations make better decisions. Phillip’s career spans wealth management and retail operations, where he launched new business units, led teams through growth phases, and delivered sustained revenue performance. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Virginia, a Graduate Certificate in Business Economics from Harvard University, and is pursuing his Executive MBA at Darden (Class of 2026).