On October 12, 2026, Ugochukwu Achara joined Next Step® Network as its new Operations Specialist, working at the intersection of data, artificial intelligence, and organizational operations to advance Next Step’s mission of sustainable homeownership.
Ugo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a Master of Arts in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. He recently completed a Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Louisville, where his graduate work focused on applying data-driven methods to real-world organizational challenges. That combination of business, leadership, and analytics credentials positions him to connect strategic thinking with operational execution across Next Step’s programs.
“As Next Step grows, so does the complexity of how we manage our programs and the data behind them. Ugo’s skills position us to do that work smarter and with greater impact,” said Stacey Epperson, president and founder of Next Step.
Ugo is a former Division I soccer player who now coaches a youth sports organization in Evanston, Illinois, where he lives. Outside the office, he stays active with a local run club as he trains for the Chicago Marathon.