ICUT: About ICUT: Staff

ICUT Staff

Carol L. McDonald—President

Carol L. McDonald became President of ICUT in January 1982 after working on education policy issues in Lieutenant Governor Bill Hobby's office. In addition to her responsibilities as chief executive officer of ICUT, Dr. McDonald is the organization's principal lobbyist. Her areas of effort include: higher education policy and finance; student financial aid; appropriations; civil liability; and regulation of nonprofit corporations and charities, as well as other issues.

Raif M. Calvert—General Counsel/Communications and Public Affairs

Raif Calvert joined the ICUT staff in January 2006 after serving for three years as a lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association and several other medical specialty societies. Prior to his stint with the TMA, Raif served as a legislative aid to current Attorney General Greg Abbott, former Attorney General and current United States Senator John Cornyn, and former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives James E. “Pete” Laney. His assignments include appropriations, student financial aid, medical education and overall higher education policy and finance. Raif is a registered member of the Texas bar and is licensed to practice law in Texas.

Elizabeth Puthoff—Director of Research and Policy Analysis

Elizabeth Puthoff joined ICUT in June 2005 as Research Associate. A former high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Puthoff holds two masters' degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Education and a Master of Public Affairs. Her responsibilities include producing research reports, conducting research projects and monitoring legislation.

Donna M. Eberhart—Manager of Member Services

Donna Eberhart started at ICUT in April 2008. With previous employment experience in contracting, business management, and marketing, she was a natural fit for this position. She is the point of contact for ICUT members in regard to cost-saving measures offered through group purchasing agreements. These currently include software, CARES health consortium, equipment leasing, health/medical products, office products, paper products, and vehicle lease/purchase to name a few. In addition to managing existing contracts, she pursues new opportunities that can save ICUT members time and money.