Grounded in Service, Growing in Strategy: Meet Marcelo Bini

Marcelo Bini has dedicated his career to protecting communities. Now, he’s taking the next step in his leadership journey as part of the Hybrid MBA Class of 2027. We asked him to share a bit about his path and why Rice was the right fit.

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Tell us a little about your current career and background.

• Education: Criminal justice undergraduate degree from the University of Houston
• Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Special agent for the U.S. Department of Treasury
• Career Highlights and Industry Experience: With over a decade of experience in law enforcement and criminal investigations, I currently serve as a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation, where I lead complex financial crime cases and multi-agency operations. My career began in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, where I developed a foundation in leadership, resilience and critical decision-making under pressure. I later served as a police officer in Texas, specializing in active threat response and community safety. As the founder of Tactical Medicine Academy, I’ve trained over 2,000 law enforcement officers across Brazil in active shooter response and combat medicine. My work has been defined by a commitment to justice, operational excellence and innovative approaches to public safety. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a big fan of Brazilian churrasco — I love grilling over open flames and can prepare a full Brazilian barbecue, from a perfectly seasoned picanha to homemade farofa. My friends say I never let anyone leave hungry!

Why did you choose Rice Business?

I chose Rice Business because of its reputation for cultivating principled innovative leaders and its close-knit collaborative community. The world class faculty create an environment where meaningful relationships and mentorship thrive. 

Why did you choose our Hybrid MBA program?

The Hybrid MBA format aligns perfectly with my demanding career, allowing me to apply lessons from the classroom directly to complex real-world challenges. Rice’s strong focus on strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship resonates with my goal of driving impact.  

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How are you feeling about starting your MBA? What are you most looking forward to?

I’m very excited and honored to begin this transformative journey at Rice Business. Starting the MBA feels like the perfect next step to broaden my leadership skills, sharpen my strategic thinking and learn from such a talented, diverse group of peers. I’m eager to grow as a leader who can make a lasting impact in both business and public service. 

How was your experience during launch week? What were your first impressions of the program and your classmates?

Launch Week was an incredible experience — it felt like stepping into a community of driven, inspiring individuals who were all eager to learn, collaborate and grow together. From day one, I was impressed on how approachable and accomplished my classmates are. I particularly enjoyed the team dynamics and workshops, which pushed me out of my comfort zone while reinforcing the importance of trust. More than anything, Launch Week made me feel like I’m not just starting an MBA — I’m joining a lifelong network of peers who will challenge and support me.

Marcelo Bini is a Hybrid MBA student in the Class of 2027.