Brotherhood and business: A journey of leadership at UNC Charlotte

Categories: Students

James Citrin, a Wrightsville Beach native and former two-term finance director of Zeta Beta Tau, contributed to his fraternity’s win of the Brummer’s Cup, which is awarded to the top ZBT chapter in the nation. Citrin’s leadership turned around the fraternity’s $15,000 deficit, transforming the chapter into one of UNC Charlotte’s top fraternities.

Taking on leadership roles and reversing ZBT’s financial deficit

Citrin’s journey with ZBT began in an elective class on witchcraft history, where he first met his fraternity brothers.

“The guys were welcoming and down to earth,” Citrin recalls. For him, ZBT quickly became a family.

Initially, Citrin did not intend on holding a ZBT leadership position, but, as time went on, he felt compelled to get involved. Even after losing his first election, Citrin found a way to contribute by assisting the treasurer. His persistence paid off when he was elected finance director in 2022. He later stepped in as interim judicial director, overseeing conduct within the fraternity. Under his leadership, ZBT saw improvements in key areas like recruitment, finances, GPA and philanthropy.

One of Citrin’s most notable achievements was eliminating ZBT’s $15,000 deficit by renegotiating debts and installing financial controls to minimize future risks.

Winning the Brummer Cup

ZBT’s overall improvements helped the fraternity win the prestigious Brummer Cup in 2024, an award given to the most outstanding chapter in the nation.

“This victory is a collective win,” Citrin emphasizes. He credits the success to the entire brotherhood, including the leadership of chapter president Joshua Roseman, who continued many of the initiatives Citrin started.

Influences and mentors

Citrin attributes much of his leadership development to the mentors and peers who have guided him along the way. He credits Isaiah Grayson, student body president, with teaching him generosity in leadership. He also looks up to his honors thesis advisor, Cheryl Brown, associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, for managing her busy schedule with grace.

“Dr. Brown always has a smile on her face, even with all the responsibilities she juggles,” Citrin said.

Aside from handling the fraternity’s finances, Citrin is busy with other responsibilities as student body vice president. He is pursuing majors in finance, organizational management and political science. He credits time management and careful planning for his ability to balance academics with leadership responsibilities.

“I owe a lot to caffeine,” he joked.

Citrin also makes time for hobbies such as weightlifting, rock climbing and cooking. His free time, he says, is a reward for working hard.