Annalee Luhman (Vice-Chair Curriculum and Programs), Lauren Smith and Nancy Skinner at Class of 2009 Welcome Reception

Lauren Smith and Kristal Roberts

Meet our Curriculum FACULTY

Eric Svaren – Vice Chair Curriculum and Programs - Co-Facilitator

Eric Svaren is founder and principal of Groupsmith, Inc., a Seattle-based firm specializing in helping people get traction–by facilitating change, clarifying strategy, strengthening trust, and improving communication. He helps individuals, teams and entire organizations achieve breakthrough results. Eric is particularly known for his creative application of the latest research and theory.

A master facilitator, Eric also designs and facilitates retreats and off-sites, conflict resolution, teambuilding, regulation negotiation, and labor contract bargaining.

In addition to his consulting and facilitation work, Eric teaches mid-career professionals for the Cascade Center for Public Service and the Executive Masters of Public Affairs program both at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington. He has developed unique workshops on Leading without Authority and Dangerous Decisions (how to involve people in decision making).

Clients include Johnson & Johnson, Harborview Medical Center, the state of Washington, University of Washington, Washington State University, Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, Safeco, Unitus, Eddie Bauer, and the cities of Seattle, Redmond and Bellevue–as well as dozens of other companies, and non-profit and government agencies. He has also presented at dozens of conferences, such as the National Labor Management Conference, the Housing Washington conference, and the Public Sector Performance Conference.

Before launching Groupsmith in 2000, Svaren managed a joint labor-management program for the City of Seattle designed to increase employee participation in the improvement of service delivery. He also worked as a public policy analyst for Seattle city councilmember Tom Weeks and city departments, and as a human services planner for a regional nonprofit. He earned his Master's Degree in organizational sociology and social psychology from the University of Washington. Eric's volunteer activities have included pro bono consulting and training, serving as board member and officer for several non-profit organizations.
Email: svaren@groupsmith.com
Telephone: 206-352-2400

Sherryl Christie-Bierschenk – Co-Facilitator

Sherryl Christie-Bierschenk is the founder and primary service provider at Best Practice, Inc. (www.bestpracticeinc.com). The mission of her company is simply to help grow leaders, which she does primarily through a combination of coaching and team facilitation. She is the co-author of the Practical Leader Management Series, an eight-month training process for managers, and a contributor to the development of the Peer Mentoring course with her long-time colleague, Steve Trautman (www.practicalleader.com). She is currently co-authoring a how-to book for new managers; scheduled to be published by McGraw-Hill in Fall 2008. Following that, she will be completing her second book, titled The Curse of the Competent Woman™ (www.competentwoman.com).

Sherryl has owned and operated her own business for 20+ years and in that capacity she has directly managed both employees and contractors. She is a Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and her client list includes leaders and managers at REI, Eastman Kodak, Boeing, Microsoft, Intel, Apple, Motorola, Hill-Rom, Allied Irish Bank, Deloitte and Touche of Canada and eTecK in Trinidad, West Indies.

Sherryl moved to Washington State in 1982 and lived and worked in Issaquah until 1995. She currently lives on Whidbey Island with her husband, 12 chickens, three ducks, an African goose and a beagle named Maggie. She and her husband have three (mostly adult) children and one grandchild, whom they spoil at every opportunity (the grandson, not the children!).
Email: sherryl@bestpracticeinc.com
Telephone: 425-501-5025

Evelyn Correa – Co-Facilitator

Evelyn Correa, is an OD leader with over 20 years hands on experience developing programs and processes that support organization and employee performance. During her career, Evelyn has led organization strategy at Fortune 500 companies such as ITT, American Express, and Shearson Lehman Brothers. Presently Evelyn is the Director of Organization Development at Vertafore Inc. Evelyn is responsible for initiatives that improve internal communications and that enhance individual and team effectiveness across the organization. Located in Bothell, Vertafore specializes in software and services that increase the productivity and profitability of insurance agents, broker, and wholesalers.

Evelyn received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Masters of Arts in Whole Systems Design (Organization Change & Consulting), and she holds numerous professional certifications in the OD field. She lives in Seattle with her husband and two children.
Email: ecorrea@vertafore.com

Gary Ford – Co-Facilitator

Gary Ford is a consultant with 17 years of experience working with organizations from 100 to 30,000 employees, Gary Ford has seen what differentiates high-performing teams, what make great people managers, and what enables individual employees to reach their full potential.

His approach is informed by 14 years of experience in the field of learning and development and his experience managing staffs from 2 to 65, including both hourly and salaried professionals.

As a consultant, Gary knows how to listen for what may be hindering effectiveness in a given organization. He partners with clients to efficiently identify, develop, and implement the most effective interventions to support the organization's employee development.

As a trainer and facilitator, Gary is a strong storyteller who knows how to capture the imagination of his audience and help them connect content to their workday challenges. Gary's workshops and retreats are known for their high level of interactivity, their experiential nature, and their wealth of practical tools and approaches for getting desired results back in the workplace.

As a mediator, Gary creates the necessary conditions for individuals, departments, or organizations to come together and create long-lasting working agreements that minimize friction and tribalism--and maximize teamwork and effectiveness.

In addition to his consulting practice, Gary serves on the Leadership Eastside curriculum team, focusing on enriching leadership capabilities and building community in the greater Seattle area.
Email: garyfster@gmail.com
Telephone: 206-399-8291
www.glfordconsulting.com

Beth Hannley – Co-Facilitator

Beth Hannley, is president of Catalyst Consulting, Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in leadership development, business performance improvement and customer satisfaction. Her pragmatic approach is based on perspective gained in twenty-one years in healthcare and education management and a successful consulting practice since 1993. Beth's management skills were further enhanced in 1992 with the completion of an Executive Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. She also has a Master's in Speech Pathology from the University of Arizona.

Beth is sought after as a speaker on leadership development, customer relations, and the business value of a positive work environment. She has presented at conferences sponsored by Gallup, Inc, Alliance for Strategy in Healthcare, Society for Human Resource Management, American Dietetic Association, Leadership Eastside and many others.

As a leader and facilitator, Beth assists groups to achieve operational and service improvements. She designs and conducts team-building and strategic planning retreats for board, management and staff, helping the group to set clear, achievable goals and implementation plans.

Beth develops and presents values-based leadership training programs, teaching skills, which increase employee performance and organizational success. Retreats and training programs led by Beth are known for their upbeat style and long-term effectiveness. Based on adult learning theory, the sessions allow for immediate application and transfer to the job setting.

Beth is widely recognized for her ability to bring individuals together in common purpose, transforming concepts into operational realities.
Email: bhannley@aol.com

Nancy Hawman – Co-Facilitator

Nancy Hawman, director of human resources, The Seattle Times, leads a team of Human Resource professionals in their work as business partners at The Seattle Times Company, the leading news and information provider in the Northwest. She joined the company in 1998 as a training specialist and held management positions in Training, Organizational Development, and Employment before being promoted to Director of Human Resources in 2007. As a senior member of the Human Resources team, she has current leadership responsibility for Employee Relations, Employment Recruiting, Training, and HR Technology.

Her training and facilitation background includes over 15 years experience creating opportunities for adults to learn from and with each other. At The Seattle Times she is responsible for the corporate training & development curriculum. She has designed and delivered a wide variety of training programs for local government agencies, volunteer organizations, not-for-profit healthcare organizations, and private corporations. Her students have been as diverse as her subjects. Nancy has taught basic literacy skills to adults, Quality improvement methods and tools to physicians, Cultural Diversity workshops for front line workers, and leadership development to executives. When not in the classroom she manages a professional staff and is often called upon to facilitate team building retreats, and coach individuals in strategies for personal effectiveness.

Nancy also works with company executives at the strategic level helping to drive organizational structure and culture changes.

Nancy is a member of the curriculum team for Leadership Eastside and was privileged to act as master facilitator for the class of 2008.

Nancy holds a Bachelors degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Penn State University. She is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources, SPHR.

Nancy lives in Seattle with her two best friends, Jeff and Bosco, (husband and chocolate lab, respectively). They enjoy playing in the outdoors and spending weekends "off the grid" at their cabin in Eastern Washington without plumbing, electricity or cell phone reception.
Email: nhawman@seattletimes.com
Telephone: 206-464-2212

Dan Leahy, – Co-Facilitator

Dan Leahy, Waypoint Leadership Consulting, LLC , is an innovative personal and organizational development specialist. With 16 years of leadership education experience and another 16 years experience as a clinical therapist he brings a unique blend of interpersonal and organizational perspectives to his work. His professional experience includes serving as President of the Leadership Institute of Seattle (LIOS, Inc.) from 2001 to 2007.

He is committed to leadership development. Since he believes that leadership is fundamentally a dance between the leader, the followers and the organizational mission, his approach focuses on helping the individual develop the ability to both take a stand and stay connected with others in service of the desired results. Given his work in adult education his approach is one that emphasizes inquiry and directed reflection tailored to the individual's circumstances.

He holds Bachelors Degrees in Communication Arts and Sociology from Washington State University and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science from Whitworth College. His postgraduate training includes the Art & Practice of Leadership Development program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, Peter Bloch's Regional School for Managing, Leadership Eastside, and Pacific Integral's two-year Generating Transformational Change program.
Email: dleahy12@comcast.net
Telephone: 206-612-4106

Anna Liotta – Co-Facilitator

Anna Liotta, president & CEO, Resultance, Inc., has more than 15 years as an awarding-winning speaker and consultant, Anna Liotta teaches her audiences to effectively acquire and retain clients by understanding the motivations, perspectives and financial aspirations of each unique generation.

Working with large companies such as Intel, Merrill Lynch and Honda, Anna opens the door into the minds of the four very different generations in the marketplace. "Each group is passionate and committed. Once I help people speak the clients' generational language, says Anna, their results soar."

Anna's fast-paced, content-rich presentations and trainings are customized to your specific audience and goals. Among her most popular topics:

What Makes the Generations Tick — and What Ticks Them Off
Recruiting and Retaining Four Generations
Client Service Road Maps for Each Generation

These subjects and many more are available through:

Keynote Speeches
Management Workshops
Client Appreciation Events

Her inter-disciplinary approach integrates the crucial elements of communication, sociology, business psychology and helps companies respond effectively to present and future generational forces.

Her expertise includes a Master's Degree in Interpersonal Communications (University of Washington) and a very rare real-life credential: Anna, one of 19 children, grew up in a household of four generations.

A captivating and dynamic speaker, Anna was ranked #1 in Highest Satisfaction and Best Value by the IDEA Conference. In 2003, she was honored by Seattle's Puget Sound Business Journal as one of the "Top 40 Business Leaders Under 40." Currently an adjunct faculty member in the University of Washington's Executive MBA program, Anna also teaches at the premiere Executive Women International Leadership Academy.
Email: anna@resultance.com
Telephone: 206-283-2905

Jeff Reitan – Co-Facilitator

Jeff Reitan, project & external consultant, T-Mobile, has specialized expertise in organizational assessment and change management. He has provided consulting services to Professional Services Firms, Public Sector Agencies, and Non-Profit Organizations.

Jeff helps clients to make tangible and lasting improvements in governance, productivity, knowledge sharing, organizational alignment, process efficiency, and management effectiveness.

To help clients move through the change process, Jeff offers systems assessment, strategy development, and project leadership services. He develops custom organizational assessments to evaluate business critical variables, such as process efficiency, productive capacity, workload management, performance management systems, communications, and team development. Following the assessments, Jeff assists client sponsors with data interpretation, facilitates strategy formulation and planning, and provides coaching around the change process. He also offers project leadership services to internal project groups tasked with tactical execution.

Jeff is currently a Project Manager in the Customer Care Business at T-Mobile. Previously he provided management consulting services in conjunction with the Goodenough Company. Jeff has over fifteen years of professional experience in a variety of leadership roles, including divisional management, business development, project management, and internal/external consulting. In these roles, he developed deep skills in management functions such as project leadership, performance management, conflict resolution, team building, and coaching. He also spearheaded change management projects involving departmental re-structuring and IT system implementation.

Jeff holds a master's degree in clinical psychology with emphases in psychological assessment, career development, and leadership. He has advanced training in leadership development assessments and coaching modules.
Email: jeffreitan@comcast.net
Telephone: 206.434.9890

Kristal Roberts – Co-Facilitator

Kristal Roberts, Port of Seattle, has spent her career helping organizations; teams and individuals discover and reach their full potential. She has deep knowledge of human resources and organizational development specializing in systems thinking, change management and leadership development. She has spent the past five years working as a Senior Organizational Development Consultant for the Port of Seattle where as part of a team designed and delivered a ground breaking leadership development program for emerging leaders as well as designed and facilitated an innovative leadership development program for influential mid-level managers. In addition, she was instrumental in developing the Port's strategic plan as well as moving the organization toward adopting a more balanced measurement focus. She also currently leads the Port's Women's Initiative, Imagine the Possibilities. Before working in the field of organizational development she spent ten years in human resources focusing on recruitment, compensation and employee relations. She has an MBA from Pacific Lutheran University specializing in Change Management and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington. Away from work she enjoys exploring new places, volunteering in the community and spending time with her family.
Email: krobertsconsulting@comcast.net

Lauren Smith – Co-Facilitator

Lauren Smith, Port of Seattle, has been learning, using and teaching systems thinking concepts for fifteen years. She worked for several years as a process and system improvement specialist and as the Director of Organizational Development within the Providence Health System. Prior to that, Lauren taught several interpersonal communication, group dynamics and decision making, argumentation and debate, and public speaking courses at several community colleges and universities in the Puget Sound region. Currently she works as a Senior Organizational Development Consultant for the Port of Seattle leading change management, process improvement and system enhancement projects. She has been a contributor to Leadership Eastside since January 2005, helping to define and draft the Leader Capabilities and provide input on curriculum design elements. Lauren was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley outside Los Angeles, California and holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and a Master's Degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Washington in Seattle, with additional coursework in cultural anthropology. She lives in Shoreline and enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and climbing the Pinnacle at REI with her two children.
Email: seattlesmiths@comcast.net