FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2008
Media Contact: George Cagala (760) 750-4012

Cal State San Marcos Kicks Off Spring 2008 “In the Executive’s Chair” Series

“In the Executive’s Chair,” a popular course at California State University San Marcos in the College of Business Administration, kicks off the year on Wednesday, Jan. 30 when the first of a dozen senior executive-level guests visits campus to share tips, tricks, strategies and challenges of running a business or organization.

Inspired by the Bravo television series, Inside the Actor’s Studio, the class is part of the Center for Leadership Innovation and Management Building (CLIMB).

The class meets from 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. most Wednesdays through April in Markstein Hall, Room 125. The discussions are open to members of the campus and business community at no charge, space permitting. 

According to hosts Rajnandini “Raj” Pillai, executive director of CLIMB, and David Bennett, director of Outreach and co-creator of the course, “The major objective of the course is to expose our students to a variety of successful people who discuss their philosophies of business and life. In addition, we want students to hear how these individuals make critical business decisions and develop their leadership abilities.” 

Dennis Guseman, dean of the College of Business Administration, said, “In the Executive’s Chair brings faculty and students closer to the business community and to real world business situations. Students are required to research the company and related industries and be prepared to interview the speaker.  This course aims to provide students with very important understandings:  wisdom from successful business leaders; knowledge of how leaders think and make decisions; awareness of the importance of selecting the right people to work for you; the reality of balancing work with a family and finally, the commitment and sacrifice sometimes needed.”

In the Executive’s Chair schedule follows:
 
Jan. 30
Greg Koch – Co-Founder & CEO – Stone Brewery  

Feb. 06
Judi Missett – Founder & CEO - Jazzercise

Feb. 13
Andy Laats – Persident & CEO – Nixon Inc.

Feb. 20
Helen Adams – Sr. Partner - Deloitte
 
Feb. 27
Ron Gerevas – Sr. Partner - Heidreick &Struggles (past Peace Corps CEO)

March 5
Neil Schmale – COO -  Sempra

March 19
Mimi Zeller – President & COO - Submarina

March 26
Holly Green, President & CEO – The Human Factor

April 9
George Hage, President & CEO—HiTRON

April 16
Jim Tenuto, President & CEO—Renaissance Executive Forum

April 23
Tedd Waitt – Founder & CEO – Gateway

April 30
Daniel Amen – President & CEO – Amen Clinics, Inc.

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