We believe in your potential to lead. Our leadership coaches partner with you in a process that encourages reflection, embraces challenge, and inspires self-discovery.
Skills-Based Leadership Coaching is a personalized service that connects young alumni to trained leadership coaches. The coaches help the young alumni to achieve a specific, and timely, leadership development goal. Coaches help young alumni in these specific leadership areas: Self-Awareness, Team Leadership, Becoming a New Leader, Effective Interpersonal Communication, Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders.
The coaching engagement lasts approximately twelve (12) weeks and requires a great deal of personal investment from the client.
Enrollment in the program is ongoing: apply here. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Andy Hughes at ahughes@gettysburg.edu.
Meet our Leadership Coaches
- Carol Cantele ’83
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? People are my passion. There is no greater joy than observing people’s growth. Mastering their craft, owning their authentic self, embracing change, living a value-based work/life are just a few of the outcomes on their journey of purposeful and meaningful growth. I want to assist in that development. The GLC and their skills-based leadership coaching program is an incredible opportunity for our young alumni. Partnering with Gettysburg young alumni through the GLC will fill my cup of collaborating with people on their road to impactful and transformative leadership
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I have been a collegiate women’s lacrosse coach for over 30 years at Gettysburg College, participating at the national level for many of those decades. Directing roster sizes of 30 plus women and mentoring 3-4 staff members each year has challenged me to be competent in the following leadership skill sets: effective communication, team and individual leadership development, collaborative and synergetic team development, conflict resolution, fostering positive competitive environments, influencing and self-awareness. I have established an extensive Captains Leadership program for emerging leaders. I have also conducted several speaking engagements to the GLC, the Gettysburg Eisenhower Leadership Institute, other athletic teams and to national organizations about personal growth, leadership and finding your authentic self.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? Regardless of the arena, whether in higher education, athletics, tech or the corporate setting, effective leadership is the key to a successful organization. Effective leadership is a skill that needs to be practiced and intentional; I welcome the opportunity to work with a former BULLET in this capacity. Through coaching our student-athletes at Gettysburg, I have witnessed the many pathways to achieving leadership development. No journey is the same but all require effort and commitment.
- Janet Morgan Riggs ’77
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? My passion for Gettysburg College knows no bounds, and I have often spoken about the power of the Gettysburg alumni network. The young alumni leadership program is a prime example of how to put that network to good use. As a more “seasoned” alum, I am so pleased to have the opportunity to develop some new relationships with Gettysburg’s younger alumni, offer a helping hand, and support their professional growth.
Please list relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I was fortunate to have been offered quite a variety of professional leadership opportunities during my career at Gettysburg College, as department chair, provost, and president. I’ve also had leadership roles on several professional and volunteer boards. As a social psychologist, I studied leadership styles and decision-making, and as a college president I read a lot about leadership. During my career I mentored students and some colleagues, and I am a regular speaker in a women’s leadership development program that takes place in Gettysburg. I’ve received leadership coach training through the Garthwait Leadership Center
What additional information would you like to share? The coaching process is not about providing clear answers, which is a good thing because I don’t have all the answers! I will do my best to ask good questions, to engage with my clients in a supportive and thought-provoking way, and to collaborate with them to advance their professional development.
- Neil Bryant ’82
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Vice President, Coaching & Leadership Development at Bluepoint
Why Leadership coaching? I am passionate about serving others so that they can become the best possible versions of themselves, I believe wholly in the work of the GLC, and my sense is that early/emerging leaders are not getting the needed support from their organizations.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I am a certified executive coach through the ICF (PCC level), have a graduate degree in leadership development, and currently serve as the Vice President of a global Coaching business at Bluepoint Leadership Development.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Becoming a New Leader; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;Team Leadership;
What additional information would you like to share? I believe that leadership is the key to the advancement of ideas and people, and stepping into the role of a leader (formal or informal) is an intentional one. But desire alone will not produce desired impacts. Leadership is a complex dynamic that calls for skills, approaches, mind sets, and beliefs that can be developed, and I welcome the opportunity to serve any individual who wishes to strengthen their abilities in this context.
- Dave Radin ’65
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Retired Sales & Marketing Executive, Corning, Inc.
Why Leadership coaching? Throughout my career I have taken steps to always invest in the success of the people who worked for me. I find it very gratifying to see people overcome behavioral barriers to their success, to watch them learn and apply new skills, and to achieve career goals. I had great mentors and coaches along the way and want to pass along that skill and knowledge to graduates of my alma mater whom I find to be extremely engaging and savvy people.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I have been a supervisor and manager of organizations of varying size for over four decades. My specific competencies lie in interpersonal communication skills (from one-on-one to major presentations): effective listening skills, giving and receiving feedback, persuasive communications, how to exercise “good” political behavior, career development, and performance reviews. I also have experience in new product introductions, leading in a changing environment, and team development.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Team Leadership;Becoming a New Leader; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;
What additional information would you like to share? At Gettysburg I have been a guest speaker at three First-Year Seminars, mentored two fraternity officers and have had an on-going coaching relationship with an alum from the class of 2013 for four years, even though our relationship was to be for six months through Garthwaite. I am a member of the Alumni Board of Directors and am on campus three times a year (in “normal” years).
- Ellen Dotts ’83
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Managing Partner, ISHR Group
Why Leadership coaching? I've spent the majority of my professional career as a Leadership Coach and am looking for an opportunity to both give back and build a new community with Gettysburg alumns.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. 30+ years of leadership development and executive coaching experience as an HR professional, talent consultant, and business owner.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Team Leadership;Becoming a New Leader; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;any topic which will help young alumns to increase their leadership effectiveness ;
What additional information would you like to share? Please see bio on LinkedIn for more details on my professional experience. My clients refer to my coaching style as “tough love”, both championing and challenging them.
- Paul Thallner ’89
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Principal, Daggerwing Group
Why Leadership coaching? I decided to serve as a volunteer leadership coach because I want to provide younger leaders with a way to objectively look at where they're headed and support getting there.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I have been an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified executive coach for more than 10 years, and I have coached leaders at all levels (from first time managers to CEOs) in many sectors (corporate, non-profit, and government). In my independent coaching practice, my clients worked in the outdoor retail, mountain resort, tech, and healthcare sectors. I have also been an in-house executive coach for Teleos Leadership Institute, the Presidio Institute Cross-sector Leadership Program; FIRE Venture Fellowship Program; MACY's internal executive coaching program; and the Future Project.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Team Leadership; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;
What additional information would you like to share? My fundamental belief is that coaching is a good to great process. You are not broken or damaged, and coaching is not about finding blame. It's about focusing on strengths.
- Brian Orsinger ’01
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Employee Benefits Practice Leader, Pennsylvania; McGriff Insurance Services
Why Leadership coaching? My decision is sincerely rooted in the fact that both the GLC, and the College more broadly, have aided my transition through each professional milestone and helped me to hone my own leadership skill set. I learn something in each interaction, and hope that my experiences might benefit others through this process.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I have enjoyed participating as a Mentor in the prior Young Alumni Leadership Program, a Coach in the pilot program for the GLC leadership skills coaching community, currently work with a talented team as President of the Alumni Board of Directors, and have held various professional roles inspiring a shared vision and encouraging teams in my professional career.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Becoming a New Leader;
What additional information would you like to share? I enjoy travel, my wife and I love dogs, and I am proud to be a Gettysburgian!
- Stephen Fireoved ’76
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Counsel for PA Department of Corrections
Why Leadership coaching? Use my skills to serve others and impart a positive impact upon young alumni.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. Trained GLC coach and mentor. I have performed in various leadership roles in the Navy (Navy Captain), Fortune 500 Company and the Commonwealth of PA.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Team Leadership;Becoming a New Leader; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;Coaching young alums for the GLC.
What additional information would you like to share? Each client will get the very best I have to offer and they can be assured of a great result.
- Allison Meckley ’05
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Executive and Governance Assistant, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Why Leadership coaching? The Gettysburg experience is so incredibly impactful, and truly prepares you for any future ahead. And part of that is because of the robust alumni community that supports one another. I love "paying it forward" as I am grateful to folks who have mentored me.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I have spent time supporting Gettysburg students and young alumni since graduation, through the GLC and Center for Career Development. Additionally, throughout my career (professional and civic) in nonprofit I have had the opportunities to support young professionals as they grow.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Self-Awareness;Team Leadership;Becoming a New Leader; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;
What additional information would you like to share? I am looking forward to helping young alumni move through unexpected leadership challenges using the shared experiences of the Gettysburg liberal arts and science education!
- Sarah Trujillo ’01
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Ombuds/Program Specialist: USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Why Leadership coaching? I enjoy helping others develop and grow. The coaching experience is a rewarding partnership. I love hearing the excitement from coaches when they overcome challenges or achieve goals they weren’t sure they could accomplish. I believe it is a great opportunity to give back and help develop future leaders.
Please list your coaching and/or leadership development experience. I’m experienced in designing, developing, and delivering leadership development programs. I have experience in organizational development and have served as a coach, mentor, facilitator, strategic planner, and now I serve as an Ombuds. I am certified in Myers-Briggs and providing 360 feedback. I also have experience serving as the program chief of staff which involved communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders at high levels in the organization.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Effective Interpersonal Communication; Self-Awareness; Team Leadership; Well being; Navigating, Influencing, and Engaging Stakeholders;
What additional information would you like to share? I am a firm believer in self-determination and empowerment and working with others to bring out the untapped potential that resides within each of us.
- Gregg Siefert '82
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? I believe that the evolution of one’s leadership skills is a journey and there is enormous value for young leaders to have a coach to support them on that journey. I serve as a leadership coach for young alumni because I find it personally rewarding to help leaders find their inner strength to achieve new things.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I worked in senior HR roles for 20+ years collaborating with leaders at all levels and helping them to navigate an array of business issues and leadership challenges across various industries and functional areas. I also mentored fraternity leadership at Phi Kappa Psi at GC for ten years as the head of the chapter’s alumni corporation. I am a graduate of Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate program in Leadership Coaching, and I hold the following certifications: Associate Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation (ICF); John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach; Prosci Change Management practitioner; and Everything Disc Workplace Facilitator.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? ? Here’s one of my favorite quotes about leadership - ”The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” (John Maxwell). My personal philosophy as a leadership coach is: “As your leadership coach, I will walk beside you on your journey to becoming your best self.” ;
- Cindy Wright P'08 '13 '16
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? I am grateful for all Gettysburg College has given me over the years and want to help others on their journey of purposeful and meaningful growth. I love working one-on-one with our young alumni cultivating new relationships. It is very rewarding watching them fine-tune their leadership skills while navigating new challenges and opportunities. I believe in the impact coaching has in building confidence and influence for lifelong success both personally and professionally.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. My leadership skill set encompasses being a champion of overall well-being initiatives. My career at Gettysburg College gave me a wonderful variety of leadership roles working with students in groups and one-on-one settings. I was a faculty and student success advisor, instructor in Health Sciences and administrator of student success efforts including campus fitness, recreation and well-being programs. As part of the CARE team, I mentored students who were struggling mentally and physically in structured and unstructured environments. I currently hold the University of Pennsylvania Foundations of Positive Psychology Certification and am a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory. I thrive in helping our students and alums feel connected and engaged.
What additional information would you like to share? ? Skills-Based Leadership Coaching is a powerful tool to help our alums explore, strengthen and develop new leadership competencies. I will work hard to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for this exploration. On a personal note, I have 3 daughters who are all graduates of Gettysburg College. My husband and I love to run, mountain bike, hike and travel. We are lifelong residents of Gettysburg and look forward every year to welcoming our alums back at homecoming!
- Monae Evans '15
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? Gettysburg has provided me with such extraordinary opportunities to grow and develop as a leader. I would love to pay it forward and help other young alumni along their journey as well. Also, as a woman of color, I believe representation is critical to have within the coaching community and I would love to show up for other young alumni of color who may be encountering similar challenges in their professional careers.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. As a former GLC Leadership Mentor, I’ve gained extensive leadership skills and coaching experiences that have stayed with me throughout my professional career. I am currently a Senior Government Consultant, working in various capacities to lead business analysis and deliver services to public sector and non-profit clients. Prior to this, I’ve spent over 4 years in New York City Government as a Senior Program Manager, helping to operationalize city-wide criminal justice policy initiatives and programs.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? It is certainly not easy to determine the exact path to take on your leadership journey and everyone’s process is unique and individual to them. But, just remember that everyone around you (regardless of position or tenure) is likely facing similar challenges, and sometimes we all just need a little bit of coaching to figure it out. I look forward to developing relationships with young alumni and support them in working through these challenges.
- Jennifer Lehman
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? Throughout my career, I have had a variety of leadership positions. Some grew organically through the natural evolution in my profession, and some were more strategic steps. Each position, regardless of how it came about, required quite a bit reflection, soul searching and on-the job learning. I relied heavily on discussions with my “trusted individuals” as I navigated my decisions and my new roles. I have been inspired and excited for the future by the current students and alumni which has fueled my desire to join the GLC coaching team and help fellow Gettysburg alumni in their leadership journeys.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I majored in physics at Gettysburg College and have been working in the aerospace industry for the last 38 years. I've had progressive leadership responsibilities that included project engineer, principal investigator, engineering manager, director of operations and proposal manager. Much of my career has been leading and guiding people and projects.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? I recently joined the Gettysburg College Alumni Board of Directors and love being reconnected with the college and alumni. While at Gettysburg, I was president of my Greek organization and served as captain of the bowling team. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and my pronouns are she and her.
- Kylie Dowling '13
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? I am so excited and honored to be able to give back to my alma mater through serving as a leadership coach. Gettysburg College holds a special place in my heart and has given me so much. I am really fortunate to have a few mentors and coaches from my time as a student and now as an alumnus, and they have truly shaped my career path and life experiences up to this point. Coaching is such a unique experience and a very valuable way to connect with our alumni.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I’ve had the opportunity to grow and develop in my current institution and office for the past 11 years, beginning in an entry level position and now serving on our leadership team and managing a number of teams and individual staff members. I have led our office’s staff training and development for the past 5 years, which has been very rewarding and has exposed me to various learning techniques. I was introduced to “Positive Psychology” through my masters program, which then led me to the exciting world of leadership coaching, and I have incorporated some of this education into my training curriculum. Finally, I am currently completing the Leadership Development Program through Johns Hopkins University.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? While I take my small role in your journey very seriously, I also try not to take life too seriously. I find the most successful development happens when you are enjoying yourself and truly seeing the value in the experience.
- Beth O’Sullivan
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? Sometimes, you just want to talk things out. It’s good to have someone listen and ask you questions that may help you figure out what is going on; how you can approach your goals for growth or change; or what might be holding you back. I’m excited about working with Gettysburg’s young alumni because you are already amazing, resourceful people with an impressive education from a great school! I had a wonderful experience at Gettysburg and am happy to share some of my time giving back, to collaborate with you. Serving as a coach is fulfilling for me too, because I always learn something, and I really enjoy making connections with new people.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I taught business communication in the Graduate School of Business at Rice University in Houston, Texas, for over 25 years, and retired in 2023. I am an International Coaching Federation credentialed coach and I continue to provide executive leadership coaching, communication consulting, and corporate training. I’m also active in the business start-up community, serving as a pitch coach to new entrepreneurial startups through Houston’s many business incubator programs.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? I’m a 1978 Gettysburg graduate and live in Houston, Texas. I have experience in academia and the oil and gas, alternative energy, medical, and consulting industries. Personally, I’ve been married for over 40 years and my husband and I have two grown children; I’m proud to be an LGBTQ+ ally; I love international travel and being outdoors (hiking and beach walking are my favorites), and I enjoy singing.
- Susan Eicholtz Pyron ’83
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Associate Vice President Emerita of Annual Giving, Alumni & Parent Relations
Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? I am passionate about Gettysburg College. Much of my professional career has been centered around our alumni. Opportunities to support young alumni didn’t exist 40 years ago. I was incredibly proud of launching the BOLD (Burgians of the Last Decade) program 20 years ago as a way to engage with, and support, young alumni. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work one-on-one with some of our young alumni as they navigate development and leadership growth in their professions.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. In my trajectory at Gettysburg College, I was fortunate to have had leadership opportunities with direct responsibility for the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and oversight of the Annual Giving, Athletic Giving, Alumni Relations, and Parent Relations teams. These roles provided me with many opportunities to coach and mentor colleagues and volunteers, and to learn from them as well. I was also involved with the GLC’s student mentorship program and have received leadership coach training through the GLC.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? In addition to higher ed, I have also worked in the banking sector. Personally, my husband and I are both alumni and have lived in the Gettysburg area for the past 30 years. I enjoy time with my family and friends, volunteer activities, travel, and spending time walking around campus and town seeing old friends and making new ones. I am very excited to give back to our alma mater in such a personal way. That’s what Gettysburg is all about! My pronouns are she/her.
- Kelly Archer ‘14
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? During my time as a student, and in the years after as a young alumni, I learned so much from members of the Gettysburg alumni community who invested their time and expertise to support my growth. The Gettysburg College community is filled with eager, high potential individuals who are destined to excel in their careers. I'm here to support them on their career journey, as others before supported mine.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I currently lead Executive and Corporate Communications for a global cybersecurity firm, advising the executive leadership team, including the CEO and her direct reports, on their brand perception and communications with key stakeholders. Previously, I worked as a consultant in a boutique leadership development and strategic communications advisory firm headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. In that role, I worked with senior leaders in global organizations across multiple industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. In addition to receiving my B.A. from Gettysburg, I received my M.Sc. in Organizational Psychology from the London School of Economics.
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? If you're here learning about leadership development opportunities for alumni, and spending the time to read these bios, you are already showing an investment in your growth and development that far exceeds your peers, regardless of what industry you're in. One of my coaches had a mantra that I've since adopted: "Better, better, never done." I am here to support progress, not perfection. It takes courage and humility to engage with a coach, and it demonstrates an innate curiosity about yourself and faith in your ability to excel. Congratulations on taking that first step to learn more.
- Annela Levitov ‘10
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Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? I serve as a leadership coach for young alumni because I understand that the early stages of a career journey are just as full of challenges as they are abundant with opportunities for learning and growth. In my role as a coach, I am committed to providing steadfast support and encouragement to our young alumni as they navigate that dynamic landscape. I was fortunate to have participated in the GLC Young Alumni Leadership Program, which gave me firsthand insight into the profound importance and positive impact of GLC programs.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. I'm graduating with my MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business in May 2024. One of my specializations as part of the degree is in Leadership and Change Management. I've taken classes with a leadership focus including "Leadership in Organizations," "Developing Managerial Skills", and "Collaboration, Conflict & Negotiation."
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? My goal is to create an empowering environment where I support clients as they explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and set and achieve meaningful goals.
- Julie Ramsey
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Former Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students
Why do you serve as a leadership coach for young alumni? As Dean at Gettysburg, my goal was to engage students in experiences that would inspire them and challenge them to make meaningful choices and contributions to their world. Participating in the GLC coaching program is my way of continuing that commitment. I believe strongly that leadership can be learned and strengthened via coaching. I believe that effective coaching provides a unique opportunity to reflect on what works and how to draw the best from people.
Please list any relevant professional/leadership, leadership development, and or coaching experience you want potential clients to know about. During my 40 year career in higher education, I had the good fortune to be coached by some outstanding leaders and I learned so much from each of them. I also had the opportunity to lead a team of diverse and highly engaged staff, each with different talents and needs. I also completed a Masters in organizational development and an Ed.D. in higher education management. Along the way, I challenged myself and my team to continue learning, experimenting, and reflecting. I was instrumental in starting a leadership development program for mid-level managers at Gettysburg College based on a change management model taught at Johns Hopkins University. I have had the honor of serving as a leadership coach for several clients working in the non-profit sector in recent years.
In which of the following leadership skill areas do you have experience? Becoming a New Leader; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Team Leadership
What additional information would you like to share with potential clients? I serve on several non-profit boards in the Gettysburg community and enjoy these opportunities to give back to the community.