The Woodlands Group Symposium on the Future of Work

Participant Bios

The Woodlands Group is a personal and professional learning community.  Its members work with public and private organizations, consulting with leaders in corporations and agencies all over the world, focusing on issues related to individual, organizational and societal change.  Collectively, we have published numerous books and articles on organization and societal change. 

The Woodlands Group was founded in 1978. Recent topics of study include innovation, future of education (college/university), sustainability, light house factories, and the future of work. Some meetings have taken the form of pro bono consulting with various leadership groups and organizations, including the Cherokee Nation, the Mayor and top executives of the City of Atlanta, the Whidbey Institute, the Office of the Governor of the State of Georgia, several MIT innovation forums, the Harvard Principals Project, and NCAA football teams including Brigham Young University, the University of Virginia and the University of New Mexico.

Pat McLagan

My passion is creating the "new" organization: one that is appropriate for today's rapidly changing and more networked world of work--customer focused, adaptive, financially successful, participative -- where formal leaders play a high value adding role and people doing the work are productive, engaged, collaborative, and growing. My books include Unstoppable You: Adopt the New Learning 4.0 Mindset and Change Your Life, Change Is Everybody's Business, The Age of Participation: New Governance for the Workplace and the World.  

I have worked on large scale change programs in businesses and agencies in the US and globally. Currently, I am involved in strategic changes for global supply chains. I am also supporting personal transformation with a just-in-time learning support app called SMARTInside. It provides useful lifelong learning tips based on current insights in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and adult learning.  It launches in the Fall of 2022 in the Apple Store.

Paul Gustavson

Paul Gustavson is an author, consultant, board member, keynote speaker, and leading authority on the strategy, design, and sustaining of high-performance teams and organizations.  He is President of Organization Planning & Design, Inc as well as a Senior Advisor for InTandem Capital Partners. He co-authored three popular books Running into the Wind, Five Strategies for Building Successful Teams, The Power of Living by Design and A Team of Leaders, Empowering Every Member to Take Ownership, Demonstrate Initiative and Deliver Results. He has served as a member of the Marriott School of Management’s OB/HR Advisory Board for more than three decades and as a past chair for eight years.

Paul has worked with CEO’s and their leadership teams for over four decades on achieving exceptional outcomes utilizing five categories of tools that create differentiation: (1) Help companies develop compelling Strategic Intent Statements (2) Assist companies with mapping their core and enabling processes, with clear ownership (3) Help companies design and align processes, structure, and systems to their Strategic Intent and Strategic Means (4) Build a high engagement and performance team of leaders culture (5) Build individual leadership and organizational capability to perform at the highest level.

Paul’s work has been featured in over 50 books, company magazines, and periodicals, including Business Week, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune magazine.  Paul received his Masters’ Degree in Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management where as an undergraduate he played football for the legendary Hall of Fame Coach LaVell Edwards.

Peggy Hutcheson

Peggy's expertise as an organization development consultant, facilitator, and trainer helps businesses, government and non-profit organizations to establish strategic Human Capital plans, align individual capacity and organizational goals, and determine learning and knowledge management needs for the organization.  She is passionate about projects that focus on identifying competencies needed for a changing business environment and meaningful employee career paths.  She partners with a technology company to build solutions that use competencies as the basis for human resource functions including career development, performance, compensation, and job descriptions. Peggy was founding partner of The Odyssey Group, whose Coaching in Business program was recognized as one of the top ten new leadership development programs by Human Resource Executive. She uses her professional skills as a volunteer with a global engineering association to promote innovation and competitiveness in this country. Peggy is a speaker and author, having co-authored Helping Employees Manage Careers, published more than a dozen articles, presented a half dozen invited webinars, and authored two e-books.

ANN HERRMANN-NehdI

Ann is Chief Thought Leader and Chair of the Board for Herrmann International, the originators of Whole Brain® Thinking and the HBDI® assessment. Author, researcher and keynoter, Ann’s work is specialized on the practical application of neuroscience and cognitive diversity to human and organization development and improvement, continuing the firm’s 40 years of research with a database of over 3 million thinker ( HBDI®) assessments from around the globe. Herrmann’s research has been featured in awide array of media outlets including Business Week, The Harvard Business Review, Business News Daily, Scientific American, Chief Executive Magazine, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily, Management Today, T+D Magazine and O (The Oprah Magazine.) Clients include 9 out of 10 of the Fortune 100, as well as universities (e.g. MIT, Stanford, INSEAD), government agencies (e.g. NASA, US Dept of Energy) and professional services firms (e.g PwC, North Highland, Right Mgt.)

Ann’s passion and focus is on helping individuals, managers, teams and leaders drive growth and improve their impact by making better decisions, effectively managing change, being more agile and leveraging their untapped thinking potential.

Ann has worked with many hundreds of organizations around the world of all sizes and industries, helping them improve profitability, leadership, productivity, innovation, and overall business results. Her widely viewed TedX talks ( The One Thing You Need to Know About Your Brain That Will Change Your Life, and Think Like Your Future Depends On It, Because it Does)  have influenced the way people approach their work and their lives and continue to capture the attention of thousands of viewers across the globe. An engaging and in-demand speaker, she has presented keynote addresses for a wide array of Fortune 100 corporations, major conferences and global associations.

The co-author of The Whole Brain Business Book–Second Edition (McGraw-Hill), Current research includes the future of work and how to build the collective intelligence of teams and leaders.

Ann started her undergraduate studies at American University and continued them at the Sorbonne and Institut Catholiquein Paris where she lived for 15 years. She is an AthenaOnline management expert, a member of the ACLU of South Carolina Board, an advisor to the CEOARE Fellowship and co-founded of the Hickory Nut Gorge Community Foundation.

linkedin.com/in/annherrmann

Nancy Robert

Nancy Robert is an influential contributor to the fields of digital innovation and healthcare, boasting a diverse and accomplished career. As an author, writer, and facilitator, she has left an indelible mark on the landscape of technology and healthcare advancement. Holding a software patent and recognized as an award-winning product innovator, Nancy is dedicated to harnessing technology for the betterment of individuals and organizations within the healthcare sector.

 Currently serving as the Chair of the Madison CT Ethics Commission and a member of the Southern New Hampshire University Nursing Advisory Board, Nancy's expertise spans the development of digital products. Her accolades include the Chief Learning Officer Media Innovation Award and the University of Cincinnati Distinguished Alumni Award, highlighting her contributions to artificial intelligence, big data, and leadership through peer-reviewed journals and book publications.

 As the Managing Partner at Polaris Solutions, a digital product consulting firm, Nancy continues to shape the industry. Previously, in her role as the Executive Vice President and Chief Product & Marketing Officer at the American Nurses Association, she played a pivotal role in global business development, marketing, and education product initiatives.

 Demonstrating her professional versatility, Nancy served as a Board Director at Calistoga Estate Vineyards, contributing to the creation and growth of a vineyard dedicated to producing wines for everyday enjoyment.

 Based in Connecticut with her husband Nick, Nancy is a driving force behind positive transformations in healthcare and digital product consulting. Connect with her on LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyrobert).

Mark Rhodes

Mark is a consultant specializing in Strategy and Organizational Design.  His  expertise includes the development of organizational metrics such as the “Voice of the Customer” and “Voice of the Workforce” as key steps in assessing and correcting strategic direction.  Mark developed a breakthrough methodology for defining the attributes and design elements that best correlate to high performance for organizations including Fortune 500 companies, Native American tribes, non-profit organizations and sports teams.

Mark received his graduate degree from Harvard in Social Psychology, where he worked with Robert F. Bales, one of the forefathers of the organized study of group dynamics.  He loves to read and learn about the discipline and history of Strategic Thinking, as well as anything he can find on the brain and the way people make decisions. He lives in Chapel Hill, NC where he participates in CrossFit, runs, and enjoys life in a college town with his wife Lori. Mark’s son Quinn is a recent graduate of UPenn/Wharton School’s Department of Decision Science and works as an economist and data scientist.

Donna Mcnamara

As the Vice President of Global Education and Training for Colgate-Palmolive Company, Donna developed Colgate’s global learning strategy, designed the company’s business goal alignment process, built leadership capability in accelerating effective change, and worked with executive teams in over 50 countries of the world. 

She is a past national president of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), a recipient of the Gordon M. Bliss Award for distinguished contribution, and a former member of the Society’s Board of Directors and Board of Governors.  She also served on the National Nuclear Training Accreditation Board for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and the Advisory Board for the Chief Learning Officer doctoral program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, Donna is a Board Trustee for St. Elizabeth University and for St. Catherine University.

Doug Von Feldt

Doug Von Feldt has over 20 years of experience leading projects and change initiatives in industries including manufacturing, distribution, education, and retail.  He has held senior leadership positions including Chief Information Officer at two different organizations, along with other leadership roles in the areas of continuous improvement, innovation, project management, and operations. Doug’s current work focuses on helping organizations become more profitable by aligning work processes, people, and culture to achieve operational effectiveness and efficiencies.

Doug has taught at the university level for over 10 years in the areas of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and Innovation.  He has produced curriculum and training materials in a variety of areas, including Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and Innovation and he has taught thousands of people all over the world.  

He is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a certified Project Manager (PMP), a Senior Member of the American Society of Quality, and has been a Baldrige Performance Excellence Program examiner. He is a contributing author to the book "Next Level Supply Management Excellence: Your Straight to the Bottom Line® Roadmap"  (J. Ross Publishing).

Steve Campbell

Steve has worked both as a consultant to Fortune 500 firms and as an internal practitioner. Currently, he is Vice President of Transformation and Enterprise Program Management for UPS. His career has included leadership positions in HR, Organizational Development, Executive Talent, and Strategy along with work in M&A, governance and corporate policy, and value capture. Across the U.S. and internationally, he has developed and implemented global initiatives to make organizations better, drive growth, and create opportunities for talented employees to excel. Steve is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans and holds an MBA in Finance and Organizational Behavior from Tulane University.

Richard Feller

Richard is an internationally acclaimed business executive who brings a unique and innovative blend of experience and background to the Woodlands Group.  He has been a faculty member and administrator at two state universities; a dean; administrator responsible for services to 50,000 senior citizens; minister, therapist; a senior executive responsible for organization change, strategic growth, management development, and economic turn arounds at the 50th and 200th largest corporations in the world; as well as being a CEO with several highly successful diverse businesses.  He is presently the CEO of a new residential house build corporation that is licensed to build environmentally friendly, certifiably green homes, and is only one of the 1% of builders in America with such certification.  His latest project is an eight million residential dollar build in the Washington, D.C. area.

 Dr. Feller holds an MA, MBA, and Ph.D. Numerous post graduate degrees/certifications augment his background including economics, value engineering, marketing, real estate, the ministry and psychology.  He has been highly spiritual since he was a teenager.

Dr. Feller is a business visionary and business strategist. He is comfortable working with various cultures and nationalities since he has worked in twelve different countries in his career and has successfully reinvented himself within 7 different careers. He lives in the Washington, D.C. area and the Turks and Caicos island with his wife Susan.

Shawn Brenchley

Shawn Brenchley embodies the roles of a devoted husband, father, and friend, alongside his professional titles as a teacher, board member, and Chief Investment Officer at Brenchley Family Wealth Management & Investment Organization. A University of Utah David Eccles School of Business alumnus, Shawn's career trajectory showcases his profound impact in the sales and home security industries. His tenure at SafeHome Security, where he pioneered one of America's first door-to-door security programs, led to the company's recognition among Inc. 500's fastest-growing privately held companies in North America for three consecutive years.

Shawn's expertise in sales and leadership has fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to significant business transactions, including partnerships with industry giants like Vivint and Vivint Solar. His leadership expanded a summer sales program across North America, driving unparalleled growth and establishing him as a premier sales executive in Utah.

Currently, Shawn leverages his vast experience to manage his family office, focusing on creating generational wealth through real estate and business investments. He also offers consultancy services, sharing his wealth of knowledge. Shawn's commitment extends beyond business, prioritizing his family, with whom he resides in Alpine, Utah, celebrating 25 years of marriage. His life's work reflects a balance of professional success and personal fulfillment, making him a beacon of leadership and family values.

Jon Geserick

Jon Geserick, Founder and President of Texas Mineral Tax Consultants, stands out with a rich educational background including a Juris Doctor, an MBA, and degrees in Computer Science and Cybersecurity. His diverse expertise encompasses patent law, negotiation, business process design, project management, and cybersecurity, among others. Jon's professional journey has seen him excel as a systems architect at Informatics Information Group and a senior sourcing manager at AT&T, where he managed billion-dollar purchase agreements.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Jon ventured into the Texas mineral sector, founding a company that significantly reduces property taxes for clients with large mineral holdings. His commitment extends beyond professional pursuits to societal improvement, notably through his volunteer work with the Kairos Prison Ministry. This program, benefiting from Jon's contributions, has significantly lowered recidivism rates and fostered positive behavioral changes among prisoners.

Jon is also a prolific reader, with interests ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Human Psychology, and actively expands his global real estate and business portfolio alongside his partner, Jennifer. Jon Geserick's career is a testament to the impact of multidisciplinary expertise and a deep commitment to making a meaningful societal difference.

MAY o’nEAL

May O'Neal is a distinguished leader in Executive Human Resources, boasting a comprehensive career that spans multiple industries and encompasses top-tier positions such as CPO, SVP, VP, and Head of HR. Her expertise covers all core HR and organizational development (OD) functions, with a special focus on aligning company strategy with innovative people strategies. O'Neal has played a pivotal role in division-wide and company-wide initiatives, significantly impacting organizational growth and profitability.

Her notable contributions include leading a $26M beneficial reorganization for a 700-member IT division at Hallmark, playing a crucial role in Zilog's successful public offering and return to profitability with $82M in sales by 2007, and spearheading key acquisitions and integrations at WageWorks that were vital to the company's public offering. O'Neal combines a strategic vision with disciplined execution, focusing on building sustainable organizations through effective management of people, programs, processes, and policies.

Jennifer Vitera

Jennifer is a dynamic professional with a rich background in journalism, PR, and business administration, holding an undergraduate degree in the former and an MBA. Her career has spanned significant roles, including serving as the Interim Executive Director of Gifts at Richardson Medical Center and as the Executive Director of Development for the Texas Attorneys Association. Currently, she thrives in the commercial real estate sector, specializing in land and industrial properties. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jennifer has embarked on an innovative journey by transforming her ranch into a model of regenerative and holistic cattle ranching. Collaborating with the U.S. Agricultural Department, she has developed an infrastructure that emphasizes land and water conservation, alongside fostering organic grass pastures.

Residing in the San Antonio, Texas, area with husband Jon, Jennifer is deeply committed to making positive contributions to the planet. Their efforts in regenerative ranching reflect a broader interest in climate change and environmental stewardship. Not zealots, but pragmatic activists, they focus on doing their part for green initiatives. Jennifer's passion for continuous learning and her willingness to engage in and contribute to discussions on various subjects, including future meeting planning, highlight her as a proactive and thoughtful community member. Together, Jon and Jennifer are dedicated to leveraging their knowledge and resources for the betterment of the planet.

Bill Snyder

Bill Snyder has worked for over 30 years on large-scale change efforts to democratize the workplace and promote organizational learning in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, with organizations such as AT&T, Colgate-Palmolive, McKinsey & Company, the Veterans Administration, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Annie E. Casey Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard. 

He has co-authored a book and other widely cited publications on communities of practice--groups that foster learning, innovation, and capability-building among practitioners who share a passion for what they do. Over the last 15 years, his work has focused on civic stewardship initiatives to promote collaborative learning and innovation at community and city-wide levels (overview, slide presentation). 

Bill draws on his expertise in collaborative learning systems to support community-organization engagement in civic contexts. Initiatives include participatory action research for youth development (description); a multi-neighborhood community of practice on health; and resident-led efforts to promote measurement and innovation for community wellbeing (description).