center for leadership development Leading by Example The small group of Rollins MBA students who joined Thomas McEvoy, PresidentEmbarq Business, at breakfast one morning had plenty of questions for him about technology, finding one’s dream job, and even navigating companies through a downturn. They were interested in “how you make tough decisions about cost structure and how you keep your employees motivated during those tough economic times,” recalls McEvoy ’80 ’85 MBA, who serves on the Leadership Advisory Board and the Board of Overseers for the Crummer Graduate School of Business. Through Bagels with the Board, “I had the opportunity to share some of the learning I have had in leadership and listen to the students’ perspectives … and how they would approach challenges in today’s business world and in society,” he says. Bagels with the Board is just one way Leadership Advisory Board members interact with and inspire students. In addition to attending meetings, board members take part in various school events and make themselves available to students for networking or informal mentoring, explains Dr. Susan Bach, executive director of the Center for Leadership Development. “We want
them to have a connection to the students and I think that is the most influential aspect of their service on the board.” The Center is currently looking for additional business leaders to join the board. For Marna Killian ’03 MBA, board service is “really a way for me to reach out and give back as an alumna.” As vice president of human resources for Margaritaville Management Group, she has a “passion for leadership development.” She has enlisted her own staff to take part in joint community-service projects with the school and has enjoyed getting to know the students this way. Several advisory board members also serve on the selection committee for the SunTrust Distinguished Leader of Merit Recognition Program. Each year they do an “amazing” job, thoughtfully reviewing portfolios and presentations to single out students who best exemplify the qualities of leadership, Bach says. Through all of these interactions, “they are really energized by the students who are very bright and so open to learning and to growing,” Bach adds. “I think it gives a strong feeling that our world will be in good hands.”
Board members include: Kenneth Arredondo, CA; Dr. Susan Bach (center staff); Lauri Duda Buckley, A. Duda & Sons; Gregory L. Hess, chair, Merrill Lynch Global Private Client; Marna Killian, Margaritaville Management Group; Jordan Lomas, Darden; Tom McEvoy, Embarq; “Trey” Rex V. McPherson III, R.D. Keene Trust; Dorothy Nieto, Smart City; Dr. Ron Skeddle, CEO (retired); Darren Sparks, Siemens Corporation; and Pamela Woodley (center staff).
The Rollins MBA Center for Leadership Development is located at the Crummer Graduate School of Business, 1000 Holt Avenue-2722, Winter Park, FL 32789. For more information, contact executive director Dr. Susan Bach at 407.646.2336 or sbach@rollins.edu. 6