Leadership
Steven W. Vannoy - Founder, Executive Facilitator and Author -
Steven W. Vannoy, author, speaker and facilitator, founded Verus Global in 1990 with a vision to build resilient work cultures, more productive teams, and a higher quality of life for all. Now, with more than 40 years of business leadership experience, Vannoy is a recognized expert in building the strength of corporations internationally, and also creating sustainable, healthy cultures in workplaces, communities and families.
In addition to facilitating sessions with top corporate teams around the world, Vannoy and CEO Craig Ross are working on a series of leadership books, the first, Stomp the Elephant in the Office, was released in 2008. Stomp follows the best-selling book, The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give my Children (Simon & Schuster, 1994). Still in print, the later book has sold over a half-million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. In January, 2012, Ross and Vannoy released Degrees of Strength to rave reviews. An additional title to support and inspire leaders is slated for release in 2013: Best Ever.
What does Steve love most about his work? Seeing and celebrating people’s greatness and helping them excel even more in their lives and careers. He’s guided by the belief that: there is always a way to serve deeper, to learn and improve more, to go higher and to have more fun. It’s this spirit he brings to each day he spends with his family and developing rich friendships with the Verus Global team and partners around the world.
More about Steve:
He finds inspiration in first grade teachers: One was Mrs. Hamlow (his first grade teacher from Waverly, Nebraska who believed in him when he was five years old); the other is his wife, Barb the “World’s Best First Grade Teacher” (who believes in him each and every day). When he met Barb in 2005, he had no idea that married life could be so fulfilling. In addition, Steve treasures his relationship with his daughters: Emmy, Ali and Katie.
One of his original two mentors, Steve’s 93-year-old mother, Ma Vannoy remains one of his biggest models in high road wellness leadership.
One of Steve’s favorite nonprofit organizations is Namlo International, an agency that partners with local communities to build small schools in third world countries.
When he’s not working, you might find Steve on a hike, enjoying a good book, learning a new instrument, writing a song or after another adventure…
For nearly a decade, Craig has partnered with C-Suite executives, leaders and teams influential within global organizations. His understanding of current business trends, along with access to thousands of leaders in numerous industries, allows Craig to deliver innovative leadership strategies to Verus Global’s expanding client base.
Throughout each Verus Global process (executive coaching to keynotes to the flagship Pathways to Leadership® Process), Craig has helped many organizations dramatically improve performance because of his uncanny ability to help them tell the truth. With Craig’s high-energy and dynamic approach, he assists teams in creating alignment, communication and trust, so they can better achieve their mission.
"There's a lot at stake. People are giving their lives to careers, to organizations that have a lot on the line. Every second must be grounded in real-time applications so people can start making a difference immediately."
Craig and Verus Global Founder Steve Vannoy, are co-authors of Stomp the Elephant in the Office (Wister & Willows, 2008) and Degrees of Strength (Wister & Willows, 2012), books filled with insights and practical tools to effectively influence and shape any work environment. They ensure everyone is more productive, inspired and able to bring the best expression of themselves to work (and home) every day. An additional title to support and inspire leaders is slated for release in 2013: Best Ever.
More about Craig:
What does Craig love most about his work? (He struggled to come up with just one thing.) "This isn't a job. The people we're partnering with are friends who truly want to make a difference by being greater leaders." He loves working with people who know that when you change someone's life, you change how they perform. He enjoys watching others achieve more than they dreamed-simply by becoming more effective at living and leading from their values in every interaction.
Craig joined Verus Global in 1999, after reading The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children by founder, Steven W. Vannoy. He started as a facilitator of the Parenting From the Heart Program and evolved to serve leaders who want to make the business world more productive and inspired.
Craig began life on a small farm in rural Minnesota and now lives on a "wanna-be" ranch in Colorado. He received a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota at Morris (go Cougars!) and a Masters in Curriculum Instruction and Design at Colorado Christian University.
When Craig's not working there's a good chance you'll find him taking a walk down a slow country road with his bride, Amanda, and daughters: Shea, Jolie and Lara.
As President of Verus Global, Denise brings to the company a passion to serve along with a history of strategic and operational excellence. For over 15 years she has been an integral part in developing and implementing strategic business plans. As the company grew exponentially, Denise’s attention to excellence accelerated the company’s ability to successfully serve in the global marketplace. Working with clients around the world enables her to share best practices, making Wellness Cultures and greater results a reality in companies internationally.
She continues to foster client relationships and works with facilitators to expand the reach of Verus Global throughout the world.
In recent years Denise served as the Vice President of Strategic Business Partnerships for Verus Global, building partnerships with leaders in organizations around the globe.
Previous experience including the successful start up and leadership of a business in a new market demonstrates her tenacity, drive and ability to see the big picture as well as manage a multitude of detail. Her ability to foster continuity and consistency in relationships serves organizations in a way that is both personal and strategic. She feels fortunate that her role allows her to connect with people, find out what’s important to them and empower them to achieve their personal and business goals and objectives.
Denise has a B.A.in Psychology from Westchester University, Pennsylvania
When she’s not working, you’re likely to find Denise at a variety of interests that include reading, gourmet cooking, photography and Pilates. Family and relationships are most important. She and her husband Paul and their grown children reside in Colorado. Daisy, a Great Pyrenees and Sophie a Sheppard Pyrenees mix bring great joy to their everyday life.
One of the quotes Denise lives by: "In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends…… And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility." — Eleanor Roosevelt
Gail Ferguson - Vice President, Strategic Business Partnerships -
Gail is best known by senior level clients for her wit, humor and “cut to the chase” business savvy. Her natural tendency to serve our client-partners creates levels of loyalty and trust that are uncommon in the business world.
With over 30 years experience in developing long term strategic partnerships, Gail has an ability to laser in on her clients’ most essential objectives and deliver the results needed for her client-partners. She is an integral member of the Verus Global management team. Her ability to see the ‘big picture’ and provide value is another one of Gail’s inherent strengths.
Raised on the outskirts of Chicago, with 6 siblings, including older brothers, Gail received many learnings from home, along with her B.S. in Marketing from Northern Illinois University. She has lived in Colorado over 20 years and considers it home.
Gail’s list of what she’s grateful for includes: her husband, Randy; her daughters, Katie and Heather; her amazing parents, Mary and John; her dogs, Buddy and Makala; and a career that allows her to make a difference in the world.
When she’s not working, you might find Gail hiking, listening and/or playing music, traveling or reading. Providing value, creating relationships and developing life-time friendships make her day.
One of Gail’s favorite quotes: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” - Abraham Lincoln
Leadership Team
Lisa Teets - Director of Transformational Assurance Partnerships, Certified Facilitator -
Lisa Teets brings a strong facilitation background in personal development, self-awareness, curriculum development and communication to the Verus Global team. She joined Verus Global in 2006 as an independent facilitator, and became the Director of Curriculum (now Director of Transformational Assurance Partnerships) in 2007.
"My philosophy and the foundation for my facilitation is that we can each choose our behavior, we can choose our perspective - and I have a deep abiding belief that everyone wants to be great."
What does Lisa love most about her work? She enables people to lead true in their own lives and on their path - to be the best version of themselves, which enables them to lead and inspire others to do the same. Among her biggest successes: co-creating and supporting an environment where courageous participants feel valued and able to take the risks they need to take to be great.
In her role as Director, Lisa is a strong team player, contributing her organizational and communication skills as well as her ability to see the big picture and break it down into actionable steps.
Lisa has developed cultural change initiatives with an international organization reaching over 190,000 employees. In addition to delivering custom programs in conflict management, team building, and more, Lisa has created customized 360-Degree feedback processes. Prior to joining Verus Global, Lisa worked in Human Resources Development for a Fortune 200 company, where she established and managed a multimillion dollar training and development university.
Lisa is a graduate of the Coaches Training Institute and has a Masters Degree in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University - Mankato.
More about Lisa:
Lisa is proud that Verus Global is a place where we "walk our talk" in the office, with our client-partners and at home.
Lisa has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!).
When Lisa's not working, you're likely to find her spending time with her husband, Andrew and children, Alex and Ember. If it's a special occasion, they'll ski to a backcountry hut and spend the weekend playing in the Rocky Mountain snow.
Lisa's family includes two Maine Coon cats: Bubs and Lily.
Dr. Angie Paccione - Director of Facilitator Development and Certified Facilitator -
Since joining Verus Global in 2007, Angie has served people and organizations who are motivated to improve their leadership skills and wellness culture in their workplace. From Australia, Europe, Egypt, India, China and across the US, she is inspired by unleashing the potential in all of us, seeing relationships healed and providing tools to help businesses accelerate their results.
Her energetic approach and library of compelling stories has helped build a worldwide network of amazing individuals committed to bringing wellness out to the world.
"I have a passion to serve people by doing whatever I can to unleash their greatness.
This is what has always compelled me."
In addition to her transformational sessions, in 2008, Angie became a Director at Verus Global and works closely with Lisa Marie Main and Brett Kleffner to create systems to support and develop our facilitators and our ability to serve client-partners even more.
More about Angie:
Angie is a biracial New York City native raised to believe you could accomplish anything you set your mind to. She counts her family as one of her greatest blessings.
A college basketball player at Stanford University and professional basketball player in the 1980s, Angie became a high school coach, teacher and administrator before earning a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies and joining the faculty of Colorado State University (where Brett Kleffner was one of her students). During her 9 years in higher education, she served as a teacher educator in the "Project Promise" program, a nationally recognized program of excellence in teacher preparation.
Angie was elected to two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, rising to become House Majority Caucus Chair. She served on the Committee for Business Affairs for all four years in the legislature. In 2006, she was a candidate for U.S. Congress and came within 2.5% of unseating the incumbent. She has been a popular keynote and motivational speaker around the country. Angie left politics to join Verus Global.
Angie is on the community board of advisors for Crossroads Safehouse (Ft. Collins), a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
When she's not working, Angie can be found reading, traveling, enjoying theatre or films or gardening.
Lisa Marie Main - Director of Training and Development, Certified Facilitator -
Lisa Marie is an accomplished leader, trainer, executive coach, and master facilitator of interactions that lead to alignment and results-based action. Her acute understanding of the subtle energies and dynamics in human systems, coupled with creativity, are brought-to-life in her sessions.
“My goal is to create a more harmonious and balanced world through servant leadership and social responsibility. Verus Global – and the Pathways to Leadership® Process – is a wonderful vehicle to do this while also building strong individuals and teams.”
Lisa Marie joined the team as an independent facilitator in 2008 and in 2010 became Director of Training and Development. She brings over 25 years of experience as a facilitator, executive coach and instructional designer and partners closely with Lisa Teets, Angie Paccione and Brett Kleffner to enhance curriculum and support facilitators, both in-training and in the field.
Lisa Marie can site many success stories as a result of partnering with Wellness Culture Leaders around the world. The most inspiring are those that have saved client partners hundreds of thousands of dollars or those who accomplish a better work/life balance and enhanced relationships with their families. Each story is an opportunity to celebrate greatness – and an opportunity to see improved lives.
A life-long learner and world traveler, Lisa earned a Masters Degree in Applied Behavioral Science with an emphasis on Leadership in Human Systems and Organizational Development, and was a Continuing Studies Instructor at Duke University.
More about Lisa Marie:
Lisa Marie has lived an adventurous life starting in Brooklyn, NY and growing up on the Jersey Shore watching Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band playing softball. She has worked in the jungles of Peru and lived on a sailboat in North Carolina. For her, the greatest adventure is life itself and the relationships we influence by living and leading true at home, in the community and at work. She now enjoys life’s adventures living in Lakewood, Colorado, with her husband, Tim and daughter, Hallie where they enjoy skiing, climbing, hiking and camping.
Lisa Marie's first degree is a B.S. in Administration of Justice and Public Safety from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Before joining Verus Global, Theresa worked as a marketing consultant for Denver-area businesses and arts organizations around the country.
As Director of Acceleration, she leads branding, social media and technology initiatives, working in close partnership with Gail Ferguson, Vice President, Strategic Business Partnerships, Lisa Teets, Director of Curriculum and Training and Steve Drury, Director of Advancing WOW. Theresa received a B.S in Organizational Communications, Learning and Design from Ithaca College.
What does Theresa love most about her work? She loves working with people who genuinely act on the belief that everyone wants to be great. That, and, working with a team of people who cultivate innovation.
More about Theresa:
Theresa is a speaker on the topic of Social Media for the Women'sVision Leadership Institute. She landed an interview with Verus Global because of her visual resume on YouTube.
When she's not working, Theresa is Lindy Hop dancing, sailing, cooking or travelling with her husband, Jason.
Theresa hails from Warsaw (a small town in Western New York with a higher population of cows than people).
Brett Kleffner - Associate Director, Facilitator Training and Certified Facilitator -
Brett joined Verus Global in 2004 as a Pathways to Leadership® Facilitator. His talent for training new facilitators led him to partner with Lisa Marie Main and Angie Paccione in the training of facilitators-in-training and development of Certified Facilitators, as well as continuing in his role as a Pathways facilitator.
“No matter how grand a person’s intentions, their message is only as valuable as what is received. Often the best strategy for paradigm shifts is for the leader to model his/her message and ask the right questions”
As a facilitator and former English teacher, Brett has made growth a lifelong passion. His relentless pursuit of improvement generates from intrinsic values and from associating with outstanding leaders.
One of his biggest successes? On several occasions, Brett has been the messenger delivering ideas and concepts that empowered capable parents to raise healthy and happy children. He also lends a bit of levity to most situations by adding helpful doses of well-placed humor.
Brett has a B.S. from the University of Idaho and Masters in Education from Colorado State University.
More about Brett:
His mission: to be a conduit for others’ success. He believes that when the student is ready, the teacher arrives.
Among what Brett’s grateful for: a strong marriage with his best friend, Andee; healthy and vibrant kids – Jace, Autumn and Ty; and a career with people that make a difference.
At home, he doggedly pursues scoring title in his family’s “ridiculously complicated” front-yard basketball game.
Brett’s favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”– Mahatma Gandhi
In April, 2011, Tonya joined Verus Global, bringing her strengths in business effectiveness, efficiency and technology. A former business owner, Tonya’s diverse background spans industries from real estate to personal development.
As a member of the Transformation Assurance Partnerships Team, Tonya delivers innovation and creates materials to serve participants. She creates consistent business processes and inspires innovation as part of the logistics and operations of Verus Global.
Tonya loves working with an inspired group of leaders who inspire her. She enjoys “Imagineering” with the Verus Global team – and finding solutions to opportunities in a nimble and supportive environment. In addition, she has the opportunity to live her values and personal mission in life every single day – something she relishes.
More about Tonya:
She made an incredible impression on the Verus Global team when she delivered her resume as a cake. Not only was it delicious, she set the tone for her ability to over-deliver and add value.
While Tonya calls Colorado home now, she’s originally from Wisconsin. She’s also experienced remarkable personal experiences in travels throughout Africa and Asia working with orphans and children in impoverished communities.
Tonya attended Azusa Pacific University.
When she’s not working, you’ll find Tonya camping, hiking, cycling or sitting by the fireplace with her Italian Greyhound, Ducati, reading a good book.
One of her favorite quotes: "Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss
Dr. Steve Drury - Director of Advancing WOW and Certified Facilitator -
Steve joined Verus Global in 2006. He is a Master Facilitator who works with top teams and builds long lasting partnerships across all clients to bring Wellness out to the World. His mission: to empower the greatness in each person.
"Partnering with people who want to be great is one of my life's passions. This passion is the reason that I've been called to both coaching and facilitating in my career. I am especially passionate about partnering with those who have a strong desire to become even better at building and developing those around them."
Originally recruited to become an independent certified facilitator, Steve continues to show a particular skill at seeing a person's strengths and learning style, and customizing his facilitation approach to call out their strengths to apply to the situation at hand. He leads sessions for clients around the world, from Waco, Texas to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Steve received his professional coaching training at CoachU and has a B.S. from the University of Georgia. He received his advanced degree from Northwestern University in Chicago.
More about Steve:
When he's not working, you're likely to find Steve hiking a Rocky Mountain peak with his wife, Laura and their dogs, or creating a new beer recipe.
Steve enjoyed a successful career as a dentist before he became a coach and facilitator.
Steve's two favorite quotes:
"Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never - in nothing, great small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." - Winston Churchill
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Logistics Support
Corey ensures that our materials make it to places from New Jersey to New Zealand (and everywhere in between). Corey’s sense of humor, aptitude for creating strong systems, drive to ensure our client-partners are well served, and upbeat attitude have been assets to Verus Global, since he joined the team early in 2011.
He’s on a personal mission to provide the highest quality of support – and seek out continuous process improvement.
A skilled researcher with a penchant for analytics, Corey is assembling our research library and creating a resource for our Facilitators and client-partners.
More about Corey:
Corey considers his family and friends to be his greatest gift and an unwavering source of support.
When he’s not working, Corey might be fly fishing, backpacking or cooking an Indian meal.
Corey received his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from Birmingham-Southern College.
Raised in Louisiana, he’s also a fan of crawfish, jambalaya, Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Saints.
Jennifer Ruybal - Accounting Manager -
More to come on Jennifer, our newest team member!
Rebecca Del Ponte - Adminstrator, Program Logistics and Client Relations -
Rebecca joined Verus Global in 2007 and quickly became in integral team member who supported Strategic Business Partnerships, working closely with Gail Ferguson and Denise Pushnik. Her attentiveness, energy and passion to create “quality above all” are among many assets to Verus Global in her new role innovating Logistics and building relationships with clients.
What does Rebecca love most about her work? She engages with people and builds solid relationships with people internally and externally, who become friends.
More about Rebecca:
Rebecca has attended the University of Northern Colorado and Metro State College of Denver.
Rebecca and her husband, Lewis, and their three children: Makenna, Avery and Luke reside in Colorado. When they're not spending time at home, they love a great travel adventure (especially scuba diving). They also participate in a multitude of sports from flag football to swimming.
Rebecca supports local nonprofits including Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND) and Denver Active 20-30, which supports children's charities in Colorado.
Partner Facilitators
Sue Taigman - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Sue’s authenticity and passion to be the best person she can inspires others to do the same. She loves working with people who are committed to developing themselves and others, generating results that are important to them and the sense of fulfillment that comes from that success. Sue joined Verus Global in 2010 after realizing the benefits of an integrated culture at one of the Verus Global’s community partners, for whom she serves on the board of directors.
Sue brings over 20 years of corporate experience with expertise in coaching mediation, facilitation, negotiations and project planning/execution. Whether leading a $200M program restructure or facilitating a Pathway to Leadership® session, Sue fosters trust, confidence and increased performance.
“The Pathways to Leadership® Process is particularly powerful, as the group works together to build and develop each other’s greatness. I’m fortunate to facilitate and witness the transformations.”
Sue received her Masters in Applied Communications (Alternative Dispute Resolution) from the University of Denver and her B.S. in Business Administration/Management from Colorado State University. She received her Advanced Coaching for Authentic Leadership Certificate from Naropa University and completed the Co-Active Coach Training Program through the Coaches Training Institute. Sue is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation.
More about Sue:
When she’s not working, Sue can be found cooking vegetarian meals or enjoying biking, skiing, or golfing with her husband Wayne.
Sue’s favorite quote: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy, I awoke and saw that life was service, I acted and behold, service was joy.” – Tagore
Peter Stolze - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
In September 2007, Peter was introduced to Verus Global by a client-partner. When he visited us in March 2008, we quickly realized he would excel as a Pathways to Leadership® Facilitator.
Certified in January 2009, Peter works with many of our European clients and is fluent in English, German, French, Russian and Portuguese.
His education is exemplary: he has credentials from Moscow Institute of International Affairs, a Fulbright Scholarship and Master in Business Administration from the University of Miami, a B.A. from the Berlin School of Business, and a Master of Arts degree from the National University of Sports in Kiev.
Peter is passionate about connecting people and helping them understand each other even better. He has the natural ability to see people’s potential.
“I love working with and serving people, and I love traveling and exploring the unknown. My work has taken me all over Europe and I understand business in an international context.”
Peter’s background as a private lecturer and trade consultant and his work with Wella AG among other organizations has kept him on the pulse of business in Europe and the CIS countries.
More about Peter:
A citizen of the world, Peter regularly travels throughout Europe and the CIS countries.
When he’s not travelling, you might find Peter watching soccer or listening to great music from his favorite singer-songwriters including Reinhard Mey, Eric Clapton or Mashina Vremeni.
Peter resides in Germany where he is surrounded by his 3 children (Lisa, Thomas and Carmen) his parents and many good friends. He is inspired by time spent with his favorite people.
Sally Rothstein - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Sally has been affiliated with Verus Global since March 2011, contributing rich skills in facilitation, coaching, training design, and process improvement. In partnering with dedicated leaders participating in Verus Global programs and processes, she facilitates experiences that lead people to what is possible in themselves and their teams so they are well-equipped to accomplish desired personal and business results.
An insightful, authentic and engaging approach has contributed to Sally’s successful collaborations in creating, designing and delivering training for the past 20 years. She has led learning initiatives in world-class organizations (both corporations and non-profits), aligning performance with personal and organizational values. As a leader, she’s showcased tremendous talent in mentoring and moving individuals and teams forward to successful outcomes.
“I believe deeply in our ability to learn, transform and be the greatest expression of ourselves.”
Sally’s passion for learning and creating transformational learning experiences manifested early when she earned two Bachelor degrees in education from the University of Northern Colorado. Her later foray into the healthcare industry led to a certification in Healthcare Improvement from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
More about Sally:
Sally is a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and loves living in a beautiful area and community filled with many interesting, dedicated and capable people. She’s supported numerous non-profits through fundraising and volunteering. Sally currently co-leads a special group of women singers who honor the ancient tradition of singing at the bedsides of people at life’s threshold, providing comfort through music for those who face illness and dying.
When she’s not volunteering her talents, Sally can be found hiking and biking, traveling and enjoying new adventures. Some of her favorite experiences include: kayaking among orca whales in British Columbia, Canada; traipsing around Fox Glacier on South Island, New Zealand; meandering through alleyways of quaint villages in southern Spain; navigating Penobscot Bay off the coast of Maine.
Sally’s favorite quote: “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” - Rumi
Pilar Pardo - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Pilar came to Verus Global in 2010 and brings an extensive background in coaching and leadership. She believes that one of the most important resources a company can develop is it’s people – and she craves opportunities to build wellness culture (in English, Spanish and Portuguese).
Her biggest success? Pilar defines it as doing work she loves, developing people and seeing the impact of her work showcased in lives where work and family life is improved. She greets each challenge with enthusiasm - a trait that serves sessions well.
"I believe that everyone deserves to experience the impact of Pathways to Leadership®…on their happiness, in their families, at their work and in their communities."
Pilar received her Masters in Neurolinguistic Programming from Institut Gestalt of Bacelona. Her certifications include: Co-Active Coaching Certification from CTI; Relations and Organizational Systems Coaching studies from center for Right Relationship and studied Gestalt Therapy at Escuela Medrilena de Gestalt. She's also a member of the International Coach Federation.
More about Pilar:
Pilar lives with her family in Madrid, Spain.
Before discovering her current career, Pilar studied Industrial Engineering at Zaragoza University in Spain.
When she's not working, Pilar loves to Salsa dance, travel, learn new things (usually related to her work) and listen to one of her favorite songs, Gloria Gaynor's "I Am What I Am."
She cooperates with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, which builds and develops communities near Anantapur, India.
Tom Martin - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Tom’s approachable, energetic and sincere nature align well with his love for facilitating and meeting remarkable leaders who demonstrate their greatness by improving their lives and lives of those they care about most.
Tom attended three Pathways to Leadership® sessions prior to joining the Verus Global in 2009. As a former executive level leader and managing partner, Tom lends a broad range of capabilities and expertise to his sessions. With 20 years of experience in construction management, Tom specialized in corporate strategy, operations, historical building renovation, employee career path development and team/culture building.
“Being the best version of ourselves is best accomplished by unleashing the greatness in others. Living and leading well means doing so at home, in our communities and in our workplaces; knowing we are building and developing people, relationships and the culture in each and every interaction.”
More about Tom:
Tom has a Bachelors of Architectural Engineering degree from Penn State University. He had the pleasure of using his degree to manage challenging mechanical renovations on significant historical buildings from the Beverly Hills Hotel to the Ohio (Supreme) Courts Building.
When not on the road facilitating, Tom enjoys landscaping; jogging in the hot, humid climate of central Ohio; golf and touring all 30 major league baseball stadiums with his wife, Shari, and son and daughter, Shawn and Melissa. They also enjoy the company of their chocolate Labrador, Aspen.
Alongside his family, Tom serves nonprofits in their community of Columbus, Ohio, including: Choice Pantry Food Bank, YMCA Transitional Housing Program of Columbus and Make-A-Wish Central Ohio.
Tom’s favorite quote:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Joanna Hunter - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Joanna’s incredible passion and extraordinary zest for life make her a stunning addition to the ranks of our Certified Facilitators. A full-time employee of Owens-Illinois, Inc., Joanna serves in a unique role as an in-house facilitator and Leadership Development Specialist for the company.
A key to Joanna’s work: the opportunity to help others see their greatness, and watching them transform and grow. Joanna has a keen ability to deeply connect with participants – helping them see their purpose and sustain their renewed focus.
“I relish the opportunity to watch the room transform during a Pathways to Leadership® session. It’s amazing to see the wonderful trust that unfolds and the way participants begin to witness their own greatness – which truly accelerates them.”
Prior to igniting her passion for leadership, Joanna held a position as a Marketing Manager for the Beer Category at Owens-Illinios, Inc.
In 2010, Joanna received her Masters of Organization Learning (Leadership) from Lourdes University. She received her undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from Bowling Green State University.
More about Joanna:
Joanna resides in Michigan, with her wonderful husband, Kevin and two sons Kory and Dylan. You might find them boating, hiking, skiing or walking their beautiful mutt, Sophie.
If you stole Joanna’s iPod, you would find that there are many facets to her “dance like no one’s watching” character. Current favorites include; Bocelli, Muse, Adele, Rihanna, My Chemical Romance and gospel.
In addition to her work, Joanna serves on the board for her local YMCA and chairs her corporate United Way fundraising efforts.
Her life is driven by the following equation: Relish mistakes+ Rejoice in trials + Defend joy + Courage, wisdom and humility = Passion to serve.
Noreen Broering - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Noreen began her association with Verus Global in 1995, when she was the Executive Director of the Women’s and Children’s Services at St. Joseph Medical Center in South Bend, Indiana. She brought in the “Parenting from the Heart” program to the Center.
“At this point in my life my purpose is to try and help people realize their own greatness. I have been very blessed in my life and now am even more blessed to have this opportunity to reach out to others and empower them, through these Pathways sessions, to actualize their potential and be the best that they can be.”
Her dedication to strong families led her to train with Steve Vannoy as a parenting facilitator in 1996. Since becoming certified to facilitate the Pathways to Leadership® program in 1999, Noreen has worked with teams in the U.S. and Europe, sharing her background in corporate life and the military. Teams she’s served include direct sales, international hair care and organic food companies, as well as automobile manufacturing organizations.
Noreen brings a depth of background in marketing, human resources, management, women’s issues and hospital administration to her work as a facilitator. In sessions, she shares a wide breadth of experience through her careers as a Navy nurse, critical care nurse and hospital administrator.
More about Noreen:
Noreen was in the very first facilitator class, which began in January 1997.
A life-long community activist, Noreen has been the Mayor of her small Michigan village since 1999, using many of the Verus Global Tools to create consensus and solve local challenges. During the summer months, you’ll find Noreen swimming, playing tennis and enjoying the lakes of Northern Michigan.
Much of Noreen’s free time is devoted to her family, including her husband of 43 years, their four daughters and three son-in-laws and nine grandchildren.
She holds a Masters Degree in Administration (Cum laude) from the University of Notre Dame (Go Irish!).
Pamela Black - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
More information about Pamela to come soon.
In the past 18 years, Pamela has leveraged vast and proven experience in corporate leadership, training, recruiting, operations and customer relationship management to join Verus Global in 2011. After honing her own successful practice in leadership development, organizational effectiveness and executive coaching, she discovered her worldview was aligned with Verus: knowing there’s a core within each person that has the potential to awaken and flourish.
In Pamela’s successful corporate career, she has: built, led and coordinated teams of people; managed accounts including Johnson & Johnson, Amgen, Burger King; facilitated programs for talented leaders at Biogen Idec Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Emory University School of Medicine, Duke University, Defenders of Wildlife and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Whether managing general operations for the Consulting Services of a national leading software vendor to managing relationships and major corporate accounts, Pamela sees each position as an opportunity to secure premiere results – and develop the teams around her.
“Finding the core of people – the challenge of crafting ways to help them achieve their best vision of themselves – is one of the richest rewards of what we do in the Pathways to Leadership® Process.”
Pamela received her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Mass Communication (double-minoring in Psychology and Art) from the University of Georgia. Pamela’s lengthy list of accreditations includes various leadership and coaching certifications, Myers-Briggs Type Instrument and 360° Evaluations including Multi-Rater Systems.
More about Pamela:
Pamela’s greatest blessings include her health, talents and the love she was given (early and often) by great parents, which allowed her to flourish. She’s thankful for being born in a progressive, free country that values and facilitates education.
Pamela is reminded to live in the moment with her favorite song, “For a Dancer” by Jackson Browne: “For somewhere between the time you arrive and the time you go, may lie a reason you were alive and that you’ll never know.”
When she’s not serving leaders, Pamela can be found in the company of her remarkable family, friends and pets, playing outdoors, hiking, gardening, reading and meditating.
Sheryl Alstrin - Pathways to Leadership® Certified Facilitator -
Engaging, insightful and dynamic, Sheryl has a passion for facilitating and witnessing others embrace their greatness – while contributing to the organization’s results. Her unique mix of high-energy facilitation, business saavy and deep passion serves Pathways to Leadership® Process participants in identifying their strengths and growth areas.
Sheryl joins the Verus Global team with 15 years of experience in training, instructional design and business consulting for companies including adidas North America, Coca Cola Enterprises and Vestas North American Wind Technology, as well as experience partnering in a start-up and additional leadership roles in varied industries. She’s lead high-profile, high-return change and workplace learning projects domestically and overseas. Her proven business leadership and collaborative style have created impressive results in large corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations.
“Witnessing participants make deeper connections with self, with colleagues, with family, with the power to truly make a difference in results while honoring others is one of the most compelling things I love about our work.”
Sheryl’s curious mind and sense of adventure keeps her a lifelong learner and explorer. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing) from Arizona State University and a Graduate Management Qualification from Australian Graduate School of Management. In addition, she is the Past President of the ASTD Portland Chapter and her accreditations include Kozai Group Global Competencies Inventory Tool Facilitator and DiSC Personal Profile System.
More about Sheryl:
Sheryl’s greatest blessings include two little people (who call her Mom) and make her life a whole lot richer, busier and full of giggles. She enjoys spending time outdoors, with her kids, hiking in the Northwest in the spring and summer – and in the Grand Canyon in the fall.
She passionately believes in meaningful work and play, volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters and being active in her kids’ charter school and Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops.
One of Sheryl’s favorite songs is Alicia Keys “Sure Looks Good to Me,” because it’s about embracing life fully and being the best version of yourself.
