External Advisory Board
We work with the community, and the community works with us too.
The Southwest Florida Leadership Institute External Advisory Board is made up of business leaders from the region.
| NAME | BIO |
|---|---|
| Jonathan Busa, CFO Business Development & Administration, Alliant Property Management, LLC |
|
| Jennifer McClain, Senior Director of Human Resources, Hertz |
Jen McClain is Senior Director of Human Resources at The Hertz Corporation, one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies globally, headquartered in Southwest Florida. Jen has been with Hertz for over 8 years in progressive HR roles. In her current role, she leads the corporate HR team and is responsible for driving and supporting the human capital strategy and high-value HR processes across the corporate functions. She also oversees the design, implementation, and facilitation of leadership programming to support employee development, engagement, and retention. Jen has a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Systems; both from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University, Certified Compensation Management Specialist from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, SHRM Senior Certified Professional, and Distinguished Toastmaster. |
| Rob Oberwise, Founder of Executive Partners |
Robert Oberwise, founder of Executive Partners (1989), has over four decades of international business experience working with Fortune 100 and 500 companies, governments, and educational institutions. As a recognized global growth strategist and change expert, he has helped many companies redefine their go-to-market strategy and design a lean operating approach. His expertise in large-scale systems change in cross-cultural environments has produced valuable business growth for his clients. Mr. Oberwise is a strategic thinker and accountability master with an acute knowledge of business fundamentals, which he uses to guide organizations and executive teams to higher performance levels. He has advised leaders around the globe and his work with Boards of Directors on functionality is renowned. He uniquely brings business and behavioral expertise, which assists EPI clients in shifting their paradigms to produce new thinking and business results. Besides an unrelenting focus and sense of urgency, Mr. Oberwise uses a constructive, energizing and engaging approach with stakeholders. Double digit growth is not unusual for companies Mr. Oberwise has worked with. For almost 30 years Executive Partners, a global consultancy, has been improving businesses and those who lead them. EPI drives performance improvement through four distinct and interrelated focuses; 1) Business Improvement Strategies, 2) Technology Upgrades, 3) Process Improvements and Implementation, 4) Leader Improvement. Data Analytics and Business Case Development are critical components of all EPI work. Mr. Oberwise’s previous executive management positions were with American Express (consumer), Carson Pirie Scott & Co. (retail), PIP Printing International (print), Xerox Corporation (print), and International Harvester. He graduated from Beloit College with a B.A. and from Loyola University with an M.S.I.R. Mr. Oberwise recently co-authored a book entitled Developing Global Leaders – A Guide to Managing Effectively in Unfamiliar Places. The book discusses the challenges of doing business globally in places where the same business principles, practices and capabilities are different from the western business world. It helps readers avoid mistakes and fast track results. Mr. Oberwise has several other publications to his credit including the Harvard Business Review, Training and Development Journal and The Conference Board. Robert is a frequent speaker, lecturer, and facilitator of executive teams. He has worked in 15 countries around the globe. |
| Debbie Peterson, Former Vice President & Chief of Staff, Callminer |
