Celebrating 20 Years: Executive Leadership Program Hosts Free Leadership Speaker Series for Anniversary Year
The executive leadership program will celebrate two decades of doctoral leadership with a free virtual speaker series throughout the spring 2026 semester.
“20 Years of Leadership: A Legacy of Impact” will feature monthly sessions focused on a core theme from the program—leadership, research, governance, ethics, and organizational excellence—through engaging conversations with expert moderators and thought leaders in business, human resources, health care, nonprofit organizations, government, and education. Nearly all of the speakers are Executive Leadership program alumni from around the region.
20 Years of Leadership: A Legacy of Impact
The 2026 series schedule includes:
Leading Change in Complex Systems: Organizational Transformation in Human Resources
Monday, Jan. 12, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will explore strategies for driving cultural and structural change in corporate and HR environments, where leaders must navigate complexity, scale, and evolving workforce dynamics.
Panelists: Megan Shone (current Ed.D. candidate who will serve as moderator); Dr. Andrea Cain Lawson, chief operating officer at Goddard Riverside; Casey VanHarssel ’19Ed.D., assistant superintendent for human resources and school accountability at Rush Henrietta School District
Inquiry in Action: Research That Powers AI Innovation and Business Strategy
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 12 – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how action research fuels innovation in AI and tech-driven business sectors, enabling leaders to apply data-informed inquiry to solve emerging challenges and shape strategic direction.
Panelists: Katie Sabourin, assistant vice president for digital learning at St. John Fisher University; Erika McBride ’12Ed.D., data analytics & AI senior manager, Paychex; Jack Steger ’25Ed.D., associate director of graduate admissions and project manager, Office of the President at St. Bonaventure University
Building Bridges: Public Relations for Government and Civic Leadership
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how public service leaders foster trust, transparency, and collaboration across agencies and communities through effective communication and relationship-building.
Panelists: Augustina West ’18Ed.D., Ed.D. site director and visiting assistant professor, St. John Fisher University; Diane Wynne ’21Ed.D., executive director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at New York State Education Department; Kishon Hickman ’17Ed.D., lecturer and program director of the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (LEEL) Program in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media at Seton Hall University
Measuring What Matters: Evaluation for Impact in Health Care Systems
Thursday, Feb. 26, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how health care leaders use program evaluation to align mission with measurable outcomes, ensuring quality care, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Panelists: Josh Fegley ’13Ed.D., assistant professor, Health Sciences, SUNY Brockport; Greta Strong ’13Ed.D., assistant professor of community outreach teaching in neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine; and Michael Siels ’21Ed.D., clinical assistant professor, University at Buffalo
Ethics at the Core: Policy and Leadership in Higher Education
Monday, March 9, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how ethical decision-making and policy navigation shape responsible leadership in colleges and universities, where governance and academic integrity are paramount.
Panelists: Tressi Daymon ’25Ed.D., manager, faculty affairs, RIT; Diane Recinos ’16Ed.D., president, Berkeley College; Michel A. Hodge ’22Ed.D., university dean for special programs, CUNY
Governance and Resources: Strategic Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership
Wednesday, March 25, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how nonprofit executives lead with strategy and resource stewardship to ensure mission alignment, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Panelists: Tammy Butler ’15Ed.D., executive director, House of Mercy; Myra Henry ’19Ed.D., president and CEO, YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County; Andre Stokes ’24Ed.D., regional director of community-based services, Hillside Family of Agencies
Advancing Equity Through Leadership in K–12 Education
Wednesday, April 15, 12 noon – 1 p.m.
This panel will focus on how school leaders create inclusive learning environments, dismantle systemic barriers, and promote equitable access to education for all students.
Panelists: Vicky Ramos ’13Ed.D., visiting assistant professor, St. John Fisher University; Shirley Green ’12Ed.D., commissioner, Department of Recreation and Human Services, City of Rochester; Marck Abraham ’19Ed.D., CEO, MEA Consulting, LLC
Registration for each session is now open. The series is free and open to the public..