Shenandoah University’s Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business will feature co-founder and former CEO of American Woodmark Corporation William F. Brandt, Jr., at its Distinguished Lecture Series event on Friday, Oct. 18.
Brandt, who serves as vice chairman of Shenandoah’s Board of Trustees, will present a lecture on creating exceptional organizations — for profit, nonprofit, large and small alike — at 5 p.m. that evening in Halpin-Harrison Hall, Stimpson Auditorium on the campus of Shenandoah University.
Following the lecture, Brandt will sign copies of his book, “Compass: Creating Exceptional Organizations: A Leader’s Guide,” which was released in May 2013.
“We are fortunate to have Bill Brandt as a valued member of our Shenandoah University community, and are looking forward to the insight he will impart to current and future business leaders at this event,” said Dean and Professor of Management Miles Davis, Ph.D. “His expertise in this area is unparalleled and the practical knowledge contained in his book is something every leader should take to heart.”
“Compass” outlines best practices to leaders on creating exceptional organizations, and includes essays to challenge readers’ thinking. The nature of capitalism is presented with a new perspective, and a planning process to create strong leadership is outlined. The book includes an interview with President and CEO of Project Hope John Howe and case studies on American Woodmark.
American Woodmark Corporation was formed in 1980 to acquire Boise Cascade Corporation’s kitchen cabinet business. American Woodmark is the third largest cabinet manufacturer nationally, serving Home Depot, Lowe’s and major builders. Sales have grown from $35 million to more than $600 million. The company went public in 1986.
Brandt has written for numerous publications and consults and teaches in the areas of CEO coaching, leadership development, strategic planning and cultural change. He serves on a number of for-profit and nonprofit boards including Shenandoah University and Project Hope.
The Fall 2013 Distinguished Lecture Series featuring William F. Brandt, Jr. is presented in conjunction with Shenandoah University’s Homecoming 2013. For more information about the lecture and book-signing event, please contact Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business Administrative Assistant Donna Fazio at 540/665-4572 or dfazio@su.edu.
The Byrd Distinguished Lecture Series brings some of the most informed and influential business, social, educational and governmental leaders of the day to Shenandoah University’s campus, including entrepreneurs, CEOs of major corporations, bank presidents and academic thought leaders.
