Consultants

CORPORATE UNIVERSITY CONSULTANTS 

 
LISA CRILLEY-MALLIS

Lisa Crilley-Mallis is an expert in creative, effective time management, and productivity strategies and holds certifications in DiSC facilitation and coaching. She helps professionals STOP being busy and focus on strategic action to accomplish what leads to success in their personal and professional lives. Lisa prides herself on assisting clients in creating customized, tangible solutions to everyday challenges – not just presenting the latest productivity trends. Lisa is known for providing practical, easy-to-implement solutions so anyone can go from overwhelmed and overworked to in control. Lisa diligently researched productivity and time management tools because as a high school educator, she realized she was putting in more and more hours without seeming to make a difference in her own workload. Based on what she learned she created the A.W.E. process: Awareness, Work on Bottlenecks, Evaluate Results. Lisa specializes in productivity coaching, process improvement, strategic planning, delegation, and time management for corporate clients and small business owners. She is certified in DiSC facilitator, organization and time management coaching, and is a credentialed Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.


DEBORAH EASTON

Deborah Easton has been an internationally known communication skills trainer and coach for over 35 years. Through a comedic theatrical approach Deborah not only demonstrates various communication styles, generational mindsets and difficult interactions, but provides practical strategies for achieving fruitful communication with colleagues, customers or direct reports.  Her training philosophy emphasizes turning the theory of communication into relevant, usable communication skills. Deborah has extensive experience providing customized training for health care, manufacturing, public utilities, technology, insurance, social services, finance, and telecommunications companies. She has been instrumental in numerous special projects, including facilitating cultural change and conducting a yearly curriculum of courses for several clients. Her clients include: NASA Glenn Research Center, Aultman Hospital, Sherwin Williams, First Energy, Saint Gobain Performance Plastics and FedEx Custom Critical. Deborah earned a master’s degree in rhetoric and communication from Kent State University. In 2012, Deborah received the Distinguished Alumni Award for her contributions to the field of communication from the Kent State University Department of Communication Studies.


PETE EVANGELISTA

Pete Evangelista has been managing high-impact and high-visibility projects for over 25 years. In addition to leading projects, Pete provides leadership in Project/Program/Portfolio Management process improvement, software and toolsets, training, education, and one-on-one project coaching. His training topics range from PM structure to communications to computer tool training (MS-Project). Training clients have included Sherwin-Williams Corp, J.M. Smucker Co., Eaton Corp, Diebold Corp., Progressive Insurance, University Hospitals, KeyBank, Bendix Corp., Goodyear Corp, Baxter Healthcare, Austin Powder Co., Aclara Corp, Morrison Products, Inc., Crown Cork and Seal, Meyer Products, Preferred Compounding, Schneller LLC, and others. In addition to leading local consulting organizations, he was a former managing director at a “Big 5” consulting firm. Pete has been a college adjunct faculty member, teaching Project Management at the graduate (MBA) and undergraduate levels. His certifications include Project Manager Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Meeting Facilitation. session participants comment that his style, practical examples, and exercises, bring course concepts to life and they can be applied immediately after leaving the classroom. Pete runs engaging courses that rely on his understanding of both the structural and human sides of running projects and business operations.


KRISTY FRIEDEN

Kristy Frieden specializes in customized training, corporate coaching and workplace mediation. Kristy has 20 years of management experience and has successfully worked with all levels of leadership in a variety of organizations and industries including education, healthcare, manufacturing, public safety and technology. She has extensive facilitator training as it relates to selecting, evaluating and developing top performers. Kristy’s passion and dynamic presentation style, coupled with her sense of humor and positive approach, engage and motivate clients to focus on their strengths while achieving success. Kristy earned a Developing Leadership through Emotional Intelligence Certificate from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management and a Mediation Certificate from the Cleveland Mediation Center. Kristy earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from West Virginia University and a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. 


DIANE HELBIG

Diane Helbig is an international business and leadership change agent, author, award-winning speaker and podcast host. As president of Seize This Day, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She is passionate about guiding business professionals through the challenges of planning and growing a business. From strategic planning to sales training to communication, Diane provides expertise based on over 20 years of business leadership and sales experience. Her no nonsense, straightforward approach cuts through the noise and allows clients and training participants opportunities to realistically and enthusiastically implement the plans they devise. Diane is the author of Lemonade Stand Selling, Expert Insights, and Succeed Without Selling. She is the host of “Accelerate Your Business Growth” podcast. She is the founder of the Business Opportunity Network, a business development program where business therapy meets growth. Diane is a member of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council and the Advisory Board for the American Institute of Sales, Marketing and Management. Diane earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from Michigan State University.


PHILIP KIM, D.SC.

Philip Kim, D.Sc. is an educator, speaker and management consultant. His passion is to use his knowledge and expertise to help others achieve their life’s goals. Phil’s latest book, Chase One Rabbit: 10 Habits that Move You from Failure to Success, is dedicated to helping individuals create better lives. He has worked with higher education, financial services, non-profits, healthcare and manufacturing. Raised by first-generation Korean immigrants, Phil worked at all of his parent’s businesses, including 7-Eleven convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants. He understands the value of hard work and education. Phil earned a doctorate degree in information systems and communications and a master’s degree in management information systems from Robert Morris University. Phil earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 


HUBERT J. LITTLETON (HUGH)

Hubert J. Littleton (Hugh) is an international corporate leadership facilitator/trainer known as the “Leadership Guru.” Hugh’s passion is meeting people where they are and getting them to where they want to be, through professional development training and learning solutions that brings out their best. His experience includes manufacturing, customer service, service industries, financial organizations, non-profit, government agencies and the healthcare sector. Hugh has provided supervisory, management, C-Suite and leadership skill professional development learning solutions for over 20 years. His areas of expertise include communication, change management, coaching, conflict resolutions, diversity awareness, customer service, team building, customized leadership training and emotional intelligence. Hugh has been instrumental in implementing many continuous improvement initiatives with organizations ranging from fortune 100 to fortune 500; providing extraordinary leadership, life changing training and learning design solutions across the United States and internationally. Hugh is the author of “Legacy Building through Extraordinary Leadership.” He is an award-winning keynote speaker and has been featured in several Northeast Ohio magazines. Hugh is a certified Registered Corporate Business Coach through the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC). 


STEPHANIE MARKOVIC

Stephanie Markovic is an energetic facilitator who brings deep experience in adult learning within a wide variety of industries including healthcare, polymers, sales, non-profits, finance, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and transportation. Her areas of expertise include Everything DiSC, Celemi’s Apples & Oranges business finance simulation, team communications, presentation skills, and leadership programs, including DDI. She was recognized as “Consultant of the Year” on three occasions while employed with an international consulting firm. Stephanie is equally comfortable with frontline leaders and C-suite executives. She has a reputation for engaging, needs-based programs and supporting effective behavioral change. Stephanie earned her M.B.A. degree from the University of Akron.


MARVIN MONTGOMERY

Marvin Montgomery assists organizations in improving productivity. His informative, practical and stimulating programs reflect his basic philosophy that preparation and practice are the keys to success. His compelling message can be applied by employees in any industry that provides a product or service to their customers. Marvin served as director of sales for one of the country’s largest jewelry chain leaders and vice president of The Robinson Group, a consulting and venture capital firm. He is the author of Practice Makes Perfect: The Professional’s Guide to Sales Success. Marvin studied at Baldwin Wallace University and Robert Morris University.


JOHN NOVAK, CQA

John Novak, CQA works with clients to enhance their continuous improvement efforts and improve business processes. He draws on his experience as an industrial engineer, consultant, software developer and internal auditor. John has worked with healthcare, manufacturing and service industries. Clients include Akron General Medical Center, Aultman Hospital, Elyria Foundry, The M.K. Morse Company, TechniGraphics, University Hospitals and W.W. Grainger. He received his Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Kent State University. John earned a master’s degree in finance from Kent State University and a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing technology from Bowling Green State University.


NED PARKS

Ned Parks is a matter-of-fact business coach and trainer, drawing on his background as a U.S. Army officer/helicopter instructor, business owner and consultant. Combining proven business strategies with humor and creativity, he guides individuals and organizations to business and leadership solutions. Parks is particularly skilled at helping leaders connect with their teams and to combine both personal and organizational objectives. He works with organizations in healthcare, manufacturing and service, as well as nonprofits, including libraries, faith organizations and the United Way. He is certified as a Registered Corporate Coach by the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC). Ned studied business at The University of Akron, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Case Weatherhead School of Management.  


KAY POTETZ, PH.D.

Kay Potetz, Ph.D. draws on more than 25 years of management and administrative experience and her ability to mix information and humor to make the learning experience fun and engaging. She is featured as an expert source and news commentator on radio stations across the country (CBS radio affiliates: WBBM-Chicago, WTOP-Washington, D.C., KRLD-Dallas and KDKA-Pittsburgh), as well as national television shows, such as “Wall Street Journal This Morning.” Potetz is the author of Take It Back: The Personal Power You Give Away Each Day and Don’t Ever Let It Go: Hanging on to Your Power in the 21st Century (2017). She holds a certificate in Developing Leadership through Emotional Intelligence from Case Western Reserve University and is a graduate of the Hay Group Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI) accreditation program. Kay earned a doctorate in business management from Baldwin Wallace University and Century University, a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in business from Baldwin Wallace College. 


JOHN POTKALISTSKY

John Potkalitsky retired from Eaton Corporate after 20 years of successful hands-on leadership in Lean transformation activities for manufacturing and office environments at plant sites, both domestic and international. John now works with all levels of leadership in a variety of organizations and industries including manufacturing, healthcare and higher education. John has provided Lean consulting and training for Saint-Cobain, Kennametal, Sherwin-Williams, Akron General, University Hospitals, University of Mount Union and Kent State University. John earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Kent State University.


MICHAEL ROONEY

Mike Rooney is a results-oriented, Toyota Production System manufacturing professional with a unique blend of experience, skills and education. With over 30 years of internal corporate experience, he held leadership positions in Operations, Continuous Improvement, Human Resources and Engineering. Mike’s Continuous Improvement and Talent Management consulting roles provided him experience both domestically and internationally in a variety of manufacturing facilities serving automotive, aerospace and industrial markets. Mike is skilled with motivating, teaching, coaching and developing key personnel at both the individual and group levels. Mike holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from The University of Dayton, an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and a Masters in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University. Additionally, Mike is a DDI-certified Master Trainer. He was also published in the Organization Development Journal (ODJ) for his work in blending OD and CI.


AMY SALAPSKI

Amy Salapski has over 25 years of experience specializing in organizational and talent development as well as executive coaching. She facilitates training programs on topics of leadership development, employee onboarding, change management, high-potential development, employee engagement, and women in leadership. Amy has held multiple management and executive roles in the Human Resources function for public, private, and government organizations. In her most recent role, she led the organizational development function responsible for company-wide leadership and professional development programs, high-potential programs, internal coaching, employee onboarding, talent assessment, succession planning, and employee engagement. A skilled practitioner of Appreciative Inquiry, Amy has designed full-scale summits and integrated AI into smaller-scale applications. She is a Board Certified Coach and uses Emotional Intelligence tools as a core foundation for developing others.


STEPHEN SKILLMAN

Stephen Skillman is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He facilitates Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Master Black Belt training. Steve is also a business coach for manufacturing, service and healthcare companies on the process of integrating Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints initiatives, helping them to not only be fit for today, but to be fit for tomorrow. He has worked in the automotive, government ballistics and electrical insulation industries as a production scheduler, purchasing manager, shipping manager and quality and continuous improvement manager. Steve received his Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Black Belt from Kent State University. Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lake Erie College.


KIERSTEN TROUTMAN

Kiersten Troutman, M.A. is a professionally trained resume writer and member of the National Resume Writers’ Association (NRWA), an author, and a business writing consultant for Kent State Stark’s Corporate University. Being a recognized leader in the industry, she consults and trains employee groups for corporations in professional business writing skills, including the art of writing persuasive, professional emails and delivering not-so-great news. In addition to owning a successful resume writing business, she has served as an instructor for College and Business Writing at Kent State University. Kiersten is known for keeping up with current professional writing trends, global writing tips, and highly engaging in-person and remote training sessions. She is equally comfortable in group sessions and one-on-one coaching projects. Kiersten earned her Master of Arts in Composition and Rhetoric from The University of Akron and her Bachelor of Arts in English from Kent State University. In 2018, She was a featured speaker at the NRWA Conference where she received the NRWA Writing Excellence Award.