Brett Avner, MA IOP, PhD
Title: Adjunct Instructor
Programs/ Classes taught: MBA courses-Ethics, Non-Profit Management, Performance Management, International Management, and Fundraising
Areas of Expertise: Finance, Performance, Organization Leadership, Industrial Psychology and Consulting
Biography:
Chief Human Resources leader and officer, at Nationwide Insurance Companies, Victoria’s Secret (L Brands) and Continental Illinois National Bank for three
decades. As an Affiliate Professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology (during the last decade) he taught over a dozen graduate level courses like: Finance, Performance, Organization, Leadership and Consulting.
Brett is an Applied Psychologist, recognized for leveraging Human Resources "best practices" to create profitable growing companies. He has significant experience interfacing with corporate boards and executive compensation, the management of large-scale initiatives and organizational change/adaption, executive team development, talent management that maximized organizational capabilities.
All work is rooted in a passionate belief that a well-developed talent strategy and corporate culture drive outstanding business results. Brett’s “Tool Kit” includes sophisticated systems solutions: 1. strategic talent management 2. leadership development and succession planning 3. senior team coaching and development 4. change and resilience 5. organization alignment 6. culture-driven performance management 7. diversity and inclusion 8. leveraging human resources as a strategic capability 9. finance
Education: BA- Psychology- Bradley University, MA- Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of North Texas, PhD- Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology
Personal Statement:
I respect each student’s intellectual ability, professional maturity, and diverse point of view. I foster independent thinking and value students who apply the curriculum and learn by applying practical and real-world. Accountability and excellence are always highlighted in my work. I am so impressed with how independent and resourceful our students are in achieving objectives at NLU.
Throughout my thirty years as a business executive, my education in Industrial Psychology (I/O) was invaluable in building successful organizations. I have always valued and mentored bright, highly motivated students. I chose I/O because it is a technical skill most appropriate for driving organizational effectiveness. Further, I saw results quickly when I applied the tools of the trade.
Finally, I grew up in a family business and value relationships, creativity, and diversity. All are part of this exciting field of study.
Contact Info: bavner@nl.edu
