Our 2012 series promises to be our best yet. We have a diverse mix of extraordinary business leaders. Students, faculty and business professionals in attendance will find these presentations very educational and enjoyable. All sessions will be held in the auditorium on the second floor of the Health and Natural Sciences Building (159 Sunset Drive, Dahlonega) from 12:55 to 1:50. To visit the website of the 2011 Cottrell Speaker Series, click here.
September 6
Shirley Powell
Executive Vice President, Communications
The Weather Channel Companies
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What she will discuss. Formal criteria gets you consideration but it is the informal criteria that gets you selected. Shirley Powell will share her thoughts on P.I.E. – Performance, Image, Exposure, and other lessons learned through her career navigating the media industry.
Bio. As EVP of corporate communications Powell has oversight of all internal and external communications strategies for all TWCC cross-platform businesses. She provides communications counsel on a broad range of business initiatives, as well as serving as the company’s chief spokesperson. With more than 20 years in media, Powell has served in senior roles at Turner Broadcasting System, National Broadcasting Company, Disney, and Nickelodeon.
September 20
Doug Keith
President
Drive Technologies Division
Siemens Industry, Inc.
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What he will discuss. Siemens, a global technology and innovation leader, is focused on the future. Do you understand the importance of preparing and executing for what lies ahead? Hear Doug Keith share how planning for the future applies to him personally, professionally, and corporately at Siemens.
Bio. Keith is currently responsible for the drive technologies division, including product development, marketing and manufacturing of motors, and drives and gears in the U.S. He has worked in various manufacturing industries for market-leading companies like Siemens, General Electric, and Black & Decker for almost 25 years. Keith holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.
October 4
David McNeill
President and Managing Director
4th Strand
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What he will discuss. David McNeill will discuss entrepreneurship and key learning experiences from successfully starting, building, and selling two companies. Hear his insights on realizing a top-ten percent business return while maintaining a similar lifestyle balance.
Bio. McNeill’s last two start-ups both achieved sale multiples of greater than 55 times the invested capital. 4th Strand, a B-to-B service provider, was recently sold to Intertek Group PLC, and McNeill continues to run the company. Prior to his entrepreneur endeavors, he held C-level roles with larger private and public companies, worked in private equity with TPG Capital, and in consulting with Bain & Company. He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Auburn University.
October 18
Penny McIntyre
President, Newell Consumer Group
Newell Rubbermaid
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What she will discuss. Penny McIntyre will discuss how you and your brands can thrive in the international arena. Using a blend of personal experience and Newell business case studies, she will identify and discuss the easy and difficult elements of working and winning in international business.
Bio. McIntyre’s portfolio includes Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Calphalon, Levolor, Paper Mate and Parker – all winning brands in their respective categories. She joined Newell in 2009 as group president of office products. Previously, she spent 11 years with Coke in a variety of international marketing and general manager assignments, including leadership roles in Moscow, Johannesburg, London, and the U.S. Prior to Coca-Cola, she worked at S.C. Johnson in the U.S., Canada, and Japan.
November 1
Rich McKay
President & CEO
Atlanta Falcons
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What he will discuss. Learn why the NFL has become the dominant sports league and brand in America. Rich McKay will provide an examination of the NFL’s structures, both economic and competitive.
Bio. As Atlanta Falcons president & CEO, McKay is in charge of all team business operations and also works on contract negotiations and managing the team’s salary cap. His impact has been felt at the league level for years as a valued member of many NFL committees charged with advancing the game. In 13 seasons as an NFL general manager, he constructed six teams that reached playoffs, three that advanced to NFC championship games, and one Super Bowl winner.