Rohnert Park, California - The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Sonoma State University (SSU) today announced that Susan Flannery Adams, SBE lecturer and coordinator of the Human Resource Management Certificate program at SSU, and Tim Wallace, former owner and President of Benziger Family Winery, were appointed as Executives-in-Residence in Human Resources (HR) and Wine Business, respectively. The new advisory and development positions are intended to support existing staff and leadership in the growth of programs and services, and strengthen community engagement across student, alumni, local business, and other stakeholder groups.
"Susan and Tim offer decades of complex executive leadership experience that will inform and advance our mission to provide transformational learning experiences to our young people, and shape best business practices in the North Bay and beyond. We expect to benefit from their perspective and expertise on multiple aspects of our operation, from curriculum development to alumni engagement to case research and more," Dr. William Silver, Dean of the School of Business and Economics said.
Susan Adams has 18 years of HR experience in both non-profit and corporate environments, with specific expertise in evaluating, designing, and implementing HR systems and programs. She currently teaches HR Management courses in the undergraduate, master's-level, and professional development programs at SSU. Previously, she was head of HR at PNI Sensor Corporation in Santa Rosa, and held senior positions at international consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, and Chicago-based senior housing and healthcare provider United Methodist Homes and Services. She has a Master of Arts in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of San Francisco, and holds certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and HR Certification Institute.
"As the concept of career evolves into a lifetime focus, I hope to leverage my experience to continue to build our community and provide mutual benefit to businesses, alumni, and current and future students. It's an exciting time to be part of SBE, whether the corporate partnership program, internship and mentor programs, or new graduate and professional programs. My focus as Executive-in-Residence is to work collaboratively with University Career Services and all stakeholders to support the growth and development of SBE's Career Center programs and services," Susan Adams, SBE Human Resources Executive-in-Residence said.
For the past 22 years, Tim Wallace has served
as CEO of Benziger Family Winery, an award-winning wine producer known for its leadership in sustainability practices. His executive management experience organizing seven family owners and seventy-five full-time employees in all phases of business operations are expected to significantly enhance wine business education and academic program offerings at SSU. He is currently or previously a board member of California Wine Institute, Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Sonoma Valley Film Society, and Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, among other organizations. He has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
"I'm fulfilling a dream that I've harbored for some time, which is to give back in a meaningful way to an industry that has enthralled and enriched me for almost three decades. The time has come for me to reorient my professional growth from one that has historically focused on success to one that now focuses more squarely on significance. In so doing, I hope to assist others on their journey to success," Tim Wallace, Wine Business Executive in Residence and former CEO of Benziger Family Winery said. "The Wine Business Institute is a wine industry gem that is well on its way to becoming the world's most significant contributor to wine business education and research. I'm committed to furthering that distinction in partnership with the students, faculty, and administration of the School of Business and Economics."
For more information regarding Susan Adams, HR Executive-in-Residence, or Tim Wallace, Wine Business Executive-in-Residence, or for information regarding professional seminars, certificates, or degree programs in the School of Business and Economics, please contact (707) 664-3501, or visit www.sonoma.edu/sbe.