Jeff is the President of Touchstone Executive Development, draws upon an extensive background in organizational development, training and leadership development, and education for his projects and clients. 

For more than 10 years, Jeff spearheaded training and organizational development in corporate environments in the private and voluntary sectors.  These positions include:

• Vice President, Corporate Training & Development (Insurance/Financial services)
• Director, Organizational Development (Healthcare/IT government contractor)
• Director, Education & Development ( Regional healthcare system)
• Training & Organizational Development Specialist (Academic teaching hospital)

Jeff’s professional background includes significant leadership positions in several industries, with large multinationals, mid-size regional organizations, and small local businesses.  In these roles, he has demonstrated an ability to challenge and motivate staff to achieve aggressive individual and organizational goals. A creative problem-solver, Jeff deftly builds strong relations within organizations and across functions, geographies and cultures. 

In addition, Jeff taught small group and interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, public speaking, conflict resolution, gender communication, creativity and critical thinking, and media production courses at the University of Minnesota, the University of Denver, and numerous community colleges. 

Jeff studied for his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, and he holds degrees in mass media and communication from the University of Denver and Montana State University-Billings.  An avid bicyclist and a fan of independent films and documentaries, Jeff lives in central Iowa with his wife and two children.