Leadership Forum - 2024

Date(s): April 12, 2024 @ 8:00am - 12:00pm

Event category: Presentations and Lectures

The FPU Leadership Forum calls Valley leaders to transformational leadership that inspires innovation and collaboration, building a shared vision for the flourishing of our region.

Leadership Forum 2024 takes place April 12, 2024 at FPU's Warkentine Culture and Arts Center.

Tickets and Sponsorships

Program Schedule

• 7:45 - 8:15 a.m.
  • Registration and breakfast buffet
• 8:15 - 8:25 a.m.
  • Welcome message and prayer - Fresno Pacific University President André Stephens, Ph.D.
• 8:30 - 9:15 a.m.
  • "Multi-Generations in the Workplace" - Dan Larsen, PHR
• 9:15 - 9:30 a.m.
  • Sunbird spotlight
• 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
  • Keynote address: "Visionary Blueprint: A Leadership Design Lab" - Suzana Dobrić Veiss, Ph.D.
• 11:00 - 11:15 a.m.
  • Intermission and refreshments
• 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • "Leading with Purpose: Addressing the Impending AI Divide" - Todd D. Vasquez, Ph.D.
• 12:00 p.m.
  • Session adjourned

Speaker's Bio's

Daniel Larsen, PHR - Senior Human Resources Consultant
Multi-Generations in the Workplace

Dan Larsen is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). He is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management, emphasizing Human Resources and Organizational Behavior.
Before joining Sierra HR Partners in 2014, Dan worked as an HR Generalist for Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Everett, Washington. While there he supported interiors/electrical systems production and the 737 and 787 airplane programs. He is currently a senior consultant, and he specializes in employment law compliance, leadership development, and full HR management support for clients. Dan and his wife Alexa have five children.

Todd Vasquez, Ph.D. - Instructional Designer 
Leading with Purpose: Addressing the Impending AI Divide

A man of many talents and interests, Todd Vasquez, is an AI enthusiast, educator and a multifaceted individual with a passion for technology, philosophy and theology.

Todd holds a Ph.D. in Constructive Theology from Loyola University Chicago, an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot School of Theology, and a B.A. in Philosophy and B.A. in English Literature from California State University, Fresno. His diverse educational background has allowed him to explore various aspects of human thought and experience.

In his role as an instructional designer for Fresno Pacific University, he assists faculty with the design and facilitation of engaging and effective courses. He is also a dedicated educator in his own right, teaching courses in various subjects, such as Trinitarian Theology, Philosophy of Religion, and Ethics.

Todd is passionate about the potential of AI and its impact on society. He keeps up-to-date with the latest technological innovations and has been coding since the days of the Commodore 64 and Apple II. He is particularly interested in the ethical implications of AI and its role in shaping the future of humanity.

Outside of his professional life, Todd enjoys spending time with his family, meditating, writing and automating tasks to maximize his productivity. He is a strong advocate for seeking oneness of life and love with God, oneself and others.

Follow him on X for thought-provoking discussions on AI, technology, philosophy, and theology.

Keynote Speaker

Suzana Dobrić Veiss, Ph.D., is a nationally and globally regarded consultant, educator and speaker specializing in organizational leadership, communication, change leadership, collective efficacy, resilience and organizational development. As an assistant professor of strategic and organizational leadership at Fresno Pacific University and a seasoned consultant, Dr. Veiss brings knowledge and experience to her work. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University and extensive experience serving on executive leadership teams and non-profit organizations, Dr. Veiss has impacted her students and clients, helping them improve communication, navigate change, build efficacy, and develop followers and leaders. Dr. Veiss has presented on these topics at the International Leadership Association’s Annual Global Conferences and is a sought-after speaker and trainer for national and global settings. Dr. Veiss' experience as a child in a war-torn country shaped her perspective on resilience and hope and informed her work with organizations.

Become a Sponsor:

Show your support of the FPU Leadership Forum by becoming a corporate sponsor. For more information, contact Sharon Starcher at 559-453-3689 or sharon.starcher@fresno.edu

Dean’s List Sponsor $2,500

• One table of eight at event, or donate back for others to attend.
• Preferred event seating.
• Sponsor logo recognition during the event.
• Acknowledgement in event advertisements, promotional emails and press release(s) (as timeframe allows).
• Company logo and link on event webpage.
• Display table at event.
• Your collateral or promotional item at event seating tables.
• Membership in the 2024 FPU President’s Circle.

Sunbird Sponsor $1,000

• Four tickets to event, or donate back for others to attend.
• Sponsor logo recognition during the event.
• Acknowledgement in event advertisements, promotional emails and press release(s) (as timeframe allows).
• Company logo and link on event webpage.
• Display table at event.
• Membership in the 2024 FPU President’s Circle.