Velma Lashbrook

Velma J. Lashbrook is currently Vice President of Global Research and Development for Wilson Learning Corporation, a leading developer of performance learning systems for major corporations throughout the world. Since 1979, she has been involved in the acquisition, design, and development of measurement systems and learning programs for corporate managers and employees. These programs focus on the interpersonal capabilities required to successfully perform in today's business environment. Some of the programs that she has been involved in developing include The Leader-Manager, Critical Business Thinking, Mastering Change, Consulting with Clients, Performance Learning Series, Social Style Series, The Contributing Team Member, Signature Service, The Versatile Salesperson, The Counselor Salesperson, Advanced Account Management, and Core Capability Measurement System. She was also responsible for designing the process for cultural adaptation of learning programs and measurement systems that have allowed Wilson Learning to become the leading global provider of human resource development programs. From 1991 to 1993, she worked for Wilson Learning in Japan, where she designed programs and consulted with several multinational companies. One of the programs she designed during this assignment, NEC's Two-Way Communications, won the Japan Management Association's award for the best new management program for 1994.

Prior to joining Wilson Learning, Velma was an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Auburn University from 1977-79 and an Assistant Professor of Communication at West Virginia University from 1976-77. She received her doctorate in Communication and Educational Psychology from West Virginia University in 1976 and her master's degree in Speech Communication from Illinois State University in 1971. From 1971-73, she taught high school speech and coached debate at Woodruff High School in Peoria, Illinois.

Her bachelor's degree in Speech was received from Iowa State University in 1970. While at Iowa State, she was an active member and officer for the Iowa State Debaters and Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha and chairperson for the student curriculum committee for the Speech Department.

Born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, she was active in choral and instrumental music, speech and debate, and athletics. In 1965, she was selected to attend the last international Girl Scout Round-Up held at Camp Farragut, Idaho.

She is currently a member of the International Communication Association, Speech Communication Association, American Society of Training and Development, The Planning Forum, and The Academy of Management. She has published numerous articles and made numerous conference presentations for professional associations and corporate audiences.

She is married to William B. Lashbrook, an independent research consultant. They have two children, Nicole (born in 1977) and Christopher (born in 1982), and enjoy travel, music, sports, and art as a family. 7/1/96

Paver Inscription:

"Speech Comm
Judee Burgoon
Suzanne Z. Kelly
Velma Lashbrook
Susan Thomas Lee"