Director’s Summit
March 23-25, 2026
In-Person, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
Futureproof your strategy and
empower your team to succeed
Join an immersive experience designed for leaders of university-based, non-degree business and executive education centers who are navigating rapid change in an increasingly competitive market. Hosted in the inspiring Caltech environment, known globally for pioneering research, technical innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the summit brings together peers from across institutions to learn, exchange ideas, and build meaningful professional connections. Through focused sessions on market trends, organizational design, innovation, and strategy, participants gain deep insights into how centers compete, adapt, and differentiate through innovative transformation and sustainable growth.
Across three thoughtfully structured days, the summit blends expert-led discussions, experiential learning, and behind-the-scenes exposure to Caltech’s innovation ecosystem. From exploring emerging trends and designing adaptive teams to touring the CAST Robotics Lab and examining human intelligence in the age of AI, each session is designed to deliver practical, actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Networking experiences, highlighted by small-group dinners, create a highly engaging environment for peer learning and mentorship. You will leave with fresh perspectives, stronger networks, and clear next steps to lead your centers with confidence and impact.
Agenda
This year’s in-person Director’s Summit is designed to provide time, space, and peer feedback to effectively articulate strategic responses to changes that are rapidly re-shaping our industry.
Everyone participating will both learn and contribute to the knowledge of everyone involved. Join your peers in this unique leadership development experience that advances the capabilities of everyone involved in meeting the needs and objectives of your clients.
* Session topics, their order and other program parameters are subject to change
Who Attends
This program is designed for people responsible for developing and implementing strategies at non-degree business, professional, and executive education centers at universities. This usually includes executive education units in business schools, management or professional development units within continuing education schools, or stand-alone entities reporting directly to a dean or other high level administrator. In most cases, attendees have titles that include Assistant Dean, Director, Executive Director, or Manager. They all have the common challenge of creating strategies in response to changing business environment and customer demands. Their centers serve the business community by offering custom training engagements, consortia programs and/or open enrollment programs.
If this sounds like you, please join us for this summit to examine your current strategies, explore the internal and external factors influencing your success, and potential strategic responses to changes you are facing.
- Take advantage of this opportunity to focus on the most critical aspects of the success of your unit
- Get diverse perspectives and ideas from trusted colleagues facing the same challenges
- Develop a network of peer mentors
- Return to your team ready to share ideas and implement your own strategies
Facilitators and Panelists
Sarah Andrews is the Executive Director of the Vistex Institute for Executive Education at Lehigh University’s College of Business in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she leads the strategy, development, and delivery of executive education and lifelong learning programs that serve business professionals and organizations.
Sarah was one of the earliest team members of Lehigh’s executive education unit when it launched in 2016 and has played a central role in building and expanding program offerings, partnerships, and client engagement. In July 2021, she was named Executive Director of the Vistex Institute, guiding its growth in executive development, research collaboration, and leadership learning.
She holds an MBA from Lehigh University’s Lehigh Business FLEX MBA program, which complements her professional focus on bridging academic insights with real-world executive learning needs.
Mike Ash is the Director of the Center for Technology and Management Education (Caltech CTME) at the California Institute of Technology, where he leads executive education and professional development initiatives that bridge cutting-edge technology and leadership practice. In this role, he champions the design and delivery of strategic programs that help organizations and technical leaders navigate complex technology-driven challenges and advance innovation across industries. With over two decades of experience in program development and strategic leadership, Mike is known for his work in fostering innovation ecosystems and preparing professionals for transformative change at the intersection of technology, management, and enterprise. Before joining Caltech, he held senior roles across consulting, strategy, and organizational leadership, collaborating with global organizations to align strategic vision and operational execution. He has also studied executive education and advanced business strategy at Harvard Business School and holds a BS in Sociology/Business.
Cheryl Bates is the Director of Open Enrollment for Texas Executive Education at the McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, where she leads initiatives to expand and enhance professional development programs designed for individual executives and leaders. In her role, she oversees the design, coordination, and delivery of open-enrollment offerings that provide high-impact leadership, management, and strategic skills training to professionals across industries.
With extensive experience in executive education and professional development, Cheryl works closely with faculty and industry experts to ensure that courses reflect current business challenges and opportunities. She focuses on creating learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and tailored to the evolving needs of today’s leaders, helping participants accelerate their careers and drive organizational performance.
Crystal Dilworth, PhD is a molecular neuroscientist, science communicator, and Caltech alumna, known for her passion for making science accessible and engaging to a broad audience. She holds a PhD in molecular neuroscience from the California Institute of Technology (PhD ’14), where her research focused on the molecular basis of nicotine dependence and cellular neuroscience. During her time at Caltech, she combined her scientific training with creative pursuits, drawing on her background in dance and choreography to help bridge science with broader cultural engagement.
She is widely recognized as a science communicator. She appears on television as “Dr. Brain” on CBS’s Mission: Unstoppable, hosts science segments for international media, and serves as an AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador, representing women in STEM and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Her work highlights the human side of scientific inquiry and encourages inclusive participation in STEM fields. At Caltech, she has continued to play a role in connecting science with the public, including moderating and hosting events such as the long-standing Watson Lecture Series that invites community audiences to engage with leading scientific research.
Nicholas Hamilton-Archer serves as the Chief Executive Education Officer for the Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
He came to Michigan Ross from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, where he was Executive Director of Executive Education. Prior to this, Hamilton-Archer held leadership roles in the field of executive education at the University of Colorado, the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business, and George Mason University’s School of Management in Fairfax, VA.
Hamilton-Archer’s international record includes extensive experience in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa, where he managed strategic initiatives and partnerships and worked collaboratively with multiple government agencies, non-profits, and private businesses. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in government and international politics and a master’s of public administration from George Mason University and additionally holds a master’s in international business from the University of Colorado Denver.
Rick Hefner, PhD is the Executive Director of the Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME) at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, where he leads the design and delivery of professional and executive education programs tailored to technology-driven organizations and individuals. In this role, he oversees a wide range of offerings in systems engineering, project management, innovation, and leadership that help professionals and teams navigate complex technical and organizational challenges.
Dr. Hefner brings over four decades of experience in systems development, process improvement, and organizational leadership. Before joining Caltech, he held senior roles in industry, including Director of Process Management at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he led Lean Six Sigma and program management initiatives, and Director of Software Development at the Aerospace Corporation. His career spans work with aerospace, communications, electronics, and health sciences organizations, among others.
Dr. Kristin (Kris) Risi serves as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Executive Education at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. Appointed in 2024, she brings nearly 25 years of experience from Drexel University, where she most recently held the position of Associate Dean of Corporate, Executive Education, and Innovation. In her current role, Dr. Risi leads the design and delivery of executive education programs that integrate Carnegie Mellon’s strengths in technology, analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her initiatives aim to equip leaders with the skills necessary to navigate complex business challenges and drive innovation.
Dr. Risi holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies and an MBA from Drexel University, as well as a BA in English from Penn State University. She is recognized for developing dynamic learning environments that foster critical thinking and strategic problem-solving. Her expertise encompasses the creation of custom leadership and technical development curricula, corporate universities, and online learning communities. At Tepper, she continues to advance executive education by aligning academic excellence with practical business applications.
Dr. Daniel Rundhaug is the Executive Director of the Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx) at Davenport University. In this role, he leads the development, sales, and delivery of innovative professional development programs that bridge academic knowledge with practical business applications. With a strong background in organizational leadership, strategic planning, sales, business development, and communication, Dr. Rundhaug is recognized for his ability to create visionary strategies and implement effective solutions that drive organizational success.
Dr. Rundhaug earned his Ph.D. from Western Michigan University and has dedicated his career to empowering professionals through education and skill development. Under his leadership, IPEx offers a range of programs, including customized corporate training, leadership development, and professional certifications, all designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. Daniel is also a certified Working Genius instructor, bringing a strengths-based approach to team development and leadership training.
Robbie Nock is the Deputy Director of the Center for Technology and Management Education (CTME) at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, where he plays a key role in advancing executive education offerings and strategic corporate partnerships that connect Caltech’s research excellence with the professional learning needs of technology-driven organizations.
In his position at Caltech CTME, Robbie develops custom and open-enrollment programs that help executives and technical leaders build strategic, innovative capabilities for challenging business environments. His work focuses on aligning workforce development with emerging trends in technology, design, and enterprise performance.
Prior to joining Caltech, Robbie served for more than a decade as Vice President and Assistant Professor at ArtCenter College of Design, where he led entrepreneurship and professional education initiatives and forged cross-sector partnerships bridging the creative economy with technology and business leadership.
Nick Tobey is the Executive Director of Executive Education at the University of Oklahoma Michael F. Price College of Business. In this role, he is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of non-degree professional and executive education offerings for individuals and organizations, using online and in-person delivery. Tobey has a long history of growing revenue in marketing and business development roles while working in both top-ranked executive education providers and leading technology firms. An expert in developing, delivering, and commercializing transformational learning experiences for organizations, he is a trusted advisor to HR, Learning and Development, and Organization Development leaders from around the globe. In his previous roles, Tobey has developed learning and development solutions for notable clients such as SABIC, The Sultanate of Oman, PwC, Toyota USA, DirecTV, Amgen, and other Fortune 1000 clients.
Travel and Lodging
- Los Angeles International (LAX) or Hollywood Burbank (BUR) airports are closest to the venue. We recommend a rideshare trip from the airport to the hotel/campus and back.
- The Summit will take place at the Center for Technology and Management Education of the California Institute of Technology (1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125)
- There are many hotels within walking distance. We recommend reserving your room at the Courtyard Marriott Pasadena using a Caltech rate. Please make your room reservation using this link to receive a special rate.
- Dinner on Tuesday will be a part of a networking event.
In-Person Per Attendee Fee:
from a Member institution
from a Non-Member institution
Register today and join the collaborative and innovative community of your peers.
To register, please fill out the form below. You will be invoiced in accordance to the membership status of your institution. Once your registration is received an invoice will be emailed to you. You will then have the choice of selecting payment by check or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard and AMEX. Your registration is complete when your payment is received.