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Business News

Business and Community Leaders Discuss "Organizational Leadership in a Time of Crisis"

—September 28,2001

The Office of Graduate Studies and Research and the MBA Association in the College of Business hosted a panel discussion Thursday night on "Organizational Leadership in a Time of Crisis."

President Ricardo Romo presented introductory remarks and MBA Association President Greg Barnett moderated the forum. Panelists were Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, chairman emeritus of USAA; Jeff Farver, president and CEO of San Antonio Federal Credit Union; and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, former mayor of San Antonio.

Addressing an overflowing auditorium of students, Nelson Wolff was instrumental in closing the courthouse and enacting the county's emergency plan following the Sept. 11 terrorist activity. During this crisis, Wolff had several main concerns. "I wanted to prevent any further act of terrorism by stepping up our law enforcement agencies. I also wanted to react publicly to the incident as soon as possible and research how this incident will affect us economically. Finally, I needed to balance civil liberties with the increased need for security."

Calling upon his experiences from both the military and the executive boardroom, Jeff Farver spoke about the qualities leaders need in a crisis. "Leaders must seek out advice from their close advisers," said Farver. "A leader must be decisive and lead from the front in a follow-me philosophy. "Leaders must also determine the critical path to resolving the crisis and be comfortable with risk."

Brig. Gen. Robert McDermott concluded the discussion by discussing the humanity of leadership. "We've all been given gifts that we have a responsibility for developing," said McDermott. "By helping those around you develop those talents, you build a successful team of leaders. For a leader to be successful, he or she must listen to those below them and gain their input and advice."

Wendy Frost—

Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu

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