Biography - David and Ann Otto

David G. Otto, President

David has over thirty-five years of HR experience in manufacturing/ industrial companies, food processing, retail and service organizations with senior management responsibility for employee/industrial relations, employee education and development, communications, performance management, employment/recruiting and compensation/benefits administration.  His HR experience is complemented by operational manufacturing experience, including management of continuous improvement initiatives and strategic responsibility for additional business functions, including plant relocations, facility start-up and closure, as well as environmental and safety administration.  Former employers include May Department Stores, Inc., Smithers Oasis, Park Farms and Landmark Plastic.

David holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management with a minor in Psychology from the University of Akron.  He has been a leader in a variety of professional organizations

Ann K. Otto, PhD., Principal Consultant

With over thirty-five years of experience in public and private sector organizations including higher education, hospitals, manufacturing, non-profit boards and numerous workforce readiness initiatives, Ann has directed all major human resources functions, training and development and faculty affairs and development.  Former employers are the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM), Kent State University, PPG, Industries (Barberton chemical facility), and Akron General Medical Center.

She holds both a master’s degree and doctorate in Organization Development from Kent State University and a bachelor’s in Education from The University of Akron.  She is a certified assessment facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DiSC, and is a Fellow of both the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) and the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) programs.

In addition, Ann has held leadership positions on numerous social service agency and community boards and professional organizations. She is a student of leadership studies and has recently published articles in the areas of professional outcome measures, planning and realignment issues following downsizing and quality of work-life programs in the workplace.