About the Speakers - Big Idea Seminars
Panelists for March 18 panel discussion during the Center for Entrepreneurship’s EntrepreneuringDays@UNL:
Walter Wilhelm, chairman of Walter Wilhelm Associates LLC
Willhelm is recognized as one of the most innovative and connected executives in the soft goods industry, and one of the pioneers in creating and implementing technology to streamline the product design and development processes. WWA is a Utah-based boutique consulting organization that helps retail and brand clients refine “front-end” processes. Wilhelm has held senior positions in retailing, manufacturing and technology sales and development. He has extensive experience domestically, as well as internationally, having opened six offices in Europe and four in Asia.
Joan Mudget, current vice president of global product quality at lululemon
Mudget is leading a fast-paced retailer through a major reorganization of their quality assurance functions. Her knowledge of the international sourcing markets and supplier management experience has allowed her to hold senior level positions with some of the world’s most prestigious brands. Formerly, Mudget was vice president of product integrity at JCPenney, vice president of international labor standards at The Walt Disney Company, vice president of supply chain at The Nordstrom Product Group and vice president of sourcing and quality at Lands’ End.
Paul Taylor, Long Splice Design
Taylor’s latest venture is Long Splice Design, an apparel development and sourcing company. It took root from the experience Taylor gained after founding Arborwear, an outdoor work wear company, which he headed for 12 years. Taylor has built on the experience gained from one business venture and refined it in the next. He thrives on both the highs and lows of retail entrepreneurship.
Dr. Rodger Bybee - February 19, 2014
Bybee served as executive director of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study from 1999 to 2007, where he was principal investigator for four National Science Foundation programs. Prior to joining BSCS, he worked as executive director of the National Research Council’s Center for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education. Bybee has also served on advisory boards and committees for the National Academies, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Bybee’s primary professional interests have included scientific literacy, scientific inquiry, the design and development of school science curriculum, the role of policy in science education and international assessments. He has a doctorate degree from New York University and earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Northern Colorado.