Inaugural IABOS Professional Development Series (PDS) Seminar: Driving Organizational Effectiveness
Sacred Heart University - West Campus, Guest House
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825
April 25, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sacred Heart University is pleased to host the inaugural Institute for Applied Behavioral & Organizational Sciences (IABOS) Professional Development Series (PDS) Seminar.
This event introduces IABOS as a growing multidisciplinary hub while providing a focused opportunity for professional development, thought leadership and collaboration in organization development, organizational psychology, organizational effectiveness and related fields.
The seminar features expert-led insights on applied learning and networking opportunities for students, faculty and practitioners.
Christopher G. Worley, a globally recognized expert in organizational change, will headline the event with a keynote on Driving Organizational Effectiveness in Volatile Environments and an interactive workshop on Driving Effective Organizations with Agility.
Keynote Speaker | Christopher G. Worley, Ph.D.
Christopher G. Worley, Ph.D., is a leading expert in organization design, development and change, known for bridging academic research with practical solutions. He is a senior affiliate research scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations, USC Marshall School of Business and holds faculty positions at Pepperdine University and the Rennes School of Business in France.
Worley has decades of experience consulting with organizations across technology, health care, financial services, consumer products and the public sector to help them become more agile, adaptive and effective. He is the co-author of Built to Change, a seminal work on designing organizations for continuous evolution, as well as The Agility Factor, Management Reset and Organization Development and Change, a widely used graduate-level textbook.
A respected member of professional communities including the Academy of Management, NTL Institute and OD Network, Worley’s work combines thought leadership, research and real-world impact.
Agenda
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
| 9:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks (SHU administration and IABOS/ODCE faculty) |
| 10 a.m. | Keynote Address: Christopher G. Worley |
| 10:50 a.m. | Break |
| 11 a.m. | Workshop: Driving Effective Organizations with Agility (Facilitated by Christopher G. Worley) |
| 12:30 p.m. | Closing Statements |
Why You Should Attend
- Gain insights from a global thought leader in organizational effectiveness and change
- Participate in a focused, high-impact professional development seminar
- Engage in applied learning on organizational agility and leadership
- Explore IABOS programs, research and opportunities
- Connect with thought leaders, professionals, faculty and peers