William E. Leftwich Iii Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il

Principal and Chief Executive OfficerWilliam E. Leftwich III is the Principal Consultant and CEO for the LS Strategic / L3 Group. The LS Strategic Group was founded in 2001 and is an authority on Human Resource issues pertaining to equal opportunity programs, issues of race, diversity strategies and training. The LS Strategic Group also has a business development practice that has worked on projects that range from the evolution of hydro renewable energy technology to processes that provide security technology to the United States Intelligence and Security Community, which enhances our Nations National Security efforts. In addition we have the ability to interact with a number of congressional members which has allowed us to work issues on a variety of levels. The LS Strategic Group has strategic relationships and clients throughout the United States and to include Europe, South Africa and China.

Pentagon

Principal Advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for developing and promulgating policies and programs and had oversight responsibility for the direction and enforcement of all Department of Defense equal opportunity programs for civilian and military personnel worldwide. Developed policies and programs to value and capitalize on diversity and to monitor and mentor all individuals to bring out their strengths and maximize each person’s contribution to the common goals and objectives of the Department.Responsible for the management of civilian equal opportunity staff, the military equal opportunity staff, and the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, a 150-member university level organization, located at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Coordinated the Department of Defense’s strategy relating to fostering human rights around the globe as well as democratic principles in the armed forces and paramilitary forces of nations allied with or requesting assistance from the United States. Managed the implementation of Federal equal opportunity functions requiring nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Defense or in specified programs and activities conducted by the Department of Defense. Managed the implementation of Secretary of Defense requirements of equality for treatment and opportunity for members of the armed forces (active duty and reserve Components). These included military affirmative action programs, discrimination complaint processing systems and sexual harassment prevention and training programs. Managed the implementation of curriculum development and content, delivery of training programs, and administration of military equal opportunity climate surveys conducted by the Defense Equal Opportunity Military Institute.Coordinated with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and with the Department of Defense Components on all equal opportunity/equal employment opportunity matters.

Chicago, Illinois

Managed and coordinated the District’s 7,500 (2,500 part-time) employees in conjunction with the Park District’s Board of Commissioners and the General Superintendent. Prepared and submitted the Personnel Department’s $5.7 million operating budget. Reevaluated and assisted in the renegotiation of the Park District’s healthcare benefits package, which resulted in more accurately reflecting employee duties. Analyzed and implemented the employee compensation plan. As the Affirmative Action Officer, developed and implemented the District’s administrative, personnel, and operational policies. Responsible for the submission and the implementation of the District’s affirmative action/workplace diversity plan to the Board of Commissioners, as well as implementing the plan and working with departmental management to achieve the plan’s goals. Served as the District’s Human Rights Officer and Secretary to the District’s Personnel Board. Extensive interaction with the District’s Legal, Labor Relations, and Union Representatives, as well as diverse community groups and organizations.Additional duties include managing all of the District’s Personnel documents and records as required by law; staffing a diverse work population that includes over 400 titles; analyzing and directing all of the District’s training needs; negotiating contracts and implementing training programs with selected vendors that respond to the District’s demands; designing and administering the examination process to generate highly qualified applicants as well as the coordination of discipline and termination guidelines; overseeing payroll administration for the District’s full- and part-time employees and monitoring the unemployment compensation program.

Sears Tower Chicago, Illinois

Worked extensively with the CEO, Sr. Vice President and National Managers to facilitate the reevaluation of 10,000 employees at corporate headquarters in order to reorganize, downsize and relocate; Specific responsibilities included coordinating the Sears Executive Management Analysis Program; reviewed the company's organizational structure and made needed staffing adjustments; managed and researched all Sears Corporate departmental functions to ascertain efficiency level, effectiveness and productivity relative to technologies to Corporate reorganization and the relocation plan. Reviewed and recommended systems technologies to enhance the company's operational productivity; determined and implemented method improvements and facilitated supervisor training in current staff management techniques. Participated in the Outplacement Program to guarantee a smooth transition for employee rehiring opportunities.

Chicago Illinois

Created and oversaw the department's annual budget; developed seminars for managing in the multicultural workplace; enhanced and developed materials for retail marketing, catalogue marketing, import buying and textiles seminars; negotiated contractual agreements with vendors.

Sears Tower Chicago, Illinois

Developed departmental training materials for all Sears National Sales and support staff; implemented corporate advertising, marketing, visual presentations and sales strategies for approximately 300 stores.

Developed seasonal merchandising themes; translated marketing trends and worked closely with buyers in product development; assisted with quality control for key apparel items.

Bs In Education, Education And Communication

Activities and Societies: President’s Management Council’s Hispanic Employment Initiative - (former member) OPM Hispanic Employment.

Senior Executive Program, Negotications With Difficult People

Program for Senior Executives on Negotiation with Difficult People

Honorary Doctorate Degree, Humanities

Alternative Dispute Resolution Program