Hear why tough times need strong leadership

"Tough Times Call for a Tough Leader" will be explored at Aurora University's Human Resources Institute at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. Andrew Kindler, an organization-change expert with Corporate Strategies & Solutions Inc. in Naperville, is the speaker.

The program is free to the public in the University Banquet Hall in Alumni Hall, 1410 Marseillaise Place in Aurora. Networking and free refreshments start at 7:30 a.m.

"During every economic downturn there are companies who thrive. And a commonality is their strong leadership," Kindler said. "We will explore how to become one of the leaders who excel in tough times through 10 must-have characteristics that make a leader tough. Additionally, we will look at the four key roles every leader plays and how each role is impacted by difficult economic times."

A specialist in strategic human resources processes such as organizational change, selection, and succession planning, Kindler has more than 20 years of experience developing and directing employees of major organizations. He is known for his high level of professional sales, management, and human resources expertise.

AU's Human Resource Institute, an educational series, is co-sponsored by AU's Dunham School of Business and Human Resource Management Systems, LLC, of Naperville.

Future scheduled programs are:

• May 27 - "Labor Relations Trends," by William Herrera, senior director, HR, Sysco Foods, Houston, Texas.

• June 24 - "Legal Trends Affecting HR," speaker to be announced.

• Aug. 26 -"Training The Trainer 101," by Sharon Merrill, training and development Specialist, DuPage Health Center.

• Sept. 30 - "Immigration Issues," by attorney Andrew Sagartz, Calmec Global Law Group.

• Oct. 28 - "HR's Role as Change Risk Assessors," Vince Pellettiere, assistant professor, Aurora University.

HR Institute co-sponsors are the university's Dunham School of Business and Human Resource Management Systems, LLC, of Naperville. Call (630) 844-4894 for information.