At the Sanger Leadership Center, we believe that leadership development should be grounded in the latest research and best practices. To make that vision a reality, we launched the Faculty Advisory Board—a group of distinguished Michigan Ross faculty who provide thought partnership and strategic guidance to elevate every aspect of our work.
This board was created to strengthen the connection between Sanger’s programs and the academic insights emerging from Ross classrooms and faculty research. By collaborating closely with our team, board members help us ensure our programs are enriched with cutting-edge leadership scholarship, innovative pedagogy, and practical relevance for students.
Led by Sanger’s Managing Director Jeff Domagala, with oversight from Faculty Director Lindy Greer, the board meets throughout the academic year to offer input on program strategy, design, and content. In addition to our regular meetings, members provide ongoing consultation to staff and serve as strategic thought partners aligned to their areas of expertise—whether it’s research, curricular experiences, or co-curricular programming.
Sue Ashford
Michael & Susan Jandernoa Professor of Management and Organizations
Bio
Sue is a renowned scholar in leadership and self-leadership. As the board lead for co-curricular programs, she shapes experiences that encourage students to take ownership of their personal and professional growth. In 2007, while serving as Associate Dean for Leadership Programming, Sue launched the Ross Leadership Initiative—the precursor to the Sanger Leadership Center.
Justin Berg
Associate Professor of Management and Organizations
Bio
Justin’s research explores creativity, innovation, and meaningful work. At Sanger, he supports research integration and donor relations, ensuring our programs are informed by the latest evidence on how leaders can navigate and shape change.
Lindy Greer
Professor of Management and Organizations, Sanger Faculty Director
Bio
Lindy’s research focuses on team dynamics and power in organizations. Lindy has served as faculty director of the Center since 2019, guiding its evolution and deepening its academic foundation. In her role as a board member, she leads Sanger’s internal strategy and ensures our work reflects the broader mission of Michigan Ross.
Gretchen Spreitzer
Associate Dean for Executive and Corporate Relations, Keith E. and Valerie J. Alessi Professor of Business Administration, Professor of Management and Organizations
Bio
A pioneer in positive organizational scholarship, Gretchen brings expertise in designing learning experiences that enable students to thrive. She advises on strategies to embed leadership content into the core curriculum and other academic offerings. From 2011 to 2013, she served as faculty co-director of the Ross Leadership Initiative, laying the foundation for today’s Sanger Leadership Center.
“As faculty, we are always looking for ways to apply our research in meaningful ways,” said Justin Berg. “Serving on the Faculty Advisory Board gives us a chance to shape programs that directly impact student leadership development—and bring the latest insights from our field into practice.”
For Jeff Domagala, maintaining a strong faculty connection has been essential to Sanger’s mission: “Our programs are most powerful when they are both research-driven and student-centered. This board plays a critical role in helping us design experiences that are innovative, rigorous, and deeply relevant to the real world of leadership.”