Cessna leader highlights Business Week 2009 Cessna leader highlights Business Week 2009

Diversity is vital to the success of any business, and the aerospace industry serves as an exceptional illustration. Hear Jim Walters' unique perspective as senior vice president of human resources for Cessna Aircraft Co., the world's largest manufacturer of general aviation airplanes and Wichita's biggest employer. Walters will cover these issues and the importance of workplace diversity as part of Business Week 2009 from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in 208 Hubbard Hall. The speech is free.

In Walters' keynote address, "Diversity from 50,000 Feet," he will answer how to manage and communicate differently when your industry is in an up-cycle vs. a down-cycle or when recruiting vs. retaining.

At Cessna, Walters is responsible for managing and directing all human resources functions, including benefits, compensation and staffing, labor and employee relations, government relations and the strategy, development and deployment groups. Prior to joining Cessna in 2001, he served as the director of Global Human Resources for John Deere Power Systems. In this role, he was responsible for all global human resources functions for units located in the United States, Mexico and France.

He also held human resources leadership positions in China and Canada, bringing a global perspective to Cessna.

Business Week, hosted by the W. Frank Barton School of Business, runs today (Monday, March 2) through Saturday, March 7. The week includes a full schedule of events and activities relating to business. For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/business.