Team

Karen E. Linkletter, Ph.D.

Research Director

Karen is the Research Director of the Management as a Liberal Art Research Institute.  She and Dr. Joseph A. Maciariello co-authored the book Drucker’s Lost Art of Management: Peter Drucker’s Timeless Vision for Building Effective Organizations. Dr. Linkletter has published over 20 articles and essays.  Her most recent article is "Leadership Character:  A Holistic Approach."  Dr. Linkletter taught in the American Studies Department at California State University, Fullerton for 15 years.  She teaches a course on Drucker and Management as a Liberal Art at CiAM.   She is also a professional cellist, performing throughout southern California and teaching private students.   She has an upcoming book, Peter Drucker and Management (Routledge), which will be available in June of 2024.

Byron Ramirez, Ph.D.

Senior Researcher

Byron is an applied economist with management consulting experience and a background in quantitative research and data analytics.  Byron has worked with SMEs (small and medium enterprises), startups, and entrepreneurs to help improve their market positioning, competitiveness, and value creation.  He has experience conducting market research, competitor analysis, industry analysis, forecasting, and policy analysis.  Byron completed a master’s degree in management and strategy at the Drucker School, a master’s degree in economics and international relations at American University, and a Ph.D. degree in economics and political science at Claremont Graduate University. His research is centered around human capital, management, organizational performance, and development.

Robert Kirkland, Ph.D.

Associate Researcher/Program Coordinator

Rob is the program coordinator and contributes to the research effort at MLARI.  He is a retired Army lieutenant colonel and served as the head of Army ROTC at USC and Claremont McKenna College. He has a PhD in history from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the U.S. Air War College.

Michael Cortrite, Ph.D.

Researcher

Mike is a graduate of UCLA with a Doctor of Education in Leadership degree. He is a leadership coach and has been practicing and teaching leadership for over 30 years. His work experience is 30 years of supervising and managing various units in a municipal police department. As a researcher for the Management as Liberal Art Research Institute, Dr. Cortrite performs research leading to publications in the filed of leadership.  His teaching experience includes being a docent and facilitator at the Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, and professor at Santa Monica College, California State University, Northridge, and California Institute of Advanced Management.

Pooya Tabesh, Ph.D.

Associate Researcher

Pooya collaborates with MLARI as a researcher. He is an assistant professor of management at Cal State LA where his teaching and research focuses on strategic and behavioral aspects of decision-making processes. Early in his career, Pooya worked as a quality control engineer for a manufacturing firm and as a project controller for a business consulting office.

Carol Mendenall, Ph.D.

Associate Researcher

Carol Mendenall has been teaching since January 1997, and 2019 as a professor for CIAM.  Her early studies include a bachelor's, a Credential, and a CASET Certification.  Dr. Mendenall later completed her master's in Education, and a PhD in Cognitive Psychology.  Previous education and work experience have aided Dr. Mendenall in her understanding and use of critical milestones as defined by research in education and psychology focused on learning.  Key concepts that Carol utilizes include emotional and social intelligence, intrinsic motivation, and the need for self-management.   Dr. Mendenall has shared her experience by serving as a trainer for Induction, a Master Teacher, coaching and consulting, providing seminars, and working for WASC. 

Bo Yang, Ph.D.

Specialty Researcher

Bo Yang is a historian.  He obtained a doctoral degree in China.  His academic interests involve Chinese political philosophy and European political philosophy.  He believes that the legitimacy of power is an important theme in political philosophy.  He studied Peter Drucker's works from this theme.   He has published two books about Peter Drucker.  These books discuss the relationship between Drucker's political philosophy and management studies.

Kyungchan Park, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor

Kyungchan's research specialization includes algorithm design, decision science and quantitative research.  His notable governmental project experience includes consulting on initiatives to foster startup professionals, focusing on creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.  Additionally, Dr. Park has worked on developing multi-agent systems for grid-connected renewable energy systems, demonstrating his commitment  to applying advanced analytical techniques to enhance sustainability and efficiency.