Hickory – The final speaker scheduled as part of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s 2018 Alex Lee Leadership Lecture Series is Alan Barnhardt, executive director of the Catawba Science Center. He will share his experience and insight as a successful leader on Wednesday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in the Fintel Room (room 213) of the McCrorie Center.

Since 2009, Alan Barnhardt has served as the executive director of the Catawba Science Center. He is an advocate for environmental education and is an active community volunteer. Barnhardt began his career as the founder of Alanby Outfitting for Outdoors, a specialty retailer located in Charlotte. N.C., and Greenville, S.C. After 24 years in retail, he joined the staff of the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, N.C., where he expanded the programming and doubled visitation over a period of 10 years. Barnhardt earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Clemson University and a master’s degree in organizational development from McColl School of Business.

Barnhardt has served as chair of the Hickory Bond Commission, Riverwalk Committee and secretary for the Lake Hickory Rotary Club, who awarded him the 2015 Rotarian of the Year.

The Alex Lee Leadership Lecture Series, sponsored by the LR Charles M. Snipes School of Business and Economics in partnership with the Alex Lee Foundation, offers a unique opportunity to attend MBA level lectures and to learn from influential professionals both locally and nationally. The series is designed to help participants understand the dynamics of leadership and identify their own administrative traits and capabilities.

All events are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required. For more information, contact Clem Geitner, LR professor of business, at [email protected] or 828.328.7346.