Testimonials From Ann's Presentations

Ann possesses the ability and talent to engage an audience, relate to their interests and move the participants to question, think and begin to plan for real leaps in improvement through an approach that is confirming and challenging for participants.

Dr. Louis Goolsby
Chief Medical Officer
Macon Medical School
goolsby.louis@mccg.org

Simply the best I have seen………anywhere!!

Doug Turnbull
Sr. Executive VP (retired)
Equitable Real Estate Investments

Ann arrived with a good sense of the challenges because she did a great deal of up-front research, and she was extremely prepared. One thing Ann told me was that she would not let our plan fail, and it is true: her follow-up service has been terrific.

Shaw Rosen
Executive Director
Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board
Massachusetts
srosen@detma.org

In 2002, after a primary speaker had cancelled, Dr. Atkinson filled in on extremely short notice for an extensive physician leadership education program hosted by VHA Georgia. With heroic preparation but little sleep, she delivered a seminar which both challenged and delighted her audience, most of which consisted of highly skeptical front-line physician managers. She overcame the "only-a-physician-knows-my-pain" syndrome, urging the group to look for solutions outside their usual mindsets.
We will surely utilize Ann's unique approach and talent in future offerings.

Bill De’ak
Medical Director
VHA Georgia
bdeak@vhageorgia.com

I have both participated and observed Ms. Atkinson on assignment and know the depth and power of her abilities to gather information, analyze, and provide solutions. She is clearly the consummate professional consultant and educator.

Jerry Grad, President
Allied Mortgage Inc.
Atlanta
jgrad@alliedhomenet.com

We had Dr. Atkinson speak at our conference looking at Global aspects in the Corrugated industry for the Technical Paper and Pulp Industry (TAPPI). Her knowledge and insight regarding what employers have to do to attract and keep the upcoming generation of workers was amazing. Attendees were talking in the halls and on the show floor after her presentation how good and "outside the box" her information was to help them in their jobs when they return their plants. Surprising to me was that attendees from outside the USA felt her presentation impacted them the same way.

Dick Klick
Programming Chair
Tappi Corrugated Packaging Division
dick.klick@containergraphics.com

Ann Atkinson is one of the most fascinating speakers I have ever heard. Ann spoke to our Chamber members on "Future Trends." The response from our members was extremely positive. As one person put it, "we need more of this kind of high quality, thoughtful, and provocative presenters."

Ann's style grabs the listener from the outset and does not let go until the conclusion of her remarks. In between, one is challenged to re-think what they thought they knew, reflect on how they approach their work and life, and refresh themselves with a whole new approach to their daily opportunities.

I can't wait to have Ann back for another round.

Bob Justis
President/CEO
Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce
Cedar Falls, Iowa
bjustis@cfu.net

I had the honor and privilege of working with Ann Atkinson at the  University of Georgia. Ann and I worked well as an administrative team in  bringing about change and building new educational programs. Her  creativity, knowledge and energy are infectious and a refreshing change from  other bureaucratic administrators. Nothing is impossible or unattainable in  Ann's mind - thinking outside the box comes naturally to her. She is caring, generous and direct in her management style, evoking others to  always stretch and achieve their fullest potential. I learned a tremendous amount about myself and working with others because of Ann. She is the 'key  ingredient' for a successful, balanced, innovative, administrative team."

Thom Thies, PhD, CPA
Director of Business and Planning Services
University of Georgia

I have attended several presentations delivered by Ann Atkinson. I always leave her programs with a better understanding of complex issues such as the generational divide; the role of technology or developing stronger relationships. She defines the issues and offers valuable solutions. Her presentations are always stimulating, thought provoking and entertaining. I believe that Ann will enhance any meeting or event!

Wayne Mitchell, President
Prod Comm, Inc
Maine
cwm@prodcomm.org

It is rare to find in one person all the combined attributes Dr. Ann Atkinson brings. She is an honest, insightful facilitator and teacher; a speaker from the heart; and a pragmatic business realist that can gain the respect of the most skeptical executive. Ann adapts appropriately to every situation; provides current and solid advice; and at the least, makes a clear difference in the lives of those who attend.

Sandra E Allen PHR
Executive Search Consultant
Alaska Executive Search Inc.
sandya@gci.net

Thank you for facilitating our strategic planning session this fall. Although we have had several consecutive successful years, our executive leadership team felt we could take the Chamber to a new level. You not only helped us identify objectives but helped conceive a game plan to make our vision a reality. The board and staff are excited about the next few years. Thank you for your help and your ongoing support.

0.Patrick Coughlin, CCE
President, Winchester-Frederick County County of Commerce
pcoughlin@winchesterva.org

Dr. Ann Atkinson is a master at herding cats. During our recent 20-year community visioning planning meetings that Ann facilitated, she was extremely adept at keeping the group focused on the combined vision of the citizens, completely defusing any possibility of personal agendas driving the process. As one can imagine, that can be quite a feat when the participants include high ranking elected officials, business leaders and citizens' interest groups.

Pam Tedesco, CEO
Walton County Chamber of Commerce
Florida
pam@waltoncountychamber.com

The Greater Haverhill Foundation hosted Dr. Ann Atkinson for a strategic planning session and the results more than anyone could have envisioned. I highly recommend Dr. Ann Atkinson for anyone who is looking to succeed beyond one's expectations.

Sally Cerasuolo, President
Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
Massachusetts
sally@haverhillchamber.com

If you’re looking for futurist, out of the box visioning, hire Ann Atkinson. My Board of Directors were very complimentary of her skills and all-business work ethic.

Mike Meek, CEO
New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
Texas

"Ann Atkinson not only taught me leadership lessons but also touched my heart."
"Ann's vision of leadership is courageous and inspiring"
"Ann is a brilliant bank of useful information"
Ann is the most exciting, stimulating presenter I have had"
"She makes people think"

Allie Williams
Federation, US Chamber of Commerce
awilliam@uschamber.com

Restaurant association chief executive officers from all across the country thoroughly enjoyed Ann’s informative, humorous presentation blending cultural diversity and the generation gap with strong business messages for the future of our industry. I have received rave reviews on her presentations. She has the ability to read the audience intuitively and tailor her style and presentation to their needs which is extraordinary.

Richard Grotton
CEO
Maine Restaurant Association
dick@mainerestaurant.com

Comments from Attendees-
"Ann should have been our headliner."
"Please have Ann Atkinson back over and over again."

"Her comment” People do not know what they do not know" is so very true and is the unfortunate basis for so many people to depart from on a course of action to - nowhere!"

Mike McGovern, CAE, Executive Director, ISRAE
MMcGovern@touchstonepartners.com

"Dr. Atkinson's truest talents lie in her ability to fully engage her clients' minds and emotions in developing and embracing strategic organizational change, be it tactical or cultural. She is a strategic leader who nurtures the development of organizational vision while coaching client's through the very critical process of developing the concrete action plans needed to propel them towards the vision. Ann becomes an invaluable resource to her client organizations and does so with a level of concern and integrity rarely seen in our busy professional lives."

Patty Rossman Chandler, Editor
USA Today

Wow! Thanks for a mind-expanding and paradigm-shifting conference. I certainly left this morning’s sessions with plans to apply to my own group practice as well as my life.

Chris L. Vickery, M.D.
Ear, Nose, Throat
ChrisLVickery@aol.com

In my opinion, both sessions (Friday and Saturday) were highly successful. There has been follow-up discussion on what steps we need to take to create a more compelling environment for moving ahead together here. Your ideas will help to get us started on clearer definition of common purpose and alignment.

William Farr, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
University Hospital, Augusta
wfarr@uh.org