Building on the lessons he learned as a psychology major and a graduate of the Park School’s master’s degree program in organizational communication, learning, and design, Dominic Cottone began his educational and consulting career with Arthur Andersen LLP in the Chicago area. An instructional design consultant, he worked on projects that included Andersen’s global risk solutions methodology and developed a template that has been used widely in the learning and personal growth practice.

Dominic then became director of leadership programs at Columbia College Chicago. With more than 120 academic programs and nearly 12,500 students, Columbia is one of the largest private arts and media colleges in the nation. While at Columbia College, Dominic developed and delivered programming to students, staff and faculty that dramatically increased engagement on campus, and fostered an environment of leadership, community, and innovation. His efforts won him the Columbia College Chicago Advisor of the Year Award and the Illinois Board of Higher Education Administrator of the Year Award for 2004–5.

Dominic then cofounded the Leadership Conservatory, an educational consultancy that specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, inclusion and diversity, ethical leadership, vision and mission development, and presentation and persuasion for executive leadership. Clients include McDonalds, Moroch Partners, The Kades Corporation, Keyser-Group, Webb Enterprises, Sullins and Associates, Dr. Pepper, Sweet Life, and Radio Shack.

Dominic has worked as a consultant with numerous start-up businesses, including an Internet deposition provider for law firms and court reporting agencies. He also designed a leadership training course for one of the largest court reporting firms in Washington, D.C.

Dominic currently works for Razorfish, one of the world’s largest digital advertising agencies. He is responsible for all human resources training and employee communications for the firm’s central region.

Remaining connected to his alma mater, Dominic is a member of the Chicago Ithaca Regional Committee, and he is committed to his local community. In addition to his work on the exhibition planning committee for the Loyola University Museum of Art, he is a member of the International Leadership Association and planned that organization’s 2006 global conference in Chicago.

A volunteer at homeless shelters, Dominic also devotes his time and talent to the Chicago Food Depository, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Chicago AIDS Foundation. In support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, he has led multiple groups of student volunteers to Waveland, Mississippi, and New Orleans. He also coordinated the rebuilding of schools and playgrounds in the Dominican Republic.

Dominic lives in Chicago and is at work on his first novel.