Professional Background: Education
Professor Al Osborne, now retired, was Senior Associate Dean for External Affairs at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. He was Professor of Global Economics, Management, and Entrepreneurship and the Founder and Faculty Director of the Price Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He served as Dean of the school on an interim basis. He has served on several boards, starting with the Time Mirror Company in 1980, and later Nordstrom, US Filter Corporation, Greyhound Lines, First Interstate Bank of California, Equity Marketing, K2 Inc, Nuverra Environmental Solutions Inc, First Pacific Advisors, Wedbush Securities, Inc, and Kaiser Aluminum among others. He has always been an innovator. Al started the Program in Corporate Governance at UCLA, as well as related programs for Head Start and Community Health Center Executive Directors. His interests include corporate governance, business strategy and social entrepreneurship.
Interview Quotes:
“Academics by their background make for good board candidates.”
“It is important to have a mentor on a board.”
“Understand that a vast number of existing board members will soon be retiring.”
“Cognitive diversity is essential for effective board performance.”