Columbus, Ohio - Franklin University's Leadership Center has tapped its second Leader-In-Residence to help expand its programs offered to businesses, government, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Robert J. Weiler, Sr. has joined the Center to develop and present leadership development courses that can contribute to raising the level of leadership in central Ohio.

"Robert Weiler is one of the most respected leaders and businessmen in central Ohio. The organizations that come to us for leadership development programs will benefit greatly from his experience and insight," said Paul Otte, Executive Director of the Leadership Center and President Emeritus of Franklin University "Weiler will make an invaluable contribution because so many people are interested in what he has to say."  Weiler's role will focus on developing and conducting leadership programs for senior management teams and company owners, especially those in the real estate industry and community organizations.

"To be a great leader, you must be proactive in developing your talents and finding the areas where you can make a difference," Weiler said. "There is no shortage of leadership if people have access to the right programs for honing their skills." As past president/chairman of the Columbus Board of Education, the Columbus Board of Realtors, the Ohio Chapter of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, the Capital University Board of Trustees, the Metropolitan YMCA, and others, Weiler well understands the importance of community and professional involvement.

Weiler earned a master's degree in real estate and a doctorate in finance, as well as a juris doctorate. Today he is chairman of The Robert Weiler Company - a full-service real estate brokerage firm. With his partners, he has developed more than 25 communities in Central Ohio, including Scarborough, Americana and Port Columbus Executive Parks, Polaris Centers of Commerce, and NorthStar Golf Resort.
With this announcement, Weiler joins the Franklin University Leadership Center's first Leader-in-Residence, Lt. Gen. Dennis McCarthy, USMC (Retired) - Executive Director of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States. Founded in 2003, the Franklin University Leadership Center serves organizations, teams, and individuals who want to take their leadership to a higher level.  Its online resources -  blogs, recommended reading lists, and a collection of presentations and articles from past speakers - are available to anyone interested in leadership development at  leadership.franklin.edu.

The Franklin University Leadership Center serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to identify and develop leadership talent throughout central Ohio in the four sectors of business, community, government, and education.  Hall Leadership Lessons present leadership development and networking opportunities for anyone interested in leadership. The forums are conducted the second Thursday morning of each month in Ross Auditorium. A continental breakfast is provided.  

About Franklin University

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is central Ohio's leading and most experienced educator of adult students. Annually, more than 10,000 students attend Franklin, both on campus and online. Franklin offers 19 undergraduate majors and three graduate programs, and graduates more than 1,500 students annually. Further information regarding Franklin University can be found at www.franklin.edu.