Christine E. Cruver

Christine has over twelve years experience as a HR professional in the sports, telecommunication, grain export, and utility equipment industries. She has significant experience in management development, training, coaching, employee relations, program management, and project management. She has worked for two Fortune 500 companies as a HR professional. As an HR Business Partner for Qwest Communications, Christine provided HR leadership for managers and employees across multiple states. As HR Program Manager for Nike U.S. Retail, at the World Headquarters in Beaverton, OR, Christine managed the division’s most high profile HR programs for an employee base of 4,000. Prior to Nike Christine worked in the utility equipment and grain export industries as an HR Generalist. Christine is currently serving as a member of the Marylhurst University Vision Planning Team along with the university president, administrative cabinet, and select trustees, faculty, staff, and community leaders in developing a thirty year vision and mission for the university.

Christine is Owner and President of Simetra Strategies, a consulting business that provides management development training and an innovative approach to strategic planning that emphasizes stakeholder input, ongoing communication, and innovative thinking.

Ken Sakai is the co-founder and President of Pacific Dreams, Inc. Ken came to Oregon in 1987 with Mitsubishi Silicon. In addition to cross-cultural business training, Ken also provides American HR practices training for Japanese companies both in the US and Japan. With his extensive business experience on both sides of the Pacific, Ken provides insightful perspectives to both Japanese and non-Japanese clients alike. His areas of expertise also include strategic planning and partnership development.