Alan E. Waite is a seasoned executive, consultant, and leadership strategist with over forty years of experience spanning government, education, entrepreneurship, and large-scale organizational transformation. As the CEO of Praxis Consulting, Inc., Alan has dedicated his career to pioneering innovative approaches in executive coaching, strategic planning, and leadership innovation. His expertise in government operations, corporate strategy, new business start-ups and project management has positioned him as a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating complex challenges in an increasingly digital and globalized landscape.
As co-founder of Praxis Consulting, Alan has brought new approaches to leadership training through his Transformational Project Leadership (TPL) methodology. This cutting-edge framework integrates 21st-century leadership principles, soft skills application, and integrity-based decision-making to enhance project strategy, execution, and change implementation. His development of the Integrity-Centered Decision-Making (ICDM) model underscores his commitment to ethical leadership as the foundation for sustainable business. Under his leadership, some of the high-profile clients with whom Praxis has worked include Disney, Panasonic, Varian Medical Systems, Blue Shield, Owens & Minor, the State of Connecticut and Bank of America.
Beyond his work in corporate strategy and consulting, Alan has been a dedicated educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee since 2011. In this role, he has instructed and mentored hundreds of professionals in project leadership, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage complex projects and high-performing teams. His passion for education and leadership development is also evident in his work with Phoenix Rising Foundation, a nonprofit organization he created and led as Executive Director and Board Chairman. Through this initiative, Alan designed and implemented a digital model aimed at reducing recidivism among individuals recovering from addiction, equipping them with the tools needed to sustain long-term sobriety and personal growth.
Alan’s career trajectory is defined by his ability to seamlessly navigate the intersections of government, business, and education. During his tenure with the Office of the State Controller of California, he played a pivotal role in modernizing financial systems and leading the statewide design and implementation of California’s Direct Deposit system. His work in legislative affairs, collective bargaining, and new technology applications provided him with a comprehensive understanding of government operations, making him a valuable consultant for policymakers and executives alike. His impact extended beyond public administration, as he later co-founded and led NVS Technologies, Inc., a company dedicated to environmental sustainability through waste-to-energy innovations and bio-remediation technologies.
In addition to his executive and consulting roles, Alan has made significant contributions to public discourse through his work as an editor, publisher, and author. His writings extend into historical research, with publications covering topics ranging from the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials to the American West. His books, Hats: How Felt Can Save America and Dance of the Project Leader, have been well-received, reflecting his ability to distill complex subjects into engaging narratives. Currently, Alan is completing To a Moral Certainty, an in-depth analysis of the JFK assassination based on his 34 years of research, set for release in Fall 2025.
Alan’s international exposure has further shaped his perspective as a global leader. He has worked across Western Europe, including England, France, Germany, Austria, Dubai, and Turkey. His ability to communicate in Spanish fluently and proficient German has enabled him to connect with diverse audiences, strengthening his ability to provide cross-cultural insights in leadership, project management, and governance. His public speaking experience is extensive, having taught public speaking and debate courses, conducted government and political education sessions, and led executive coaching workshops.
With an academic background that includes a Master’s Degree in political science and modern European history from California State University-Sacramento and a Bachelor’s in history and political science from California Lutheran University, Alan has continuously sought to integrate historical knowledge with contemporary leadership challenges. He is also a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) through the International Coaching Federation, reinforcing his ability to guide leaders through transformational growth.
Alan’s commitment to integrity, strategic thinking, and mentorship has been the driving force behind his career. His personal mission statement, “Integrity Makes Excellence Happen,” reflects his dedication to ethical leadership, personal excellence, and empowering others. As he explores opportunities for board service, Alan seeks to leverage his vast experience to help organizations innovate, grow, and navigate change with purpose and integrity. His ability to align business objectives with ethical decision-making, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership makes him an invaluable asset to any board or advisory role.
Character: Alan Waite is a principled and integrity-driven leader who prioritizes ethical decision-making and transformational leadership in all aspects of his career.
Knowledge: With over 40 years of experience across business, government, education, and non-profit organizations, Alan possesses deep expertise in leadership strategy, project management, entrepreneurship and executive coaching.
Strategic: Alan has extensive boardroom experience (five companies and three non-profits as member and chairman) driving sustainable business growth and change.
Communication: As an accomplished speaker, executive coach, trainer, educator, and author, Alan effectively conveys complex ideas through public speaking, teaching, publishing, and cross-cultural engagements in multiple industries worldwide.
