Darrell Landrum of Oregon is an alumnus of The Luke Center for Catalytic Leadership. An information technology professional, Darrell Landrum of Oregon graduated from the Pacific Program at the Luke Center eight years ago in 2005. The Luke Center is an organization dedicated to leadership development. Of his time in the program, Darrell Landrum of Oregon stated, “The Pacific Program and The Luke Center really trained me as a leader and enabled me to excel in the leadership positions in information technology management that I have held since.” Darrell Landrum of Oregon values his time in the Pacific Program because it fostered his leadership skills and provided an innovative approach to learning.

The Luke Center for Catalytic Leadership is based on the ideas of Dr. Jeff Luke, a professor at the University of Oregon who proposed a research project in the 1980s to find out why some communities were more successful than others in solving difficult issues and problems. He was especially interested in the dynamics of problem solving when more than one group was involved and the solution and level of stakes were unclear. Dr. Luke determined that success hinged on a specific leadership style that he termed “catalytic leadership.” To be a catalytic leader, one must engage and motivate others to also take on leadership roles, which encourages everyone in the group to work toward a common vision and achieve that goal. In 1989, Dr. Luke began teaching catalytic leadership. He brought faculty from around the country that could both learn and teach these skills, and he recruited a group of leaders from Oregon to be the first group to study catalytic leadership.

The Pacific Program, which Darrell Landrum of Oregon participated in the program developed to teach catalytic leadership. It is a six-day intensive program held in Oregon. The Pacific Program is designed to develop the leadership capabilities of sectors-state and local officials as well as non-profit and private sector leaders. Darrell Landrum of Oregon praises their three basic tenets: leading from personal passion and strength of character, thinking and acting strategically, and facilitating productive work groups. For more information, visit thelukecenter.org.