GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College will host Bruce Hartman, D.Min., a former Fortune 500 chief financial officer, author and member of the Thiel College Board of Trustees, for a lecture on ethical and Christian leadership at 11:30 a.m. March 5 in Stamm Hall of the James Pedas Communication Center.
Hartman’s presentation will focus on ethical decision-making in corporate leadership and the integration of Christian values in the business world. Drawing from more than 30 years of executive experience, he will explore how faith-based principles can guide leaders through complex challenges while maintaining integrity, accountability and purpose.
Hartman serves as the founder of Gideon Advisors, a Christian advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life and career transitions while advancing Christian values in the marketplace. He previously held executive vice president and chief financial officer roles at Yankee Candle Co., Cushman & Wakefield and Foot Locker Inc. During his tenure at Foot Locker, the company rebounded from near bankruptcy to sustained profitability, with its stock price increasing by 900 percent.
In addition to his corporate career, Hartman completed seven years of theological education, earning a master’s degree in 2013 and a doctorate in 2018 from Drew University. His scholarship and professional experience inform his writing, which seeks to bridge the perceived divide between business and religion by demonstrating how ethical leadership can foster both personal faith and organizational success.
Hartman is the author of “Jesus & Co.,” “Your Faith Has Made You Well,” “Jesus Is Everything,” and his most recent book, “Jesus and the Dawn of Hope.” His work combines storytelling and practical application, offering lessons from the Gospels to help professionals “not only survive, but thrive” in the workplace.
Hartman previously visited the campus in 2019, when he spoke to students about faith and leadership. He has also served as a mentor to Thiel College graduate and fellow trustee Mike Zawoysky ’79, retired chief executive officer of Shoe Sensation Inc. Zawoysky has credited Hartman’s guidance as instrumental throughout his career.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.