NEW BRAUNFELS, TX, September 30, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Stephen Philip Sunstrom, MBA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Sunstrom is a distinguished professional in the field of human resources and leadership, currently serving as the chief executive officer at the Institute for Leadership and Strategic Foresight. He has held this position since 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Concurrently, he has also served as the president, executive coach, curriculum developer, talent development specialist, human resources expert and project manager at Sunstrom Enterprises LLC since 2020 and as a master instructor in Ketsugo Ryu Jujitsu at Patriot Martial Arts since 2018.
Prior to being promoted to his current role, Mr. Sunstrom was a human capital strategist, curriculum developer and organizational consultant at the Institute for Leadership and Strategic Foresight from 2021 to 2024. His career also includes significant experience as a field organization and talent development manager at Whataburger in San Antonio, Texas from 2016 to 2020.
Mr. Sunstrom’s professional journey began with an extensive military career in the U.S. Air Force from 1996 to 2016. He served as a human resource manager, training and development specialist and as the manager for executive IT support. While in the Air Force, he also filled several positions for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, including training and development manager, training and development specialist, military training leader and ceremonial guardsman. He participated in President Ronald Reagan’s State Funeral and President Bush’s second Presidential Inauguration in 2005.
Mr. Sunstrom’s educational background is extensive and diverse. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in human resources management, an Associate of Applied Science in instructor of technology and military science, and an Associate of Applied Science in computer science, all from the Community College of the Air Force. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in management from National Louis University and a Master of Business Administration in industrial and organizational psychology from American InterContinental University.
In addition to his academic achievements, Mr. Sunstrom has obtained numerous certifications that have bolstered his expertise in talent development, training, and coaching. These qualifications include a talent optimization certificate from The Predictive Index, a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from HRCI, a SHRM-CP from the Society of Human Resources Management, instructor certification levels I, II and III from Community College of the Air Force, and a Professional Manager Certification. He is also scheduled to complete his Certified Six Sigma Green Belt course in September 2024. Finally, he is a certified leadership and resiliency coach from Tulane University Leadership Institute, and a certified executive coach, becoming the first graduate of the ICF-Approved, Dickens Executive Coaching Academy-Level 2 Program (PCC Level) and is projected to take his PCC exam in the Fall of 2024.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sunstrom has been recognized for his contributions to education and leadership. He was named Educator of the Year by the Robert D. Gaylor NCO Academy in 2010 and won the Educator of the Quarter twice by the same institution in 2009. He recently published a book titled “Leadership in Two Steps: Creating Success Through Impactful Relationships” in 2024. While putting together a course based on his book, he developed a new conflict model (SEATED Model) and published an in-depth article regarding the new model. He had several other articles published by Duggan Diving regarding scuba diving training and safety.
Mr. Sunstrom is actively involved in several industry-related organizations, such as the International Coaching Federation, the Association of Talent Development, the Society of Human Resources Management, Scuba Schools International, and the National Association of Underwater Instructors. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has contributed civically as an elder at Refuge Church of San Antonio since 2024 and a director of male support groups at Refuge Church of San Antonio since 2020. He is also actively involved as a guide with True Mark Adventures, a hunting ministry focused on connecting veterans and kids with the outdoors.
Outside of his career, Mr. Sunstrom enjoys scuba diving and values time spent with his family. He attributes his success to God, who placed supportive leaders and friends in his life who recognized his potential, provided developmental opportunities, and encouraged him to excel. His exceptional wife also has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his journey for over 20 years. His children, Nicholas, Madison, and Tatiana are the driving force for his motivation to encourage and develop future leaders. Looking toward the future, he aims to lead the Institute for Leadership and Strategic Foresight toward greater impact and success and to develop a certification program based on his book.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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