PLU School of Business Executive Leadership Series

We are pleased to announce the return of the Executive Leadership Lecture Series.  This series supports our students and programs at PLU by bringing executives to campus to share their expertise and insight.

We are excited to bring preeminent industry and organizational leaders, students and selected guests together on the PLU campus for these evenings.  The one hour sessions offer insight into current issues facing decision-makers.  These leaders will also share aspects of their own professional experiences and career development.  We are pleased to invite you to attend these evenings to engage in discussions of issues pertinent to our dynamic global business environment.

Tom Falskow, CGMA, CPA

Tom FlaskowOctober 7, 2025 │ 6:00 – 7:00pm │ Rieke Science Center room 103A (reception to follow)

Topic:  “Does Accounting really matter?” – perspectives from a fulfilled lifetime accountant

Tom Falskow brings over 30 years of finance and accounting experience to the PLU School of Business.  Having started his career in public accounting, he audited clients across the world, first in Seattle, then traveling to Zurich, Switzerland, Oslo, Norway and finally to Anchorage, Alaska.  He served clients in a variety of industries, with a major focus on manufacturing and energy. He is experienced with International Financial Reporting Standards and SEC reporting requirements.

While in Alaska, he moved into the energy sector as a controller and finance manager for BP, one of the largest energy companies in the world. He enjoyed the detailed work of running a day-to-day business along with the macro-economic view that the energy sector provides. He had opportunities to widen his view of finance through roles in strategy, planning, supply chain contracting and systems integration work that helped him realize the importance of the integration of all disciplines to make a successful business.

More recently he had the opportunity to serve as the CFO of a public company in the construction industry in Washington state ,where he was responsible for a team of 40+ individuals that delivered all aspects of finance and accounting along with the IT department. He was also the key integrator working alongside the business development, supply chain, and HR teams in supporting their roles in the business.  Since retiring from full-time work, he has been working as a CFO Consultant through CFO Selections, providing services to businesses in the Pacific Northwest region.

Mr. Falskow has also served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations, including as treasurer where he was responsible for day-to-day accounting and annual reporting requirements. One of these roles involved fiduciary oversight of an investment portfolio in excess of $50m. He currently serves on the board of the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Mr. Falskow has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Washington Foster School of Business. He is a Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a member of the AICPA with a CPA certificate (inactive). He enjoys teaching financial topics to a variety of audiences. He lives in his hometown of Tacoma and enjoys travel, cooking and exploring the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Kurt Meyer, Retired Chief Sales Officer, Medical Group Services

November 5, 2025 │ 6:00 – 7:00pm │ Rieke Science Center room 103A  

Topic: From Accidental Insurance Sales Interview to Industry Leadership: A Career Built on Mentorship and Results