Nancy Drozdow, founder and principal of the Center for Applied Research Inc. (CFAR), continues to lead family business consulting with her extensive expertise and passion. Honored for her groundbreaking work, Ms. Drozdow’s commitment to excellence has earned her recognition in Marquis Who’s Who.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Ms. Drozdow’s career journey is a testament to her dedication and innovative approach. A proud alumna of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, she holds an MBA in strategy. She began her career at the Wharton Applied Research Center, which later transitioned to a private firm, CFAR, the Center for Applied Research, in 1987. CFAR specializes in strategy and organizational development across large private and family-controlled firms and their philanthropies, as well as health care and higher education organizations.
In the domain of the family enterprise, Ms. Drozdow shares, “One thing that has evolved is the sophistication of governance in family organizations. Over time, boards have become more savvy about governance issues, and operating firm leaders have as well, both in terms of critical business skill and decision processes, along with attention to sufficiently sustained family relationships. Now, in addition to the running and oversight of an operating company, increasing attention to the important shareholder and leader relationships that influence succession and continuity is where boards can play an important role in enabling skill and engagement across generations.”
Under Ms. Drozdow’s guidance and now with a talented team, CFAR has become an invaluable resource for family businesses seeking to better grasp the complexities of combining deep familial relationships with economic success. Her work emphasizes succession planning, strategic development and addressing family dynamics to ensure the prosperity and continuity of these enterprises.
“Our real intention is to give our clients the tools to develop into what they aspire to become, through applying ideas to solve their dilemmas and then synthesizing their learning for a next time in a “virtuous circle.””
Recognized Voice in the Industry
In addition to her role at CFAR, Ms. Drozdow co-founded the Family Firm Institute (FFI), serving on its board, mentoring others and guiding a learning agenda for education and practice globally. She is a respected voice in the industry, frequently speaking on topics such as governance, competition, growth and leadership. Her insights have been featured in prominent publications like CEO Magazine, Business Week and The New York Times.
Ms. Drozdow’s commitment to her community is evident through CFAR’s sponsorship of local organizations and their annual day of service in Philadelphia and Boston.
Ms. Drozdow’s work at CFAR and her contributions to the field of family business consulting have become quite iconic. Her passion for her work and expertise, as well as her personalized approach to helping clients, ensure that she will continue to be a leading figure in her industry, making her a highly respected individual worthy of Marquis Who’s Who and other renowned industry awards.
About CFAR
The Center for Applied Research Inc. (CFAR) is a management consulting firm serving clients everywhere, with offices in Philadelphia and Boston and consultants across the U.S. CFAR specializes in strategy and organizational development, integrating comprehensive business analytics with team and interpersonal consultation aiming to align purpose, people and practice so that organizations are better able to reach their potential.
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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