Larry LaDell Robertson is the Center’s Chief People and Culture Officer. He is an experienced human resources executive and organizational leadership expert with over 36 years of progressive experience spanning the insurance, aerospace, nonprofit, and association sectors.

Throughout his career, Robertson has built a reputation for cultivating high-performing, people-centered organizations. After relocating to the Washington, D.C. area in 2015, he served as Vice President of Human Resources and Belonging for the American Institute of Architects through 2022, and most recently as Chief People Officer for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges through 2025. Grounded in his leadership philosophy, “leaders rally people to a better future,” Robertson approaches talent management with clarity and purpose, leveraging every available resource to create exceptional employment experiences. This mindset has shaped signature initiatives such as the REDS Leadership Model, the Dialogue for Success performance management process, comprehensive strategic workforce planning, and recognition programs including the Peer Excellence and Collaborative Impact Awards.

Among his educational and professional achievements, Robertson regards his dissertation in practice, Workplace Ostracism: Perceptions and Practices that Encumber Our Need to Belong, as one of the most significant. This work explores how perceptions and behaviors related to workplace ostracism can hinder individuals’ fundamental need for belonging, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusive environments in organizational settings.

Robertson is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in human resources and management. He is also an author of both fiction and non-fiction works, reflecting his passion for storytelling and thought leadership. He has demonstrated his commitment to the profession through service on the board of the Association Forum of Chicagoland and currently serves on the board of the DadFrat organization.

Roberston earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in public service from Northern Illinois University, followed by a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Development from National Louis University. In 2024, he was awarded a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation by Wilmington University. Robertson also holds the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications, underscoring his commitment to organizational excellence and continuous learning.