Donald B. Burnell

Donald is an accomplished human resources executive with 35 years in a leadership capacity for Anheuser-Busch, Inc., the “King of Beers,” helping it to: a)expand market share from 18% to 50%, b) widen the gap between its major challenger by 18% thus maintaining its position as Number 1 in a fiercely competitive industry, c) adding four (4) new plants and expanding nine (9) existing facilities, and d) increasing production capacity 900% . He has proven effectiveness in providing strategic vision and employee relations counsel through periods of accelerated growth and economic downturn.

His diverse background includes building several cultures of competence while spearheading the hiring, developing, promoting and retention of world class employees. In 1993, he received the prestigious EVE (Exemplary Voluntary Efforts) AWARD from then U. S. Secretary of Labor, Ms. Lynn Martin, for having achieved workforce diversity initiatives for the company.

Donald holds a Ph.D. in Business Management from California Coast University, M. A. in Human Resource Management from Webster University and a B. A. in History/Political Science from California State University, Northridge in addition to Certificates in executive education programs from UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management and Harvard Law School.  He continues to be a specially-invited speaker at various colleges and universities across the country on topics such as Effective Leadership, Talent Acquisition and Management, and Proper Business Ethics.

He previously held adjunct faculty positions in the evening and alternate weekend programs at both Saint Louis and Maryville Universities. Courses taught were: Personnel Administration, Human Resources Management, and Management Theory and Practice in the graduate and under-graduate levels.

Donald serves as a teaching instructor for UCLA Extension. Courses he teaches are: Talent Acquisition; Compensation Programs: Administration & Design; Benefits Programs: Administration and Design; Human Resources Development; and Advanced Human Resources Management. In 2022 he was presented with the DISTINGUISHED INSTRUCTOR AWARD.

He has taken several online courses in The Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension and is a published author of several books. Donald also is a supporter of The Wooden Athletic Fund and The UCLA Extension Scholarship Fund programs.

He is a member of the International Honor Society, DELTA EPSILON TAU, which recognizes him for his extraordinary high academic achievements, leadership in his profession, and his significant value for lifelong learning.