As founder and president, Victor is a seasoned strategist and management consultant with extensive experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. His analytical, strategic planning, coaching, project management, and communications skills are proven and outstanding. He is a sought out coach, trainer, mentor, consultant, confidant, and advisor to the leaders of complex organizations.
Since starting Chears & Associates, Victor has consulted with a wide-range of organizations focusing on leadership; capacity-building and vision; organizational analysis and development; program analysis; strategic planning; team building; executive transition management, succession and search; and human capital development.
Prior to starting the firm, his career includes working in corporate manufacturing and serving as the first Director of Planning & Development for the New Haven (CT) Housing Authority. At the Housing Authority he was responsible for functions related to architecture, engineering, planning, new construction, rehab, energy conservation, federal programs, and resident/community/governmental relations.
Victor has developed and conducted various seminars, as well as taught at the University level. As an active volunteer and strong believer in being involved in one’s communities, he participates in a variety of boards, committees, and initiatives. In 2007 he was a recipient of the Yale Medal which is the highest award conferred by the Association of Yale Alumni, and one of less than 270 awardees since 1952.
He received his BA from Yale University, and has a doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Fielding Graduate University. At Fielding he focused on Grounded Theory, Communications and Capacity Building theories. His dissertation, Taking A Stand For Others: A Grounded Theory, focused on strategies related to investing in and empowering others.
Several years ago Victor was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare vocal cord disorder that sometimes makes it difficult to be heard and/or understood when he speaks. It has caused him to be more introspective about communication styles and, as a result, allowed him to develop the appreciation that everyone has a voice – no matter how low, how high, how full or how strained. It is within this context that he approaches his work.
Read About Leslie Nair
