Dr. Lester A. Wanninger
Information & Decision Sciences
Carlson School of Management
University of Minnesota
321 19th Ave. S., CSOM 4-327
Minneapolis, MN 55455
http://ids.csom.umn.edu/faculty/wanninger (Web)
lwanning@umn.edu (Email)
612-624-1874 (Phone)
612-626-1316 (Fax)

Les Wanninger is a faculty member in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, instructing undergraduate and MBA students in Information & Decision Sciences. His current research focuses on wireless and mobile, and electronic commerce. His research perspective is that of consumer behavior driving the requirements for e-business processes and information systems as communication channels to develop customer relationships. He is Principal Investigator of a National Science Foundation research program on "The Role of Customer Relationships in Electronic Commerce".

He is the leader of the Information Industry Initiative (III) - a collaborative industry-academic program of education, research, and outreach about and for the emerging information industry. The III sponsors the University of Minnesota Electronic Commerce Conference series. He is also Associate Director of the MIS Research Center.

Dr. Wanninger has an extensive industry background in management information systems, business management, marketing of new products, strategic planning, and research and product development. He frequently provides educational seminars focusing on the application of computing and communications technologies. He has particular expertise applying information technologies to business and R&D information systems, marketing, customer satisfaction, market research, and consumer and information technology product development.

Previously, Dr. Wanninger was Director of Technology Marketing at National Computer Systems. Prior to that he was with The Pillsbury Company for six years in a variety of positions, including Information Systems Director for Consumer Foods and Associate Director for Grocery Product Development. He was at General Mills for thirteen years, most recently as Manager of Mathematics and Operations Analysis. He was also at Chevron Oil for four years as a member of the team that developed the first computerized math model of the petroleum refinery.

Dr. Wanninger received his MS and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. His thesis research was on the application of computing technology and management science methods to solve chemical engineering problems. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering "with distinction" from the University of Minnesota. He attended the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School.

Dr. Wanninger's professional activities include service as Director of one public and four private corporations. He is an Honorary Member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Sigma Xi scientific fraternity and is listed in American Men & Women of Science. He has been a member of the Minnesota Governor's Software Commission, the Executive Committee of the Grocery Manufacturers of America Information Systems Group, President of the Twin Cities Chapter and member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Manager of the SHARE Executive Program (IBM User Executives), a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, a member of the Harvard Business School Club of Minneapolis, a member of the Direct Marketing Association, and a member of the American Marketing Association.

His civic activities include Elected Member and Treasurer of the Edina School Board for 3 terms, Edina Rotary President and Board Member, Edina Park Board Member, Metropolitan Council Cable TV Citizens Commission, Edina Hockey Association Coach, Braemar Figure Skating Club, Edina High School PTSO President, Drake University National Parents Board of Directors President, and Edina Jaycees member.

Honors include a Bush Foundation Fellowship to attend the Harvard University Program for Management Development, 1976 Edina Mayor's Award, 1980 Pillsbury R&D Community Service Award, 1973 AIChE Minnesota Young Engineer of the Year, 1973 Edina Historical Society Distinguished Service Award, 1973 Edina Jaycees Key Man.