THE MINDS BEHIND THE MISSION
A revolutionary model requires a new caliber of leadership. Our team is not a loose network of consultants; it is a curated group of strategists, engineers, and visionaries united by a single purpose: to build the tools and frameworks that define the future of professional performance. Each member was chosen for their proven ability to look beyond established models and architect new systems of value. The leaders you see here provide the strategic foresight and deep domain expertise that fuel The Performance Lab, ensuring that every instrument in our Performance Toolkit is powerful, relevant, and engineered for impact.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
President and CEO
Dr. Kellner is a pioneer in competency research and the visionary architect of the United States Online University (USOU) ecosystem. Holding degrees in Psychology and Communication from German and American universities, he has served as a professor at Clayton University (founded by Harvard University), New York University, and Pepperdine University.
He is the author of twelve books and numerous articles in the field of Human Resource Development, including the international best-selling and award-winning STAR Competency Assessments, which has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. At USOU, Dr. Kellner leads the strategic AI Initiative, orchestrating an elite global network of professionals to pioneer innovative frameworks that merge digital technologies with Human Intelligence (HI) to optimize enterprise performance and transform the professional development industry.
Vice President, Marketing
Verena is the architect of the USOU brand and the voice of our network. As Chief Marketing Officer, she leads the strategy for all communications, building the global community of professionals who are drawn to our performance-first mission. Her expertise in digital media and content creation is essential in telling the story of our partners and showcasing the power of the “Centaur Professional” model to the world.
Exec. Dir., Product Strategy
Dr. Penn leads the strategic development of the USOU Performance Toolkit. Drawing on her deep background as a clinical psychologist, she ensures that every tool we build is not only technologically innovative but also psychologically sound and powerfully effective in real-world application. Dr. Penn manages the critical pathway from concept to creation, orchestrating the collaboration between our domain experts.
Exec. Dir., Enterprise Strategy
Dr. Schlueter is the strategic link between USOU’s performance engineering ecosystem and the corporate world. His unique background, combining a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics with an M.B.A., gives him an unparalleled ability to deconstruct complex performance systems and translate them into tangible growth strategies for large organizations.
Exec. Dir., Ecosystem Growth
Dr. Walton drives the global expansion of the USOU ecosystem. He forges strategic alliances and identifies high-level opportunities to accelerate the adoption of our performance-first model worldwide. With a key focus on the Asian market, he is instrumental in building the international network of professionals and organizations that form the core of our Human Intelligence Network.
Exec. Dir., Performance Engineering
Professor Hays is the technological heart of USOU. As the head of The Performance Lab, he leads the engineering of our proprietary Performance Toolkit. His deep expertise in AI, software development, and virtual reality is instrumental in translating expert insights into the powerful, tech-driven instruments that give our partners their competitive edge.
Exec. Dir., European Network
With over 30 years of hands-on experience in performance consulting and business psychology, Joachim Studt is the chief architect of our Human Intelligence Network in Europe. As an Associate Professor of Management, he leverages his extensive industry leadership, including his role as President of the German Association for the Promotion of Business Psychology (WiPs), to identify and engage the top-tier professionals who form the core of our European ecosystem. He is an expert in recognizing the practitioners who are not just skilled, but who possess the innovative mindset required to become leaders within the Human Intelligence Network.
Exec. Dir., Impact Communication
Clint is a master of high-stakes communication. As one of the nation’s leading charity auctioneers, he has raised tens of millions of dollars for critical causes, proving that powerful communication is the ultimate tool for inspiring action and creating tangible impact. Within USOU, Clint leads our Impact Initiative, leveraging his unique expertise to guide our partners in articulating their own value and mission. He is the strategic force behind shaping the compelling narratives that drive both our members’ success and our collective philanthropic efforts.
Exec. Dir., Performance Systems
Mike brings a unique perspective on high-stakes performance, forged not in academia, but in the demanding environments of scientific research and maritime operations. As a former Hydrographer for NOAA and a licensed Merchant Mariner, he is an expert in executing complex missions where precision and systems-thinking are paramount. At USOU, Mike is responsible for the operational integrity of our Performance Toolkit. He ensures that the strategies developed in The Performance Lab are translated into robust, reliable, and effective tools that deliver measurable results under real-world pressure.