Dr. Padernacht is CEO of Ncline Leadership Strategies and a talent and leadership expert with over 40 years of experience. She specializes in developing organizations, leaders, and teams, applying evidence-based strategies in leadership, negotiation, and organizational change through coaching, training, speaking, facilitation, and consulting. Her work strengthens leadership effectiveness, builds high-performing cultures, and drives business results for organizations across healthcare, technology, digital media, entertainment, financial and legal services, higher education, government, and the arts.
She is a Senior Continuing Lecturer in Organization and Management at the University of California, Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business, where she has taught since 2005, and is a multiple recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award. She also serves as a Lecturer at the University of California, San Diego, Rady School of Management. In addition, she is on the faculty of the Leadership Learning Collaborative at the Medical College of Wisconsin, co-authored a negotiation role-play published by Northwestern University’s Kellogg Dispute Resolution and Research Center, and hosts Tapping Wisdom, a leadership podcast featuring insights and conversations with leaders across industries, including healthcare.
Drawing on decades of executive and academic experience in leadership, organizational change, and negotiation, Dr. Padernacht brings strategic expertise in governance, public policy, and organizational effectiveness to her nonprofit board service. She has served on the American Lung Association National Board of Directors since June 24, 2023, where she is a member of the Public Policy and Regional Relations Committees. Her involvement with the organization began in 2010 on the Los Angeles Board, followed by service on the California and Pacific-West Regional Boards, where she held leadership roles supporting advocacy, board and leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. She also previously served on the Regional Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society from 1996 to 2013.
Dr. Padernacht holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social & Ethical Issues in the Life Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation.
