Jerry W. Ralston, Ph.D.
Seattle, United States
Professional Practice:
Dr. Jerry Ralston brings over 25 years of experience in international business and finance to the PNWA team. As a practitioner, Jerry has held key management positions in both large and small corporations including: European Business and Marketing Advisor for the Boeing Company, International Economist for Rainier Bank, and President and CEO of Management Services International. He has also served as Advisor to the Dean—Global Business at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics. As an entrepreneur, Jerry founded and directed 3 successful companies providing international financial, tax and management services.
As an international business consultant, Dr. Ralston advises domestic and foreign corporations and government agencies, trade associations, port authorities and financial institutions. His diverse clients have included: K-2 Corporation, Weyerhaeuser Company, Alimentos Heinz (Venezuela), Shamelin Oil Processing (Malaysia), Chiyoda Chemical Company (Japan), Reynolds Metals U.K., Port of Seattle, United Nations ESCAP and ILO, Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, Washington Public Ports Association and Seafirst Bank. Projects completed include: development of international strategic and marketing plans; establishment of international joint-ventures, licensing and franchise agreements; designing distribution and supply chain systems; and advising on intercultural and human resource issues. Jerry has personal business experience in over 40 countries, representing all major world markets.
As a former faculty member at the University of Washington, Dr. Ralston has instructed both MBA and undergraduate students as well as international business professionals. His teaching disciplines include International Business, International Marketing and International Trade Operations, Management, and Strategy. He has also been an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University and a visiting professor at the Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University in Oregon.
Dr. Ralston is an active member of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution of the American Arbitration Association. He has dealt with cases involving firms in France, Switzerland, Germany, Venezuela and the U.S., covering issues such as insurance claims, franchise disputes, distributor performance and breach of contract.
Professional and Civic Activities:
- Washington Export Council (Vice Chairman, Executive Committee)
- U.S. Council for International Business–Arbitration Committee
- Association for Conflict Resolution
- Seattle Chamber of Commerce–International Committee (Vice Chairman)
- Washington State International Trade Fair (Board of Trustees)
- Association of MBA Executives (founding member)
- Who’s Who in America, Registry of Global Business Leaders, The International Directory of Distinguished Leadership, Strathmore’s Who’s Who Registry–Honored Member.
Education:
Dr. Ralston earned a Ph.D. at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, University of Geneva, Switzerland; an M.S. Econ. and an M.S.Sci. from the University of Stockholm, Sweden; a B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science from Whitman College; and a Certificate of Proficiency from the French Language Institute, Cannes, France. He also attended the International Business Management Program at the Centre d’Etudes Industriel (Switzerland).