It is with deep regret that our entire team at Psychological Associates, Inc. announces the passing of co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Robert E. Lefton, Ph.D. Dr. Lefton was a leading consultant in the United States regarding leadership, management, organization development, and sales development.
Since co-founding the company in October 1958, Dr. Lefton provided his keen knowledge and insight, along with his unique leadership experience and skills, to build Psychological Associates from a partnership with the late Dr. Victor Buzzotta, Ph.D. to the nationally renowned consulting organization it is today. As one of the original developers of Dimensional Training®, Dr. Lefton conducted seminars for, and consulted with, several hundred leading corporations in the United States and Europe.
Dr. Lefton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Psychology and his M.A. in Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Psychology at Washington University. During his lengthy and highly decorated career, Dr. Lefton worked as a consultant with many Fortune 500 companies. He also served on the faculty of Washington University, The Motorola Executive Institute, the ALCOA Executive Institute, and CEO International, Inc.
Dr. Lefton served on the Boards of Directors of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company; Barnes-Jewish Hospital; and Drury Inns, Inc.; as well as on the Advisory Boards of many privately held companies. Forever a passionate proponent for the St. Louis community, Lefton served on the Advisory Board of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and MERS Goodwill.
A sought-after public speaker among prestigious business, sales, human resource and training industry groups and organizations, Dr. Lefton co-authored five books, including Leadership Through People Skills®, Dimensional® Selling™, Effective Motivation Through Performance Appraisal, and Making Common Sense Common Practice. His last work Why Can’t We Get Anything Done Around Here? was co-authored with Jerome T. Loeb, former Chairman of The May Department Stores Company. He was also a contributor to well-known business journals such as Sales Meetings, Training and Development Journal, National Productivity Review, and Marketing. Dr. Lefton had been quoted or referred to in The Wall Street Journal, DailyTelegraph of London, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Forbes, Fortune, Time, and Psychology Today.
Of the many accolades he achieved throughout his career, Dr. Lefton received a proclamation from the Mayor of St. Louis for efforts on behalf of the St. Louis Community. He was also awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Greater St. Louis Police Academy for contributions to management training. Most recently, Dr. Lefton was awarded the St. Louis Business Journal’s first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in Human Resources. Dr. Lefton and his family were also honored with the American Jewish Committee’s 2019 Netzach Award.
Dr. Lefton’s children followed his example and joined the business, serving Psychological Associates in various consulting and leadership positions. His eldest son Jeff Lefton is a Vice President and works in Digital Marketing; daughter Cindy Lefton, Ph.D., RN, CPXP, serves as the Vice President of Organizational Consulting and serves the community as a practicing nurse; and son Bradley Lefton, who is fluent in Japanese, works with PA’s Japanese clients as a consultant and training specialist. Jeff and Cindy also serve on the Psychological Associates’ Board of Directors. Dr. Lefton’s granddaughter, Jessica Lefton, currently serves as marketing communications manager, representing three generations of family in the business. The company is led by President Clay Hildebrand, who, having worked with Dr. Lefton for over a decade, looks forward to carrying the company and Dr. Lefton’s legacy forward.
Dr. Lefton was married for 63 years to Marlene Rae Lefton, who preceded him in death. His three children include Jeff Lefton (Elizabeth), Cindy Lefton, and Bradley Lefton; and granddaughters Jessica and Katheryn (Katie). He was the son of the late Henry and Rose Lefton; and the brother of the late Morris (Marlene) Lefton.
Psychological Associates’ President, Clay Hildebrand shared that, “Bob loved and respected everyone at Psychological Associates and there is nothing he would have wanted more than for us to continue providing to our clients the level of service he was known for. We look forward to honoring his legacy by following his example”
For more information about the life and legacy of Robert E. Lefton, Ph.D., please contact Janis McCracken at Psychological Associates, Inc. at 314-678-5624. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Congregation Temple Israel in Creve Coeur, with interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery in Ladue. The family requests that all attendees wear masks. The service will be streamed at https://www.ti-stl.org/
Our offices will be closed on October 19 to allow our employees to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Lefton.
