Timothy G. Plax (Ph.D., University of Southern California) is a Distinguished Professor of Communication at California State University, Long Beach. Plax is widely published, having authored college-level texts and over 150 professional articles and papers. With 30 years of experience in marketing research and message design, Plax is an authority on social influence and organizational communication. He has done extensive research and consulting on environmental topics including recycling, waste reduction, and pollution prevention. His clients include the California Air Resources Board, California Integrated Waste Management Board, California Department of Conservation, USA Funds, Sallie Mae, Gear Up, and more. Before joining the faculty at CSULB, Plax served as an internal consultant for The Rockwell International Corporation. Today he regularly teaches courses in organizational communication, social influence, and organizational leadership.