WZ in the News

Wicklander-Zulawski Names Dan Hoffman Director of Public Safety and Government Market

WZ advances commitment to ethical interviewing & interrogation, de-escalation, and operational effectiveness across law enforcement and military organizations.

The International Association of Interviewers Announces Professional Partnership with the Zellman Group.

A Shared Vision for Better Interviews, Stronger Investigations, and Continued Professional Growth

Wicklander-Zulawski & Safe Passage Consulting Form Strategic Partnership to Expand Workplace Violence Prevention, Active-Shooter Preparedness and Executive Protection Capabilities

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates announces a strategic partnership with Safe Passage Consulting, expanding the WZ human-risk platform with workplace violence prevention, active-shooter preparedness, behavioral threat assessment and executive-protection capabilities.

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates Announces Strategic Channel Partnership with EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates announces a strategic channel partnership with Impact Risk Partners, a division of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, combining profit-protection expertise with WZ's human risk education platform.

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates & the Loss Prevention Research Council Announce Strategic Partnership

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates and the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) announce a strategic partnership uniting the retail industry's leading research organization with the global authority in investigative interviewing and human risk education.

Detective Jon Gould joins the Wicklander-Zulawski platform advancing its Child Protection and Investigative Curriculum

Detective Jon Gould, along with his child protection and investigative curriculum, joins the Wicklander-Zulawski platform, expanding advanced training in child abuse investigations, missing and exploited children cases, rules of evidence, detective development, and risk education.

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates Announces Promotion of Chris Norris, CFI to Vice President, WZ International

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates Announces Promotion of Chris Norris, CFI to Vice President, WZ International Chicago, IL – (February 10, 2026) Move reinforces company’s commitment to strategic global expansion and international standards in investigative interviewing Chicago, IL, United States, February 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), the global l leader in investigative interviewing and ethical communication training, is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Norris, CFI, to Vice President of WZ International. This elevation marks a significant step in WZ’s continued commitment to international growth and the advancement of globally aligned interviewing standards. Norris, who has represented WZ internationally for more than 15 years, most recently served as Director of EU, EMEA and Webinars. In his new role as Vice President of WZ International, Norris will oversee all operations and growth initiatives outside of North America, further expanding WZ’s global footprint. Over the past decade and a half, Norris has played a pivotal role in shaping WZ’s presence around the world. He has built strong relationships with federal government agencies, private sector organizations, and law enforcement entities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. His leadership has not only expanded WZ’s geographic reach but also deepened its cultural competence...

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates Announces Promotion of Chris Norris, CFI to Vice President, WZ International

Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), the global l leader in investigative interviewing and ethical communication training, is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Norris, CFI, to Vice President of WZ International. This elevation marks a significant step in WZ’s continued commitment to international growth and the advancement of globally aligned interviewing standards.

Wicklander-Zulawski Promotes Bryan Barlow, CFI to Staff Instructor and Professional Standards Lead

Wicklander-Zulawski Bryan Barlow, CFI to Staff Instructor and Professional Standards Lead Chicago, IL – (January 30, 2025) Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) is proud to announce the promotion of Bryan Barlow, CFI to Staff Instructor and Professional Standards Lead MESSAGE FROM THE CEO | Dave Thompson, CFI It is my pleasure to announce and congratulate Bryan Barlow, CFI on his promotion to full-time Staff Instructor and Professional Standards Lead. Bryan has been a tremendous contributor to the WZ brand for several years, consistently demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to advancing our mission. From his impact as an instructor to his leadership in helping shape programs such as our trauma-informed interviewing curriculum, Bryan has brought research, credibility, and integrity to everything he touches. His service on the IAI Advisory Board and his role as a trusted ambassador to the law enforcement community further reflect the respect he has earned across the profession. In his new role, Bryan will deliver curriculum across multiple verticals while leading our efforts to ensure WZ content is grounded in research, built with credibility, and aligned with adult learning principles and accreditation standards. His distinguished career with the Chicago Police Department provides invaluable perspective and real-world...

Wicklander-Zulawski Promotes Amanda Weaver CFI, PHR to Senior Manager of Instructor Development

Wicklander-Zulawski Promotes Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR to Senior Manager of Instructor Development Chicago, IL – (January 30, 2025) Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) is proud to announce the promotion of Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR, to Senior Manager of Instructor Development. MESSAGE FROM THE CEO | Dave Thompson, CFI It is my pleasure to announce and congratulate Amanda Weaver, CFI, PHR on her promotion from Manager of Investigations and Consulting to Senior Manager of Instructor Development. Throughout her career, Amanda has brought integrity, professionalism, and credibility to every role she has held, including extensive field experience across a variety of business sectors. She has an exceptional ability to translate practical, real-world experience into meaningful and effective training programs, a skill that has consistently elevated the learner experience. Amanda joined WZ as one of our lead instructors during a critical period of growth, playing a key role in designing and delivering training through a virtual platform. Since then, her career with WZ has continued to expand, most recently as Manager of Investigations and Consulting, while she remains a trusted instructor and ambassador for our brand. Amanda’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. She has led the evolution of our simulated interview program, The...

Wicklander-Zulawski Promotes Sue Thompson to Senior Manager of Operations

Wicklander-Zulawski Promotes Sue Thompson to Senior Manager of Operations Chicago, IL – (January 12, 2025) Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) is proud to announce the promotion of Sue Thompson to Senior Manager of Operations, recognizing her decades of dedication, steady leadership, and deep institutional knowledge that have made her an indispensable part of the organization. Throughout her tenure, Sue has played a critical role in keeping operations strong, supporting teams across the company, and ensuring the business runs smoothly day to day. Her leadership is marked by professionalism, sound judgment, and a calm, thoughtful approach – qualities that proved especially invaluable during the company’s recent acquisition process. In her expanded role, Sue will continue to oversee key operational functions across the organization, working closely with leadership and partners to drive consistency, efficiency, and operational excellence as WZ enters its next phase of growth. This promotion formally recognizes the leadership role Sue already embodies and the trust she has earned across the organization and with clients worldwide. As the company looks ahead, Sue will remain an integral part of shaping WZ’s future and supporting its continued evolution. Please join us in congratulating Sue Thompson on this well-deserved promotion. We are incredibly fortunate...

Red Knot Capital Acquires Wicklander-Zulawski: Global Leader in Investigative Interviewing; Dave Thompson, CFI Named CEO

Red Knot Capital Acquires Wicklander-Zulawski: Global Leader in Investigative Interviewing; Dave Thompson, CFI Named CEO Chicago, IL – (December 24, 2025) Red Knot Capital announced its acquisition of Wicklander-Zulawski the global authority in ethical investigative interviewing, and corporate advisory services. Chicago, IL, United States, December 24, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Red Knot Capital has acquired Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), the global authority in ethical, non-confrontational investigative interviewing, enterprise risk education, and corporate advisory services. The acquisition positions WZ to accelerate digital learning, modernize psychological protocols, and strengthen the Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) certification for professionals across retail, law enforcement, and key private-sector industries such as hospitality, gaming, and food service. Red Knot is an advanced operating platform that builds and scales businesses by embedding directly with leadership, strengthening operations, and creating long-term enterprise value. With deep operating experience and a track record leading multi-billion-dollar retail organizations, Red Knot will support WZ’s next phase of expansion and global relevance. FOUNDERS REINFORCE MISSION AND SUPPORT TRANSITION WZ was founded in 1982 by Douglas Wicklander, CFI, and David Zulawski, CFI, who pioneered a research-driven, ethical approach to investigative interviewing that is now the global standard. “Our mission was always to elevate the interviewing profession and protect the truth...

WZ Partners with Learning Ninjas and The Law Enforcement Innovation Center

Wicklander-Zulawski announces its collaboration with Learning Ninjas to support the development of an innovative online law enforcement training course.

David Lund, MBA, CFI, LPC Joins Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates as Instructor and Assumes Role as Executive Director of the International Association of Interviewers

July 8, 2024Aurora, IL Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), a globally recognized leader in investigative interviewing training and consulting, is proud to announce the appointment of David Lund as its newest instructor. Additionally, David will be taking on the pivotal role of Executive Director at the International Association of Interviewers (IAI). With a distinguished career and leadership roles spanning over three decades in the investigative field, David Lund brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his new roles. Prior to joining WZ, David served in various executive roles in esteemed organizations like DICK’S Sporting Goods, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Macy’s Inc. David has also been a recognized expert in the industry, as demonstrated by his past chairmanship of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) Asset Protection Steering Committee and active participation in RILA’s Asset Protection Leaders Council. He has also lent his expertise to the National Retail Federation LP Council, Loss Prevention Foundation, Loss Prevention Research Council, Loss Prevention Magazine, and Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, David has exemplified his passion for continued education, earning his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and continuously seeking opportunities to enhance his knowledge. This drive is amplified by David’s belief in...

Press-Release Wicklander-Zulawski announces the promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI, to SVP – Client Relations and Business Development

Wicklander-Zulawski announces the promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI, to SVP – Client Relations and Business Development. Aurora, IL – (April 17, 2024) Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ), an international training firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Brett L. Ward, CFI, to the role of Senior VP of Client Relations and Business Development. This role is an expansion of Ward’s previous responsibilities to include leadership over the WZ Business Development team in both the public and private sector divisions. Brett L. Ward, CFI, has been a member of the WZ team since 1998, contributing in a variety of ways to the success of the organization and, most importantly, to the education of investigators across the globe. Ward, a highly requested instructor at WZ, has conducted hundreds of training seminars, keynote presentations, and one-on-one consulting sessions over the last two decades. He has had the ability to educate practitioners in law enforcement, federal agencies, loss prevention, legal professionals, auditors, and dozens of other verticals. Ward has also worked to support our human resources, employee relations, ethics, people and culture, and talent development professionals as he led the marketability of WZ’s customized training programs for this portion of the industry. Shane...

WZ Featured in TIME Magazine

Dave Thompson, CFI was among a handful of experts asked for opinions in this TIME magazine article about the push to remove deceptive practices from law enforcement interviews. Dave represents the viewpoint of practitioners striving to build trusting relationships with their subjects.

WZ Commits to Evidence-Based Training

Investigative Interviews of Vulnerable Persons

WZ Mentioned in The New Yorker Article

WZ Response to Supreme Court Decision in Brendan Dassey Case

Brendan Dassey Clemency Coverage

Case Against Confrontation

USA Today Article on Brendan Dassey's Clemency Petition

WZ Consults on Illinois Interview Legislation

WZ Interviewed for Marshall Project

WZ Participates in Northwestern Law Journal Symposium: Key Takeaways for Practitioners

Martinis & Murder Article

Brendan Dassey Clemency Press Conference

CIFS Symposium: Time Well Spent

CRU Report Takeaways

Dassey WINS Federal Court Appeal: Wicklander-Zulawski Cited in Decision

I Did It?!: WZ Blog Excerpt

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law News Release

Speaking of Psychology: False confessions aren’t always what they seem

WZ Announces Dave Thompson, CFI as New Partner

Chicago Police Department

David Thompson, CFI Announced as WZ President

First-Ever Simulated Interviewing Technology for Investigators to Perfect Their Skills

New Role for Brett L. Ward, CFI

WZ Awarded 3-Year Contract by USCIS

WZ Promotes David Thompson, CFI to Vice President of Operations

Amicus Brief - Supreme Court of the U.S.