SHELLY NEAL, Ph.D.
Carlsbad, CA 760-***-**** ************@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/shelly-neal-ph-d-0642271a/
SENIOR-LEVEL HIGHER EDUCATION EXECUTIVE
With Solid Foundation in People Leadership, Program Development, Market Analysis & Business Growth
Solution-oriented change agent with 20+ years’ experience spearheading innovative sales and marketing initiatives that attract key stakeholders and grow organizational revenue.
Helped double university revenue from $50M to $100M within 10 years.
Strategic thinker relying on market research and trend analysis to expand programs, target new clientele, and determine project viability and success.
Revolutionized marketing and sales structure to attain above-average conversion rate.
People-focused executive who utilizes Ph.D. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology to foster community, employee culture, and corporate partnerships to impact the lives of clients and staff.
Maintained high staff retention rate and established sought-after Chancellor’s Award.
Dynamic, business-minded leader with ability to drive the business forward through collaboration, market analysis, and program development.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
GIA, Inc. Carlsbad, CA 2021 – Present
The world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.
MANAGER OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Oversees the strategic planning and implementation of:
Develops a broad range of educational programs to meet the needs of diverse learners, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses.
Collaborates with subject matter experts to design and curate high-quality learning content.
Utilizes adult learning principles and instructions design best practices to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
Leads a team and administrative staff, providing guidance and support for professional development initiatives.
Establishes partnerships with external organizations leaders to expand the reach and impact of our education offerings.
Monitors program effectiveness through data analysis and feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
Leverages technology platforms to enhance accessibility and provide flexible learning options.
Manages budgets and resources to ensure effective utilization of funds.
Brandman University (part of the Chapman University System) Irvine, CA 2006 – 2020
Accredited, private, and nonprofit institution providing working adults access to degrees, certificates, and credential programs.
VICE CHANCELLOR OF OUTREACH & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Revenue Responsibility: $3.5M Reported to Executive Vice Chancellor and Chancellor Manage 20+ Staff
Joined newly created Brandman University, 1 of 8 colleges associated with Chapman University. Promoted progressively throughout University system to become senior member of leadership team.
Played Key Role in Growing University to $100M Revenue in 10 Years
Turned around struggling San Diego campus to success within first 6 months of employment. Targeted 3 market segments and developed successful student cohorts, yielding positive return and bottom line contribution quickly.
Expanded community outreach role to encompass entire 26-campus University system. Created new division focused solely on strategic outreach, developing innovative sales mapping and workflows for department.
Attracted 35%+ of the current enrollments with a team of 22-35 sales people by building streamlined sales structure, expanding territories, and realizing new business opportunities.
Maintained cost per enrollment less than industry standard by performing market potential studies, focusing on market analysis, and identifying industry targets.
Championed Internal Culture, External Corporate Partnerships & Top-Quality Education
Launched 25 successful programs based on market demand. Participated in 6-stage program development process to vet ideas and ensure viability within market.
Bridged gap between industry and university after establishing industry advisory boards comprised of faculty and corporate leaders. Created strong ties with business communities to improve enrollment and grow revenue.
Attained 30% conversion rate from application to enrollment, 15 points above industry average. Established strategic partnerships with organizations to attract corporate employees to targeted programs.
Played key role in university’s 80%+ graduation rate (37%+ above industry standard) by encouraging a student-centered atmosphere throughout all levels of the institution.
Created effective, successful, and cohesive sales organization across all campuses, with very high retention rate among staff.
Impacted corporate culture and morale by celebrating individual and team successes system-wide. Created the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence award, a sought-after and respected recognition.
Taught graduate-level courses in business and professional studies at Brandman University.
Instructed graduate-level courses in business, education, and liberal studies at Alliant International University.
Served as Dissertation Chair and Committee Member for doctoral students at Brandman University and Alliant International University.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (continued)
Netsmart Technologies San Diego, CA 2004 – 2006
Technology company partnering with health services providers and organizations to provide management process solutions and electronic medical records software.
DIRECTOR OF WEST COAST OPERATIONS & SALES EXECUTIVE
Reported to the COO Managed 12 Staff
Hired to manage implementation team for enterprise software solutions within the healthcare industry.
Maintained 100% client retention rate by ensuring proper implementation of software and upholding full transparency throughout entire process.
Developed first-ever user groups on the West Coast to gather product feedback. Allowed clients to discuss issues and understand solutions.
Oversaw 20+ new installations simultaneously while also managing product maintenance for existing customers.
Supported open communications and managed conflict resolution with clients. Guided healthcare institutions to program’s value for patients and impact on internal processes.
PCS Development Company Los Angeles, CA 2003 – 2004
For-profit real estate investment company developing properties in Southern California.
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Expense Budget: $1M Reported to Company Owner
Hired to determine viability of proposed multimillion-dollar high-end senior living community concept in Los Angeles.
Tracked project’s level of interest in marketplace by performing market and trend analysis, communicating with stakeholders, and producing awareness of projected development.
Decided, alongside leadership, that proposed project was not viable in the market.
Joint Solutions Pasadena, CA 2000 – 2003
Global medical device company working in orthopedic straps and wraps.
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
Budget: $6M Reported to CEO Managed 85+ Employees
Hired to improve sales and marketing. Stepped in as first female member of the company’s leadership team.
Produced YOY growth after creating new direct sales channel. Hired 86 sales leaders and reorganized sales structure to decrease use of distributors and bring sales in house.
Improved bottom line and met all growth expectations by introducing new products to market. Connected with physicians to create custom joint braces.
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial / Organizational Psychology, United States International University
Executive Scholar Certificate in Finance, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara (Full Ride Athletic Scholarship)
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS & PRESENTATIONS
Board Memberships
Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Wiley & Sons Education Services Advisory Board
Brandman University Board of Regents
National Presentations
American Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers and Ruffalo Noel Levitz.
“Dr. Shelly Neal is a great leader and an inspiration to those whose lives she has touched.”
— Dr. Barbara Bartels, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Brandman University