Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cornelius Dowdell

Altanta,GA

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven leader in learning and development with over a decade of experience designing and executing enterprise-wide L&D strategies in complex, matrixed, and operational environments. Proven track record of aligning training programs with organizational goals, leveraging advanced learning technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Expertise in designing blended learning solutions, including technical training, compliance programs, and leadership development, resulting in measurable business outcomes. Designed and led talent development programs for 40 subsidiaries with 18,000 employees, achieving a 20% increase in leadership pipeline readiness and saving $40M through innovation projects. Skilled in leveraging advanced learning technologies, fostering high-performing teams, and aligning L&D initiatives with organizational goals. Recognized for delivering $10M in operational efficiency gains, a 30% improvement in leadership performance scores, and a 25% increase in internal promotions through succession planning and workforce optimization.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chief Strategy Officer

The Nelius Strategy, LC
01.2015 - Current
  • Designed and deployed leadership curriculum supporting community and business startups, integrating advanced instructional design techniques and facilitation methods to align with adult learning principles.
  • Delivered talent development programs that improved decision-making and team effectiveness, achieving a 25% improvement in leadership readiness through data-driven evaluation frameworks.
  • Facilitated executive-level workshops to enhance leadership acumen, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications for adult learners, resulting in measurable performance improvements.
  • Created and implemented succession planning frameworks, ensuring readiness for critical leadership roles while supporting organizational growth and sustainability.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with organizations to create dynamic learning environments and professional training opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Senior Consultant

GuideWell, Florida Blue
01.2023 - 08.2024
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive leadership programs, addressing skill gaps and succession planning, contributing to a 20% increase in organizational productivity.
  • Designed and monitored performance improvement frameworks, including critical role identification and executive succession planning, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
  • Facilitated executive workshops and seminars, enhancing leadership acumen and reinforcing the application of adult learning principles.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to tailor learning solutions, achieving measurable improvements in engagement and operational efficiency.

Corporate Account Training Manager

Emory University
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Managed a $1.5M budget to develop and deliver professional development programs, achieving a 30% increase in employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • Led a team of L&D professionals, ensuring seamless execution of training programs while promoting a high-performance culture.
  • Developed and deployed 100+ blended learning workshops, integrating digital tools and experiential activities to enhance executive readiness and team alignment.
  • Leveraged learning technologies to create scalable solutions, increasing program accessibility and achieving a 25% growth in adoption rates.
  • Built strategic partnerships with corporate clients, driving $1.25M in annual revenue and aligning learning solutions with organizational goals.
  • Applied data-driven insights to refine program effectiveness, resulting in improved leadership pipeline readiness and measurable business impact.

Learning Operations Manager

LSU Continuing Education
05.2013 - 01.2017
  • Oversaw a call center managing 2,500 calls per year, streamlining processes to improve response times and customer satisfaction metrics.
  • Conducted quality reviews and compliance assessments, ensuring operational alignment with institutional standards and achieving a 15% reduction in process errors.
  • Implemented creative problem-solving strategies that enhanced enrollment processes, leading to a measurable improvement in client relations and operational efficiency.
  • Managed workforce assignments, fostering team cohesion and achieving a 20% increase in employee engagement scores.

Senior Processing Supervisor

CGI Federal
09.2007 - 05.2013
  • Directed operations for a high-performing team of over 100 processors and 1,200 regional acceptance agencies, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of over 1 million U.S. passports annually. .
  • Oversaw a high-volume call center serving 50,000+ applicants, enhancing client satisfaction through workflow improvements and team development initiatives.
  • Facilitated internal training programs, improving staff competency and driving a measurable increase in service delivery quality.
  • Managed production operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and achieving key performance targets.

Education

MBA - Human Resources Management

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
01-2017

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
01-2005

Skills

  • Operational excellence
  • Data-Driven Decision Making for L&D Impact
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Organizational Development
  • Talent Management & Succession Planning in Operational Environment
  • Blended Learning Design & Delivery (Instructor-led, eLearning, Technical Training)
  • Adult Learning Principles
  • Program Development & Evaluation
  • Coaching & Facilitation
  • Curriculum development
  • Assessment & Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

Accomplishments

  • Spearheaded talent development programs across 40 subsidiaries and 18,000 employees, aligning training initiatives with operational objectives. Delivered a 20% increase in leadership pipeline readiness and $40M in annual cost savings through innovative learning solutions, including technical skills training and compliance programs.
  • Developed three high-potential leadership programs, preparing 150+ executive leaders for critical roles & increasing retention of top talent by 35%.
  • Designed and implemented enterprise-wide performance management systems for a technical workforce, aligning KPIs with business priorities and increasing productivity by 20% through targeted learning interventions.
  • Established strategic consulting frameworks that delivered $10M in operational efficiency gains for key clients through workforce optimization & leadership development.
  • Created succession planning toolkits that increased internal promotions by 25% across diverse industries.
  • Delivered leadership coaching and workshops that improved decision-making and team effectiveness at the executive level, driving a 30% improvement in leadership performance scores.

Affiliations

  • Association for Talent Development (ATD)
  • SHRM-Atlanta

Certification

Professional Coach

Korn Ferry 360 Certification

Korn Ferry Leadership Architect – Competency Framework

Everything DiSC Certification

Emotional Intelligence (Academic & Leadership Application)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

ATD Microlearning Certificate

Executive Coaching Foundations Certificate

Timeline

Senior Consultant

GuideWell, Florida Blue
01.2023 - 08.2024

Corporate Account Training Manager

Emory University
01.2017 - 01.2019

Chief Strategy Officer

The Nelius Strategy, LC
01.2015 - Current

Learning Operations Manager

LSU Continuing Education
05.2013 - 01.2017

Senior Processing Supervisor

CGI Federal
09.2007 - 05.2013

Professional Coach

Korn Ferry 360 Certification

Korn Ferry Leadership Architect – Competency Framework

Everything DiSC Certification

Emotional Intelligence (Academic & Leadership Application)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

ATD Microlearning Certificate

Executive Coaching Foundations Certificate

MBA - Human Resources Management

Capella University

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Louisiana State University
Cornelius Dowdell