Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Didier Rousseliere

Didier Rousseliere

Mauldin,SC

Summary

French citizen, Legal Permanent Resident with work authorization.


Seasoned senior business consultant with 25+ years of experience in international engagement. Education, government affairs, business development and the management of innovation.


Consistently worked with all stakeholders, from public sector organizations, private companies and multinational companies. First-rate relationship building, decision-making and communication talents.


Experience of executive leadership roles reporting directly to high level management: President / Boards of Directors, Commissioner of Education, Consul Generals, University Regional Chancellor.


Entrepreneurial, organizational and administrative ability and experience, including personnel and budgetary responsibilities.


Experience living, working and studying abroad. French and English native proficiency, Italian and Spanish working proficiency.


Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/didier-rousseliere-69454a10/

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Business Consultant, Softlanding

Central Florida Soft Landings Inc.
03.2022 - Current
  • Reporting to CEO of Central Florida Incubators Inc.
  • Sourcing and evaluation of foreign innovative companies in areas of Ag Tech, Food tech, Clean Tech and Aviation. Assessed over 200 global companies in 10 months. Drafted report highlighting strategic info and actionable recommendations.
  • Collected dozens of reports and information regarding these 4 target areas. Gathered intelligence by interviewing, shadowing, and analyzing reports.
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders for growth opportunities and successful partnerships.
  • Performed initial assessments during online meetings with potential clients.

President & CEO

IBD Conseil International Business Development
09.2018 - Current
  • Led recruitment of innovative companies and development of strategic alliances to facilitate soft landing of innovative French companies to US.

Director of Global Partnerships and Initiatives

Clemson University
09.2014 - 08.2018
  • Reported to Associate Vice-Provost for Global Engagement.
  • Provided leadership and strategic direction for management and development of current and new global partnerships and initiatives for Clemson University. Coordinated efforts with colleges and faculty to develop and implement strategic plan for global engagement.
  • Worked with Clemson Alumni Association chapter in Washington DC to arrange Embassy visits for Clemson President and engage in discussions with Trade Attaché, leading to foreign government sponsored programs of visiting faculty, researchers and businesses to Clemson campus.
  • Drafted and implemented "Clemson's 5 Global Initiatives Plan" which shifted paradigms of international engagement in 5 new engagement models: country targeted initiative (Clemson-Canada), Global Mobility Network (Automotive alliance initiative, building partnerships in multiple countries), COIL (Collaborative Online international Learning for student exposure to international perspectives beyond study abroad), Global Entrepreneurship Education (leveraging global alliances and networks to increase student experience in innovation and entrepreneurship) and Global Research Network, to create student engagement through exposure to global research networks). Presentation sheet attached to application.
  • Established relationships with business incubators in Estonia, Israel, Greece, Finland, France.
  • Developed government/business/ innovation project with Israeli partner incubator Drive, in Automotive, that introduced two cohorts of 8 Israeli innovative companies to South Carolina automotive industry partners, California investors and Michigan OEMs.
  • Represented Clemson University at Upstate Alliance work meetings, Greenville, SC economic development agency. Was member of two Task Forces: "Developing International Trade" and "Developing FDI in Greenville County".

Director of the Clemson Canada Center

Clemson University
09.2014 - 08.2018
  • Reported to Ambassador Wilkins, former US Ambassador to Canada and Consul General of Canada Louise Blais, co-Presidents of Board of Directors.
  • Created government/business/academic relationships in target industries (forestry, energy, automotive) with Canadian partners.
  • Created joint events in each of these verticals bringing together government officials, private companies, research and innovators.
  • Managed program of professional experience for students, sponsored by private companies (ex: Michelin) or foreign Government agencies (ex: Canadian Natural Resources Department)

President & CEO

IBD Conseil International Business Development
09.2012 - 08.2014
  • Participated in effort to build Naples Business Accelerator.
  • Led recruitment effort to bring French innovative companies to Collier County, FL.
  • Brought two cohorts of French innovators and two delegations of policy administrators and economic leaders to Naples, FL

Co-Director, Florida France Linkage Institute

State Of Florida Florida-France Linkage Institute
09.2010 - 03.2012
  • Reported to Regional Chancellor of USF polytechnic.
  • Created "French American Symposium on Trade" (FAST) and "French American Research" (FAR) events to boost scientific and commercial exchanges between France and State of Florida.
  • Managed International Student Scholarship program bringing 25 French students to Florida.

Director of Global Partnerships and Initiatives

University Of South Florida Polytechnic University
09.2009 - 03.2012
  • Reported to Regional Chancellor of USF polytechnic.
  • Devised and executed strategic partnerships with academic, research, business and government entities to shape global engagement role of USF Polytechnic.
  • Planned and executed comprehensive region to region partnership (Central Florida and PACA region in France) to support economic development, job creation and soft landing of French innovative companies. Beyond my University (USF Polytechnic) I involved and coordinated project with entities (universities, economic development agencies, research institutions, private companies and local governments) across whole I4 corridor, from Tampa to Orlando.
  • Worked with 6 French clusters of innovation in Sea technologies, Perfumes and fragrances, Renewable Energies, Computer Science, Air & Space and Photonics to benefit this ecosystem to ecosystem relationship.
  • Initiated conversation with French business school (SKEMA) to host their international campus on USF Polytechnic's new campus to be built, in attempt to merge it with USFP's Business school and facilitate internship of foreign students with Central Florida businesses. Unfortunately, their timeline was shorter and they turned to NC State.
  • Managed internship program for global students, sponsored by private companies, around triangular relation: business (sponsor) - Research (at USFP and foreign partner) - student interns, to bring technical solution to business problem.

Director, USFP Blue Sky Incubator & Accelerator

USF Polytechnic
09.2009 - 03.2012
  • Reported to Regional Chancellor of USF polytechnic.
  • Managed daily operations of incubator and accelerator in two different locations.
  • Managed team of 6 people, planned and executed budget, marketing plan, communication plan, drafted policies and procedures, was spokesperson for operation.
  • Created Soft Landing Zone in Accelerator, hosting up to 10 companies from France, Canada, Turkey, England and poland.
  • Sourced and screened promising foreign innovative companies , led selection process. Grew pipeline of 25 companies vying for admission
  • Designed curriculum-based program for students using incubator and accelerator as applied learning labs for students in Entrepreneurship.

Regional Director of The Alliance Française in CA

Consulate General Of France In Los Angeles
09.2005 - 08.2009
  • Reported to President of Board of Directors of Alliance Française de Los Angeles, and Delegate General of Alliances Françaises in the USA in Washington DC.
  • Acted as Director of Alliance Française Language school and cultural center in Los Angeles, a non-profit with a $500,000 budget, and advisor to 3 other such centers in Pasadena, Newport Beach and San Diego.
  • Managed team of 20+ staff and language instructors, drafted and executed budget, marketing plan, communication plan (created business website, cultural magazine), hired and trained instructors.
  • Oversaw hiring, training and performance evaluations of employees, established and enforced policies and procedures for business functions of center.
  • Created cultural events in 2007 and 2008 (Music Festival in Los Angeles and Laguna Beach. Still in existence today)
  • Raised $90,000 in one gala event.

Attaché, Academic Affairs

Consulate General Of France In Los Angeles
09.2005 - 08.2009
  • Reported to Consul General of France in Los Angeles.
  • Collaborated with school district administrators in developing, evaluating and revising language school programs and international exchanges for students and faculty.
  • Guided and supported faculty and staff from American Association of Teachers of French in development of new programs. Arranged training g programs.
  • Researched, recommended and developed new initiatives to strengthen student success, including university to university partnerships.
  • Created sister city relationship between Laguna Beach, CA and Menton, France.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally (10 French Consulate Generals in US) to maintain consistent message and experience.

Director International Relations

Bourgogne Academic Region
09.2001 - 08.2005
  • Reported to Commissioner of Education (Recteur) for Burgundy educational region.
  • Provided vision and leadership for internationalization of education in educational region of 300,000 K-12 students and 30,000 Higher education students.
  • Established international agreements with US, Germany, England, China, Russia, Italy and Spain.
  • Managed unique model of comprehensive agreement between Kentucky State Department of Education and Regional education Authority of Burgundy, which created educational region to region partnership. Duplicated model with German Land of Rheinland-Pfalz. Agreement served as model for 9 subsequent agreements in the USA.
  • Managed European Exchange programs for students and faculty. Created new training programs for faculty, both in France and Kentucky.
  • Created original internship experiences (ex: parliamentary assistant to a Rheinland-Pfalz Representative, internships of French hospitality school students in US hotels of French Accor multinational company, etc.), training programs for students (ex: automotive students at Mercedes and BMW plants in Germany), a shadowing experience for administrators (Burgundy - Rheinland-Pfalz education administrators) to identify opportunities and road-blocks in organizing student and faculty exchanges.

Chief of Staff to Commissioner of Education

Burgundy Educational Region, France
09.2001 - 08.2005
  • Reported to Commissioner of Education (Recteur) for Burgundy educational region.
  • Served as liaison between Commissioner of Education and Cabinet of Secretary of Education.
  • Advised Commissioner of education on strategies, policies and procedures to advance vision and mission of educational region of 300,000 K-12 students and 30,000 higher education students.
  • Arranged signing of international agreement between DOE of Commonwealth of Kentucky and Burgundy region of France.
  • Arranged signing of another international agreement with San Jose State University, around pilot program for student placement in Burgundy schools. Pilot program became national program signed by French Secretaries of Education, Higher Education and Foreign Affairs.
  • Was trained in sourcing funding and grants from European Erasmus (Higher education) program and European FEDER program (Funds for Regional economic development)

Deputy Cultural Attaché

Consulate General Of France In Chicago
09.1996 - 08.2001
  • Reported to Consul General of France in Chicago.
  • Collaborated with multiple educational organizations (school districts, Universities, Teachers associations) in 12 different States.
  • Arranged 15 international University agreements.
  • Oversaw student exchange programs and scholarship programs, as well as lecturer tours and faculty training workshops.
  • Assisted Universities of Chicago, Northwestern, Wisconsin Madison and UIUC in development of interdisciplinary centers supported by government grants.
  • Created pilot project that translated into $ 700,000 scholarship money awarded to Wisconsin students and 200% increase in student participation.
  • Created unique agreement in which an American University hosted an international high school on its campus. This agreement included pre-recruitment program for high school students and creation of study abroad program for Higher Ed students.
  • Created first education alliance between State DEO and French Regional Education Authority (Kentucky - Burgundy) to develop multiple exchange and training programs for students and faculty.
  • Organized inbound and outbound missions for economic development.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally (10 French Consulate Generals in US) to maintain consistent message and experience.

Fellow

International Center For Pedagogical Studies
09.1995 - 08.1996
  • Researched, networked and built strong relationships with multiple educational / international organizations facilitating professional exchanges of global educators and students.
  • Studied and researched international education programs and organizations, programs and procedures, grant capabilities.

Executive Director

Alliance Française De Toronto
09.1989 - 08.1995
  • Reported to President of Board of Directors of Alliance Française of Toronto and Consul General of France in Toronto.
  • Managed non-profit language school and cultural center with over 3,800 part time adult students annually, on 4 campuses.
  • Successfully launched two of these campuses in North York (1991) and Mississauga (1993) in a recession economy.
  • Managed financial, operational and human resources, oversaw marketing, advertising and new product development. Planned and executed $ 1.5 million budget.
  • Increased student population by 60 % and revenue by over 100% over 6 years.
  • Created executive education program and business language curriculum.
  • Managed team of 60 plus faculty and staff.
  • Launched cultural program of lectures, theatre, music, cinema and art gallery.
  • Created cultural Magazine, distributed across Canada (Circulation: 7.000 ).
  • Raised $ 980,000 through gala event.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally (9 Alliances Françaises in Canada) to maintain consistent message and experience.

English Teacher

French Department Of Education
09.1983 - 08.1989
  • Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes, at high school and Honors College levels. Taught English to International Trade classes, College level.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Participated in professional development activities to stay current. Obtained certifications to teach French as Second Language.
  • Created business related to "pen pal" friends across Europe.
  • Chaperoned multiple classes abroad.
  • Taught adults in English for professional use. Worked with multiple companies.

Education

No Degree - Marketing Yearlong Course

Northwestern University Extension
Chicago
2000

Certificate in International Education - International Education

Center For International Education Studies
Sèvres, France
06.1996

Certification in Teaching Business French - Business Administration

Paris Chamber of Commerce
Paris, France
08.1989

Master of Arts - English Language And Literature

Aix-en-Provence University
Aix-en-Provence, France
06.1983

Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature

Aix-en-Provence University
Aix-en-Provence, France
06.1981

Skills

  • Business Development
  • Startups
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Management
  • Business strategy
  • Program Management
  • Economic development
  • International Project Management
  • Government Relations

Accomplishments

Was awarded Knighthood and Officer ranks in the French Order of the Academic Palms for building Region to Region international partnerships in the area of Education (Kentucky - Burgundy, France, 2002) and Economic Development (Central Florida-PACA region, France, 2012).

Timeline

Senior Business Consultant, Softlanding

Central Florida Soft Landings Inc.
03.2022 - Current

President & CEO

IBD Conseil International Business Development
09.2018 - Current

Director of Global Partnerships and Initiatives

Clemson University
09.2014 - 08.2018

Director of the Clemson Canada Center

Clemson University
09.2014 - 08.2018

President & CEO

IBD Conseil International Business Development
09.2012 - 08.2014

Co-Director, Florida France Linkage Institute

State Of Florida Florida-France Linkage Institute
09.2010 - 03.2012

Director of Global Partnerships and Initiatives

University Of South Florida Polytechnic University
09.2009 - 03.2012

Director, USFP Blue Sky Incubator & Accelerator

USF Polytechnic
09.2009 - 03.2012

Regional Director of The Alliance Française in CA

Consulate General Of France In Los Angeles
09.2005 - 08.2009

Attaché, Academic Affairs

Consulate General Of France In Los Angeles
09.2005 - 08.2009

Director International Relations

Bourgogne Academic Region
09.2001 - 08.2005

Chief of Staff to Commissioner of Education

Burgundy Educational Region, France
09.2001 - 08.2005

Deputy Cultural Attaché

Consulate General Of France In Chicago
09.1996 - 08.2001

Fellow

International Center For Pedagogical Studies
09.1995 - 08.1996

Executive Director

Alliance Française De Toronto
09.1989 - 08.1995

English Teacher

French Department Of Education
09.1983 - 08.1989

No Degree - Marketing Yearlong Course

Northwestern University Extension

Certificate in International Education - International Education

Center For International Education Studies

Certification in Teaching Business French - Business Administration

Paris Chamber of Commerce

Master of Arts - English Language And Literature

Aix-en-Provence University

Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature

Aix-en-Provence University

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