MICHAEL L. SURSI
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Dynamic Advanced Training Leader with over 10 years of experience driving MSAT program growth. Expertise in exceeding start goals, enhancing OEM partnerships, and optimizing employment outcomes. Recognized for operational leadership, financial acumen, and ability to influence in matrixed organizations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Advanced Training Recruitment
Universal Technical Institute
10.2017 - Current
- Led the launch and ongoing operational management of Tesla's START CRRT program, delivering 100 percent cohort fill and 100 percent employment.
- Provide strategic leadership across 12 manufacturer-specific advanced training programs, driving national MSAT starts and strengthening OEM partnerships, employment outcomes, and pipeline execution while co-leading Advanced Training budget and recruitment strategy.
- Drove national MSAT transfer growth from 222 in FY22 to 420 in FY25, generating $2.3M in net revenue and representing 19 percent of total MSAT starts.
- Delivered above-plan MSAT start performance in FY25 with 2,850 starts versus a target of 2,814.
- Sustained a 94 percent in-brand placement rate across MB DRIVE, Peterbilt PTI, and Volvo over the last 4 years.
- Removed participation barriers for Mercedes-Benz DRIVE, increasing average cohort size from 10 students per start in FY24 to 13 in FY25.
- Partnered with Business Intelligence to deploy a national MSAT start dashboard.
- Built a centralized SharePoint platform for start, interview, and roster management.
- Partnered with Marketing on targeted campaigns to current students without MSAT enrollments.
- Finished FY24 $35,558 favorable to plan and FY25 $107,000 favorable to plan.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented process improvements, resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced turnaround times.
East Coast SDA Manager
Universal Technical Institute Inc
07.2015 - 10.2016
- Achieved 30 percent year-over-year growth in dealer-paid advanced training program interviews.
- Surpassed regional averages by driving interview growth for brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
- Implemented strategies that enhanced pipeline health for student electives and manufacturer-sponsored programs.
- Strengthened campus execution through targeted coaching of Student Development Advisors and activity oversight.
- Aligned closely with Advanced Training teams to optimize program effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Facilitated regular training sessions to enhance advisor skills and improve recruitment strategies.
- Monitored regional performance metrics to identify trends and adjust tactics accordingly.
- Cultivated relationships with educational institutions to support student engagement and program visibility.
Performance Coach
Proactive Dealer Solutions
11.2014 - 07.2015
- Increased dealership revenue by 22% through strategic sales and service consulting.
- Conducted coaching sessions to improve employee skills and customer engagement.
- Identified operational efficiency opportunities by analyzing performance metrics.
- Partnered with management to implement best practices in dealership operations.
Assistant Director, Campus Admissions
Universal Technical Institute Inc
09.2011 - 10.2014
- Achieved enrollment goals by leading a cohesive team and optimizing departments.
- Exceeded budget targets by enhancing coaching and focusing on enrollment dates.
- Secured six months of enrollment success through effective lead flow management.
- Implemented strategic plans and aligned campus leadership on shared enrollment goals.
- Created performance standards to address business challenges and promote accountability.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Telecommunications and Organizational Communications
Ohio University
Athens, OHSkills
Start Growth Strategy
OEM Relationship Management
Budget Oversight & Forecasting
Talent Pipeline Development
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Event Planning & Execution
Data Analytics & KPI Management
Timeline
Director of Advanced Training Recruitment
Universal Technical Institute
10.2017 - Current
East Coast SDA Manager
Universal Technical Institute Inc
07.2015 - 10.2016
Performance Coach
Proactive Dealer Solutions
11.2014 - 07.2015
Assistant Director, Campus Admissions
Universal Technical Institute Inc
09.2011 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science - Telecommunications and Organizational Communications
Ohio University