Susan Cella
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven sales executive known for fostering collaboration across departments and executing impactful business strategies. Expertise in leading inclusive teams, streamlining sales processes, and securing partnerships that enhance visibility and ensure compliance.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President, Sales
95 Percent Group
Lincolnshire, USA
06.2022 - 09.2025
- Increased annual revenue by 25% through targeted sales strategies and expansion into key K–12 markets.
- Scaled SaaS adoption by 250% by leading digital transformation initiatives aligned to RTI/MTSS and literacy intervention priorities.
- Grew national sales organization from 9 to 40 team members, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and consultative culture.
- Secured strategic partnerships with high-profile districts, elevating visibility in compliance-driven literacy and intervention programs.
- Reduced sales cycle by 20% through process redesign, Salesforce pipeline discipline, and data-driven forecasting.
- Partnered with RevOps, Product, and Customer Success teams to improve cross-functional alignment and territory planning.
National Sales Director
Zaner-Bloser, Inc.
Columbus, USA
01.2019 - 06.2022
- Delivered +24% YoY growth while sustaining a 90% renewal rate across compliance- and instruction-focused accounts.
- Designed ROI-driven territory models to optimize coverage and align with IEP/504 and MTSS transformation initiatives.
- Guided teams through RTI/MTSS framework integration at the district level, aligning to compliance, instructional, and funding requirements.
- Launched a sales training program that improved quota attainment and enhanced consultative selling.
- Acted as strategic advisor with superintendents and school boards, influencing long-term program adoption.
National Literacy Director
Zaner-Bloser, Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Set national literacy and intervention strategy to align with RTI/MTSS, EL, and Special Education compliance requirements.
- Partnered with districts on professional learning and compliance-readiness workshops, supporting Medicaid-related and federally funded programs.
- Drove adoption of literacy and intervention programs to support IEP/504 compliance, teacher documentation, and student outcomes.
- Led integration of Rowland Reading into Zaner-Bloser, aligning systems and customer relationships post-acquisition.
- Built sales enablement tools that improved data-driven forecasting and solution positioning.
Senior Sales Representative
Rowland Reading Foundation
07.2006 - 01.2015
- Achieved 470% of quota in 2012, setting all-time organizational sales record.
- Consistently exceeded growth targets, building long-term consultative relationships with district stakeholders.
- Supported strategic planning and adoption initiatives aligned to special programs, RTI/MTSS, and compliance.
Educational Leadership Roles
08.1993 - 07.2005
- Served as Coordinator of Student Services, Principal, and Teacher, leading instructional, compliance, and organizational change.
- Directed student services including IEPs, 504s, English Learners, and Medicaid-funded programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with regulations.
- Secured grants and implemented programs tied to Medicaid services and intervention frameworks.
- Led teacher evaluation, district-wide planning, and literacy adoption to support student achievement.
Education
MBA Coursework -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
01.2020
M.Ed. - Educational Administration
National Louis University
01.1995
B.S. - Education
Loyola University Chicago
01.1991
Skills
- K–12 special programs
- Sales leadership
- Coaching and development
- High-performing teams
- SaaS sales expertise
- Business growth strategies
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Strategic territory planning
- Market expansion strategies
- Consultative sales approach
- Executive influence and negotiation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven forecasting
- Salesforce CRM proficiency
- Market analysis
- Data-driven decision making
- Leadership development
- Sales strategy
- Revenue growth
Certification
- Sales: Franklin Covey Sales Performance, SPIN Selling, Fanatical Prospecting, Sales EQ, Agility Sales Methodology & Change Management
- Education: Administration & Supervision (Type 75), Reading Specialist, ELL Endorsement, PBIS, LETRS, Top Ten Tools
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Vice President, Sales
95 Percent Group
06.2022 - 09.2025
National Sales Director
Zaner-Bloser, Inc.
01.2019 - 06.2022
National Literacy Director
Zaner-Bloser, Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2019
Senior Sales Representative
Rowland Reading Foundation
07.2006 - 01.2015
Educational Leadership Roles
08.1993 - 07.2005
MBA Coursework -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.Ed. - Educational Administration
National Louis University
B.S. - Education
Loyola University Chicago
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