Rodolfo Santamaria is the lead academic program manager for the School of Business at Western Governors University, where he oversees the university’s Supply Chain and Operations programs. With over 40 years of experience in executive leadership, academia, and research, he brings a global perspective and deep industry expertise to his role.
Santamaria holds a Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership and Organizational Management, an MBA, and a B.S. in International Business. His professional background includes executive leadership roles at Platinum Private Equity Portfolio Company, Stanley Black & Decker, ADT LLC, and Johnson Controls/Tyco, where he led strategic transformations and operational excellence initiatives across sectors like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. In 1996, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Chicago for his contributions to the city.
As an educator and program developer, Santamaria has taught at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, ÃÛÌÒTV, FIU, and FAU. His academic work spans undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on supply chain management, AI-human interaction, DEI, and ESG.
Areas of Expertise:
- Supply Chain Management
- Operations & Operational Excellence
- Business Transformation & Strategy
- Change Management
- Lean Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement
- Digital Transformation (AI, Cybersecurity, IoT, Blockchain)
- Organizational & Corporate Leadership
- ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)
- Higher Education Program Design & Course Development
Education:
- Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership & Organizational Management, Specialization in Aviation Management — Lynn UniversityÂ
- MBA, Business Administration — American InterContinental UniversityÂ
- B.S. in International Business — Florida Metropolitan University (FMU)Â
- Undergraduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering — Universidad de Costa Rica Westcliff University
- Certifications: Digital Transformation: Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity/IoT & Blockchain, Oracle, SAP, IBM, Lean Six Sigma
Areas of Expertise:
- Supply Chain Management
- Operations & Operational Excellence
- Business Transformation & Strategy
- Change Management
- Lean Six Sigma & Continuous Improvement
- Digital Transformation (AI, Cybersecurity, IoT, Blockchain)
- Organizational & Corporate Leadership
- ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)
- Higher Education Program Design & Course Development
Education:
- Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership & Organizational Management, Specialization in Aviation Management — Lynn UniversityÂ
- MBA, Business Administration — American InterContinental UniversityÂ
- B.S. in International Business — Florida Metropolitan University (FMU)Â
- Undergraduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering — Universidad de Costa Rica Westcliff University
- Certifications: Digital Transformation: Artificial Intelligence/Cybersecurity/IoT & Blockchain, Oracle, SAP, IBM, Lean Six Sigma
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