Dr. Philomena (Philly) V. Mantella is a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience in C-suite and executive roles, with fifteen years spent at the helm of organizations ranging from startups to large non-profits. Recognized for her visionary leadership and expertise in strategic people and operations management, Dr. Mantella excels in guiding organizations through transformational change to ensure their future readiness. Her passion lies in positioning organizations for success in an ever-evolving technological landscape while safeguarding their current market standing and operational foundations.

Currently serving as the first female President of Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Michigan's third-largest public university, Dr. Mantella stands as a forward-thinking leader driving growth and innovation. Under her leadership, GVSU has experienced significant market success and enhanced value for learners and stakeholders. Notably, she founded REP4.org, a groundbreaking alliance of nine national universities focused on catalyzing systemic change in education, empowering underrepresented students to shape the future of learning through innovative prototypes.

Prior to her role at GVSU, Dr. Mantella spent eighteen years at Northeastern University, where she served as Senior Vice President and CEO of a global educational subsidiary. Renowned for her instrumental role in propelling Northeastern into the top tier of national universities and expanding its global footprint, she is credited with revolutionizing the university's strategic direction and growth trajectory.

Driven by a commitment to enriching learners, communities, and stakeholders, Dr. Mantella's dedication to the public good is rooted in the transformative power of knowledge. She champions the convergence of education, talent development, and economic progress, forging impactful partnerships with the business community to address their innovation, research, and talent needs. Initiatives such as Laker Accelerated Talent Link, Corewell Scholars, Veterans Advance, HBCU/HSI Consortium, and K-12 Connect exemplify her commitment to fostering inclusive growth and opportunity.

Beyond her role at GVSU, Dr. Mantella serves on the boards of highly respected organizations, including but not limited to Corewell Health, the National Student Veteran’s Organization, the Economic Club, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Michigan Educational Trust and Grand Action 2.0.

Her dedication to organizational complexity, value creation, and societal progress underscores her role as a transformative leader at the forefront of education, economic development and social impact.