Vita Dr. Tom DePaoli
Dr. Thomas (Tom) DePaoli
Sheboygan, WI | 920-698-2959 | thomasdepaoli@yahoo.com | drtomd@gmail.com
LinkedIn | Website | Amazon Author Page
Career Summary
Dynamic educator, leader, and management consultant with extensive experience in academia, business transformation, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Recognized for enhancing student engagement, curriculum development, and delivering high-impact training. Adept at fostering innovation, collaboration, and achieving high satisfaction ratings from students and clients.
Professional Experience Academic
Director, Master’s in Management Program & Full-Time Online Instructor
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (2020–Present)
• Spearheaded the development and launch of the Master of Management degree program, instrumental in the college’s elevation to university status by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Active member of Curriculum, Faculty Senate, and Graduate Committees, shaping academic policies and course effectiveness.
• Awards: LCOOU Faculty of the Year Award (2023).
Professor, Graduate School of Management & Human Potential
Walden University (2008–Present)
• Teach MBA courses, integrating real-world applications with academic rigor.
• Awards: Faculty Excellence Award, College of Management and Technology (2023).
Online Adjunct Instructor, MBA Programs
• Concordia University (2018–Present)
• Marian University (2018–Present)
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Northwestern Ohio
• University of Phoenix (Axia) College of Business
• Cardinal Stritch University
Program Chair for Management, Operations Management, & Human Resources Degrees
Marian University (2007–2018)
• Designed and launched 70+ online courses for graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Pioneered Harvard case method teaching, boosting student performance by 35%.
• Achieved first-ever SHRM certification for the Human Resources program.
• Established corporate partnerships, significantly increasing student job placement rates.
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Business & Consulting Experience
CEO, Independent Consultant
Apollo Solutions (1995–Present)
• Lead expert in human resources, supply chain, leadership, Lean Six Sigma, and organizational transformation.
• Conducted high-impact training seminars, workshops, and leadership development programs.
• Client satisfaction rating: 9.2/10 across profit, non-profit, and military sectors.
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Military Experience
Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Active Duty (2001–2007)
• Led Lean Six Sigma implementation for a global maritime organization.
• Developed curriculum and instructed 300+ Lean Six Sigma practitioners.
• Achieved 50% cycle time reductions through process improvement projects.
• Designed corporate dashboards leading to a 5%+ cost reduction.
• Led a transformation task force, saving $10M+ without impacting service quality.
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Education
• Ph.D., Management (Pay-for-Skill Compensation Plans) – California Coast University
• MBA, Management – University of Notre Dame Graduate School of Business
• B.S., Humanistic Studies & Psychology – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
• B.S., Science & Management-Marketing – St. Joseph’s University
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Certifications & Professional Credentials
• SPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources (Lifetime Certification)
• C.P.M. – Certified Purchasing Manager
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – U.S. Navy
• Certified E-Commerce Consultant
• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer
• Certified IBM Business Strategy & Change Consultant
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Honors & Awards
• LCO Ojibwe University Faculty of the Year (2023)
• Walden University Faculty Excellence Award (2020-21)
• Navy Reserve Officer of the Year (REDCOM 16)
• Honors Graduate, Navy Supply School
• Full MBA Fellowship, University of Notre Dame
• National Association of Purchasing Managers Panelist
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Skills
• Learning Platforms: Moodle, Canvas, Brightspace
• Teaching Methodologies: Competency-Based Instruction, Case Studies, Harvard Case Method, Classroom Debates
• Tech Proficiency: MS Teams, Zoom, Blackboard, Role-Playing Simulations
• Lean Six Sigma Expertise: DMAIC, Process Improvement, KPI Development
• Business Consulting: Negotiations, Change Management, Leadership Training
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Publications & Research
Full List of Publications link
Dissertation: Comparison of Various Inceptive Implementation Techniques to the Success of Pay-for-Knowledge or Pay-for-Skill Systems – CCU Press
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Community Engagement & Affiliations
• Board Member & Leadership Roles: YMCA, Wounded Warrior, United Way, Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce
• Veterans & Military Groups: Military Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion
• Youth & Education: Bullying Prevention Advocate (Authored two children books on bullying)