Industry & Engagement Strategist
Dee Fretwell MBA ~ CPT
Speaker
Educator
Consultant
Strategic Planning Consultant, Global Innovator, Instructor, Fly Fishing fanatic
Dee's expertise ranges across executive coaching, strategic planning, organization design and transformation, and leadership development. Her industry experience encompasses SAAS, sales and marketing, professional services, manufacturing, publishing, financial services, and nonprofit development, grant writing and board governance.
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In addition to her tenure at Southern Oregon University as a faculty member, Dee has worked at EcoTeas Fair Trade / Organic Teas as Vice-President of Operations, serving in a business development and manufacturing role for this privately held firm. She has also worked extensively with many nonprofits within the United States.
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Dee received an M.B.A. degree from SOU as well as a Certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School. A natural educator, Dee is also TESOL certified. Dee has completed certification work through the University of South Florida in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as in Global Retail and Supply Trends. She is the founder of the Global Innovation Scholars Program and is a Board of Advisor and/or Director on multiple national nonprofit boards. She also received the graduate award, The Guanajuato Award, for her commitment to community and service.
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As needed, Dee assembles a team of associates to address client needs.
Resume
2018 - Present
Past Chair, Senior Instructor
Program Director of Global Innovation Scholars Program
Coordinator of the Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Southern Oregon University
Full-time faculty in undergraduate and graduate level courses focusing primarily on Operations, Management, Strategic Planning and Nonprofit curriculum. Also works in collaboration with University of Guanajuato and University of New York, Laguardia in the COIL and Global Innovation Scholars program. Co-Director of the SOU International Creativity Conference.
2021 - Present
Advisor
AdvisoryCloud
2021 - Present
Peer Reviewer
Academy of Management
2019 - Present
Co-Director COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning)
SOU / Univ of Guanajuato, Freelance
Program objectives:
a) To reduce inequality in micro and small businesses located in non-urban and rural areas of Mexico and USA by integrating multicultural teams of students advised by the institutions faculty and provide them with a plan for business improvement. The program also aims to select students from less benefited areas in order to reduce inequality of education opportunities.
b) To create a reciprocal international seminar based on the expertise of participating institutions´ faculty to provide both communities with an integrated view of general administration of businesses in both countries.
c) To provide students and faculty with a multicultural perspective of businesses and societies in México and USA for a better and real understanding of both countries.
2006 - Present
Fractional COO
Fretwell Consulting
STRATEGIC PLANNING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
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Devise strategies to ensure growth of programs enterprise-wide, identifying and implementing process improvements that will maximize output and minimize costs.
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Work closely with human resources to lead team with integrity and establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
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Build and maintain relationships with all department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
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Manage product pricing strategies based on continuous ROI: production levels, efficiencies, and demand.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT:
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Manage all raw and finished product materials, including assembly items, supply materials and finished goods from the US, Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and South Africa.
Monthly Product Line purchase forecasting:
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Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for the day-to-day performance of the operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.
Operations / Production Management:
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Build and maintain relationships with all department heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
2019 - 2020
Adjunct Instructor
University of North Georgia
2013 - 2019
Executive Director
Modern Roots Foundation
Steeped in a strong love of music, Fretwell noticed a missing network between music instructors, instruments, and the children of Jackson county. With over 49% of the 51,000 children in Jackson County living below the poverty level, Fretwell realized a void that needed to be filled. These kids deserved the chance to find expression and development through music! And this is the mission of the Modern Roots Foundation, creating a musical synergy between financially challenged kids and music instruction. Fundraising Ceiling: $500,000
2007 - 2019
Vice President of Operations
Eco Teas
A Fair Trade, Organic tea company, Eco Teas is proud to boast Top Selling Tea Items in the US. While they only hold six current "SKUS," their ranks among the much bigger and leveraged tea companies can easily prove quality is often much better than quantity.
Bringing nearly 20 years of Operations directing, Dee helped Eco Teas not only expand but also focus their future vision for the company. Walking into a manufacturing position was new for Ms. Fretwell, and adaptation had to happen quickly.
Education
2023
Eastern University
Master's in Data Science
TESOL Certified Instructor, 120hr
2021
Six Sigma Global Institute
Certified Agile Leader
Six Sigma Global Institute
Certified Scrum Master
University of South Florida Muma College of Business
Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
University of South Florida Muma College of Business
Certificate in Emerging Trends in Global Services and Retail Management
2020
Harvard Business School
Certificate in Business Analytics
2018
Southern Oregon University
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
2004