Pouneh Eftekhari is an experienced leader focused on organizational development, program management, and global strategy with over 15 years of experience across the USA, Denmark, Spain, and Sweden. She specializes in:
- advising university leaders on strategy and policy ;
- strategic planning, process and program development, governance, management, and strategic partnerships;
- translating complex policies into actionable and scalable processes; and
- leading the design and execution of global initiatives.
Her practical experience is reinforced by her doctoral research and leadership of a 3-year international project funded by Swedish research authorities. Pouneh’s research focuses on the challenges of implementing top-down strategies within complex organizations. By analyzing organizational culture, stakeholder dynamics, and policy frameworks, she uncovers root causes of inefficiencies and drives innovative solutions for sustainable change.
Her insights empower leaders to enhance strategic alignment, improve operational performance, and deliver measurable, lasting results. With proven success in navigating cross-functional and cross-cultural environments, Pouneh delivers transformative impact for organizations.
As a recognized consultant, trainer, and subject matter expert, Pouneh frequently collaborates with international organizations on strategic projects and initiatives. She is an elected member of the EAIE’s expert committee on Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum and holds certification from the European Consortium for Accreditation for quality assessment in internationalization.
Skills
- Process and Workflow Development – delivering operating priorities by developing and managing complex processes
- Team Leadership and Management – lead and manage cross-cultural and cross-functional teams and initiatives within complex organizational settings
- Financial Accountability – management of budgets to deliver programs and deliverables
- Program and Project Management – development and management of projects consisting of cross-functional teams including reporting, timeline management, budgeting and performance reporting to senior leadership
- Partnerships & Strategic Alliances – primary point of contact for internal and external partners including domestic and international universities, funding agencies (for research and education), and Embassies
Subject Matter Expertise
- Internationalization of the Curriculum at Home (IoCaH) (i.e., curriculum transformation & re-design)
- Faculty Engagement (i.e., change readiness assessment)
- Educational Development (i.e., academic quality assurance)
- Stakeholder Management
Pouneh Eftekhari 