Sally Rejas
"Committed to Elevating Leaders to the Next Level"
Hola! About Me.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in management, I have built a career on providing strategic leadership, fostering compliance, and driving successful outcomes for both federal agencies and nonprofit organizations. Throughout my career, I have honed a diverse skill set that includes policy development, event coordination, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. My ability to analyze and resolve complex problems, combined with my passion for advancing program missions, has allowed me to deliver impactful results and ensure sustainable growth.
Most recently, I serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Agriculture, APHIS, where I coordinate high-priority initiatives and manage critical programs with national visibility. My role includes leading large-scale events for over 300 employees while also supporting the Civil Rights and Diversity Advisory Committee. In this capacity, I’ve helped shape the agency’s policies and strategic direction, ensuring timely and effective solutions to organizational challenges. My efforts have been recognized with awards such as the USDA APHIS Administrator’s Civil Rights Award in 2023, highlighting my dedication to fostering a unified workforce and promoting inclusivity.
Before joining the USDA, I gained valuable experience at AFLAC, where I served as a Marketing Product Analyst. I was instrumental in driving product innovations that increased annualized premiums by 15%. Additionally, my leadership of the Diversity Council helped AFLAC earn a spot on the 2016 Diversity Leader Award list by Profiles in Diversity Journal.
My career began in the U.S. Army, where I was entrusted with financial and operational management duties across various divisions. These roles, combined with my experience in program analysis and strategic planning, laid the foundation for my current expertise in high-level program administration.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, I excel in communication and interpersonal relations, facilitating collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders. My proficiency is in managing people, effectively analyzing data, managing projects, change management, process improvement, internal control and presenting information in a clear and actionable format.
As a lifelong learner, I have completed numerous professional development training and certifications, including certifications in LEAN Six Sigma and SCRUM, and Strategic Leadership.
Education
Present
Liberty University
I completed my schooling for the Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, where I deepened my expertise in leading organizations through complex challenges and driving long-term success. Received my Executive Certification in Strategic Leadership. This advanced program equipped me with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals, foster innovation, and sustain growth in an ever-changing environment.
Throughout my doctoral studies, I focused on critical areas such as organizational behavior, change management, leadership theory, and decision-making processes. I explored how effective leadership can influence organizational culture, improve performance, and navigate challenges across diverse industries.
I am currently in my dissertation stage where my research included a detailed examination of the intersection between leadership practices and organizational outcomes, allowing me to contribute valuable insights into how leadership can be optimized to achieve strategic goals.
The program required me to engage in rigorous research, both qualitative and quantitative, allowing me to critically analyze complex problems and propose evidence-based solutions. My dissertation focused on theology versus therapy, contributing to the field of leadership with practical recommendations for leaders in the public and private sectors.
2023
Ashford University
I earned my Master’s degree in Organizational Management, where I focused on developing my leadership skills and gaining an in-depth understanding of the strategies, practices, and tools essential for effectively managing teams, projects, and organizational change. My education provided me with a solid foundation in key areas such as organizational behavior, strategic planning, financial management, and operational efficiency.
Throughout my program, I explored advanced concepts in leadership theory and practical management, learning how to implement strategies that drive innovation, enhance productivity, and foster a positive organizational culture. My coursework emphasized the importance of adaptability and effective communication in today’s fast-paced, diverse work environments.
Additionally, the program gave me the opportunity to work on real-world case studies, collaborate with peers across various industries, and refine my problem-solving skills. This experience not only deepened my knowledge of organizational dynamics but also sharpened my ability to lead teams and manage large-scale projects with a focus on sustainable growth and long-term success.
2014
Ashford University
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, where I developed a strong understanding of human behavior, societal structures, and the social dynamics that influence decision-making and organizational functioning. My studies provided a broad interdisciplinary foundation, integrating elements of sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. This well-rounded perspective helped me gain insights into the complexities of society and the ways in which individuals and groups interact within different environments.
During my program, I focused on the analysis of social systems, organizational theory, and the application of research methodologies. I learned to critically examine social issues, assess the impact of policies and programs, and understand the cultural and historical contexts that shape modern societies. My coursework emphasized the development of strong analytical, research, and communication skills, all of which have been invaluable in my professional career.
The knowledge I gained during my Bachelor’s degree has been directly applicable to my roles in program management and leadership. Understanding the social factors that influence workplace dynamics, public perception, and organizational behavior has enabled me to implement more effective strategies for team management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement.