Cleta M. Galvez, Ph.D.

Cleta Galvez is a Distinguished Principal Research Fellow, Human Capital at The Conference Board, and member of the Culture, Engagement, and Experience Forum. She served on The Conference Board’s Change and Transformation Council, later joining The Conference Board as a Program Director and Fellow, contributing to joint publications and shaping the future of work.

Cleta is a dedicated Human Resources leader with 40 years of experience addressing complex organizational challenges and advocating for people. Her transformative leadership style combines strategic vision, empathy, and motivation, guiding teams to deliver results while fostering individual growth. At 3M, Cleta advanced through progressive roles across corporate headquarters, a California operational site, and a field-based position traveling with the U.S. Medical Sales Force. She partnered with diverse businesses and carried global responsibilities spanning HR Business Partnering, Organization Design, Change Management, Talent Management, and M&A integration. She consistently bridged theory and practice to drive sustainable growth. Moving to Medtronic, Cleta established the Organization Development and Change Office, building lasting infrastructure and training programs for organization design and change management.

Cleta holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development from the University of Texas at Austin, a Fulbright Scholarship from New York University, a BA from Siena College, and Coach Certification from the Hudson Institute. Her community efforts include co-founding the Mental Health and Well Being Coalition Ministry in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, partnering with the CMHM and USCCB to promote mental well-being in parish communities.