Dr. Peter Rios Bio

Dr. Peter Rios is a distinguished leadership consultant, executive coach, and accomplished author with a wealth of experience in the fields of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership development, and innovation. His extensive knowledge and educational background in strategic leadership and intercultural studies make him a highly sought-after keynote speaker and conference presenter, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Rios's career has been marked by his dedication to fostering positive change in various sectors, including business, religious institutions, government, higher education, and non-profit organizations.

Career Highlights:

• Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Aug 2023 - Present)
  • Orlando VA Healthcare System

• Founder - Peter Rios Consulting, LLC

  • Providing consulting and coaching in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and innovation (Jan 2021 - Present)

• National and International Bilingual Consulting Firm

  • Peter Rios Consulting (Jan 2021 - Present)
  • Specializing in leadership development, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and innovation

• Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership & Intercultural Studies

  • Pacific School of Religion (Aug 2022 - Jul 2023)

• Lecturer - Leadership Studies

  • Penn State University, World Campus (Aug 2021 - Aug 2022)

• Adjunct Professor

  • Indiana Wesleyan University (Mar 2014 - Jul 2021)
  • Teaching online courses in various leadership-related subjects

• Executive Director of the Asbury Latino Center

  • Asbury Theological Seminary (Aug 2019 - Dec 2020)
  • Located in Orlando, Florida Area

• CEO - RIOS, Robust Innovative Organizational Solutions, LLC

  • Specializing in organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership development; strategy; organizational design and renewal; innovation; conflict resolution; coaching and consulting; and intercultural relations and dynamics (Mar 2014 - Dec 2020)

• Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing

  • Ashland University (Oct 2018 - Jul 2019)

• Adjunct Professor, Organizational Leadership Programs

  • Colorado State University-Global Campus (Apr 2018 - Jan 2019)

• Associate Vice President - Academic Innovation

  • Fresno Pacific University (Jul 2017 - Jul 2018)

• Program Director

  • DeVoe School of Business (Feb 2015 - Jul 2016)
  • Indiana Wesleyan University

• Founder and Director - GNC Ministries

  • Engaged in pastoral ministry for over ten years (Jan 2009 - May 2013)

• Conference & Seminar Speaker

  • United States Marine Corps (Jan 1999 - Dec 2006)
  • Gained global leadership experience while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea

Education:

• Fuller Theological Seminary

  • Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Intercultural Studies (2016 - Mar 2021)

• University of Southern California

  • Doctoral coursework (18 credit hours), Organizational Change, Leadership & Higher Education (2018 - 2019)

• Regent University

  • D.S.L. (Doctor of Strategic Leadership) with a Strategic Foresight Concentration (2013 - 2016)

• Syracuse University - Martin J. Whitman School of Management

  • EBV program 2014, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Program for Veterans/Entrepreneurial Studies (2014)

Licenses & Certifications:

• Leadership Studies (United States Marine Corps) - Issued Jan 2001, Expired Jan 2003
• Graduate of Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (Jul 2014 - Present)
  • Associated with Syracuse University - Martin J. Whitman School of Management

Publications:

• "Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education" (Published by Wipf & Stock Publishers on Dec 22, 2021)
• "Strategic Innovation: Applying Entrepreneurial Leadership to Innovative Ideas" (Published in the Journal of Transformative Innovation on Aug 1, 2016)
• "A Framework for Developing Global Leadership According to the Apostle Paul" (Published in The Great Commission Journal on Mar 1, 2016)
• "Cultural Agility: Cross-Cultural Leadership for the 21st Century" (Published by DeVoe School of Business at Indiana Wesleyan University on Jan 4, 2016)
• "Three Tips on how to Recruit and Retain Latino Students" (Published in Christian Academia Magazine on Jan 1, 2016)
• "Dissertation/Project: The Latino Initiative: A Ten Year Forecast of U.S. Hispanics in Higher Education" (Jan 1, 2016)
• "Wife as Entrepreneur: A Business View of Proverbs 31:10-31" (Published in the Journal of Ethics & Entrepreneurship on Jan 1, 2015)
• "Developing a Framework for Cross-Cultural Leadership" (Published in Ezine Articles on Jun 1, 2014)
• "Cross-Cultural Leadership" (Published in CNY Latino on May 1, 2014)

Honors & Awards:

• The King Fellowship (Issued by Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies - Jan 2016)
• Recognition from Government Official (Issued by Fushun China, Fushun Social Welfare Institution, Liaoning, China - May 2011)
• Certificate of Recognition (Issued by Mission Camp, Guatemala, Guatemala City - Jul 2008)
• Honorable Discharge (Issued by USMC - Jan 2003)
• Good Conduct Medal (Issued by USMC - Jan 2002)
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Issued by USMC - Jul 2001)
• National Defense Service Medal (Issued by USMC - Apr 2000)
• Letter of Appreciation-Community Relations Project (Issued by Amerasian School in Okinawa, Japan - Feb 1999)
• Recognition, Volunteer Service for the Minority Health Program (Issued by Minority Health Program - Jun 1997)
• Certificate of Recognition (Issued by Upward Bound Program, Fredonia State University (SUNY) - Aug 1994)

Organizations:

• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) - Member since May 2015
• Association of Professional Futurists - Member since Jan 2015

Dr. Peter Rios is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, making significant contributions to the fields of education, business, and beyond. His expertise, extensive experience, and dedication to positive change continue to impact and inspire those he serves.