Dr. Carol Egele, PMP, SHRM-CP
Dr. Carol Egele, PMP, SHRM-CP is an executive leader and public sector operations professional currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at the Texas Historical Commission in Texas, United States. With nearly two decades of experience in Texas state government, she has built a career centered on administrative leadership, organizational strategy, and operational excellence. Her professional background spans progressively senior roles across procurement, contract management, and agency-wide administration, culminating in her current executive position overseeing core operational divisions within a large state agency.
Throughout her career, Dr. Egele has specialized in aligning mission-driven government work with efficient systems and data-informed decision-making. Her areas of responsibility include human resources, information technology, procurement and contracting, finance and budgeting, risk management, internal audit, project management, and communications. She is recognized for applying Lean Six Sigma principles to streamline processes, improve service delivery, and strengthen organizational performance. A notable aspect of her recent work includes supporting responsible adoption of artificial intelligence within state government operations, including internal tools designed to improve staff access to policies, knowledge, and administrative support.
Dr. Egele holds advanced academic credentials including a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and multiple master’s degrees, including an MBA in Healthcare Management. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she is an educator, public speaker, and executive coach who focuses on leadership development, operational strategy, and professional growth. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes stewardship, intentional decision-making, and building systems that empower people to perform effectively while serving the public good.
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• AI Skills Fundamentals Certificate
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Practical Application of Gen AI for Project Managers
• Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
• Governor's Executive Development Program
• Executive Coach Certification
• Nonprofit Management Certificate
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) formerly CTPM
• Abilene Christian Schools - Ed.D.
• WGU Distinguished Scholar
• State Agency Council (Governor's Texas Commission for Women)
• Dress for Success
• Executive Women in Texas Government
• TEXAS STATE AGENCY BUSINESS ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION
• Colorado Innovation Conference
• Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my father. As I was growing up, he always told me that I can do whatever I wanted to do, as long as I had a plan. He told me that whatever I put my mind to, I could do. I have remembered that for every degree, for every certification, for every job interview. That has really just propelled and pushed me. My father only had a high school education, and so it was important for me to achieve education for both of us. That's what I did throughout my life, and I attribute my success to him. What inspired me to get into my field was my desire to serve people. When you work for state government, you have the ability to serve the citizens of Texas. I'm born and raised in Texas, and very much am a strong Texan, and so it's important to me to give back to my community and to my state. I love the fact that state government allows you to do that.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was from my former boss, Ed House, who told me that there's always opportunities and chaos. It was weird advice, but it was based on this book, and basically he was saying, in the midst of transition and changes, there's opportunity, so don't shy away from them, embrace them, and see your next opportunity in them. I'm a huge advocate of that.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Serving people and giving back to my community and state are core values for me. When you work for state government, you have the ability to serve the citizens of Texas. I'm born and raised in Texas, and very much am a strong Texan, and so it's important to me to give back to my community and to my state. I love the fact that state government allows you to do that. I also value sharing information and encouraging others, which is why I do quite a few speaking engagements at different state agencies and different conferences, and why I'm also a mentor. I enjoy sharing information and encouraging others. I'm a lifelong learner, which drives me to continuously pursue education and certifications. I also teach part-time for the Center of Advanced Legal Studies, where I teach business ethics and project management, and I enjoy that immensely.