Her Story
About Dee
Dee Nelson-Wells, MBA, CSM, is Vice President of Global Initiatives at Omnicom Precision Marketing, where she leads enterprise-wide initiatives that drive business transformation through technology, data, and process innovation. With more than two decades of experience, she has built a distinguished career at the intersection of enterprise information management, data governance, customer experience, and operational excellence. She specializes in leading complex, cross-functional programs that improve organizational performance, optimize business processes, and support strategic growth across global organizations. Her expertise spans enterprise data governance, business transformation, program management, systems implementation, organizational change management, and leadership development. Prior to her current role, Ms. Nelson-Wells held leadership positions with organizations including Amazon Studios, Toyota Motor Sales, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, and where she successfully delivered large-scale transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 companies across industries. She has guided executive teams through digital modernization efforts, SAP implementations, finance transformation, and customer-focused operational improvements. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from California State University, Long Beach, and further expanded her executive education with a Certificate in Causal Diagrams from Harvard University. A Certified ScrumMaster®, she has also earned multiple SAP Data Architecture certifications, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development and emerging technologies. Beyond her corporate leadership, Ms. Nelson-Wells is the founder and president of DAMA Los Angeles, the local chapter of DAMA International, where she champions education, collaboration, and professional advancement within the data management community. Through conferences, certification programs, mentoring, and industry events, she actively supports the development of current and future data professionals. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to lifelong learning, and belief that respect, integrity, and teamwork are essential to achieving meaningful and sustainable business outcomes. Her dedication to mentoring others and advancing best practices in data governance continues to make a lasting impact across the technology and business communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining a willingness to learn, staying flexible, and keeping an open mind throughout every stage of my career. Collaboration has also been fundamental to my growth, as working closely with others allows me to continually learn and improve. I believe every role offers valuable lessons that contribute to future opportunities, which is why I encourage others to remain curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of career advice I received was that there is no "I" in team. I learned the importance of recognizing collective accomplishments by using "we" rather than focusing solely on individual contributions. Bringing others into the story not only strengthens leadership but also builds trust, creates stronger teams, and makes accomplishments more meaningful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay true to themselves and have confidence in their abilities. Speak up, share your ideas, and trust that you have earned your place at the table. Know your work, continue learning, and never hesitate to ask for help when needed. I also encourage building relationships with mentors and sponsors who will advocate for your growth. As women advance into leadership positions, become role models who inspire and support the next generation.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in our field is helping organizations establish strong data governance as data becomes the foundation for artificial intelligence and business innovation. Effectively managing and governing data is essential to achieving sustainable AI-driven growth. Another ongoing challenge is the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership, making mentorship, sponsorship, and creating greater visibility for women increasingly important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is the value that guides everything I do. I believe in respecting others, respecting the work itself, and respecting myself by understanding my own needs and goals. I also value collaboration, continuous learning, openness, and flexibility. These principles enable me to build meaningful relationships, lead effectively, and continue growing both personally and professionally.
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