Marie Gemelli-Carroll, EdD, MBA
Marie Gemelli-Carroll, EdD, MBA, is the founder and lead strategist of Starboard Strategy Corp., where she partners with boards and executive teams to align vision, strategy, and measurable results. With over 25 years of experience across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and government sectors, Marie specializes in helping organizations strengthen performance, foster collaboration, and maintain relevance in an era of constant change. Her approach combines strategic clarity, governance insight, leadership development, and neuroscience-based tools to drive innovation and inclusion.
Throughout her career, Marie has held senior roles in communications, government affairs, and business development, including positions at Cincinnati Bell and Northlich, where she led strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and marketing initiatives. She has built a reputation for delivering results through thoughtful analysis, collaborative leadership, and practical strategies that connect vision with execution. Her professional experience spans consulting, corporate, and nonprofit environments, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities leaders face today.
Marie holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University and an MBA, complemented by executive education from Harvard Kennedy School. A lifelong learner and cancer survivor, she leads with empathy, integrity, and resilience. She is passionate about helping boards and executives achieve clarity and alignment, enabling organizations to move faster, make smarter decisions, and deliver sustainable impact.
• Marymount University - EdD
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong learner and maintaining a genuine passion for helping others grow. As President of Starboard Strategy, I love working with clients to solve complex problems, strengthen their businesses, and navigate the challenges they face. I particularly enjoy helping organizations understand where they need to focus their strategy to achieve meaningful results.
My PhD in Organizational Leadership has been instrumental in shaping my approach, giving me the tools to guide teams and organizations effectively. I find great fulfillment in combining my academic insights with hands-on experience to drive transformation and create lasting impact.
Ultimately, my career is fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and the satisfaction of seeing clients and organizations reach their full potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always take on more than you think you can handle. Pushing beyond your limits challenges you to grow, develop new skills, and achieve things you didn’t think were possible. Embracing these opportunities has been a cornerstone of my professional growth and success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is helping organizations operate more efficiently while achieving their budget and strategic goals. I focus on identifying areas for improvement, developing actionable strategies, and guiding organizations to make meaningful, sustainable changes that strengthen their overall performance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are curiosity, creativity, and connection. I love spending quality time with my granddaughter, exploring thrift stores, and expressing myself through watercolor glass art—activities that inspire me and keep me grounded. These same values guide my professional life, as I strive to approach challenges with creativity, build meaningful relationships, and continuously learn and grow.
Locations
Starboard Strategy Corp.
Cincinnati, OH 45202