Marian Saunders White, President of The Refinery, is a dynamic, resourceful leader with successful experience utilizing a unique combination of project management, technical and innovative leadership development skills to increase efficiency and growth within organizations.
She most recently functioned in the role of President at an IT and Telecommunications company, providing executive management for all clients, vendors, technical and professional staff, while overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations including contract and subcontract management, operating policies and procedures development, and full personnel resource management. Marian has more than 25 years of experience in program and project management, contract management, software development, technical and leadership development skills.
Prior to that position, Marian was responsible for managing subcontractor activity for several multi-year, multi-million dollar Federal government contracts as well as overseeing the daily operations of multiple Contact Center contracts. Marian previously held other Senior Management roles in IT Software Development as well as Human Resources for such companies as GDIT and Lockheed Martin. She is a skilled facilitator, trainer, and entrepreneur who previously owned a Financial Brokerage firm that arranged funding for small businesses and provided consulting services, including management training focused on managing priorities, growth strategies, creative problem solving, and employee development.
She received her Master of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix Maryland Campus and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Marian received her Project Management Professional PMP certification in 2010 and has received training certifications from Achieve Global and ELI, Inc. Marian is also a graduate of UMBC’s Achieving the Commercialization of Technology in Ventures through Applied Training for Entrepreneurs, (ACTiVATE) program. ACTiVATE supports participants in an entrepreneurship development program focused on technology commercialization.
Marian has a passion for helping organizations and entrepreneurs remove obstacles so they can grow and develop their businesses. She is co-author of the best-selling book Breakthrough Leadership: Conversations with Innovative Leaders.