Michael Levitan is a distinguished executive with a rich and diverse background in leadership and building high-performing teams and cultures. Over more than three decades, his experience and contributions span multiple sectors, including in business (larger companies and founding an educational technology company), higher education, government, and philanthropy. Currently, Levitan serves as a Visiting Fellow and Adjunct Professor at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, where he teaches in the Professional PhD program, guiding students on the journey from ideas to implementation. He is also deeply involved in advising high-potential nonprofits, providing executive coaching, and conducting research on innovative programs that enable nonprofits to address longstanding organizational and financial challenges.
Levitan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found and serve as CEO of Courseload, Inc., an educational technology company, from 2009 to 2015. Under his leadership, the company revolutionized digital course material distribution, influencing the terms and market conditions for the sector. His efforts culminated in a successful sale to Unizin, a consortium of 22 higher education institutions. Courseload was recognized as a “Best Place to Work” for three consecutive years, a testament to Levitan’s leadership and ability to build a high-performing organization that inspires great work, loyalty, and commitment. Levitan raised over $12 million in investment for Courseload.
Previously, Levitan held leadership roles in larger companies. He was Chief Human Resources Officer at Emmis Communications, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s selection as one of the Fortune 100 Best Places to Work and the first communications company to receive the recognition. As a member of the executive team, Levitan helped shape corporate strategy and led organizational elements of acquisitions and divestitures. His leadership was integral to fostering a culture of engagement and productivity through innovative learning programs and performance management systems. At Apple, he served as Director of Human Resources, leading human resources for key global functions comprising one third of the company and helping shape the company’s world-class workforce. His tenure at Cummins Engine Company included roles as an Assistant to the CEO and as Executive Director of Organizational Effectiveness where he led human resources and information technology for 5,500 employees while overseeing a major organizational change process.
Levitan’s career also includes significant experience in international development. As Country Director for Save the Children in Thailand, he oversaw a community development program serving 45,000 villagers that pioneered models for sustainable agriculture and early childhood development that were adopted at national and international levels. His leadership in the nonprofit sector began with the Peace Corps, where he served as a volunteer in Senegal and later as Director of Training for rural development and health education programs. These early experiences laid the foundation for his long-standing commitment to social impact and community development.
Levitan is a graduate of Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he earned an MBA and was awarded the Arbuckle Award for Outstanding Contribution. He also holds a master’s in international Agricultural Economics from Stanford’s Food Research Institute. He earned his undergraduate degree with high distinction in International Studies from Dartmouth College, where he was a Rufus Choate Scholar and participated in numerous intercollegiate sports.
Throughout his career, Levitan has been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including a White House Fellowship, which selects only 17 individuals annually from over 1,300 applicants. He has also received the Distinguished Service Award from Save the Children and has served on multiple boards, including those companies where he worked as CEO or Executive Participant, Exponentia, Mission: Cure and Chapin Hall Center for Children. Levitan’s functional fluency in French, Thai, Bengali, and Wolof has facilitated his work across various regions and sectors.
As an innovator, advisor, and professor, Michael Levitan continues to shape the future of both nonprofit and corporate sectors. His dedication to creating lasting impact, building sustainable organizations and cultivating the next generation of leadership makes him a visionary leader in today’s ever-evolving world.
Character
Michael Levitan exemplifies integrity, commitment, and a deep sense of social responsibility in both his professional and philanthropic endeavors.
Knowledge
He possesses a broad expertise in business, organizational development, leadership, philanthropy, education, and nonprofit leadership, supported by years of practical experience across diverse sectors.
Strategic
Levitan is adept at identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for innovation and growth, having successfully led companies and initiatives that addressed complex challenges in the business, education and nonprofit sectors.
Communication
He demonstrates exceptional communication skills through teaching, advising, and engaging with diverse stakeholders, effectively conveying complex ideas and inspiring action.
