Ron Watkins is a seasoned executive with over two decades of diverse experience across multiple industries, including education, healthcare, transportation, and consulting. As the Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Illinois System, Ron plays a pivotal role in steering system-wide initiatives that advance the institution’s land-grant mission and support the goals of its campuses, including UIUC, UIC, and UIS. His strategic vision and leadership contribute to impactful projects that drive meaningful change and enhance the university’s mission.
One of Ron’s standout achievements was scaling SHIELD Illinois, a biotech startup, from the ground up with a $10 million investment into a $240 million business in just 18 months. During this time, he grew the organization from 2 to 1,300 employees. This endeavor involved scaling a healthcare provider while simultaneously growing a startup, exemplifying Ron’s ability to lead and manage rapid growth under complex, high-stakes conditions.
Currently, Ron advises NOLA Gold ( https://www.nolagoldrugby.com/), a $5 million major league rugby team, where he helps drive their growth strategy and operational development. Additionally, Ron is an advisor to Goettl ( https://www.goettl.com/), a private equity-backed roll-up in the HVAC industry operating in Nevada, Arizona, and parts of California. He works closely with CEO Jake Gress and provides strategic guidance on their business expansion.
Ron’s extensive professional network, consisting of over 12,000 individuals—73% of whom are from Fortune 500 companies—gives him a significant resource base to draw upon for solving complex problems across industries. Additionally, he is advising the start-up ILIAD.com ( https://www.iliad.co/ ) and successfully uses his network to help them gain funding.
Prior to his current roles, Ron served as Managing Director of SHIELD Illinois, where he was instrumental in deploying a non-invasive, saliva-based COVID-19 testing solution. His leadership was crucial in building a robust testing infrastructure, including seven labs, an integrated technology system, a secure supply chain, and over 1,800 collection sites. This initiative not only aimed to save lives but also supported the reopening of the economy, showcasing Ron’s capability to manage complex, large-scale projects with significant public health implications.
In addition to his startup and consulting work, Ron is a well-respected independent consultant through RSWatkins Consulting, where he specializes in sales and marketing, strategic planning, and business development for small to medium-sized enterprises. His notable achievements include assisting a Fortune 100 company in improving management effectiveness and helping a company expand its revenue from $7 million to $13 million.
Ron’s academic contributions are equally impressive. As a Clinical Professor of Business Administration at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he teaches MBA capstone courses that integrate strategy, leadership, marketing, and finance. His role as Associate Dean of Strategy & Innovation highlights his leadership in developing and executing strategic initiatives, such as the creation of the iMBA program and the expansion of international experiential learning.
His earlier career includes leadership roles such as President of Watkins Trucking Group, where he managed operations for trucking and brokerage services, and Director of Illinois Business Consulting, where he oversaw a student-run consulting firm working with Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies.
Ron holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Health Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, an MBA with a focus on Marketing and Operations from the Gies College of Business, and a BA in Business & Communications from Eastern Illinois University. His certifications include a Team Clock certification from the Center for Team Excellence.
With his extensive background in strategic planning, business development, and education, Ron Watkins exemplifies the qualities of an innovative and effective leader. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence, impactful projects, and a dedication to advancing organizational goals through strategic vision and collaborative efforts.
Character: Ron Watkins is a dynamic leader known for his unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity. His genuine dedication to improving organizations and communities reflects his strong ethical principles and passion for making a meaningful impact.
Knowledge: With extensive experience across diverse industries, Ron possesses deep expertise in strategic initiatives, marketing, and business development. His broad knowledge spans from education and healthcare to transportation and consulting, enabling him to navigate complex challenges with insightful solutions.
Strategic: Ron excels in developing and executing high-impact strategies that drive organizational growth and innovation. His strategic acumen is evident in his successful leadership of major initiatives, including the deployment of cutting-edge solutions like the non-invasive saliva-based COVID-19 test.
Communication: Renowned for his exceptional communication skills, Ron effectively conveys complex ideas and fosters collaborative environments. His ability to engage stakeholders, inspire teams, and articulate vision plays a crucial role in achieving organizational goals and building strong partnerships.
