Deborah Snellen (BSED '79, MA '80) SPHR, is a talent management strategist, educator, author, and facilitator guiding organizations through transformational leadership and cultural alignment for performance excellence.

Deb served as the Executive Director of Organizational and Professional Development for the University of Missouri’s Office of Advancement from 2013 – 2020. She led the design and implementation of a comprehensive talent management program aligned with the University’s $1.3 billion Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign. Her 4C Talent Management model – focusing on culture, capacity, capability, and careers – set the foundation for increased retention and engagement of staff and helped secure three awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). As a talent management consultant, Deb has designed and delivered more than a thousand workshops on leadership, communication, and team development. Deb served a s a member of the faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and was a member of their curriculum committee for leadership development. 

Deb received a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Speech and Dramatic Arts (now Communication), and a graduate certificate in Online Learning from Mizzou. She currently serves on Mizzou’s Jefferson Club Board of Trustees.

Deb is a past president of the Mizzou Alumni Association. She was recognized with a Faculty - Alumni Award in 2008 and the Tiger Pride Award in 2010. Deb has been deeply involved with Mizzou ever since graduation and her time on the MAA Board, including as a founder of MAA’s Griffiths Leadership Society for Women and service on a variety of committees.

Deb in an adjunct instructor at Lake-Sumter State College in the Bachelor of Applied Science – Leadership program where she teaches courses on organizational and leadership communication. She has published more than 100 articles on talent management and organizational development topics. Her book, Scalable Talent Management: Proven People Strategies for Excellence in Organizations of Any Size was published in 2025.