Damira Grady-Saffold

Dr. Damira Grady-Saffold is a higher education executive and national thought partner in student success, organizational strategy, and institutional transformation. She currently serves as Vice President of Organizational Impact and Culture at Madison College, where she sits on the president’s cabinet and leads a comprehensive portfolio that includes student success, teaching and learning, workplace culture, community impact, global engagement. Her work bridges academic and student affairs, aligning people, systems, and strategy to improve student outcomes and advance institutional effectiveness.

Dr. Grady-Saffold brings experience across both two-year and four-year institutions, having held senior leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Throughout her career, she has led large-scale redesigns of advising, placement, and student support systems, with a focus on removing structural barriers and strengthening pathways to completion. Her leadership integrates data-informed decision-making with a deep commitment to student belonging and success.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Dr. Grady-Saffold has taught at both community colleges and universities, preparing future counselors and practitioners to serve diverse populations with skill and integrity. She is also a strategy coach with Achieving the Dream, supporting colleges nationwide in strengthening institutional capacity and advancing equitable outcomes.

A licensed therapist, Dr. Grady-Saffold brings a unique perspective to leadership, combining emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and strategic execution. Her board service includes the Sherman Phoenix Foundation and Literacy Services of Wisconsin, reflecting her commitment to community-connected leadership.

Dr. Grady-Saffold is widely recognized for her ability to translate vision into action and lead institutions toward measurable, sustainable change.