Diane Badakhsh

Diane Badakhsh, Ed.D. has extensive work experience in various leadership roles in the field of education. Diane is currently serving as the Director of Talent Development at Coastal Beverage Company since January 2024. Prior to that, they worked as the Director of the Division of Continuing and Professional Education at Georgia Southern University from July 2019 to January 2024. From July 2016 to July 2019, they held the position of Director of Continuing and Professional Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before that, from July 2014 to June 2016, they served as the Director of Organizational Development at the Swain Center - Cameron School of Business at the same university. Diane also has experience working at Cape Fear Community College, where they held several leadership roles including Director of Corporate and Continuing Education, Assistant to the Vice President of Student Development, and Assistant Coordinator of Disability Support Services from 2002 to 2014. Diane started their career as a Counselor/Employee Assistance Program Consultant, working as a self-employed professional from 1999 to 2004. Additionally, they worked as the Director of Student Services/Faculty at Miller-Motte Technical College from November 1998 to April 2002, and as an Employee Assistance Program Consultant for various Area Mental Health Centers from August 1996 to October 1998.

Diane Badakhsh, Ed.D. holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Diane also obtained an MAEd. degree in Counselor and Adult Education from East Carolina University and a BA degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Additionally, they have obtained certifications such as Certified Forte Coach from The Forté Institute, Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer from the Resilience-Building Leader Program (RBLP), and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor from the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Diane also holds certifications as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional from the Employee Assistance Professional Association and as a Certified Program Planner from The Learning Resource Network.