Sacramento MBA Alumnus Appointed to Public Post
As one of the first graduates of Drexel University’s Center for Graduate Studies in Sacramento in December 2010, Kyle Glankler is not wasting any time putting his newly credentialed leadership and business skills into action. He was recently appointed as a Commissioner of the Parks and Community Services Commission of the City of West Sacramento, in which he lives.
“Kyle’s history of leadership and community involvement make him an ideal person to help develop our city’s future in Parks and Community Services,” said Mayor of West Sacramento Christopher Cabaldon. “We are also enthusiastic about developing a greater connection with Drexel University from which he just graduated, because of Drexel’s demonstrated commitment to public service.”
Having enrolled in Drexel in January 2009 as one of the University’s first graduate students, Glankler completed the two-year, part-time MBA program this past December. Drexel’s MBA has been ranked first in the country for academic content and tenth overall among part-time programs. Despite being in such a challenging graduate program and being an up-and-coming leader in his business, Glankler found time to help organize the Graduate Student Association, serve as its president, and participate in many of the Graduate Center’s monthly public service projects.
“The students who enroll with us are not only academically well qualified to handle a top-ranked graduate degree program, but see themselves on their way up in their career and profession,” said Carl (Tobey) Oxholm, Senior Vice President of Drexel University and Dean of the Graduate Center. “They are entrepreneurial, hard-working, and forward-thinking. Since part of Drexel’s DNA is public service, we could not be more proud than having one of our first graduates be appointed a public official. We thank the City of West Sacramento for its confidence in Kyle, and we are equally confident of his success.
As a Commissioner, Glankler will advise the City Council on matters affecting the well being, enhancement, and enrichment of the quality of life of the citizens of West Sacramento. During the day, Glankler is a Business Development Manager for Roebbelen Contracting, Inc., Roebbelen is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and successful general contracting and construction management firms in Northern California.
“My experiences at Drexel, both in the classroom and in leading the Graduate Student Association, provided me with the opportunities to develop and utilize the knowledge and skills that are so important to leadership,” said Glankler. “I think the fact that I was able to put aside so much time to study for my MBA demonstrated to the City Council not only my entrepreneurial mindset but also my determination to succeed and complete commitment to whatever I take on. I am very, very proud to be asked to serve my community in an area that is so important to our quality of life, and I pledge to use all of my skills, knowledge, and best efforts.”
Though relatively young, Glankler has a very impressive record of community involvement and leadership. He has mentored both high school and college level students in construction management competitions including the Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE) Mentoring Program and the Annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Competition. He is a leader of the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group, where he is Treasurer and a member of the executive committee, and he was a member of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s Leadership Sacramento’s class of 2009. He is also an active member of the Board of Directors of LEED – Linking Education and Economic Development, which is the largest K-20 educational organization in the state.
Glankler lives in West Sacramento with his wife, Lien Glankler, and their two children – one of whom was born while he was an MBA student at Drexel.
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News media contact:
Tobey Oxholm, Dean, Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies
916-325-4617, 215-783-2329 (cell), oxholm@drexel.edu
Niki Gianakaris, director, Drexel News Bureau
215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell), ngianakaris@drexel.edu
