Samantha Blakeley, Regional Director, oversees Gallup’s business across the U.S. Central region on culture, performance, engagement and selection initiatives. Her primary areas of expertise include people development through a strengths-based lens and creating exceptional workplaces through a culture of engagement.

Samantha’s undergraduate and graduate research was featured in the journals of Biology of Reproduction, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science and STEM CELLS. Other examples of her professional writing have been featured in Forbes and TEDx publications.

In addition to her research, Samantha serves as a board member for Illinois Leadership Seminars, as well as a committee member for the Gallup Community Builders in Chicago.

Before joining Gallup, Samantha worked for a consulting firm specializing in executive leadership development and strategic planning. Prior to her career as a consultant, she conducted research in the biomedical sciences specifically focused on reproductive biology, ophthalmology and stem cells.

Samantha earned a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received a master’s degree in developmental and cell biology from the University of California, Irvine.