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Liz Lopez, PhD

Director of People & Operations
  • LinkedIn

Liz Lopez, PhD (she/ella) joined the Institute for Coaching Excellence in October of 2026. Liz serves as the Director of People & Operations for our ICF-accredited and aligned coach training programs. She was also a former student from our Spring 2026 Level 2 Program. Below is a summary of the responsibilities she oversees.

Core Responsibilities

  • Holds a position on the IFCE Leadership Team

  • Oversees hiring, onboarding, and people support

  • Oversees infrastructure, SOP development, & compliance

  • Supports financial management, budgeting, & planning

Biography

Dr. Elizabeth Lopez is an organizational leader, educator, and career and leadership coach with 20 years of professional experience, including 15 years in leadership roles. Her career spans nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), with extensive experience in people and operations management, organizational development, and leadership in highly regulated environments.
 

Throughout her career, Dr. Lopez has held senior leadership positions overseeing multidisciplinary teams, complex programs, and organizational operations. Her experience includes managing multimillion-dollar programs and contracts, directing operations across multiple service locations, guiding organizational change, and strengthening policies and systems to improve organizational performance. She has also worked closely with executive leadership on strategic initiatives, financial oversight, compliance, and workforce development.


Dr. Lopez is the founder of NextLevel Mujeres, LLC, a coaching and leadership development company focused on supporting Latina professionals and emerging leaders. Her work includes career and leadership coaching and the design and facilitation of organizational leadership development programs. Drawing from her professional experience and leadership research, she incorporates reflection, self-awareness, and practical application to help individuals navigate challenges, explore possibilities, and approach their professional goals with clarity and confidence.
 

Dr. Lopez earned her Ph.D. and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University and her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her doctoral research examined Authentic Leadership and the use of power within nonprofit organizations, highlighting the significance of relationships and expertise in leadership. She also completed the Institute for Coaching Excellence Level 2 Life, Leadership & Executive Coach Training Program.
 

In addition to her coaching practice, Dr. Lopez serves as an adjunct faculty member at Northwest Vista College. Her commitment to community engagement is reflected in her previous service in leadership and advocacy roles with the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas and as Board Secretary for Northeast Senior Assistance. She also supports the development of future leaders through mentorship and educational initiatives.

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