Ron Dowdell

Managing Director


Ron is a trusted advisor to senior executives and industry leaders, with over 30 years of experience in leadership and organizational transformation. A former U.S. Navy pilot and Commanding Officer of a U.S. aircraft carrier, Ron brings unparalleled expertise in leading high-performing teams in complex, high-stakes environments. His ability to inspire and drive results under pressure has translated seamlessly into his work with industry leaders, helping them unlock organizational value, achieve safety excellence, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

As a Managing Director at Pilko & Associates, Ron moderates the renowned Governance Forum, a 20-year institution that has profoundly shaped leadership, culture, and competence across industries. Under his stewardship, the Forum has delivered transformative sessions for senior leaders from organizations such as Phillips 66, Enbridge, BASF, Cenovus Energy, and Suncor.

In addition, Ron has designed a leadership development curriculum tailored for site General Managers and Leadership Teams. This program blends foundational knowledge with practical applications to drive measurable business results. He has also contributed to Pilko’s proprietary 8ight Drivers Assessments, working with teams to help organizations uncover blind spots that pose risks to safety, reliability, and profitability. His involvement has supported clients in identifying and addressing critical organizational vulnerabilities.

Ron spearheads Pilko’s annual Governance Forum Summit, an exclusive 2-day event in Park City, UT, bringing together CEOs and board members from leading organizations. This premier gathering provides senior leaders an unparalleled opportunity to learn, reflect, and network with top-performing executives.

Ron’s military experience as a retired U.S. Navy Captain and his deep expertise in organizational behavior position him as an executive adept at crafting innovative solutions to clients’ most complex challenges. His ability to bridge strategy with execution has made him an indispensable partner for organizations seeking operational excellence.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He was also a National Security Affairs Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University.