Operations Strategist | Organizational Development Leader

Mahdi Alston brings over 20 years of experience in operations, organizational development, and project management within the nonprofit and education sectors. As Chief Operating Officer at Smart Money Business Development Consultants, he has managed budgets in the millions, guided high-performing teams, and implemented operational systems that support strategic growth and mission success.

His expertise spans organizational restructuring, financial oversight, IT systems contracting, and workforce planning. Mahdi has led initiatives from planning to execution, including school facility development, technology integration, and multi-department program rollouts.

In his role as Vice President of Operations at Philadelphia OIC Workforce Academy, Mahdi oversaw the launch of a full-service accelerated high school—managing facility buildouts, enrollment processes, and technology infrastructure. Earlier in his career with the Boy Scouts of America, he advanced community engagement, volunteer participation, and program funding through targeted initiatives and partnerships.

Mahdi holds: Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership – Grand Canyon University; M.S. in Organizational Development & Leadership – Bellevue University; M.P.A. in Public Administration – Bellevue University; B.S. in Human Health, Sport, and Performance – Wayne State College. He is also certified in Project Management, Google IT Systems, and Data Analysis, and participates in various civic and leadership councils.

At Innovance Consulting Group, Mahdi applies his operational and organizational expertise to readiness assessments, program design, and implementation strategies—helping clients navigate complex change and achieve measurable results.