Lesley Lykins, CCXP, MBA

Ccxp Lesley Lykins is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in executive leadership, program management, strategic communications, and social media for recruitment. Having begun her career driving warships for the Navy, Lesley transitioned seamlessly into roles such as public affairs officer and director of social media, leading major Navy outreach initiatives and standing up the Navy's social media program.

Lesley later ventured into the realm of community management with positions at SocialMedia.org and eventually found her niche in the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA). Starting as the association's first employee, she played a pivotal role in growing its membership to over 4,000 members through various roles from community manager to executive director.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Lesley fulfills her duty as a Navy Reserve officer by deploying to Afghanistan in 2018 for a nine-month mobilization, supporting U.S. and NATO military operations. Beyond her military and professional endeavors, she is actively involved in fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leadership roles in her church, and is a dedicated wife and mother of four children.

Lesley's skill set encompasses a wide range of expertise including digital marketing, client interaction, corporate communications, media relations, event execution, and public speaking. With educational backgrounds in business administration and management from Boston University and the Jack Welch Management Institute, coupled with specialized training in Public Affairs and Surface Warfare from the Defense Information School and the Navy's Surface Warfare Officer School, Lesley brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to her endeavors.

She has held notable positions at respected organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, South Bay Hospital, and Resolute Support, excelling in roles related to marketing, PR, communication, and digital content creation. Lesley's contributions to the field of customer experience as part of the CXPA highlight her commitment to enhancing customer interactions and driving successful business outcomes.

Lesley recently embarked on a new chapter by relocating with her family from Ohio to the Tampa, Florida area, embracing new opportunities and challenges in both her personal and professional life.