CONSULTING. COACHING. TRAINING. SPEAKING.
Helping local government leaders navigate complex challenges
with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Work with Marcella
Consulting
Expert guidance for organizational challenges, from culture change to management issues, grounded in real-world experience.
Training
Interactive trainings that give teams practical tools, proven strategies, and renewed confidence to lead and perform effectively.
Coaching
Personalized one-on-one coaching designed to strengthen leadership skills, resilience, and confidence in public service.
Speaking
Engaging keynotes blending storytelling, expertise, and humor to inspire leaders to embrace authenticity and impact.
About Marcella Marlowe, Ph.D.
Dr. Marcella Marlowe is a seasoned public sector leader, consultant, and executive coach with more than 25 years of municipal government experience, specializing in leadership, organizational management, and people development. She has served as City Manager for San Marino and Hidden Hills and as Assistant City Manager for San Gabriel, following earlier leadership roles in human resources with the cities of Calabasas, Duarte, and Phoenix, AZ.
As CEO of M2C, she now provides consulting, coaching, training, and keynote speaking for local government agencies and leaders, advising on leadership, organizational development, recruitment, team building, and departmental performance. Her HR expertise uniquely informs her strategic insights, blending people-centered leadership with organizational effectiveness.
Dr. Marlowe earned all of her degrees from the University of Southern California, completing a B.A. in Classical Greek Civilization, an M.A. in Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Political Science and serves as a Senior Adjunct Professor at the University of La Verne’s College of Law and Public Service.
Known for her approachable style and sharp perspective, she helps leaders and organizations grow in confidence, clarity, and impact.
CONSULTING
Expert strategies for organizational change
Consulting engagements with Marcella focus on organizational needs, separate from and in addition to individuals. Brought in by top leadership, she addresses topics like management challenges, reorganizations, departmental audits, culture shifts, leadership transitions, or process design. She provides expert analysis, clear recommendations, and hands-on support—delivering actionable solutions.
COACHING
Coaching that meets you where you are
Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Marcella provides personalized, one-on-one coaching designed to sharpen leadership skills, build resilience, and help you navigate challenges with authenticity. With her experience as a former city manager and executive, she knows firsthand the pressures of public leadership—and how to thrive in them.
TRAINING
Training that inspires real change
From workshops and webinars to tailored programs for your team, Marcella develops engaging and practical trainings rooted in real-world government experience. Her sessions cover leadership, communication, supervisory skills, vulnerability and transparency, and women in government—always delivered with humor, relatability, and actionable takeaways.
SPEAKING
Stories that spark courageous leadership
As a keynote speaker, Marcella brings candor, storytelling, and insight to every stage. Whether she’s sharing her personal journey, teaching resilience, or addressing organizational change, her talks leave audiences feeling inspired, understood, and motivated to lead with courage.