Lionel D. Lyons
SPEAKER-TRAINER-LEADER
Lionel D. Lyons is a powerful and passionate speaker, trainer, and motivator with over 30 years of experience inspiring individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. A native of rural eastern North Carolina, Lionel’s early life was shaped by the loss of his mother and youngest brother—tragedies that fueled his drive to create a better future for himself and others.
A gifted communicator and seasoned leader, Lionel has delivered impactful presentations to youth, community leaders, and professionals across the U.S. and internationally. His ability to unite people toward a common goal stems from decades of leadership experience in public administration.
Lionel began his career with the City of Phoenix in 1986 as a management intern and rose to executive leadership, directing both the Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Departments. Later, he led the Phoenix Department of Development with an annual operating budget of $64 million. In the capacity, Lionel was responsible for directing all local development, including residential and commercial development services. He retired in 2014 after 28 years of service, including nearly two decades as a department head and Senior Executive Assistant to the City Manager.
Following his time in Phoenix, Lionel served as the Deputy City Manager for Development and Operations with the City of Petersburg. He oversaw the Petersburg departments of Community Development, Code/Neighborhood Services, Petersburg Area Transit, Economic Development, and Dogwood Trace Golf Course.
A Certified Toastmaster and 1993 graduate of Valley Leadership, Lionel has been active in the National Speakers Association (Arizona Chapter), the NAACP, the Greater Phoenix Urban League, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He served as board chair of FIBCO Family Services, Inc., and has been a dedicated member of First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix since 1988. Lionel also attended the City/County Manager Symposium at the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government in 2022, where he received a certificate recognizing his excellence in municipal government.
Lionel holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from The Ohio State University. Today, he offers customized leadership and management development training.
