Seth Bodnar

Collaborator
DISC Type : is

President at University of Montana

Missoula, Montana, United States

Overview

Seth Bodnar is the President of the University of Montana, blending a distinguished military background with senior executive experience from General Electric. He graduated first in his class at West Point and is a Rhodes Scholar. At UM, he focuses on growth, research, and workforce development, significantly increasing enrollment and achieving R1 research status for the university.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Seth is the son of two educators and is passionate about mentorship. He and his wife Chelsea, a fifth-generation Montanan, are raising their three children in Missoula. His personal posts indicate a love for the outdoors, often sharing experiences like hunting with his father and son.

Interesting fact: Seth is a former U. S. Army Green Beret, having commanded a Special Forces detachment on multiple deployments.

Personality Overview

Appreciative

Consensus Builder

Fair-minded

They are more likely to go for proven solutions.  Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are. Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them.

Topics They Care About

Higher Education Leadership
As President of the University of Montana, he has focused on driving enrollment growth, student retention, and elevating the university's research profile to R1 status.
Military Service
A distinguished veteran, he served in the 101st Airborne and as a Green Beret in the 1st Special Forces Group, and continues to serve in the Montana National Guard.
Digital Transformation
Served as GE Transportation's first-ever Chief Digital Officer, leading the development of software and technology solutions for the global rail industry.

Media Appearances

Seth Bodnar on Leadership & Change at University of Montana. Featured in SoundCloud

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University of Montana President Seth Bodnar reflects on 2025 achievements. Featured in KPAX News

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State of the University address delivered at University of Montana. Featured in YouTube

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Work History

1-2018
President at University of Montana
9-2017 - 12-2017
Senior Executive, Strategy and Transformation, GE Transportation at GE
7-2015 - 8-2017
President, GE Transportation Digital Solutions, and Chief Digital Officer, GE Transportation at GE
12-2013 - 7-2015
General Manager, Global Signaling Solutions at GE
6-2009 - 7-2011
Assistant Professor of Economics at West Point

Education

2001 - 2003
Rhodes Scholarship from University of Oxford
1997 - 2001
Bachelor of Science (BS) from United States Military Academy at West Point

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 13 Location : Missoula, Montana, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : President at University of Montana
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Insights For Selling To Seth

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Show them how they look good by making this decision
  • Use phrases like ‘trust me when’, ‘your team will love’ etc.
  • Take time to make them feel comfortable before getting to the main pitch

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary confrontation if it arises incidentally
  • Don’t push them to make decisions very fast, let them take their time
  • Don’t sound very transactional

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Seth is

  • Relationships can play a major role, followed by low risk and strong market validation.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Seth

  • They are not very direct, and unlikely to say no to your face.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Seth move?

  • They can take their time to make decisions, even if they are constantly involved and friendly.
  • Can Seth take some risk or not?

  • It is unlikely that they will take many risks.

You And Seth

Personality Compatibility


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