Faculty Feature: Dhammike Fernando

Professor Dhammike Fernando, an Organizational Change Management (OCM) advisor and faculty member at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, brings an impressive wealth of experience to both the classroom and the broader field. With over 20 years of expertise in transformation, change management, and project consulting, Dhammike has guided impactful projects for leading organizations such as Intel, Chevron, and the State of California. His extensive credentials, including PROSCI, PMP, CBAP, and CSM certifications, reflect his commitment to both practical and theoretical excellence. Dhammike holds an Industrial/Production Engineering degree from the University of Peradeniya and an MBA from Baylor University. 

Currently, Dhammike serves as an OCM Advisor on a high-stakes transformation project at a public university, supporting a shift that impacts 50,000 users. “My passion for the higher education industry and its unique stakeholders makes every interaction meaningful,” he shares. While navigating the complexities of large-scale change can be challenging, it is precisely this dynamic that fuels his dedication. 

Dhammike’s journey to Northeastern was shaped by his commitment to developing young professionals. The university’s focus on experiential learning and its diverse student body aligns with his educational philosophy. “The evolving programs at CPS equip young professionals with skills to build and excel in their careers, a vision that aligns perfectly with my commitment to lifelong learning,” he explains. 

Reflecting on his most impactful work, Dhammike highlights his involvement in transformational projects with the State of California, particularly the MyCalPERS and Fi$Cal initiatives. MyCalPERS modernized and integrated the retirement system, seamlessly connecting it with essential systems like Financials to create a streamlined, web-based experience for users. Similarly, Fi$Cal modernized financial and supply chain systems, unifying numerous state agencies under one efficient platform. Both projects presented unique challenges that demanded innovative solutions, ultimately benefiting a broad and diverse user base across California. 

Dhammike considers his greatest strength to be his ability to work effectively with people. His goal extends beyond achieving project success; he strives to ensure that projects are genuinely embraced by those they impact. He believes that building relationships founded on trust and transparency is essential, as a project’s true success depends on how well it serves and is adopted by the people involved. 

Outside of work, Dhammike finds balance in nature and values time with friends, which he says helps him maintain a fresh outlook. Looking ahead, his intellectual curiosity remains strong. He plans to explore Industrial Psychology to deepen his understanding of workplace behavior and motivation. This pursuit of knowledge exemplifies the lifelong learning mindset he hopes to instill in his students. Dhammike’s guiding philosophy is clear: “Problems and challenges bring new opportunities. Success is about bringing happiness to yourself and those around you. Don’t let anything else overshadow that.” 

For those embarking on new career opportunities, Dhammike emphasizes the importance of managing stakeholder expectations and setting clear priorities. He advises new professionals to engage actively with their organization, key stakeholders, team, and supervisors to understand their expectations. If any expectations are unclear, he encourages a proactive approach: conduct research, offer recommendations, and align your goals with those of the organization. This approach, he notes, not only builds trust but also demonstrates a commitment to collective success. A formative influence on his career was How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, a classic introduced to him by his mother, a teacher, during middle school. 

With his rich background in teaching — dating back to his high school days — and extensive corporate experience, Dhammike embodies the ideal blend of academic and practical expertise that Northeastern values. His presence in the classroom continues to inspire the next generation of change management professionals, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and real-world insights.