CPTM™ Alumni Thought Leadership

Certified Professionals in Training Management (CPTMs™) are subject matter experts in learning and development (L&D). As active participants in the corporate training field, CPTMs often share their expertise by authoring articles, speaking on podcasts and hosting roundtables, conference sessions and other live events. Listed below are your peers’ recent contributions to Training Industry’s website, magazine, conference, podcast and other channels.

** Denotes Top 10 of the Month
^^ Denotes Top 10 of the Quarter
++ Denotes Top 10 of the Year

June 2025
- - Website Articles:
    - 5 Tips for Making More Purposeful Training Sessions by Parker Donnafield**
    - How to Create a Train-the-Trainer Program That Actually Works by Mira Johnson
    - L&D Partnerships With Legal and Compliance for Risk Management by Valerie Marsh
  - Featured Executives: Chris Cassell, Kris Mailepors, Carrie Berg and Melissa Griffin

May 2025
- Website Articles:
  - Getting Started With AI: Prompting, Strategy and Other Foundational AI Skills for Learning Leaders by Olivia Walsh
  - How L&D Can Be a Strategic Power Partner in Hiring by Cheryl Haga
- Featured Executives: Sarah Boutwell, Amy Haneline, Carrie Berg and Chris Cassell
- Roundtable Host: Artrell Williams

April 2025
- Website Articles:
  - Accelerate LMS Adoption: 5 Strategies to Streamline Implementation by Wanda Lipscomb-Vásquez
  - Training Advocacy in Project Planning: Claim Your Seat at the Table by Carolyn Grace McKenzie**
  - Unleash Your Team’s Genius: Employee-Generated Learning by Cheryl Haga**
  - Navigating the Transition: Advice for Professionals Moving Into L&D Roles by Harry P. Colangelo
  - 5 Signs Your Learning Design Is Broken — and How to Fix It by Loren Sanders
  - AI Deflation: The Business Risk of Delaying Training for Tech Maturity by Herb Blanchard**
  - Building a Case for Training, Part 2: Laying the Groundwork for a Centralized Training Department with Laura Jarman and Heather Torres**
- Podcasts:
  - Building AI and Data Skills for the Modern Workforce with Dr. Bill Brantley
- Magazine Articles:
  - Beyond Training: Unleashing L&D with Social Science Synergy by Loren Sanders and Chris Massaro
  - The Learning Leader Spotlight by Hope Knowles**
- Featured Executives: Ali Bolick, Laura Last, Cheryl Haga and Bert Trantham

March 2025
- Website Articles:
  - From Vanity Metrics to Valuable Training Insights by Diane Gaa**
  - Design Smarter Training: Science-Backed Strategies for Learning Retention by Dan Menden
  - Taking the LEAP: Transitioning From Federal Government to Your Next Career Move by Deadra Welcome
- Podcasts:
  - Training Vendors and Buyers — Women at Work — How L&D Can Drive Career Growth with Neha Trivedi
- Featured Executives: Miranda Schramm, Chris Cassell and Brandy Ford
- Roundtable Host: Shireen Lackey

February 2025
- Website Articles:
  - Is Your Organization Ready to Learn? Setting the Stage for L&D Success by Loren Sanders
  - Navigating a Divided World: How L&D Can Drive Workplace Equity by LaKenya Jones-Greene**
  - Your Communication Workout: Strengthen Your Skills for Training Success by Judy Ferneau
- Podcasts:
  - Training Vendors and Buyers — Secrets to a Successful Partnership with Tiffany Vojnovski
- Featured Executives: Carrie Berg and Julie Kirsh
- Roundtable Host: Dr. Kristal Walker
January 2025
- Website Articles:
  - Are You Prepared for Learning Technology Selection? by Neha Trivedi
  - How to Build an L&D Report: 7 Key Steps with Noura Aldayel and Linda Demetros**
- Podcasts:
  - Great Training Starts With a Plan — Real-World Tips for Strategic Planning with Anita Ann Mihelic and Peter Plumlee
- Magazine Articles:
  - The Ripple Effect: Coaching the Coaches for Optimal Impact by Chapin Brinegar
- Featured Executives: Ioana Bolog, Stephanie Fugate, Justin Roscoe and Valerie Marsh
December 2024
- Website Articles:
  - The Hidden Costs of Cutting Learning and Development and Why It Matters by Loren Sanders
  - Charting Your Path in the Training Industry: A Guide for New Professionals by Benji Wittman, MBA
  - Best Practices for Becoming an Effective Training Consultant with Kim Davis**
  - AI Applications to Improve the Business of Learning with Melissa Brown**
  - How to Create a Unified Learning Ecosystem With AI-Powered Product Management by Dr. Bill Brantley^^
- Podcasts:
  - Building Your AI Skills as a Learning Leader with Melissa Brown
- Featured Executives: Brandy Ford, Chris Cassell, Cheryl Haga and Maksim Verenich
November 2024
- Featured Executives: Ali Bolick and Laura Last
October 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Overcoming Retail Training Challenges: Building a Skilled Workforce for Long-Term Success by Gurjit Sekhon
  - Empowering Chief Learning Officers: Avoiding the Order-Taker Trap With AAIRDD by Bill Brantley, Ph.D
  - 3 Essential Steps to Align Your Training Team with Laura Jarman**
- Featured Executives: Danny Phang, Melissa Griffin, Patty Hemmingsen, Kim Yash and Ioana Bolog
- Roundtable Host: Tammy Sena
September 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Leadership and Management Training: What’s the Difference? by Harry P. Colangelo**
  - How To Get To Kirkpatrick Level 4 When You Cannot Calculate Training’s ROI by Harry P. Colangelo**
  - Is Training the Answer? How to Find the Right Solution to a Business Problem with Thomas Harrell, Jenessa Jacobs and Sarah Parlett**
- Magazine Articles:
  - Learning Leader Spotlight With Harry Colangelo by Harry Colangelo**
  - Developing Training for the Neuroudivergent Learner Benefits All by Valerie Marsh**
- Featured Executives: Chris Cassell, Julie Kirsch, Justin Roscoe and Bert Trantham
August 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Outsourcing Learning and Development: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Loren Sanders
  - Take Your Time: 5 Steps for Measuring Training ROI for Stakeholders by Katrina Reiniers-Jackson
  - Empower Yourself and Excel in Your Corporate Training Career by Neha Trivedi
- Featured Executives: Krista Merkley, Drew Krajewski and Sarah Boutwell
- Roundtable Host: Dr. William Brantley
July 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Beyond Numbers: The Role of Qualitative Data in Enhancing Training Programs by Samantha Straede
  - Stay Ahead of the Curve: How to Build Your AI and Data Skills as a Learning Leader with Chris Massaro and Chelsey Groh**
  - Out With the Old: It’s Time to Stop Oversimplifying Training Measurement and Evaluation with Paker Donnafield and Chris Massaro**
- Podcasts:
  - Elevate Employee Engagement With L&D with Josiah Pledl
- Featured Executives: Valerie Marsh and Miranda Schramm
June 2024
- Magazine Articles:
  - Summer 2024 The Learning Leader Spotlight by Michelle Thill**
  - The Role of Language in Inclusive Training by Courtney Sinnott**
- Featured Executives: Julie Kirsch, Jenessa Jacobs and Drew Krjewski
May 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Transitioning From Instructional Designer to Learning Thought Leader by Debra Truster**
  - Resilience in Times of Change: Tips for Trainers by Parker Donnafield**
  - A Case Study on How to Build a Small Trust Drip for Alignment on Big Initiatives by Jenessa Jacobs
  - From Order-Taker to Trusted Partner: 10 Tips for Building Business Acumen as a Learning Leader with Melaine Mahabir and Dr. Kristal Walker**
- Featured Executives: Willie Wibert, Ph.D., Krista Merkley and Jenessa Jacobs
- Roundtable Host: Jenessa Jacobs
April 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Case Study: Becoming a CPTM in 2024 by Melissa Cummings
- Magazine Articles:
  - Reframing the L&D Mindset: Embracing the Potential of AI by Neha Trivedi**++
  - Mastering L&D Solo: Strategies for a One-Person L&D Team by Robert Johnson**++
  - Spring 2024 The Learning Leader Spotlight with Laura Nagy**
- Featured Executives: Carrie Berg, DavidLee Richardson and Valerie Marsh
March 2024
- Website Articles:
  - The High Cost of Power: Unveiling the Dark Side of Authority in Work Life by Loren Sanders
  - Mentor Moments: How Small Conversations Can Drive Employee Engagement by Rachel Walerstein, Ph.D.
  - Can a Professional Certification Help Me Advance My L&D Career? 3 Tips for Considering Certification by Marisa Shapiro**
  - Expert Insights on How L&D Can Improve the Employee Experience to Drive Business Growth with Sean Stowers and Eric McArdle**
- Featured Executives: Cheryl Haga, Willie Wibert, Ph.D. and Valerie Marsh
- Roundtable Host: Heather Balcerek
February 2024
- Website Articles:
  - Mindset Matters: Shaping Company Culture With Positive Thinking by Loren Sanders
  - Case Study: Connection Through the Leadership Development Spectrum by Anita Mihelic
  - Understanding Assessment Tools in Learning: How and When They Should Be Used with Dr. Bill Brantley, Loren Sanders and Thomas Fenstermacher**
- Featured Executives: Jenessa Jacobs and Patty Hemmingsen
January 2024
- Website Articles:
  - A Guide to Hiring an All-Star Training Team by Jenessa Jacobs
  - Charting the Course for 2024: Embracing L&D Evolution in the Post-Pandemic Era with Loren Sanders
- Magazine Articles:
  - Developing Your L&D Plan Around Upskilling by Parker Donnafield**++
  - Applying AI to the ADDIE Model by Jenessa Jacobs++
  - What Training Managers and DEI Practitioners Have in Common by Dr. Kristal Walker
- Featured Executives: Dan Stotler, Krista Merkley and Valerie Marsh
December 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Case Study: How California Credit Union Enhanced Culture and Retention With 6 Best Practices for Leadership Development by Justin Roscoe**
  - Impactful Learning Retention Strategies That Work with Neha Trivedi**
  - Developing Agile Leaders: Breaking Bad: Transforming Knowledge Hoarders Into Collaborative Partners by Loren Sanders
  - 4 Best Practices to Make Learning Stick by Parker Donnafield
- Podcasts:
  - Learning Reinforcement — Delivering Training That “Sticks” with Rachel Walerstein
- Featured Executives: Valerie Marsh, Jenessa Jacobs and Loren Sanders
November 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Business Acumen: The Skill All L&D Leaders Need to Thrive by Dan Stotler**
  - Gain a Seat at the Table: How to Show Training’s Value to Business Executives by Gifty Abagre-Laryea
  - Developing Agile Leaders: Navigating Change With Foresight and Flexibility by Samantha Straede
  - Leading by Influence: The Key to Transformational Learning Programs by Loren Sanders**
  - The L&D Professional’s Guide to Learning Tech by Valerie Marsh
- Featured Executives: Melaine Mahabir, Drew Krajewski and Laura Last
- Roundtable Host: Dr. Kristal Walker
October 2023
- Website Articles:
  - From L&D Professional to Consultant: 3 Key Takeaways From Launching a Consulting Business by Josiah Pledl**
  - Getting Stakeholder Buy-In During Uncertain Economic Times by Marjorie Van Roon
  - Landing a Job in L&D: Tips From Learning Leaders with contributions from Jeff Probart, Melody Banks, Elizabeth Yackley and Tyler Munson**
- Featured Executives: Neha Trivedi, Lisa Hutcherson and Willie Wibert Ph.D.
- Roundtable Host: Andrea Gadson
September 2023
- Magazine Articles:
  - Beyond Compliance: How to Make Your DEI Training More Impactful by Dr. Kristal Walker**
- Website Articles:
  - The 3 P’s to Better Virtual Training Facilitation by Kim Davis
- Podcasts:
  - Skills Mapping — Your Business’s GPS for Future Readiness with Lisa Paulson
- Featured Executives: Valerie Marsh, Julie Kirsch, Willie Wibert Ph.D. and Cheryl Haga
- TICE Speakers: Bob Szostak (Keynote), Heather Balcerek, Jackie Corbett, Neha Trivedi, Christopher Massaro, Tracy Cunningham, Dr. Theresa Horne, Thomas Fenstermacher, Kim Davis, Dr. Kate Hixson, Andy Schuster, Janessa Jacobs, Andrew Krajewski, Robert Johnson and Hanin Ghannam
August 2023
- Website Articles:
  - 7 Misconceptions About AI, Debunked by Sean Stowers
  - 5 Personalized Learning Strategies to Activate Career Development by Tiffany Poeppelman
  - Training at the Top: Best Practices for Training High-Level Leaders by Dan Stotler
  - Leading Learning: 4 Tips for Managing a Training Team by Krista Merkley
- Podcasts:
  - Modalities Matter — The Evolution of Training Delivery Methods with Jeffrey Dyer and Valerie Marsh
- Featured Executives: Drew Krajewski, Willie Wibert, Ph.D., Sunny Jarman and Bill Brantley, Ph.D.
July 2023
- Magazine Articles:
  - The Training Manager’s Role in Combating DEI Fatigue by Dr. Kristal Walker**
- Website Articles:
  - From Overwhelmed to On Track: Mastering the Mid-Year Impact Assessment by Scott Himes
  - 3 Tips for Measuring the Effectiveness of On-the-Job Training by Parker Donnafield**
- Featured Executives: Asama Khan, Willie Wibert, Ph.D. and Bill Brantley, Ph.D.
- Roundtable Host: Bridgett Potts
June 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Belonging: What L&D Can Contribute to the Employee Experience by Rachel Walerstein, Ph.D.**
  - 3 Steps To Follow After Getting Laid Off: Tips for L&D Professionals by Heather Balcerek**
  - Learning From Failure: How to Turn a Failed Training Initiative Into Success by Thomas Fenstermacher
  - Elevating Engagement — How L&D Leaders Can Drive Growth by Loren Sanders
- Podcasts:
  - The Employee Experience — What’s L&D Got to Do With It? with Thomas Fenstermacher and Eric McArdle
- Featured Executives: Cheryl Haga, Valerie Marsh and Krista Merkley
- Roundtable Host: Melaine Mahabir
- TICE Speakers: Kristin Davis, Thomas Fenstermacher, Loren Sanders, Christopher Massaro, Jackie Corbett, Dr. Kristal Walker, Neha Trivedi, Deadra Welcome, Elizabeth Goldman and Chris Cassell
May 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Coaching Employees for Success: Tips for Leaders by Kristina Galvez
  - Training Effectiveness: Learning Leaders Must Answer One Question. by Diane Gaa**
  - Create Personalized Onboarding Experiences With Existing Resources by Parker Donnafield
- Podcasts:
  - One-size-fits-none — The Rise of Personalization and Learning Pathways with Parker Donnafield
- Featured Executives: Asama Khan, Drew Krajewski and Willie Wibert, Ph.D.
April 2023
- Magazine Articles:
  - How “Connected’ Are We? Reclaiming Our “Connectedness” Through L&D by Neha Trivedi**
  - Diversity or Cultural Training? How a Play on Words Could Impact Training Results by Dr. Kristal Walker**
- Website Articles:
  - Mastering Soft Skills in Hybrid Environments: Practical Tips for Leaders To Succeed by Sylvia Cherry
  - Level-up Your Delivery Game: 10 Training Facilitation Skills To Master, Part 1 by Amy Demski**
  - Level-up Your Delivery Game: 10 Training Facilitation Skills To Master, Part 2 by Amy Demski
  - A Practical Approach to Demonstrating the L&D Function’s Value by Andrea Gadson
  - Focus Areas for Effective Sales Leadership Development by Carrie Berg**
  - Engaging Global Learners: The 6 Pillars of Learner Engagement by Parker Donnafield
  - Global Workforce Solutions for Effective Employee Training Programs by Sean Stowers
- Podcasts:
  - Going Global – Training an International Audience with Melaine Mahabir
- Featured Executives: Laura Last and Lisa Hutcherson
- Roundtable Host: Neha Trivedi
March 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Building a Leadership Development Plan: 4 Strategies To Use in 2023 by Sean Stowers
  - How Organizations Unintentionally Support Narcissistic Leadership by Samantha Straede
  - How To Develop Leaders: The Importance of Training by Sean Stowers
  - The Positive Impact of Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Leader’s View by Loren Sanders
  - Creating a Culture of Mattering: 5 Ways L&D Can Help Employees Feel Valued by Loren Sanders
  - The Misconception of Culture Versus Remote Learning by Parker Donnafield
  - The Single Metric That Proves Training Effectiveness by Scott Himes**
- Podcasts:
  - Women’s Leadership Development – Common Challenges and Actionable Solutions with Dr. Theresa Horne
- Featured Executives: Monica Campbell, Julie Kirsch and Drew Krajewski
- Roundtable Host: Deadra Welcome
February 2023
- Website Articles:
  - Creating Actionable Objectives for Training Content by Sarah Parlett**
  - Measuring Training Effectiveness on Behavioral Improvement by Samantha Straede**
  - 4 Ways Learning Leaders Can Support Internal Career Mobility by Sean Stowers
  - 2023 Is About Internal Mobility — Here’s How L&D Can Help by Sean Stowers
  - 3 Tips To Make Your L&D Team a Career Development Powerhouse by Parker Donnafield
- Podcasts:
  - L&D’s Role in Supporting Career Mobility with Rebecca Gaboda and Chris Massaro
- Featured Executives: Dr. Bill Brantley, Cheryl Haga and Shannon Young
January 2023
- Magazine Articles:
  - 4 Steps To Set Your Learning Resolutions for 2023 by Caroline Wright**
  - Transform Your Culture With Continuous Learning by Chapin Brinegar**
- Website Articles:
  - 4 Focus Areas for Training Managers in 2023 by Somya Dwivedi-Burks, Ph.D**
  - Leading Learning: 6 Capabilities for Success by Sean Stowers**
  - Compliance Training — It’s More Than What You Think by Valerie Marsh**
  - How To Prioritize Your Professional Development as an L&D Leader by Thomas Harrell
  - Delivering Critical Feedback Effectively by Parker Donnafield
  - The ROI Case for Well-developed Course Assessments by Katrina Reiniers-Jackson
- Podcasts:
  - Leading Learning in 2023 with Kristin Davis, Lauren Harris and Amber Hancharick
- Featured Executives: Dr. Willie Wibert, Krista Merkley and Valerie Marsh
December 2022
- Website Articles:
  - It’s Not Real: How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome by Josiah Pledl
- Podcasts:
  - Building a Strategic Training Function with Heather Balcerek
  - Learning Tech, Simplified – How to Select and Manage Learning Technologies and Tools with Kim Davis
- Featured Executives: Krista Merkley and Cheryl Haga
- Roundtable Host: Dr. Kristal Walker
November 2022
- Featured Executives: Akin Oni, Chris Massaro and Dr. Willie Wibert
October 2022
- Website Articles:
  - Training Needs Assessments for Upskilling and Reskilling Programs by Dr. Bill Brantley
- Featured Executives: Lisa Hutcherson, Shannon Young and Andrew Krajewski
- TICE Speakers: Carrie Berg, Jackie Corbett, Dr. Therese Horne, Lisa Hutcherson, Sophia Kadar, Shariem Saterfield, Laura Smith Dunaief, Dr. Kristal Walker, David Wilhelm and Caroline Wright
September 2022
- Magazine Articles:
  - Engaging the Modern Workforce Across the Employee Lifecycle by Keenan L. McBride**
  - D&I 2023: Positioning Learning Leaders to Add Even Greater Value by Dr. Kristal Walker
- Podcasts:
  - Learning Across the Employee Lifecycle – How Training Can Improve the Employee Experience with Andy Schuster
- Featured Executives: Laura Last, Lisa Hutcherson and Kathryn Connolly
- Roundtable Hosts: Catherine Browne, Meghan Bushman, Rebecca Gaboda and Kim Davis
August 2022
- Website Articles:
  - Selecting the Best LMS for Your Company: Tips and Best Practices by Valerie Marsh**
  - Is the LMS the “Junk Drawer” of the Organization? Does It Have to Be? by Valerie Marsh and Sean Stowers**
  - How to Encourage Employees to Participate in Upskilling Programs, Part 1 by Sean Stowers
  - How to Encourage Employees to Participate in Upskilling Programs: Part 2 by Sean Stowers
- Podcasts:
  - How Training Can Support a Human-centered Workplace with Bayan Qoul
- Featured Executives: Julie Kirsh, Steve Schwarze and Neha Trivedi
- Roundtable Host: Brian Rook
July 2022
- Website Articles:
  - Skills Gap or Growth Gap? 6 Ways to Identify Skills Gaps on Your Team by Scott Himes**
  - 6 Tips to Align Onboarding and Inclusion by Dr. Theresa Horne**
- Featured Executives: Dr. Bill Brantley and Shannon Young
- Roundtable Hosts: Dr. Bill Brantley and Lisa Hutcherson
June 2022
- Magazine Articles:
  - Diversify Your Leadership with an Inclusive Succession Plan by Dr. Kristal Walker
- Website Articles:
  - Rocking Your First 90 Days as a Training Manager by Laura Smith Dunaief**
  - How Leaders Can Identify Skills Gaps on Their Teams by Dawn Brown**
  - How to Assess and Prioritize Training Requests With the PACER Model by Cheryl Haga**
  - Identifying Future Leaders Starts With Identifying Skills Gaps by Carrie Berg
  - Assess and Address Emerging Skills Gaps to Build Your Team for Tomorrow by Erin Goldman
  - Succession Planning: A Key Part of Developing a Leadership Training Academy by Kristin Davis
  - Needs Assessments for Upskilling and Reskilling by Melaine Mahabir
  - Successful Upskilling and Reskilling Begins With a Needs Analysis by Katrina Reiniers-Jackson
  - Creating Cultures That Honor Specialization While Promoting Generalization by Laura Smith Dunaief and Michelle Thill
  - Everything You Should Know About Adjacent Skills by Sean Stowers
- Podcasts:
  - Learning Leader or Undercover Detective? Identifying Training Needs with Gifty Abagre-Laryea and Alexandra Kubebatu
- Featured Executive: Erin Goldman
- Roundtable Host: Melaine Mahabir
- TICE Speakers: Daniel Albert, Chris Cassell, Kristin Davis, Thomas Fenstermacher, Cheryl Haga, Lisa Hutcherson, Valerie Marsh, Dan Menden, Hugh Pleasants, Andy Schuster, Laura Smith Dunaief, Michelle Thill, Neha Trivedi, Kerry Troester, Marjorie Van Roon, Dr. Kristal Walker
May 2022
- Website Articles:
  - Living the L&D Life in the Startup Space by Cheryl Haga
  - From The Great Resignation to The Great Retention: Retain Top Talent With L&D by Sean Stowers
- Featured Executives: Kathryn Connolly, Julie Kirsch, Chris Massaro and Steve Schwarze
- Roundtable Host: Neha Trivedi
April 2022
- Website Articles:
  - From Sporadic to Systematic: How to Make DEI a Regular Part of Your L&D Strategy by Scott Himes**
  - Skills Assessment 101 by Sophia Kadar
  - How to Identify Employees That Need Reskilling by Sean Stowers
- Featured Executives: Dr. Willie Wibert and Chris Massaro
- Roundtable Host: Kathryn Connolly
March 2022
- Magazine Articles:
  - Culture’s Influence on Global and Remote Learning by Neha Trivedi**
  - Relentless Engagement: Creating a Path for Inclusion Across the Employee Life Cycle by Dr. Kristal Walker**
- Website Articles:
  - Influence Up: 3 Keys to Higher Learning by Carrie Berg
  - 4 Steps to Building a Customer Engagement Process by Cheryl Carter, JD
- Podcasts:
  - Continuous Coaching and Feedback by Erin Goldman
- Featured Executives: Shannon Young, Neha Tivedi and Erin Goldman
- TICE Speakers: Carrie Berg, Dr. Kate Hixon, Lynn Leadley, Dan Menden, Shariem Saterfield, Alexandra Smith, Mandy Smith and Amanda Van Der Heiden

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2025 marks a decade of CPTM excellence.

Explore the CPTM alumni achievements, the benefits of becoming a CPTM and more in this special infographic. Cheers to 10 years!

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