Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Chapter Members:

As we approach the last few days of 2023, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Chapter President for the last 12 months. When I take a moment and reflect on the past year, the first word that comes to mind for me is thankful. ATD Pittsburgh was successful this year because of you, our chapter members, and for that I am thankful. Let’s face it—talent development professionals are rock stars!

There is such great talent among the ATD Pittsburgh chapter membership. Our members were busy this year doing what they do best--developing others, leading within their organizations, motivating people to do better and be better, and helping employees to untap their wildest potential. Yet with all that, they still found time to elevate their own skills and attend our ATD Regional Webinar Series, ATD Executive Education Speaker Series, ATD Pittsburgh Networking Events and local chapter programming. If that’s not a rock star, I don’t know what is.

I also want to acknowledge the rock stars on the 2023 ATD Pittsburgh Chapter Board: Angela Rogers, Past-President and Vice President of Finance, Sharron Corle, Vice President of Membership, Sheila Raza-Self, (former) Vice President of Programs, Keith Kuckenbrod, Vice President of Marketing & Communications and Sandra Marsh-McClain, Vice President, National ATD Liaison. I am thankful to have had an opportunity to work with such a dedicated group of people, who worked so diligently this year mapping out plans for the future state of the ATD Pittsburgh Chapter. The board and I began the year creating a three-year strategic plan, and we have been busy executing on some of the tasks within the plan.

• We have re-instated ATD Pittsburgh Chapter Meetings! This is a great opportunity for the board to share important information with membership. Look for more in 2024!
• We increased our presence on social media! Look for upcoming events on Facebook, LinkedIn and on the ATD Pittsburgh webpage.
• We hosted three in-person networking events at various locations in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Coming back from the pandemic, we all need to connect with like-minded peers. Look for more in 2024!
• We re-branded our mission, vision and values to be more aligned with what you, our members need from ATD Pittsburgh in a post-pandemic world.

I am thankful for the dedication that fuels our collective impact, and I’m inspired by all the positive changes that we’ve achieved so far this year. As I look ahead to the new year, the ATD Pittsburgh Chapter Board and I will continue to work collaboratively and support one another as we strive for excellence in all that we do.

And speaking of the Board, I am pleased to announce the 2024 ATD Pittsburgh Board:

Chapter President Dana Whatley Smith

VP Finance Angela Rogers

VP Membership Sharron Corle

VP Programs Jeff Tobe

VP Marketing & Communications Keith Kuckenbrod

VP National ATD Liaison Jennifer Kennedy

Director of Networking Sandra Marsh-McClain

Director of Social Media Kyra Miller

Director of Orientation Vacant

Director of Recognition Vacant

Past-President Dana Whatley Smith

President-Elect Keith Kuckenbrod

There is still room for you to help shape the success of the Chapter. If you are interested in learning more about our open roles, let’s talk! You can reach me at president.atdpgh@gmail.com

Wishing you and your families a restful, safe and blessed holiday season and a prosperous new year!

It is my pleasure to serve as your chapter President,

Dana Whatley Smith