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President's Blog: Looking Ahead to 2026: Welcoming the ATD Pittsburgh Board & Saving the Date for What’s Next

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:04:22 GMT

As we look ahead to 2026, I’m excited to share two important updates with our ATD Pittsburgh community: the announcement of our incoming Board of Directors and a Save the Date for a special half-day learning experience we’re bringing to Pittsburgh.

First, it’s my pleasure to introduce the 2026 ATD Pittsburgh Board of Directors. This group represents an incredible depth of talent, experience, and commitment to our mission of advancing the profession of talent development across the Greater Pittsburgh region. I’m truly grateful for their willingness to serve and for the leadership they bring to our chapter.

2026 ATD Pittsburgh Board of Directors

Chapter President: Keith Kuckenbrod
VP of Finance: Thaddeus Tsohantaridis
VP of Programs / Past President: Dana Whatley Smith
VP of National Liaison: Sharron Corle
VP of Marketing & Communications: Kyra Miller
VP of Membership: Alison Brickner
Director of Orientation: Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Networking: Sandra Marsh McClain

Together, this board will focus on delivering meaningful learning experiences, fostering connection across our membership, and continuing to strengthen ATD Pittsburgh as a trusted professional home for talent development practitioners at every stage of their career.

In addition to welcoming our 2026 Board, I’m thrilled to share an early Save the Date for an upcoming half-day workshop co-hosted by DDI and ATD Pittsburgh in 2026. The event will take place on March 25, 2026. This event will bring nationally recognized expertise together with our local TD community for a highly interactive, practical learning experience. More details—including the location and registration information—will be shared soon, but trust me when I say this is one you won’t want to miss.

On behalf of the entire board, thank you for being part of ATD Pittsburgh. Your engagement, curiosity, and commitment to growth are what make this chapter thrive. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to learning, connecting, and growing together in 2026.

Warm regards,
Keith Kuckenbrod
Chapter President, ATD Pittsburgh

President's Blog December 2025- Kicking Off 2026 Together

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:39:59 GMT

As we welcome a brand-new year, I wanted to share a quick update with our ATD Pittsburgh community.

To make space for a very special in-person experience, we will not be holding our January Coffee & Connections event. Instead, we’re inviting you to join us for our holiday networking celebration — the Merry Mixer!

✨ Merry Mixer Highlights

Cathedral of Learning – Nationality Rooms, beautifully decked out for the holidays
️ A guided tour of these iconic spaces
️ Dinner immediately following at The Porch at Schenley

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow talent development professionals, celebrate the season, and build relationships as we head into an exciting year ahead. We encourage you to register and join us in person for this memorable evening!

Looking ahead, we also want your voice to help shape our programming. Please be sure to complete the Coffee & Connections Survey, which has been sent via email and will also be shared on our social media channels. Your feedback will help us determine topics and themes for Coffee & Connections events throughout the year.

As we look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and connection, stay tuned for some important announcements coming soon.

Thank you for being part of ATD Pittsburgh — and from all of us on the Board, Happy New Year!

Fall into Learning!

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 13:51:53 GMT

What’s New at ATD Pittsburgh: Fall Learning Series + A New Book Club!

As we move into the fall season, I’m excited to share some big updates from ATD Pittsburgh. Our chapter has always been about creating opportunities for growth, connection, and impact in the talent development space—and this season is no exception.

Fall Playbook Learning Series

We’re bringing you two powerful sessions designed to elevate your skills and strengthen your impact as a professional.

✨ Leadership Development as a Retention Strategy with Max Polec

Retention is one of the top challenges facing organizations today—and leadership development is a critical solution. In this interactive workshop, Max Polec will guide participants through strategies to identify, develop, and retain top talent. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen teams, build leadership pipelines, and support succession planning for long-term success.

✨ Step into Your Moxie: Speak Up and Influence with Jennifer Kennedy

If you’ve ever wanted to strengthen your ability to speak up with confidence and inspire action, this session is for you. Jennifer Kennedy will help you tap into your “moxie”—equipping you with tools to communicate with impact, build presence, and lead conversations that move people to act.

New Offering: Free Virtual Book Club

We’re also thrilled to announce something brand-new for our community: the ATD Pittsburgh Book Club!

This free, virtual program will give members the chance to explore new ideas together, share insights, and apply fresh learning directly into practice. Details—including our first book pick—are available now on our website.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re investing in your own leadership, building your ability to influence, or learning alongside peers through our book club, these programs are designed with you in mind. At ATD Pittsburgh, we believe professional growth is more powerful when it’s shared—and we’re excited to grow with you this season.

Visit our website for event details and registration. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming program!

Gearing Up for Summer!

Fri, 23 May 2025 17:56:46 GMT

Dear ATD Pittsburgh Members,

What a fantastic start to summer! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our very first joint event with the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA) and College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). It was inspiring to witness three powerful organizations come together with a shared purpose: to elevate the conversation around talent, leadership, and professional development. The energy in the room was electric, the speakers were dynamic, and the spirit of collaboration was palpable. If this event was any indication, the future of our region’s talent development community is bright.

In that same spirit of learning and connection, several of our board members and chapter leaders had the opportunity to attend ATD25 in Washington, DC this past month. The conference delivered powerful insights that will shape the way we lead and learn in the months and years ahead. Here are a few key takeaways:

Artificial Intelligence in Talent Development
AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming a practical tool for scaling learning, personalizing content, and streamlining talent development processes. From AI-powered coaching to content generation, we’re entering a new era of possibility that requires us to think both creatively and ethically.

️ Psychological Safety is Non-Negotiable
High-performing organizations are rooted in trust. We heard from thought leaders who reminded us that psychological safety isn't a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for innovation, engagement, and retention. As talent professionals, we must continue to foster environments where every voice is valued and respected.

Building High-Performing Teams
The recipe for success continues to evolve, but the fundamentals hold true: clear communication, aligned goals, accountability, and empathy. Whether leading in-person, hybrid, or remote teams, the emphasis on human-centered leadership was front and center.

Proving ROI for Talent Development
Making the case for training investments remains a priority. Sessions at ATD25 offered practical strategies for measuring the impact of learning programs, linking them directly to business outcomes, and telling the story of their value in ways that resonate with stakeholders.

Networking that Matters
Perhaps one of the most powerful reminders from ATD25 was this: our strength lies in our connections. From hallway conversations to structured roundtables, the event was a masterclass in relationship-building. The partnerships and friendships formed will no doubt fuel new initiatives, ideas, and impact.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring these insights back to Pittsburgh through events, workshops, and conversations designed to keep us all growing together. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, learn, and lead with ATD Pittsburgh!

Warm regards,
Keith Kuckenbrod
President, ATD Pittsburgh

Welcoming the 2025 ATD Pittsburgh Board & Looking Ahead!

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:07:13 GMT

I am honored to serve as the President of ATD Pittsburgh and grateful for the trust our members have placed in me and our leadership team. As we step into this new year, our board is committed to providing exceptional value to our members, enhancing programming, and driving membership growth.

Please join me in welcoming our 2025 ATD Pittsburgh Board:

⭐ Past President/VP Programs: Dana Whatley Smith
⭐ VP Finance: Angela Rogers
⭐ VP NAC Liaison: Sharron Corle
⭐ VP Marketing & Communications: Kyra Miller

⭐ Director, Orientation: Jennifer Kennedy
⭐ Director, Networking: Sandra Marsh-McClain
⭐ Director, Recognition: Thaddeus Tsohantaridis

This year, we are focused on expanding and improving our programming to better support the professional development of our members. Through engaging events, networking opportunities, and innovative learning experiences, we aim to strengthen our chapter and create lasting impact.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to an exciting year ahead!

Keith Kuckenbrod
President, ATD Pittsburgh

President's Blog- December 2024- Dana Whatley Smith

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:34:05 GMT

A Year of Growth, Connection, and Exciting Opportunities

Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Members,

As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've had as a chapter. It has been a year full of growth, meaningful connections, and learning, and none of it would have been possible without your active participation and dedication to advancing the field of talent development. Thank you for being a vital part of our Pittsburgh community.

A Look Back at 2024

This year has been filled with engaging events, and it’s been amazing to see so many of you involved in shaping the success of our programs.

Coffee & Connection sessions: New this year, our Coffee & Connections have continued to be a favorite among members. These monthly sessions allowed us to meet informally, share ideas, and build valuable relationships.
Monthly Regional Webinars: Throughout the year, our regional webinars brought expert speakers and thought leaders to our virtual space, where we discussed important topics in talent development. Whether it was leadership strategies, DEI initiatives, or the evolving role of technology in learning, these webinars have kept us informed and equipped to lead in our field.
The Strategic Playground Workshop: Our first in-person workshop since Covid was a huge success. We had the opportunity to explore creative solutions to complex challenges for talent development professionals. The hands-on nature of the workshop allowed us to think outside the box and leave with actionable strategies that we can apply to our work.
National chapter events: In addition to our local programs, many of you participated in events from ATD’s national chapter. These experiences provided great opportunities to expand our network and bring back fresh insights to share with our local community. It’s been a great year of collaboration and connection, both locally and nationally.

Looking Ahead as we close out 2024

There are still a few fantastic events to look forward to, so register today!

December 2 – 6: Employee Learning Week. Join your ATD Pittsburgh Board, and the talent development community as we gather on LinkedIn to discuss engaging learning and development topics during Employee Learning Week.
December 11 at 6:00 p.m. - Regional Webinar Series S12. The final regional webinar of the year will focus on inclusive workspaces, and how to create psychological safety and belonging as a facilitator. Be sure to join us for this final session.
December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Merry Mixer Holiday Networking Event. Our annual Merry Mixer is just around the corner, so register now! This holiday event is a great way to celebrate the season, connect with colleagues, and have a little festive fun. We hope to see you there for some holiday cheer and networking.

Important Reminders: Annual Survey & Board Elections

As we reflect on the year, it’s also time to look ahead to the future of our chapter. We encourage all members to complete the annual member survey and provide your feedback. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the programs and events that will benefit you in the year to come.

Additionally, we are currently holding elections for the new slate of board officers. Please take a moment to vote in the election by December 16. Your vote is crucial in ensuring that our chapter continues to thrive under strong leadership.

Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your support and dedication to the ATD Pittsburgh chapter. Your involvement has made this year one to remember, and I’m excited about the many possibilities that lie ahead in 2025.

On behalf of the entire chapter board, I wish you a joyful and restful holiday season, filled with moments of reflection, connection, and growth. May you enjoy time with loved ones and look forward to the new opportunities the year ahead will bring.

Looking forward to an exciting 2025 with all of you!

Warm regards,

Dana Whatley Smith

President, ATD Pittsburgh

August 2024 President's Blog: Connecting, Learning, and Growing Together

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:53:27 GMT

Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Members,

As we enter the warmer months, I want to take a moment to share some exciting opportunities and reminders that will help you stay connected, continue learning, and make the most of your ATD membership.

Attend a Coffee & Connection Networking Today!

One of the best ways to grow as a professional is by connecting with others in your field. Our Coffee & Connection networking events provide a relaxed, informal setting to meet fellow talent development professionals, share ideas, and build valuable relationships. These monthly events are designed to help you grow your network, exchange insights, and hear about new trends in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, these events are a fantastic way to gain fresh perspectives and strengthen your professional community.

Summer: Time to Learn Something New

The summer months are the perfect opportunity to take a step back from your busy schedule and focus on personal and professional growth. ATD offers a wealth of resources, from webinars to workshops, that can help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of talent development. Use this time to explore new topics, dive deeper into areas that interest you, or gain skills that can advance your career. The beauty of summer is that it gives us a chance to pause and invest in ourselves, so let’s make the most of it!

The Benefits of Being an ATD Power Member

If you're not already a Power Member, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your membership. Power Membership offers a wide range of benefits, including access to exclusive resources, premium events, and a network of professionals from across the globe. With the additional tools and opportunities available to Power Members, you’ll be better equipped to tackle industry challenges and stay at the forefront of innovation. The value of this membership goes far beyond just attending events—it’s about being part of a global community committed to continuous learning and development. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead for all of us this summer, and I encourage you to make the most of these events and resources. Together, we’ll continue to grow as talent development professionals and strengthen our chapter's impact on the community.

I look forward to seeing you at our next Coffee and Connection event or engaging with you through one of our many learning opportunities. Let’s keep the momentum going and make the most of everything ATD Pittsburgh has to offer!

Stay connected, and let’s make 2024 our best year yet!

Warm regards,

Dana Whatley Smith

President, ATD Pittsburgh

April 2024 President's Blog: Exciting Opportunities Ahead

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:49:41 GMT

Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Members,

As we dive into the spring, I’m excited to share some awesome updates with our members. April and May are shaping up to be pivotal months for our chapter, and I encourage each of you to take full advantage of the incredible opportunities ahead.

April is Member Appreciation Month

April is a special month for us at ATD, as it’s Member Appreciation Month! This is our chance to celebrate YOU, the heart of our chapter. We wouldn’t be the thriving community we are without your support, dedication, and contributions. Be sure to register to attend our Regional Webinars and look for other exclusive perks on the ATD national website, to show our gratitude for your continued engagement. It’s our way of saying "thank you" for all you do to help foster professional growth and development in the talent development field.

Get Ready for the ATD International Conference

Mark your calendars for the ATD International Conference and Exposition, happening in New Orleans, LA, from May 18-21, 2024. If you’ve never experienced an ATD International Conference, this is the perfect opportunity – it’s an event you won’t want to miss! This annual gathering brings together the brightest minds in talent development from across the globe. It’s an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and share insights with industry leaders. Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, the conference offers an unparalleled chance to gain knowledge and connect with professionals who share your passion. Be sure to check out the schedule and plan your participation to make the most of this amazing experience.

Become a Power Member Today!

Lastly, I want to emphasize the true value of being an ATD Power member. When you join the ATD Pittsburgh chapter, you choose to be a knowledge leader in the talent development profession and a change maker in your own backyard. Joint membership offers you a unique opportunity to connect with local, national, and international professionals.

Through Power Membership you'll receive access to ATD’s:

Industry-leading content
Career-advancing education programs
Growing library of tools, checklists, and templates

You'll also receive the support of the local talent development community through your chapter membership with:

Increased community engagement
Local job information
Face-to-face networking
Business, career, and leadership development opportunities

Thank you for being part of our the ATD Pittsburgh chapter, and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event soon!

Stay connected, and let’s make 2024 our best year yet!

Warm regards,

Dana Whatley Smith

President, ATD Pittsburgh

February 2024 President's Blog: Meet the New Board, Upcoming 2024 Programming, and Member Month in March!

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 18:04:45 GMT

Greetings ATD Pittsburgh Members,

As we head into 2024, we’re excited to share some exciting updates with our ATD Pittsburgh community! We have a new board in place and an exciting new networking opportunity launching soon. As we gear up for Member Month in March, here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:

Meet the New Board
I am thrilled to introduce our new ATD Pittsburgh Board for 2024!

Chapter President: Dana Whatley Smith

President Elect: Keith Kuckenbrod

VP Finance: Angela Rogers

VP Membership: Sharron Corle

VP Programs: Jeff Tobe

VP Marketing & Comms: Keith Kuckenbrod

VP National Liaison: Jennifer Kennedy

Director, Networking: Sandra Marsh McClain

Director, Social Media: Kyra Miller

With a mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, our board is ready to build on the success of the past year and continue to bring valuable resources and events to our members. From leadership development to programming excellence, this year promises to bring even more opportunities for growth and networking. Stay tuned for introductions and upcoming initiatives from our new board members!

2024 Programming
We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring you an exciting and impactful lineup of programming for 2024. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, stay up to date with the latest trends in talent development, or connect with fellow professionals, we have something for you. Be sure to mark your calendars for workshops, networking events, and thought-provoking seminars throughout the year. We can’t wait to dive into all the learning opportunities ahead!

Member Month in March
March is all about YOU—our valued members! We’re excited to announce that we’ll be celebrating Member Month with special events and initiatives throughout the month. This is a great opportunity to connect, grow, and get involved with the ATD Pittsburgh community. From member-only webinars to exclusive networking opportunities, March will be packed with ways for you to engage and make the most of your membership. Keep an eye out for more details and a full calendar of events coming soon!

Thank you for being a part of the ATD Pittsburgh community. We look forward to another fantastic year of growth, learning, and collaboration.

Stay connected, and let’s make 2024 our best year yet!

Warm regards,

Dana Whatley Smith
President, ATD Pittsburgh

December 2023 President's Blog

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:24:14 GMT

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

President's Blog- October 2023- Dana Whatley Smith

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:39:12 GMT

Dear ATD Pittsburgh Members,

I hope you had an awesome first half of the year. But wait, isn’t it October? Aren’t we almost done with this year? Well maybe some of you are dusting off your noisemakers and getting ready to ring in the new year. But for talent development professionals, more so than in January, the dawn of the fall season feels like the start of a new year.

https://www.postworksavvy.com/september-month-new-beginnings/

Thinking back to childhood, we are programmed to see September and October as fresh starts. You remember—being excited about new school clothes, new books, new teachers, and the new challenges that being in a higher grade brought forth. The fall is when life settles into a routine. The lazy days of summer are over, kids and young people are back in school, and talent development professionals are busy planning for or preparing to launch new development programs.

As we enter the fall/winter season, I encourage all our members to get involved in the Chapter, attend training workshops, networking events and chapter meetings. We still have a few more board roles to fill, so If you are interested in building your leadership skills and serving in a leadership role, consider joining the board. Maybe you just want to learn more about what ATD Pittsburgh has to offer. Our chapter can always benefit from new ideas, and we have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Speaking of new ideas, the ATD Pittsburgh board has been busy working on updating our strategic plan. Thanks to the feedback we received from our members, we have made updates to the website, as well as to our mission, vision and values, and we’d like to share them with you! We will be hosting a virtual Chapter Meeting on Tuesday, November 7. This will be an opportunity for you to “Ask the Board Anything”. The first 5 people to register will be entered in a drawing for a cool prize. Remember, our chapter meetings are FREE, and a great way to find out what’s going on in the chapter and how YOU can be a part of it.

I hope that you will join me at the chapter meeting next month, and for an exciting time at the ATD Pittsburgh holiday party in December. The date and location will be announced soon.

It is my pleasure to serve as your Chapter President.

Dana Whatley Smith

Pittsburgh ATD Chapter President, 2023

President's Blog- April 2023- Dana Whatley Smith

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:12:42 GMT

Dear ATD Pittsburgh Members,

I hope you had an awesome Membership Month in March and were able to attend some of the great training offered by both the ATD Pittsburgh and National chapter. As your ATD Pittsburgh Chapter president for 2023, I want to express my gratitude for your continued membership, support and dedication to the mission of our chapter which is empowering professionals to develop talent in the workplace. I am very proud and excited to be leading the ATD Pittsburgh chapter this year, and will continue, with your help to make it shine.

As we enter the spring/summer season, I encourage all our members to get involved in the Chapter, attend training workshops, networking events and volunteer to serve on committees. We still have a few more board roles to fill, so If you are interested in potentially serving in a leadership role or on a committee, or perhaps you just want to learn more about what ATD Pittsburgh has to offer, please do not hesitate to contact me. Our chapter can always benefit from new ideas, and we have plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Speaking of new ideas, the ATD Pittsburgh board will be hosting an in-person strategic planning session on Saturday, April 22, just a few days away. If you are interested in helping to shape the future of our ATD Pittsburgh chapter, please send an email to president.atdpgh@gmail.com by noon on Friday, April 21, and join the board for a half day of thought-provoking discussion and creative thinking!

Finally, the ATD International Conference in San Diego is fast approaching in May. As many of our board members are planning to attend, please let us know if you will be attending too, by sending an email to president.atdpgh@gmail.com. It would be great for Pittsburgh ATD members to meet each other at the conference.

I look forward to seeing and connecting with each of you at an upcoming event in the very near future.

It is my pleasure to serve as your Chapter President.

Dana Whatley Smith

Pittsburgh ATD Chapter President, 2023

November Message from the Chapter President

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:54:17 GMT

“Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts.” Aristotle

Our keynote speaker at ALC this month referred to the quote above. It’s a good one to reflect upon. I ask myself what habits am I cultivating that will bring about excellence? What habits am I cultivating that will not bring about excellence? Your membership and engagement in your Pittsburgh chapter is a space to cultivate those habits that bring excellence. For example, five members of our chapter’s executive board attended ALC this month. I’ve learned that three members of our chapter will be giving a presentation at ATD ICE in San Diego in May. And congratulations to member Paul G., who won the Panera gift card at our November 10 lunch and learn program. We have plenty of action to finish up this calendar year, including an in-person networking event at the Hard Rock in Station Square, Pittsburgh on December 6. I hope to see you there!

Board Updates: Develop and share your leadership capacity

We are actively seeking members who would like to volunteer to serve on the ATD Pittsburgh Board of Directors to:

Enhance your leadership capabilities in a supportive learning environment
Build and expand your network within the Talent Development community
Deepen your understanding of the trends in our industry

Serving on the ATD Pittsburgh Chapter Board provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to and shape the direction of our chapter. Board leaders participate in monthly board meetings and chapter events, as well as engage member volunteers in strategizing and leading their specific role.

Board leaders are elected to one-year terms and must be a member in good standing of the ATD Pittsburgh Chapter and ATD National for the elected year. ATD Pittsburgh Board Members qualify for additional benefits through ATD National.

Discounted ATD National Membership rates and an automatic upgrade to Professional Plus level

ATD International Conference and Exposition Perks

More details about Board Roles

The Succession Committee will be reaching out to individuals, but you don’t have to wait for us to call you! If you are interested in serving on the chapter board in 2023, please reach out to Angela Rogers (amr115@psu.edu) An engaged board is necessary for our chapter to continue to thrive.

Board Meeting

The Chapter board meets on the last Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Any chapter member is welcome to attend the board meeting. See the schedule here https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/Chapter-Board-Meetings

Fall Programs and Events
Many of our programs are free for chapter members!

November 17, noon ET Power Up Your Development: Leveraging ATD Membership

November 29, 7 pm ET: Chapter Board Meeting

November 30, 6 pm ET Regional Webinar: The Science of Hybrid: What Every L&D Professional Needs to Know!

December 1, noon ET New Member Welcome and Orientation

December 6, 6 pm ET In Person Holiday Networking Social

December 6–10, Employee Learning Week

December 14, 6 pm ET Regional Webinar: Executive Presence

November Member Reminder

Remember to use the ChIP code in the ATD store online when you renew your membership or purchase materials so our chapter receives an incentive. Our code is CH3019 or just select “Pittsburgh” as your chapter

September Message from the Chapter President

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 15:34:58 GMT

“Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.” --Truman Capote

Summer is officially over and it’s time to re-engage. Fall is my favorite time of the year. It feels like the time to get back to school, back to work, back to life. I indulge in my nerdy pleasure of seeking out the perfect pens, planners, folders, and other fresh office/school supplies—my gear for a productive year. I invite you to take a deep breath of the crisp autumn air and reengage with what matters to you. Pittsburgh ATD has many opportunities this fall for you to turn over a new leaf!

Board Updates: Develop and share your leadership capacity

We are actively seeking members who would like to serve on the ATD Pittsburgh Board of Directors to:

Enhance your leadership capabilities in a supportive learning environment
Build and expand your network within the Talent Development community
Deepen your understanding of the trends in our industry

Discounted ATD National Membership rates and an automatic upgrade to Professional Plus level

ATD International Conference and Exposition Perks

ATD Pittsburgh Board Roles

President: Oversees all chapter business and projects.

Vice President, Finance: Oversees chapter finances. Collects membership dues and program revenues, pays expenses, balances the books, prepares and files required financial reports.

Vice President, Programs: Oversees the development and delivery of all programming.

Vice President, Membership: Oversees development of projects to attract and retain members.

Vice President, Communications: Responsible for the communication/brand strategy

Director of Recognition: Develops and manages recognition of members, speakers, and volunteers.

Director of Networking: Plans and coordinates all social and networking events.

Director of Orientation: Works with VP Membership to develop targeted orientation program for new members to engage them in the chapter.

More details about Board Roles

The Succession Committee will be reaching out to individuals, but you don’t have to wait for us to call you! If you are interested in serving on the chapter board in 2023, please reach out to Angela Rogers (amr115@psu.edu) by November 5. An engaged board is necessary for our chapter to continue to thrive.

Board Meeting

Fall Programs and Events

Many of our programs are free for chapter members!

September 22, noon ET: New Member Welcome and Orientation

September 27, 7 pm ET: Chapter Board Meeting

September 28, 6 pm ET: ATD Regional Webinar Series 2022: Session 9 "Personal Branding in the Workplace

October 5, 6 pm ET: Good Leaders Don’t Brag (Do They?) Group Coaching Experience with Christy Uffelman

October 6, noon ET: Virtual Learning Series: Best Practices in Producing Virtual Learning

October 12, 6pm ET: 2022 Executive Education Speaker Series Session 6 "Enhancing the Employee Experience as a Key Driver of Customer Success

October 25, 7 pm ET: Chapter Board Meeting

November 3–4: ATD Chapter Leaders Conference (ALC)

November 9, 6 pm ET: 2022 Executive Education Speaker Series Session 7 "Diversity Workplace Best Practices in 50 Minutes!"

November 10, noon ET: Virtual Learning Series: Podcasting

November 12, ATD Central PA 75^th Anniversary Conference in Hershey!

November 29, 7 pm ET: Chapter Board Meeting

December 6–10, Employee Learning Week

September Member Reminder

Have you moved or changed jobs? Take a few moments to review and update your profile on the chapter website. Make sure we have a postal mailing address for you.

Here’s how:

Go to: https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/
Log in (upper right hand corner)
Click on “View Profile” under your name appearing in the upper right hand corner
Review content there or click “Edit profile” button to make changes

July message from the chapter president

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 14:19:26 GMT

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead

Board updates

Member Survey: The chapter conducted its annual member survey during the month of May, a CARE requirement. If you completed the survey, thank you! Five survey completers were randomly drawn and set a $25 Amazon gift card!

We learned that members like webinars and would like to see more networking events. We also learned that members would like to see some lunchtime programs. We are working on making both of those things happen!

Succession Planning: We are halfway through 2022 and it’s time to start thinking about succession planning. If you have an interest in or questions about serving on the board or on the succession planning committee, I’d love to hear from you!

Upcoming programs

July 27, 2022: ATD Regional Webinar Series 2022: Session 7 "Worldclass Leadership Development on a Shoestring Budget"

August 31, 2022: ATD Regional Webinar Series 2022: Session 8 "Combatting the Great Resignation: Stay Interviews

September 28, 2022: ATD Regional Webinar Series 2022: Session 9 "Personal Branding in the Workplace"

October 5, 2022: Good Leaders Don’t Brag (Do They?) with Christy Uffelman

November 9, 2022: ATD Executive Education Series 2022: Session 9: Rethinking Organizational Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Jamie Campbell

In development

We are working on some lunch and learn webinars around virtual learning technology. Topics being considered include podcasting, virtual conference platforms, best practices in producing virtual events, and planning hybrid events.

July member reminder

Want to submit a speaker proposal for ATD ICE 2023? The deadline is August 9, 2022. The ATD22 Program Advisory Committee recorded a session at ATD22 about how to submit a successful speaking proposal.

March from the chapter president: Board update, Programs, Member reminder

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 16:36:05 GMT

“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Board update

The board met on February 22 and conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats). Many thanks to chapter member Cathie Carr for facilitating this important activity for us. Board members are reflecting on the results of the SWOT and setting goals for the year. Those goals will be shared with the chapter at large soon.

One of the questions we asked ourselves to start off the SWOT session was, “In one sentence, what is your definition of a ‘thriving’ ATD Pittsburgh chapter?” How would you answer that question?

Your input is welcome, If you have thoughts about chapter SWOTs or suggestions for goals, send them to me (amr115@psu.edu) by March 14.

Learn more about our board members on the Board Directory page of our chapter website. https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/board/

Membership Fact: The chapter has 41 joint members out of 57 chapter members yielding a rate of 72% Power membership which is excellent!

Scheduled programs

March 30: ATD Regional Webinar Series 2022: Session 3 "Training the Citizen Developer for Organizational Success"

April 13: 2022 Executive Education Speaker Series: Session 4 "Developing Adaptive and Vibrant Workplaces through Mindfulness Practice"

We are in the process of organizing a May program on storytelling, and more events are on the way.

Please let me know [amr115@psu.edu] what kinds of programs make your membership in the chapter valuable.

March member reminder: Connect with ATD on LinkedIn

Join our chapter group to keep up to date with what your fellow members are doing and share what you are doing. We currently have 299 group members. Will you be number 300?

Also consider joining the Association for Talent Development (ATD) Group which has more than 150,000 members. I have found this group to be an excellent source of assistance and advice.

January from the chapter president: New board, Volunteers wanted, Programs, Update your profile

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 16:37:02 GMT

"The beginning is the most important part of the work." - Plato.

New Chapter Board

A new year means new board members for our chapter. Thank you to all board members who are rolling off. We appreciate your leadership and service to the chapter: Vince Kwisnek, Carlye Henderson, Denise Galloni, Kathleen Himler, and Corey Hollenmeyer.

Welcome to all continuing and new board members who are moving into new chapter leadership roles. We appreciate your willingness to join the board and continue moving ATD Pittsburgh forward into 2022.

2022 Board Members:

Chapter President: Angela Rogers
VP of Finance: Pearl Walker
VP of Membership: Kristina Kress
VP National Liaison: Sandra Marsh McClain
Director of Recognition: Jennifer Kennedy
Director of Networking: Dana Whatley Smith
Director of Orientation: Pearl Hughey
Past President: Laurel Shaw

Learn more about our board members on the Board Directory page of our chapter website.https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/board/

Board meeting: the last Tuesday of each month, starting on January 25, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Any chapter member is welcome to attend the board meeting. See the schedule here https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/Chapter-Board-Meetings

Volunteers Wanted

Director of chapter social media
VP Programming
VP Communications

If yo have an interested in the above open roles, please let me know.

Programs

We continue to collaborate with other chapters in offered virtual programming into 2022.

Monthly on the second Wednesday:

The Executive Education Speaker Series, a collaboration with our sister chapter, Philadelphia and Eastern PA, continues with primarily Academic thought leaders talking on important trends for talent leaders to think about. Three changes to this series from last year: 1. We will take a break for the summer months of June, July, and August. 2. You need to register for each event individually. 3. The nonmember fee is $20 for each event. Our February speaker is Dr. Wesley Donahue from Penn State, who will talk about “Building leadership competence.”

Monthly on the last Wednesday:

ATD Regional Webinar Series, a collaboration with Philadelphia, Eastern PA, Northern New Jersey, Mid New Jersey, New York City and New York Long Island chapters. The January 26 program featured Meredith Bell speaking on “How to create peer coaching in your organization.”

We are working on scheduling several more chapter events on the following topics:

Power membership
Podcasting
Storytelling
Book Club on "Grit," by Angela Duckworth

Please let me know what kinds of programs make your membership in the chapter valuable.

January Member Reminder

Have you moved or changed jobs? Take a few moments to review and update your profile on the chapter website.

Here’s how:

Go to: https://www.tdpittsburgh.org/
Log in (upper right hand corner)
Click on “View Profile” under your name appearing in the upper right hand corner
Review content there or click “Edit profile” button to make changes