2024 Board members
Past PRESIDENT - KATIE GERWITZ
In 2018, Katie Gerwitz transitioned into Instructional Design and corporate training after spending 10 years in secondary education.
Katie is the Global Enterprise Learning and Leadership Development Leader at Ball Corporation.
When she is not developing training, you can find her hiking, biking, snowshoeing, surfing the Sand Dunes, camping, backpacking, completing puzzles, or playing card games.
President - Mary HofTieZer
Mary Hoftiezer transitioned into Instructional Design after working in public education for several years. She earned her MA in Learning Design Technology in 2022 from the University of Colorado at Denver. Mary is currently a contract Instructional Designer with Evolution Learning Design Group LLC. She enjoys working with subject matter experts and others to create engaging learning experiences.
Mary has been a member of ATD since 2019 and enjoys connecting with new members!
President-elect - Alyssa Willet, M.Ed.
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lyssa Willet was first introduced to talent development when she had the opportunity to train 400 employees on the language of CliftonStrengths, sparking her love for the field.
For the past 9 years she has been a trainer, facilitator and coach and has built and led effective training solutions to create positive behavior change for employees.
Currently, Alyssa works in a global training role with KBI Biopharma. She earned her B.A. in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder and her M.Ed. in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University.
Alyssa has been a member of ATD since 2021 and loves connecting with new members! Connect with her on LinkedIn.
CliftonStrengths: Communication | Discipline | Individualization | Learner | Input
Vice PResident of Finance - Rene’ Johnston
With over three decades of distinguished experience in the Financial Services sector, Rene Johnston is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Director of Process Engineering at TIAA. In this capacity, she leads strategic projects and champions process improvement initiatives, contributing significantly to organizational efficiency.
Prior to her tenure at TIAA, Johnston held pivotal roles at Envestnet for 15 years, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Senior Vice President of Operations. Her responsibilities included overseeing portfolio administration, institutional and RIA managed accounts, process improvement, manager services, portfolio data administration, and institutional and RIA client services. Additionally, she demonstrated versatility by assuming leadership roles in Learning & Development and various Human Resources functions.
During her 14-year tenure at Fiserv, Johnston assumed various leadership positions. In her concluding role as the Director of Mutual Fund Operations, she skillfully managed custody, trading, and tax reporting for both taxable and non-taxable accounts of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), showcasing a deep understanding of financial operations.
In addition to her professional milestones, Johnston enjoys a joyful 35-year marriage with her husband, Andy. She takes great pride in being the devoted mother of two college-aged sons, David (22) and Ryan (20), who are currently pursuing their education at CU. Their household is further enriched by the lively presence of three playful and mischievous dogs—Lexi, Rosie, and Buster.
Vice President Communications - Open position
Vice President of Membership - Patricia De Souza, PhD
Dr. Patricia de Souza possesses over two decades of invaluable experience in the Education Service industry, thriving as a trilingual professional. Her journey has been a testament to her unwavering commitment to leadership, creative problem-solving, and a remarkable aptitude for learning. Patricia's career has spanned diverse roles, including that of a Spanish and Portuguese professor, Director of International Education, Instructional Designer, Trainer, Learning and Development Manager, and Consultant.
Currently, she finds herself at the heart of innovation and impact as an Instructional Designer at Banyan Communications. In this dynamic role, Patricia contributes her expertise to an organization that ardently believes in the power of evidence-based, human-centered, and equity-focused communication. Their mission is to illuminate minds, spark action, inspire positive behavior, and catalyze social change. Patricia's journey is a testament to the transformative potential of education and communication, and she continues to be a driving force behind change.
Patricia holds a BA in International Studies, earned her MA in Hispanic Studies, and her PhD in Administration of Higher Education, all from Auburn University. War Eagle!
Vice President of PRogramming - Joel Lamoreaux
Joel presently serves the employees of Arrow Electronics as an HR Manager, Employee Capability, where he helps ensure HR talent development programs and core HR processes are deployed effectively for the Americas Region. Over the last 15 years, Joel built and managed the leadership development programs, including the assessment, design, development, facilitation and evaluation of over 25 courses offered through in-person and virtual formats. He has presented on his approached to adult learning at conferences and is published in several training resource compilation books, and in TD Magazine. Prior to moving into Talent Management, he served the employees of a large financial services company as a front-line leader in call center, manufacturing and fulfillment operations. He is a long-time member of ATD, mostly with the Pikes Peak Chapter, where he served as VP or Programs for six years. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
Vice President of PRogramming - Steven Farber
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As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Take Flight Learning, Steven is primarily involved in promoting the Taking Flight with DISC trainings and certifications to organizations, individuals, and coaches. Certified in the DISC module since 2021, he possesses expertise in understanding communication styles among different personalities.
Before assuming his current role, Steven facilitated DISC-based trainings as an affiliate of Take Flight Learning for his personal business HeroCulture llc. Furthermore, Steven's role at Take Flight Learning is characterized by a balance of strategic planning and a hands-on approach. He actively engages with various stakeholders, guiding them to create organizational environments that are based on mutual understanding and effective communication. His contributions are driven by a blend of expertise, personal experiences, and a genuine desire to foster positive change.
A significant aspect of Steven’s life is his advocacy for mental health. Diagnosed with ADHD and GAD in his 30s, his personal experience has instilled a commitment to raising awareness and support for mental health issues.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Steven is an former collegiate pole-vaulter and holds a 3rd-degree black belt in taekwondo. He is also an eboarding enthusiast, enjoys flying drones, playing blues guitar, and is keen on adopting innovative approaches in other hobbies.
VICE PRESIDENT OF GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST GROUP - OPEN POSITION
Vice President of Technology - Meg druyor m.ed. cptd
Meg Druyor made a successful transition from
sales and account management to Learning and Development in 2017 and hasn't
looked back since. In 2021, she earned her master’s degree in Adult Education
and Training from Colorado State University (go Rams) and now works as an
instructional designer. Meg is passionate about creating training events that
inspire "aha moments" for staff, helping them improve their
performance and achieve their career goals, while also supporting businesses in
reaching their strategic objectives through effective employee training.
When not working Meg enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, swimming, and hanging with her family in Denver.
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Vice President of Certifications - Elizabeth Bayee, CPTD
Elizabeth is an Organizational Effectiveness Manager. She has worked in various environments such as transportation, manufacturing, museums, non-profits, and now AI technology. She earned her CPTD in 2019. Being a part of the study cohort was key to her successfully practicing the Capability Model to adopt it into the work she was doing (and continues to do) in learning and development. She is excited to give back in a way to help others achieve their goal for certification. She enjoys learning about a variety of topics and encourages others to be curious. Elizabeth has been a part of three chapters, Los Angeles, San Diego, and her favorite, Rocky Mountain. She enjoys book clubs, spending time with her family, and watching her 12-year-old son expand his interests and passions. His latest is musical theater where he was Pumbaa in “The Lion King”.
2024 Directors and LEadership |
Director of Volunteers - Rakhi Ihiga
Rakhi loves travel and enjoys learning about and experiencing different cultures. Her curiosity led her to live and work on 3 continents which has expanded her worldview, allowing her to bring diverse perspectives to her interactions. She particularly enjoys exploring culture through food and cooking. She's worked in the relocation industry for the last 15 years, both in operations as well as building the global learning and development function. Being part of L&D is in sync with her passion to learn and support people in their growth journey.
When not working, Rakhi loves spending time with her family doing projects, being outdoors or playing games. She wants to find ways to give back and being the Director of Volunteers fits nicely with that as well as her ability to connect people.
Director at large - oPEN POSITION
Current Leadership Positions Open
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