Many learning and development leaders did not set out for careers in L&D. Most say they had experiences and a natural talent that attracted them to it. This video highlights a sample of how learning and development leaders ended up in this career.
Special thanks to the learning leaders who shared their passion for L&D:
Briana Washington, MGM Resorts International
A Conversation with Ken Taylor, President, Training Industry
With 28 destinations worldwide, MGM Resorts International includes some of the most famous resorts and casinos in the world. Recognized as one of FORTUNE’s Most Admired Companies, MGM Resorts International has 81,000 employees and purchases all of the products and services necessary to provide quality entertainment, luxurious facilities, and exceptional customer service. As Corporate Training Manager in strategic sourcing, Briana Washington ensures that the purchasing team uses their roles to enable the organization to succeed.
A Great Opportunity for L&D Professionals
Created in 1974, the Municipal Police Officers’ Education & Training Commission (MPOETC) establishes certification and training standards for municipal police officers in Pennsylvania. As Police Training Education Specialist, Leah Napoli collaborates with subject matter experts in the law enforcement community to develop, conduct and evaluate consistent training for over 25,000 officers employed in more than 1,100 municipalities.
APL Maritime operates a fleet of US flagged ocean cargo carriers that go all over the world. Each ship is operated by crew members who are essential to successfully moving massive amounts of cargo across the world’s oceans. Beyond knowing how to perform their job, each crew member needs ongoing training to ensure regulatory compliance, safety and security. An experienced mariner, Kate McKenna has taken on training and development responsibilities in her role as the company’s operations manager.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights of sexual assault victims through a network of rape crisis programs. Beyond Pennsylvania, PCAR operates the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), which disseminates resources regarding all aspects of sexual violence prevention. As Prevention and Resource Coordinator, Jackie Strohm oversees training and technical assistance efforts related to designing, implementing, and evaluating sexual violence prevention strategies and educational efforts.
Since its founding by Milton Hershey over a century ago, The Hershey Company has held true to the principle that to do well is to do good. The company’s spirit of creating human connections remains a driving force that inspires Hershey’s 18,000 employees today. As Director of Learning and Development, Mary Farrell combines her experience in performance consulting and innovative learning design to develop and deliver programs that achieve measurable results for the business.
Milton Hershey School has dedicated its resources to maximizing the potential of children in financial need. Today, more than 2,000 students from across the U.S. attend the school where they have access to unique award-winning programs, experienced teachers and caring adult mentors. As Director, Training and Development, Lenny Sweeney leads organizational learning while supporting training functions throughout the residential campus serving kids from pre-school to high school graduation.
Turkey Hill Dairy is well known for its variety of ice cream, frozen dairy treats, milk, iced teas and fruit drinks. The company includes a manufacturing operation, distribution facility and corporate office in Conestoga, Pennsylvania. In addition, the company operates the Turkey Hill Experience, a tourist destination where visitors learn about dairy culture, the company’s story and how ice cream and iced tea are created.
When you use a device that has memory or storage, you are likely relying on a product made by Micron Technology. Based in Boise, Idaho, Micron has more than 34,000 team members, in 17 different countries and the industry’s broadest portfolio of memory and storage products. As an IT Training Analyst, Martha Miles is part of a small team tasked with providing training to employees all over the world.
