Copyright © 2025 ATD
ASTD changed its name to ATD to meet the growing needs of a dynamic, global profession.
As a PhD-level Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and PMP-certified project manager with over 15 years of experience, Rachel has worked extensively in both external and internal consulting roles. Her deep understanding of human behavior, combined with her passion for inclusive analytics, has made her a seasoned employee experience researcher known for driving impactful change through data-driven insights.
Her work in external consulting roles at premier-research firms, combined with her experience leading internal HR Strategy and Analytics functions at Fortune 500 organizations has given Rachel a unique ability to balance research rigor with practical implementation. She specializes in integrating complex, disparate data sets and developing innovative research methods that provide actionable recommendations for clients in both the public and private sectors. Rachel’s ability to combine analytical depth with practical application continues to make her a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to optimize their employee experience and achieve measurable business outcomes.
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Christopher Grady is a political scientist and quantitative methodologist. His methodological expertise is in randomized experiments, causal inference, and survey methodology. He was formerly Senior Metrics Advisor for USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Rights, and Governance, where he led efforts to improve the rigor of USAID’s program evaluations. He is currently a Founding Partner at Eidos Insights Research Partners. He is also a Research Fellow at American University, a Research Affiliate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and serves on the Board of Directors for Evidence in Governance and Politics (EGAP). His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and featured in the National Geographic.
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Jennifer Grimes is a Graphic Designer, eLearning Developer, and Educator. Jen combines her love of graphic design, UI/UX design, and instructional design to help L&D professionals create transformative learning experiences. She also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Graphic Design department of the Cleveland Institute of Art. Prior to founding Nektar Design in 2007, Jen was Senior Art Director at the integrated marketing firm Arras Group (Cleveland, Ohio), and Senior Designer at the Washington Hospital Center (Washington, D.C.) in the Public Affairs & Marketing department. She enjoys developing her technical skills as an eLearning Developer and is always on the lookout for new ways to make her next training course better than the last.
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Katrina, known as the “trainer’s trainer,” is a facilitator, speaker, and author with 25+ years in learning and development. She is the author of Learning That Lasts and has helped thousands of subject matter experts design and deliver engaging learning across industries. She shares training insights and ideas at www.katrinakennedy.com.
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Zsolt is a Senior HR Data Measurement Analyst at Intel, focusing on actionable learning analytics and impact measurement to support data-driven decisions. He helps learning teams design for impact, collect data, and integrate technologies like AI into workflows. Previously, he was a Sr. Learning Technologist at Amazon, leading data strategy for HR learning. With 20+ years of L&D experience at the intersection of technology and data, Zsolt is also a published author and international speaker.
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Peggy Parskey is a consultant, author, and measurement strategist with 25+ years of experience helping organizations turn insight into action. She specializes in learning, talent, and people analytics, guiding organizations beyond dashboards toward sustainable measurement practices. As Principal Consultant with Explorance and leader of Parskey Consulting, LLC, she works with Fortune 500 and nonprofits. Peggy co-authored Learning Analytics, 2nd Edition and Measurement Demystified, advancing practical, integrated approaches to talent measurement and organizational impact.
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Josh Penzell is the founder and CEO of Imagination Applied, the first AI-native consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations transform with creativity, clarity, and confidence. Drawing on a career that bridges theater direction, executive leadership, and AI-driven strategy, Josh has built a reputation as a catalyst for change who makes the complex feel simple and the intimidating feel playful.
He is the architect of frameworks such as The Six Mindsets™, TheaterThink®, and Human Caffeine™, which help leaders and teams shift behavior, unlock imagination, and communicate with impact. Josh has partnered with organizations across industries—from energy and finance to technology and learning & development—guiding executives and teams to harness AI not as a replacement, but as a collaborator in human decision-making.
A frequent keynote speaker and facilitator, Josh blends humor, insight, and storytelling to spark memorable learning experiences. His work is rooted in a belief that transformation succeeds only when it is human-first: imaginative, inclusive, and resilient.
Whether designing immersive workshops, coaching leaders, or building AI-enabled systems, Josh Penzell’s mission is simple: to help people rehearse the future, not fear it
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Dr. Alaina Szlachta, an academic-turned-entrepreneur and founder of By Design Development Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in data enablement. Dr. Alaina is on a mission to change the way people think about measurement and data. She is the author of the ATD Press book, “Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring,” a resource written to make M&E easier and more accessible for anyone – regardless of their expertise.
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Trish Uhl is the founder of Owl’s Ledge and creator of the Learning AI community, helping leaders harness AI agents for capability development and measurable impact. As Product Manager of Generative AI Enterprise Solutions at a global financial firm, she leads strategic AI initiatives and previously launched its first enterprise deployment. A recognized thought leader, Trish authored Adaptive Humans + AI Agents and contributed to ATD’s Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training. She also co-created SkillsTrek and hosts the Learning at Lightspeed podcast.
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David Vance, former President of Caterpillar University and founder of the Center for Talent Reporting, has been a leader in human capital measurement for more than two decades. At CTR, he co-developed the Talent Development Reporting Principles (TDRP). He teaches doctoral and executive programs at Bellevue and George Mason Universities and serves on ISO’s Metrics Working Group. Dave authored The Business of Learning and co-authored Measurement Demystified, advancing best practices in talent development measurement worldwide.
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Tekeisha Zimmerman, PhD found her passion for coaching leaders early in her career. With a career spanning more than 15 years in the field of Talent Development & Learning, Tekeisha has demonstrated her expertise in leading global learning and performance teams, crafting impactful leadership programs, and collaborating with senior stakeholders at industry giants like Amazon and Expedia.Tekeisha’s mission is to empower leaders to not only succeed but to thrive and transform within the ever-evolving and competitive business landscape. As a certified executive coach, scholar and published journal author, her profound knowledge in distance learning and talent relationships positions her as a thought leader in the field. Tekeisha’s unyielding passion for learning, development, and transformation drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to challenge herself and inspire others.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tekeisha devotes her time to a meaningful cause. Alongside her daughter, she co-founded a nonprofit organization known as Zoe’s Story. This organization is dedicated to enhancing the social-emotional well-being of children facing rare illnesses through the powerful medium of journal writing. In both her professional and personal life, Tekeisha strives to make a lasting impact and drive positive change.”
Follow Tekeisha Zimmerman on LinkedInCopyright © 2025 ATD
ASTD changed its name to ATD to meet the growing needs of a dynamic, global profession.