OPWL Industry Advisory Board

Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning Industry Advisory Board (IAB)

Sarah Smist

IAB Chair
- Director of Training and Education for HCA Healthcare’s Digital Transformation and Innovation team
- Certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci)
- Experienced learning and development leader with a background in supporting enterprise-wide transformation initiatives for leading global organizations
- Master of Science graduate from Boise State University’s Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning and Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University San Marcos
- Published author and presenter focused on promoting innovation and operationalizing the learning function to drive organizational performance
- Director of Training and Education for HCA Healthcare’s Digital Transformation and Innovation team
- Certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci)
- Experienced learning and development leader with a background in supporting enterprise-wide transformation initiatives for leading global organizations
- Master of Science graduate from Boise State University’s Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning and Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University San Marcos
- Published author and presenter focused on promoting innovation and operationalizing the learning function to drive organizational performance
Scott Weersing

IAB Co-Chair
- Currently working with United States Coast Guard to ensure training is efficient, effective and performance-based
- Experienced evaluation and performance consultant to organizations such as Texas Instruments, Novartis and USCG
- Researches ways to help learning professionals measure the impact of solutions by identifying outcomes and on the job metrics
- Serves as Director of Programs of Hampton Roads ISPI Chapter
- Currently working with United States Coast Guard to ensure training is efficient, effective and performance-based
- Experienced evaluation and performance consultant to organizations such as Texas Instruments, Novartis and USCG
- Researches ways to help learning professionals measure the impact of solutions by identifying outcomes and on the job metrics
- Serves as Director of Programs of Hampton Roads ISPI Chapter
Christopher Adams

IAB Member
- Nationally recognized thought leader in performance consulting with 25+ years of design and consulting experience.
- Principal consultant at Performance Change Strategies LLC, supporting organizations across the Americas, Europe and Asia.
- Known for helping teams build strategic partnerships that drive measurable business impact.
- Co-inventor of Lumenix, an award-winning learning content management system.
- Designer of e-learning programs on topics ranging from food production to nuclear engineering, reaching hundreds of thousands of learners.
- Associate graduate faculty member at UNC Charlotte and frequent presenter at ATD, ISPI, Training Magazine and the Learning Guild.
- Co-author of “TD@Work: Focus First on Results” and endorsed by Jim and Dana Robinson to carry forward their performance consulting work.
- Nationally recognized thought leader in performance consulting with 25+ years of design and consulting experience.
- Principal consultant at Performance Change Strategies LLC, supporting organizations across the Americas, Europe and Asia.
- Known for helping teams build strategic partnerships that drive measurable business impact.
- Co-inventor of Lumenix, an award-winning learning content management system.
- Designer of e-learning programs on topics ranging from food production to nuclear engineering, reaching hundreds of thousands of learners.
- Associate graduate faculty member at UNC Charlotte and frequent presenter at ATD, ISPI, Training Magazine and the Learning Guild.
- Co-author of “TD@Work: Focus First on Results” and endorsed by Jim and Dana Robinson to carry forward their performance consulting work.
Dave Barton

IAB Member
- Learning and performance consultant supporting enterprise training, certification, coaching and team development for the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service.
- Principal of Heartwood Learning and Development, helping organizations align talent development solutions and measure impact.
- Experience across government, academic and corporate environments, including wilderness education, higher education and technical training.
- Former instructional designer and faculty member at Army Logistics University; earned the Army Civilian Instructor of the Year Award.
- Recognized within the National Park Service for contributions to onboarding, culture, leadership development, change management and training programs.
- Certified coach (ICF) and credentialed facilitator in multiple assessments and communication programs.
- Holds an MBA, a master’s in instructional technology and certifications in organization development, change management and ROI evaluation.
- Experienced strategic planning facilitator and change leader for large-scale learning and organizational initiatives.
- Learning and performance consultant supporting enterprise training, certification, coaching and team development for the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service.
- Principal of Heartwood Learning and Development, helping organizations align talent development solutions and measure impact.
- Experience across government, academic and corporate environments, including wilderness education, higher education and technical training.
- Former instructional designer and faculty member at Army Logistics University; earned the Army Civilian Instructor of the Year Award.
- Recognized within the National Park Service for contributions to onboarding, culture, leadership development, change management and training programs.
- Certified coach (ICF) and credentialed facilitator in multiple assessments and communication programs.
- Holds an MBA, a master’s in instructional technology and certifications in organization development, change management and ROI evaluation.
- Experienced strategic planning facilitator and change leader for large-scale learning and organizational initiatives.
Roshan Bharwaney

IAB Member
- Global technology, learning and organizational development leader and scholar with 20+ years of experience enabling individual, team and business transformations.
- Senior director, head of client solutions (fractional), Grodivo AI.
- Contributing editor, The Cambridge Journal of Artificial Intelligence.
- Former strategy and innovation principal at Meta and associate global director, learning and leadership development at WPP.
- Doctorate in adult learning and leadership and master’s in organizational psychology, Columbia University.
- Global technology, learning and organizational development leader and scholar with 20+ years of experience enabling individual, team and business transformations.
- Senior director, head of client solutions (fractional), Grodivo AI.
- Contributing editor, The Cambridge Journal of Artificial Intelligence.
- Former strategy and innovation principal at Meta and associate global director, learning and leadership development at WPP.
- Doctorate in adult learning and leadership and master’s in organizational psychology, Columbia University.
Holly Burkett

IAB Member
- An accomplished performance consultant, coach and change leader, passionate about helping organizations grow resilient, sustainable capabilities
- Experienced business advisor to organizations like Apple, SEVA, Blue Cross and the NSA
- Distinguished Research Fellow with The Conference Board, Associate of The ROI Institute, a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered® coach, PROSCI®certified change professional
- Author of “Learning for the Long Run,” featured contributor to ISPI’s “Fundamentals of Performance Improvement,” ATD’s “Organization Development Handbook” and ATD’s “Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training”
- Holds PhD and SPHR; former Editor of ISPI’s Performance Improvement Journal (PIJ); wrote and taught the HPT curriculum for Drexel University’s HRD graduate studies program
- An accomplished performance consultant, coach and change leader, passionate about helping organizations grow resilient, sustainable capabilities
- Experienced business advisor to organizations like Apple, SEVA, Blue Cross and the NSA
- Distinguished Research Fellow with The Conference Board, Associate of The ROI Institute, a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered® coach, PROSCI®certified change professional
- Author of “Learning for the Long Run,” featured contributor to ISPI’s “Fundamentals of Performance Improvement,” ATD’s “Organization Development Handbook” and ATD’s “Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training”
- Holds PhD and SPHR; former Editor of ISPI’s Performance Improvement Journal (PIJ); wrote and taught the HPT curriculum for Drexel University’s HRD graduate studies program
Gary DePaul

IAB Member
- Keynote speaker, author, HPT researcher and entrepreneur focused on empowering high-end HR professionals. Owner of Strategic HR Climbers, a private community of practice that brings together like-minded HR professionals to elevate their strategic capabilities.
- Adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte, teaching graduate courses on project management and team leadership. Distinguished principal research fellow at The Conference Board, contributing to the coaching, mentoring and sponsorship Institute in Human Capital.
- Host of the Unlabeled Leadership Podcast, which shares actionable strategies and personal stories on leadership.
- Brings more than two decades of corporate experience in talent development, performance consulting and leadership development, including managerial roles at Lowe’s, Ceridian and Fidelity Information Systems.
- Author of multiple books and reports, including “Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership” and “The 2022 HRBP Report.”
- Holds a Ph.D. in adult and continuing education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Keynote speaker, author, HPT researcher and entrepreneur focused on empowering high-end HR professionals. Owner of Strategic HR Climbers, a private community of practice that brings together like-minded HR professionals to elevate their strategic capabilities.
- Adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte, teaching graduate courses on project management and team leadership. Distinguished principal research fellow at The Conference Board, contributing to the coaching, mentoring and sponsorship Institute in Human Capital.
- Host of the Unlabeled Leadership Podcast, which shares actionable strategies and personal stories on leadership.
- Brings more than two decades of corporate experience in talent development, performance consulting and leadership development, including managerial roles at Lowe’s, Ceridian and Fidelity Information Systems.
- Author of multiple books and reports, including “Nine Practices of 21st Century Leadership” and “The 2022 HRBP Report.”
- Holds a Ph.D. in adult and continuing education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Camille Dickson-Deane

IAB Member
- Deputy Head of School for the Research portfolio at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia
- A Fulbright and Organization of American States Scholar
- Sociotechnical researcher who demonstrates her expertise through design-research-evaluate iterative cycles
- Researches online learning environments where pedagogical usability and individual differences which influence designs can create various interpretations in learning and performance spaces thus requiring the need to be agile and contextualised
- Past editorial board member of two Q1 journals – Educational Technology Research and Development and Journal of Computing in Higher Education
- Currently serving as an editorial board member of the Q1 journal Internet and Higher Education as well as serving in leadership positions with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- Selected to serve as a panelist from Australia for 2022 – 2024 on EDUCAUSE’s Horizon Report
- Deputy Head of School for the Research portfolio at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia
- A Fulbright and Organization of American States Scholar
- Sociotechnical researcher who demonstrates her expertise through design-research-evaluate iterative cycles
- Researches online learning environments where pedagogical usability and individual differences which influence designs can create various interpretations in learning and performance spaces thus requiring the need to be agile and contextualised
- Past editorial board member of two Q1 journals – Educational Technology Research and Development and Journal of Computing in Higher Education
- Currently serving as an editorial board member of the Q1 journal Internet and Higher Education as well as serving in leadership positions with the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- Selected to serve as a panelist from Australia for 2022 – 2024 on EDUCAUSE’s Horizon Report
Julie Dirksen

IAB Member
- Principal at Usable Learning, a learning strategy consultancy focused on incorporating behavioral science into learning design
- Consultant, keynote speaker and author of Design For How People Learn and a new book, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change
- Holds a Master of Science in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University, has been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is also a Learning Guild Guildmaster
- Principal at Usable Learning, a learning strategy consultancy focused on incorporating behavioral science into learning design
- Consultant, keynote speaker and author of Design For How People Learn and a new book, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change
- Holds a Master of Science in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University, has been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is also a Learning Guild Guildmaster
Joe Dunlap

IAB Member
- Global director of training and development at the CJK group leading the performance improvement strategy and design across 24 international locations.
- Architect of the Performance-Driven Learning Model (PDLM) and Performance-Driven Operations Model (PDOM) — frameworks that link skill application, capability development and competency to measurable business outcomes (featured in Spark Magazine and the Upskill America report).
- Recognized by state workforce agencies and national associations for innovation in workforce performance improvement awards and grants.
- Led enterprise learning and performance transformations for organizations such as U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, NASA, Harley-Davidson, Molson Coors and the CJK Group integrating 5MoN, TWI and human performance technology (HPT) into performance improvement initiatives.
- Featured in industry research, journals, podcasts and webinars for his performance-first, in-house technology and processes approach that bridges academic rigor with real-world business execution across multiple sectors.
- Global director of training and development at the CJK group leading the performance improvement strategy and design across 24 international locations.
- Architect of the Performance-Driven Learning Model (PDLM) and Performance-Driven Operations Model (PDOM) — frameworks that link skill application, capability development and competency to measurable business outcomes (featured in Spark Magazine and the Upskill America report).
- Recognized by state workforce agencies and national associations for innovation in workforce performance improvement awards and grants.
- Led enterprise learning and performance transformations for organizations such as U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, NASA, Harley-Davidson, Molson Coors and the CJK Group integrating 5MoN, TWI and human performance technology (HPT) into performance improvement initiatives.
- Featured in industry research, journals, podcasts and webinars for his performance-first, in-house technology and processes approach that bridges academic rigor with real-world business execution across multiple sectors.
Shelley Gable

IAB Member
- Director of Multimedia and Learning at WellBiz Brands
- Instructional strategist, leading the development of large-scale curricula and evaluating their business results
- Launched new, high-performing teams
- Currently building a new learning and development function and working to transform the culture of learning for the company and its franchise brands
- Director of Multimedia and Learning at WellBiz Brands
- Instructional strategist, leading the development of large-scale curricula and evaluating their business results
- Launched new, high-performing teams
- Currently building a new learning and development function and working to transform the culture of learning for the company and its franchise brands
Alan Kindall

IAB Member
- Senior Manager, Global Learning & Development, Micron Technology, Inc. Managing global systems and integrations, helping to improve learning processes and methods
- Leads cross functional community of practice for Micron’s LMS community, including governance and auditing standards
- Currently, analyzing and evaluating a comprehensive job and skills analysis process to improve team member performance and enhance leaders’ abilities to assess and guide team member development
- Graduate of the former Instructional & Performance Technology program from Boise State University in 2010
- Idaho native and lives in Nampa with his wife, five children, chickens and their dog
- Senior Manager, Global Learning & Development, Micron Technology, Inc. Managing global systems and integrations, helping to improve learning processes and methods
- Leads cross functional community of practice for Micron’s LMS community, including governance and auditing standards
- Currently, analyzing and evaluating a comprehensive job and skills analysis process to improve team member performance and enhance leaders’ abilities to assess and guide team member development
- Graduate of the former Instructional & Performance Technology program from Boise State University in 2010
- Idaho native and lives in Nampa with his wife, five children, chickens and their dog
Matt Mason

IAB Member
- Senior learning and talent development leader with 30+ years of experience across retail, banking, telecommunications, aerospace, defense and higher education.
- Former talent development executive at Northrop Grumman and curriculum management executive at Charter/Spectrum Enterprise.
- Led enterprise learning strategy, operations, leadership development and technology transformation at Lowe’s Companies.
- Frequent speaker, writer and thought leader contributing to ATD, ISPI, Brandon Hall, DevLearn, Degreed and university programs.
- Known for daily, story-driven leadership insights shared on LinkedIn.
- Active community leader with service in youth development, healthcare and local government, including advancing public recycling initiatives.
- Holds degrees from Miami University and The Ohio State University, plus secondary education certification from UNC Charlotte.
- Enjoys time with family, roasting coffee and fly fishing during his free time.
- Senior learning and talent development leader with 30+ years of experience across retail, banking, telecommunications, aerospace, defense and higher education.
- Former talent development executive at Northrop Grumman and curriculum management executive at Charter/Spectrum Enterprise.
- Led enterprise learning strategy, operations, leadership development and technology transformation at Lowe’s Companies.
- Frequent speaker, writer and thought leader contributing to ATD, ISPI, Brandon Hall, DevLearn, Degreed and university programs.
- Known for daily, story-driven leadership insights shared on LinkedIn.
- Active community leader with service in youth development, healthcare and local government, including advancing public recycling initiatives.
- Holds degrees from Miami University and The Ohio State University, plus secondary education certification from UNC Charlotte.
- Enjoys time with family, roasting coffee and fly fishing during his free time.
Sarah Mercier

IAB Member
- CEO of Build Capable, leading a team specializing in learning technology and strategic implementation.
- Recognized expert in learner-centered design and translating complex technical concepts into practical learning solutions.
- Author and editor of “Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences.”
- Frequent industry speaker on learning experience design, accessibility, xAPI and learning ecosystems.
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusive design in digital learning environments.
- Brings extensive experience guiding organizations in adopting innovative learning technologies.
- CEO of Build Capable, leading a team specializing in learning technology and strategic implementation.
- Recognized expert in learner-centered design and translating complex technical concepts into practical learning solutions.
- Author and editor of “Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences.”
- Frequent industry speaker on learning experience design, accessibility, xAPI and learning ecosystems.
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusive design in digital learning environments.
- Brings extensive experience guiding organizations in adopting innovative learning technologies.
Guy Wallace

IAB Member
- Retired performance analyst and instructional architect
- External consultant for 41 years to 83+ companies, government agencies
- Author of over 40 books, 120 articles, 5000+ blog posts and 1000+ videos
- Recognition includes: Honorary Life Member (ISPI 2010), Top 100 L&D Influencer (Eduflow, 2023) and Great Minds on Learning Thought Leader (2022)
- Retired performance analyst and instructional architect
- External consultant for 41 years to 83+ companies, government agencies
- Author of over 40 books, 120 articles, 5000+ blog posts and 1000+ videos
- Recognition includes: Honorary Life Member (ISPI 2010), Top 100 L&D Influencer (Eduflow, 2023) and Great Minds on Learning Thought Leader (2022)