Mark is the global director of credit risk training for Triple Point Technology Inc. a leading provider of enterprise risk management solutions to global trading corporations. Since 2007 he has led and developed a thriving for profit training business using a unique blend of instructor led and technology based training methods.
He was previously the corporate training manager for Aegis Mortgage deploying training technology and programs to 5 subsidiaries in the prime and sub prime mortgage industry. He joined Aegis in 2004 to implement its learning management system which evolved into the Aegis Sharing Knowledge network. In 1990 Mark joined Academy Sports and Outdoors in retail operations management and in 1999 moved to IT to architect its first e-learning platform which is still in use today.
Since 2007 Mark has served on the board of ASTD Houston, a 501c3 organization serving the training and development profession, and will serve as its president in 2010. Mark is a frequent national speaker on training and enterprise 2.0 technology and has a BS in Information Technology. Profile and Committee
President-Elect
Sarah E. Hurst
Sarah is the Training Manager at Stewart & Stevenson LLC, Houston, Texas. Employed by the Company since 1985, Sarah researches, develops, and presents programs including management/supervisory skills, customer service, communication, and time management. She is certified in Achieve Global, Development Dimensions International, and Coach University programs.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Texas, Austin and has completed the Training & Development Certification program at the University of Houston. Sarah has been an ASTD Houston Chapter member since 1996. Profile and Committee
VP Finance
Dennis Hutchison
Dennis is the Director of Learning & Development at Key Energy Services, LLC where he is proud to work with an incredibly talented team of training and technical writing professionals.
Dennis’ twenty-eight year career includes contributions as a technical corporate trainer, technical writer, and instructional designer. He also has held corporate leadership responsibilities in training, technical documentation and usability.
Dennis received a B.S. in education from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.S. in Human Resource Development from the University of Houston Main Campus. He also serves as a board member for the University of Houston College of Technology Human Resource Development department. Profile and Committee
VP Technology
Kenan Doyle Branam
Kenan is a Media Consultant, Producer, and Speaker presenting seminars, publishing articles, and designing Web sites about the shifting paradigms of the Information Age.
Kenan received a Masters in Gestalt Facilitation at the Gestalt Institute of Houston in the 70's with eight years of intensive study and practice in individual and group facilitation. Since then, he has integrated his life-long media production experience in broadcast television, advertising, corporate communications, and now, Web design and development.
Kenan also brings 10 years of experience in professional association leadership primarily as Web Master (three years experience working on the Tendenci Membership Management Software which hosts ASTDHouston.org). Profile and Committee
VP Member Services
Amy Hart
Amy is the Director of Securities Training for Securities Management and Research, Inc (“SM&R”), an investment company affiliated with American National Insurance Company. Amy has worked in the Marketing Department for 14 years and is responsible for developing and implementing training programs for 500 insurance and investment reps around the country. Amy also works with Home Office subject matter experts in facilitating Home Office schools, manages the Compliance Continuing Education program for field reps, and manages various Marketing projects for her company.
Amy has a BA in English form University of Texas at Austin and has completed the Certificate of Achievement in Training and Development program through the University of OK and ASTD Houston. She has been an active member of ASTD over 4 years. Profile and Committee
* *
VP Communications
Shirley Crews Taylor
Shirley is a certified coaching professional and executive with extensive experience in Career Development, Industrial Psychology, Organizational Development, and Human Resources Management. She currently works as President and principal consultant for TCT Enterprises, LLC. Shirley provides flexible policy and management consulting for the City of Houston directing former mayor Bill White's Flexible Workplace Initiative program. She consults with Houston CEO's and Human Resources executives to develop and implement flexible work options. Her experience spans multiple industries including oil/gas, retail, manufacturing, education, consulting, and non-profit organizations. Shirley continues to work in positions providing expertise in flexible work options, human resources management, career development, coaching, leadership development, change management and industrial psychology as well as organizational structure.
She has coached hundreds of clients to reach their goals and guided organizations effectively to their vision. She has an innate ability to connect with individuals and build trust. Shirley has a real passion for helping others reach their goals. Self exploration is also her specialty. Through assessments and effectively asking the right questions, clients gain a better sense of themselves and how to shift their mindset. Shirley's academic accomplishments include a Masters Degree in Industrial Psychology and Organizational Development from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Alabama A&M University.
Nannette is a dedicated business leader, currently managing the HR Operations department for The Methodist Hospital. Prior to this position, she managed the Organizational Development & Training Department at Methodist. Nannette has over 23 years experience in training, leadership development, and organizational development. Twelve of these years were spent in management roles. She has developed and delivered training and soft skills interventions in the United States and in Asia. Some of the industries Nannette has worked with include health care, nuclear power, air transportation, and state government. Nannette has an undergraduate degree in Organizational Psychology, a professional certificate in Training & Development, an MBA, and the SPHR certification, along with numerous other certifications related to training and organizational development.
Nannette has been involved with ASTD for a number of years. She has been a SIG leader for the chapter in Minneapolis, and has been active with the Membership Committee in our Houston chapter. Some of you may have met her as she greeted you at a meeting as she ensured you met and networked with other members.
Nannette is known for her enthusiasm and energy, and her passion for helping others grow and succeed. Profile and Committee
VP Sponsor Relations
Janice Riley
Janice is a Training Specialist for American General, Houston, Texas. Janice has over 15 years experience developing, implementing and executing training seminars. Recently employed with American General, Janice develops and delivers training session to their in house customers.
Janice holds a Bachelor degree in Marketing and a minor in Journalism with a focus on Public Relations from the University of Houston. Janice has been an ASTD Houston Chapter member since 2006. Profile and Committee
Director of Community Development
Steve Coats
Consulting Psychologist with 14 years experience in education and healthcare industries. Areas of expertise include clinical and career evaluation, grant writing and program evaluation, and human resource functions in personnel evaluation, mentoring, and coaching. Proven leadership with the ability to conduct needs assessment, analyze complex data, and use consultation to guide policy for organizations. Profile and Committee
Aimee Close is the Director for Organizational Development for FleetPride, Inc, a leader in the heavy duty transportation sector. Aimee has over 14 years of experience working as a facilitator, instructional designer, project manager, and human resources consultant. Aimee’s current role focuses on human resource planning and leadership development.
Aimee has previously served on the board for the local ISPI chapter as VP of Finance, President Elect and President. Aimee is known for her dedication, drive and hard work. Aimee holds a BS in Business.
John is an HRD/Training consultant. He develops meaningful and measurable ways for companies to improve employee and customer satisfaction scores. He has worked in healthcare for over ten years most recently helping a large healthcare system redefine their on-boarding process. Strategically using celebration, technology and new employee interaction John's branding helped create a culture aligned with the organization's mission and values.
John received his M.S. In Human Resource Development and Administration. He is interested in adult learning and motivation. His background in theater, circus and improvisation give him a unique perspective to celebrate and engage employees and customers alike. John joined ASTD Houston when he moved to Texas in 2009.
Alise is owner of Write Wise Communications, is an experienced strategist, facilitator and communication expert with award-winning writing and instructional design ability to help people and organizations achieve their goals. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Business Communication.
Alise’s credentials also include being a Certified Achieve Global Leadership and Customer Service Facilitator and Microsoft Office User Specialist. Alise has published numerous articles on effective communication in the Houston, Boston, Nashville and Columbus and Seattle Business Journals, while also winning an IABC Bronze Quill Award in Writing.
The Oklahoma Journal Record named her an “Achiever Under 40 in 2005.” Her clients represent industries including healthcare, petroleum, academia, construction, financial services and other industries Profile