Talent development leaders today must develop others, shape strategy, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and drive enterprise-wide initiatives. The Talent Development Executive Certificate (TDEC) is a learning experience like no other. It combines the industry expertise of ATD and academic rigor of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) to build personal, learning, and business leadership skills needed to successfully lead as a C-suite executive. Led by expert Penn faculty and senior TD practitioners through a virtual format, the cohort-based program highlights six topical areas over a six-month period.
Attend this webinar to learn more about the Talent Development Executive Certificate. Program faculty will describe the course objectives, learning outcomes, delivery format, and session schedule. ATD staff will explain costs and registration logistics. Don’t miss out on the premier course for rising talent development executives, launching in March 2025!
Alana received her B.A. in English Literature and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. After five years as a K-12 educator, she transitioned into the realm of instructional design and online higher education. She has since received her Ed.D in Program Development with an emphasis in Educational Innovation at the University of South Florida.
In her current role as the Senior Associate Director and Portfolio Manager at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, Alana leads the Center for Professional Learning in designing and developing professional learning opportunities for educators and organizational leaders. Alana enjoys seeking innovative and equitable learning solutions and is driven by assessing the needs of learners, exploring learning outcomes, and implementing strategies and solutions that provide equitable access and opportunity.
Dr. Mark Kaestner is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in talent management, learning and development, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. He currently serves as Vice President and Global Head of Talent Management, Learning & Development, People Analytics, Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity at Ball Corporation, where he leads enterprise-wide talent strategies, performance management, and leadership development initiatives.
Before joining Ball Corporation, Dr. Kaestner held executive roles at organizations such as Graphic Packaging International, where he served as Chief Diversity Officer and VP of Talent Management, and The Coca-Cola Company, where he reimagined learning and leadership development globally as the Chief Learning Officer. His impact in these roles includes launching innovative programs that increased diversity metrics, modernized performance management, and fostered inclusive leadership practices.
Dr. Kaestner holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and both an M.S.Ed. and Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His research explores authentic leadership and its impact on leader-follower relationships. A frequent speaker and contributor to industry publications, Dr. Kaestner is also a certified administrator of multiple leadership assessment tools and an active member of professional organizations. Dr. Kaestner's career reflects a commitment to building high-performing teams, leveraging analytics for decision-making, and championing diversity and inclusion to drive business success.
Ann Parker is Director of Executive Programs and Awards at ATD. In this role she drives strategy, product development, and content acquisition for ATD’s senior leader and executive audience. She also oversees business development and program management for ATD's senior leader consortiums, CTDO Next and ATD Forum.
Ann began her tenure at ATD in an editorial capacity, primarily writing for TD magazine as Senior Writer/Editor. In this role she had the privilege to talk to many training and development practitioners, hear from a variety of prominent industry thought leaders, and develop a rich understanding of the profession's content. She then became a Senior Content Manager for Senior Leaders & Executives, focusing on content and product development for the talent executive audience, before moving into her current role.
Ann is a native Pennsylvanian where she currently resides, marathoner, avid writer, baker and eater of sweets, wife to an Ironman, and mother of two.
