Emerald Coast Chapter of the ASTD

Emerald Coast Spotlight

Each month we feature a member or corporate partner.

February Spotlight is on...
Greg Lundy Chapter Member since: 2010 National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Auburn Water System JobTitle: New Construction Supervisor
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Most of my life I have worked in the construction field; the majority of that time in a supervisory role of one form or another. I would like to think that has been due to my knowledge in my field and my work ethic. In construction, an employee either produces or is replaced with someone who can. This the only way a company can survive. I have been the New Construction Supervisor for Auburn Water System now for 3-1/2 years and I am still learning just how much difference there is between the construction industry and a utility company in terms of dealing with employee problems. I have taken something away from every ASTD meeting I have attended, the most recent being with Dr. Goetsch. His knowledge and gift of teaching always helps me to better understand the new generation of employees and how I should interact with them.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
I enjoy the lectures and I get a lot out of the questions and discussions. This not only shows me that I may not be the only one have difficulties with a situation, it also lets me hear other opinions that I may have not thought about.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
I am a Christian. My wife Reba and I have three children and two granddaughters. Because of the excellent Continuing Education Program that the Leadership at A.W.S. has instituted, I have been able to achieve several goals with my most prized being my Class A Water Treatment Operator License Issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
I do not know how it could be accomplished, but there are many of times during a lecture when I wish that our employees could hear what I just hear.
February Spotlight is on...
Susan Van Buren Chapter Member since: 2000 National ASTD Member: Yes Employed by: CHELCO JobTitle: Manager of Employee Development & Training
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
The opportunity to network and to gain some insight or perspective on training and/or performance improvement is always welcome. I truly believe that Joyce Szilvasy's decision to tie programs to the ASTD CPLP competencies was an inspired idea. Using those as a guide for identifying our program needs helps us to focus on the true mission of this professional organization.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
*In addition to the opportunity to 'sharpen my saw,' I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to meet and network with the cross-section of the training professionals we have in our chapter.*
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
I have been affiliated with this chapter since before we received our charter in December 2000. I served as teh chapter's first President-elect and its second President (2002). I just recently completed my Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Training & Performance Improvement.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
I think that April and Julie are on target with ensuring the focus of the programs are on training trends and topics. I would like to see more business related information passed along to our members during meetings. Periodic, brief reports on our finances, Chapter Operating Requirements (CORE), committee activities, and other critical business issues would be informative.
January Spotlight is on...
April Adams Chapter Member since: 2008 National ASTD Member: 2008 Employed by: the University of West Florida and Kaplan University JobTitle: Teacher Education
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Being that I am currently looking for a another job, the meetings provide great networking opportunities. I also find many of the programs to broaden my knowledge of various training aspects and situations which affect our local community of businesses and industries.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
Meeting people in my field of work which is education as well as training and performance improvement as well as being exposed to various training aspects outside of education and the great lunches provided by NWF State College.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
I am a 4th generation Nicevillian, married to Wiley Adams whose family also originates from Niceville. We have two girls – Savannah (13) and Heather (7). I love to scrapbook, bass fish on the local rivers, and vacation with my family whenever I get the chance.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
As the 2010 Emerald – Coast ASTD president, one way I am trying to improve the meetings is to make sure that they have a TRAINING focus and will be continually reviewing last year’s evaluations to meet the needs of our current members and performing earlier evaluations this year. We have a very active local SHRM chapter which many of our members also participate, so I want to make sure our programs meet the “training” needs which so many HR departments have to address as well.
September Spotlight is on...
Kay Godwin Chapter Member since: October 2004 National ASTD Member: No, but we do have a county HR representative who has a national membership and the wonderful benefits that go along with that. Employed by: Okaloosa County for over 27 years! JobTitle: Human Resources Director
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
We provide training to over 800 employees performing a variety of services to citizens of the county. I have learned new ideas that we were able to transfer into county training programs, I have engaged speakers that I first heard at an ASTD meeting, and I have benefitted from the collaboration among colleagues that occurs during lunchtime conversation.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
While I enjoy the networking, I have to admit that the topics are the draw for me. With limited time to devote to extracurricular activities like ASTD, I try to choose the topics that are most relevant for immediate transfer to our organization.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
I can only offer praise to those who generously donate their time to provide excellent quality programs and facilitate efficient meetings.

August Spotlight is on...
Michelle Schack Chapter Member since: Spring 2007 National ASTD Member: No Employed by: City of DeFuniak Springs JobTitle: Administrative Assistant and HR Manager
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Attending the offered programs through ASTD not only helps my job performance by enhancing my abilities but also benefits our employees through new training techniques. Skills learned through ASTD are important for my professional development and my future in my career. The wide array of professionals involved in ASTD make the meetings great networking sessions as well. I enjoy being a member and plan to continue my membership for years to come.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
Honestly, getting out of the office and out from behind my computer for awhile. Seriously, I love to catch up with professionals in other organizations that have some of the same challenges I have.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
Most find it interesting that I have four children to go along with my full time job but that is where I learned my multitasking skills. I am a member of the Lake DeFuniak Toastmasters, and a National SHRM member. I am Dale Carnegie certified and a graduate of Leadership Walton 2009.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
At our regular lunch meetings, the program is a little short. I always want to hear a little more from the speakers but they are crunched by time. I would love to have them for about another 30 minutes or so.

July Spotlight is on...
Sherrie Lock Chapter Member since: 1 Year National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Gulf Coast Community College, Panama City JobTitle: Coordinator, Health & Environmental CE, 8.5 years
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Training in job management skills, human relations, and networking with other organizations in the Panhandle that meet a similar objectives.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
When I was able to attend, I enjoyed the speakers and their topics. In addition, the wonderful people I met at the meetings (before, during, and after).
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
My work is always interesting and provides the opportunity to meet all sorts of interesting people and learn about the latest; especially healthcare. Recently completed Master of Science degree and making the most of opportunities to apply what I learned in my research. Since completing the degree, I have taken up photography as a hobby, visited family and went hiking in CO, and looking forward to new adventures!!
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
N/A

June Spotlight is on...
Bonnie Rushton Chapter Member since: 3 years National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Bridgeway Center, Inc. JobTitle: Educational Services Program Director, 8 years
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
The meetings provide relevant information for today’s business climate. The training is always useful and topics covered can easily be incorporated into the process at work.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
Networking and talking with people I may only get to see at the meetings.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
Bridgeway Center just received a three year CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) Accreditation
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
No, I think they are great they way they are…

May Spotlight is on...
Rita J. Smith Chapter Member since: 1.5 years National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Crestview JobsPlus JobTitle:Center Manager and Career Success Workshop Facilitator
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Each ASTD meeting/training session allows me the opportunity to learn something new to bring back to JobsPlus and share with our team of employees as well as the job seekers who attend the Career Success Workshops in our facility.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
I enjoy the opportunity to network with other training professionals. Plus, I have never attended an ASTD meeting that I didn’t learn something worth sharing with others.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
My husband is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently works as a civilian at Eglin Air Force Base. I thoroughly enjoyed the travel that accompanied his military career. During his military career, we lived in six different states as well as overseas in Italy. I love meeting new people and exploring new locations. The Crestview JobsPlus Team is one of the most effective teams that I have ever had the privilege to be part of. I would like to extend a personal invitation to each of you to visit our Center so you can see first-hand what makes this team so outstanding!
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
The only thing I would change about ASTD is to try to get more training professionals to join our organization ~ it would be wonderful to have a larger networking base.

April Spotlight is on...
Allison Velez, CAP, LMHC Chapter Member since: Our company, Bridgeway Center, Inc., has been a member for about 5 years and has maintained regular attendance. National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Bridgeway Center, Inc. JobTitle:Clinical Officer, since 2000
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
The special training programs which I have attended have focused on uplifting topics intended to maximize performance. They have proven beneficial to me personally and professionally.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
The meetings are a great place to meet other professionals and network with others in the community. .
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
Funny how difficult this is! I live in the most beautiful place on Earth, the Emerald Coast. My workplace is entertaining each and every day. I have a wonderful family, friends; and my co-workers are some of the best people around. I love the beach and I have resolved to travel to a new and exciting place every year. Some of the places I've gone are: Thailand, Italy, Qatar, Cyprus, England and Las Vegas. This summer I am planning to go to Japan. Life is good!
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
Often it is difficult to get to the Niceville location. It might be nice to rotate the location to different areas of the county.

March Spotlight is on...
Lee Wetzell Chapter Member since: March 2008 National ASTD Member: No Employed by: Emerald Coast Executive Solutions JobTitle: Director, Aerospace/Defense Recruiting, 1 year but 30 years experience in people management
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
Networking with local hr and training professionals is always a plus and critical to staying connected with the local market and those who play significant roles in that market. It also helps as you cover specific subject areas each month that are universal to any professional who wants to improve their organizations bottom line.......improved service to your customer base, improved market share and improved profitability.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
Being around like professionals, sharing war stories and finding new and improved ways of doing business.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
That’s a loaded question! it's "exciting" to be married to the same woman for over 35 years, exciting to be in a family that moved 17 times in 35 years in the air force and extremely exciting to be where you always wanted to be.............in the here and now.
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
No, they are well managed.

February Spotlight is on...
Stephanie Parry Chapter Member since: January 2008 National ASTD Member: No Employed by:Okaloosa County Human Resources JobTitle: HR Technician, 4 months
How do the chapter's programs/meetings help you in your job?
ASTD has given me a better grasp on what is expected in the training world today. Every company works differently and it's really neat to get ideas from other people in similar positions to bring back to the company. Round table discussions are really useful for that common exchange of ideas as well.
What is your favorite thing about coming to the meetings?
I began coming to ASTD when I was an administrative assistant in another company. I wanted to learn more about HR and training and since I didnt have direct experience with it, I thought the next best thing would be to join a professional organization. My favorite thing about coming to the meetings has been talking with the other attendees before and after the meeting and absorbing everything that they had to say about training within their companies. I enjoy listening to what the speakers have to say each month as well--they are always so engaging. I also enjoy the networking aspect. All the attendees I've met over the past year are so friendly.
Anything interesting or exciting about yourself you want to share?
I unexpectedly networked myself right in to my new job through ASTD. I'm currently working on my masters in operations management with a focus area in human resource management and because of this, I began searching for a career in HR. One thing led to another, I was encouraged to apply for my current job and I am now living and loving HR!
Is there anything you would change to improve ASTD's meetings?
I was unable to make Nov/Dec meetings so I dont know if it was just a "January" thing to not have them, but I really enjoyed the "conversation starter" table toppers that used to be in the center of the tables so while we're eating we can discuss training stories and ideas.

Updated: 3/4/10