Training and Development Advisory Board

Dr. Pooneh Lari, Training and Development Faculty Representative

Organization and job title: Dr. Pooneh Lari is a faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development and is the Program Coordinator for Masters in Training and Development.
Tie to training & development: I have 15 years of higher education experience as a faculty member. My prior professional background includes program evaluator, instructional designer, training and change management consultant. 
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I want to work with the board to make the Training and Development program the best it can be!

Dr. Holly Sullenger, Board Chair

Organization and job title: CEO of Dr. Holly Speaks, PhD, LLC
My company provides keynote speaking, corporate training, and leadership development services. I do everything from needs assessment to training development to design to delivery to evaluation. I’m a one-stop shop. I’m also an adjunct professor for the T&D program.
Tie to training & development: I’ve done corporate training and academic instruction since 1986, holding just about every job possible in those arenas. I’ve been the leader of 5 different corporate and technology training centers.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I’d love to help the T&D program become just a little bit more relevant every semester.

Ms. Christi Raynor, Corporate Training Representative

Organization and job title: Director of Culture and Organizational Development with Pepsi Bottling Venture Tie to training & development: I have been in the T&D field for nearly 25 years. Time flies when you’re having fun!
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to spread the work about NC State University’s amazing T&D program.

Dr. Dan McGurrin, Executive Education Representative

Organization and job title: Chief Science Officer, Horizon Performance LLC
Tie to training & development: 27 years in T&D with university Executive Education offices (Carnegie Mellon, NC State, UNC CH, Boston U, Indiana U, Corvinus U of Budapest).  Currently I work for an organization that uses people analytics to help with leader selection and development, and organizational change.  I am also a proud graduate of the CoED, with a 2015 PhD in Workforce & Human Resource Education, focusing on Executive Leadership.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: My personal interest is in providing connections and opportunities for the students of the program, to both improve their experience during the program and ability to find work afterward.

Dr. Thomas Ray, Medical Training Representative

Organization and job title: Associate Executive Director for the Poe Center for Health Education
Tie to training & development: I have three decades in both formal and informal education training parents, teaches, and youth development professionals nationally.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to connect to resources to support professional development of Training and Development scholars and mentor emerging Training and Development professionals.

Dr. Lisa McCorkle, Corporate Training Representative

Organization and job title: Sr Manager, Learning Innovation and Quality Assurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Tie to training & development: In addition to L&D leadership, Lisa has been an L&D Specialist, a Course Designer, a facilitator and a trainer for many years.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: Communication with students and industry partners about the T&D program, projects, employment opportunities, industry trends, research and resources.

Dr. Luvon Hudson, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Chief Programs Officer with The Center for Black Educator Development
Tie to training & development: Over 15 years of T&D experience rooted in L&D, human resources management, and professional development as a Chief Learning Officer, Chief Academic Officer, and Executive Director of Online Learning
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: To pay it forward by enlarging the body of knowledge for the program to assist graduates in preparing, staying ahead of the trends, and equipping them with real-world knowledge that’s needed to thrive and compete in all things T&D.

Farron Rucker, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Lead Solutions Architect and Product Manager, Digital Technology Analysis & Cyber Department
Tie to training & development: As an experienced professional in engineering and advanced analytics, part of my career has been bridging the gap between technology and education. My work in government training programs focused on analytics and artificial intelligence has allowed me to witness the transformative power of knowledge and innovation.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I am committed to leveraging this experience to contribute to the board by advancing training and development initiatives. My vision is to harness the potential of data-driven insights and cutting-edge technologies to empower individuals and organizations.

Susan Oney, M.Ed., M. Ed, CWDP, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Front Porch Consulting, LLC-Senior Consultant
Tie to training & development: I believe that education is essential to cultivating a workforce that is equipped to meet the evolving needs of employers. Serving on this board bridges the gap between workforce development and academia, ensuring that educational initiatives are aligned with industry demands and preparing individuals for long-term success in the job market.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I am committed to ensuring that students are well-prepared for the evolving job market by keeping curriculum aligned with current industry needs. It is equally important that workforce development remains a key voice in discussions about the future of the workforce, so that educational programs are responsive to the demands of employers and economic shifts.

Marc Sodl, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Learning and Development Business Partner, Southland Industries
Tie to training & development: I am a lifelong learner with 10 years in the L&D field as a designer, developer, and facilitator. 
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I want to give back to the program that helped facilitate my career change and ensure the program continues to prepare our students to contribute meaningfully and immediately upon graduation.

Ewarja Hinton, Corporate Training Representative

Organization and job title: Duke Energy, Customer Service Training Manager
Tie to training & development: Intelligent people are always ready to learn. We grow by learning. I am a lifelong learner with experience managing a training department, developing content, and facilitating training to front-line employees and people leaders.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: When it’s within my power to do good and help others, I do it. The knowledge I gleaned from this program has been life changing. My hope is to share my experiences and support the board’s initiatives to give by to future training and development professionals.

Dr. Tracy Pakornsawat, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Dr. Pakornsawat is the Professional Development Consultant with the Money Follows the Person Demonstration Project within NC Medicaid.  She is also the founder of LOTUS Learning Collaborative, a coaching and training business focused on supporting mid-career professionals and leaders to achieve personal and professional goals by leveraging individual strengths and motivations.
Tie to training & development: I have over 20 years in the training and development field providing consulting, facilitating, and management and oversight of learning programs in private, government, non-profit, and educational environments.  I am currently based in North Carolina, but have extensive experience working internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia. The T&D program has been near and dear to my heart for the last 15 years.  As a graduate of the program, and previously serving as the Graduate Assistant while pursuing my Ph.D. in the department, I was able to support students in the Master’s in Training and Development and the Certificate Programs in Adult Education and Training and Development.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to ensure that the program is relevant and aligned for students who will be working across the vast range of possible environments (industries, fields, and levels of experience) that rely on learning and development professionals for success.

Dinetta Richardson, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Duke Health, Assistant Director
Tie to training & development: Graduated from the Training and Development Master’s Degree Program.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I’m thrilled to collaborate with the board to uncover internship opportunities for both current students and graduates of the Training and Development program. It’s essential for us in the development field to create talent pipelines that foster stronger, more engaged, and resilient workforce who meet the future demands of businesses throughout the nation.

Alex Russell, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Development Dimensions International (DDI), Global Learning & Development Consultant.
Tie to training & development: I have been in the L&OD field for over 20 years. I’ve done learning and development work in industries from real estate and law to healthcare and cybersecurity. Previously I was recognized for my L&OD work by the Better Business Bureau, ATD, and led a training showcase at the Southwest Learning and Technology Expo.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to use my education and experience to bring a new perspective to the board and do my part to improve the program.

Ahkiya Martinez, M Ed,T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Toshiba, Learning and Development Specialist III
Tie to training & development: Graduate of the NC State T&D program.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: While serving on the Training and Development Advisory Board at NC State, I hope to make a lasting impact by driving meaningful, inclusive learning initiatives that empower a diverse range of learners. My goal is to collaborate with industry leaders to explore innovative strategies, inspire forward-thinking solutions, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. By sharing fresh ideas and championing best practices, I aim to help shape a future in training that prioritizes accessibility, engagement, and growth for all.

Cyndi Ayscue, T&D  Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Dentsply Sirona / Director, Talent Development
Tie to training & development: I have over 15 years of experience in learning and development, employee experience, and sales training at multiple organizations. 
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I want to give back to the program and future students because it was such an amazing experience for me and valuable to my career growth, I would also love the opportunity to develop and mentor others.

Amanda Ackovitz Delacruz (she/her),T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Bank of America, Enterprise Employee Surveys Lead
Tie to training & development: As a proud alumna of the T&D M.Ed. program, I’ve built my career in financial services as an internal subject matter expert. My specialty lies in translating and communicating complex concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences. This often involves contributing to trainings, reference materials, and change management initiatives for programs and processes that I also manage and execute.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I’m committed to collaborating with our students, faculty, and advisory board to ensure T&D graduates are equipped with a diverse skillset, enabling them to adapt with confidence and pursue new and challenging opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.

Deidra Craig, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: NC State University, Distance Education Coordinator
Tie to training & development: I am a 2019 graduate of the Training and Development Program and currently work as a Distance Education Coordinator spearheading distance education initiatives to support the unique needs of distance faculty and students. I provide instructional support, program development support and strategic internal and external engagement geared at advancing the distance efforts at the college level. I am passionate about the T&D program and understand the unique challenges non-traditional students face. I hope my work with this amazing advisory board can help students in this program navigate their learning journey and discover their passion and potential.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to be an effective thought leader and aim to help enhance the voice and presence of the NC State Training and Development Masters Program through strategic marketing, data analysis, intentional networking and thoughtful engagement.

Alan F. Elmore, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Water & Power Community Credit Union – Sr. Manager of Training & Corporate Development 
Tenacious Coaching, LLC  –  Founder
Tie to training & development: Over 20 years of professional experience in both training and coaching. I have developed and facilitated learning events, served as a keynote speaker, facilitated organizational workshops, led personal/professional improvement seminars and coached individuals/teams looking to make substantial changes in their lives.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: My success in the industry is directly correlated to my experiences while earning my master’s degree in Training & Development from NC State. I look forward to improving the program and ensuring its relevance and benefit to future T&D professionals.

Ashleigh C. Watts,T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Sr. Learning & Development Leader, Cisco
Tie to training & development: With over 15 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations, I have led Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives and enhanced my impact as an adjunct instructor. My comprehensive background allows me to bring valuable insights and practical expertise to training and development efforts across diverse industries.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: My goal as a board member is to strengthen NC State’s T&D program, ensuring we equip students with the latest, industry-relevant skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. I am passionate about empowering individuals through education and experiential learning, fostering a foundation for personal and professional growth.

Mike Gurkin,T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: DPM: Director of Training and Development
Tie to training & development: Over 20 years of experience in the T&D / HR field within automotive, retail, and manufacturing industries. Also, a graduate of the NC State Master of Education in Training and Development program.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I am passionate about all things training and development related. I enjoy assisting others in their development journeys and feel that my experience within the field can be useful. I am also interested in continuing to learn from others about new ideas and methods of creating and implementing effective learning experiences.

Dawn Baker Griffin, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Learning & Development Consultant with a Fortune 100 Company
Tie to training & development: I bring over 12 years of corporate experience in Training and Development, with expertise spanning facilitation, analysis, consulting, talent development, and implementation of training programs within agile environments. 
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I hope to contribute to NC State’s T&D Program by collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to ensure the program stays at the forefront of industry trends while championing its value and ability to empower future leaders in the field.

Beth Snyder, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Talent Development Manager
Tie to training & development: As a leader of training and development within a not-for-profit R&D organization, I am responsible for enterprise training efforts to include leadership development, professional development, etc., for over 9,000 employees. I currently lead a team through instructional design efforts, consulting engagements, and event planning and production. In a previous role, I managed national training projects for various government agencies. I love solving problems and one of my favorite things to do is help someone, or a group of people, be more successful in their career(s). I am a graduate of the MEd Training and Development program, and I maintain a PMP, SHRM-SCP, and CMHR. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and throwing pottery.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I’d like to support the alignment and relevance of the program with industry needs in T&D and help program participants connect with organizations for their next career opportunity.

Ashley Black, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: Director, Learning + Development at Aya Healthcare
Tie to training & development: My experience include roles in learning and development, organizational engagement, talent acquisition, and DEIB. I got my start on the consulting side of T+D at NC State Executive Education, then I moved to in-house roles in a variety of industries including medical device, hospitality tech, manufacturing, and healthcare tech.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I’m looking forward to sharing my perspective on the program’s curriculum to ensure it aligns with industry needs, so that future grads are equipped with the skills that matter most. I’m excited to give back to the program that played such a big role in getting me to where I am today.

William Graham, T&D Board Graduate Assistant

Organization and job title: North Carolina State University / Graduate Assistant: Training & Development Program. As T&D’s Graduate Assistant, I support the faculty and staff of the Master’s in Training and Development program. I also contribute to developing and facilitating the T&D Mentorship Program while engaging in research and assessment activities to help enhance the program
Tie to training & development: My background and experience are strongly tied to adult education, training, and student development. As an Accessibility Coordinator at North Carolina Central University, I provided professional-level support and services to students with disabilities, including providing academic accommodations, assisting with various assistive technologies, and ensuring compliance with federal mandates. I also have experience facilitating workshops on leadership and success strategies for program participants.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: I believe I will make a valuable contribution, drawing upon my expertise in adult education, student support services, and program coordination. Additionally, my leadership experience in roles such as Adult Degree Program Coordinator at Shaw University would allow me to provide strategic insights on supporting adult learner’s educational and developmental needs. I am passionate about empowering adult learners to achieve their goals and would be honored to serve on this board.

Aslyn Rau,T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Leadership Development Consultant
Tie to training & development: A 2020 graduate of the T&D program, I’ve since worked across industries including cybersecurity, tech, and finance, building and implementing training programs that align with business goals and drive engagement. With a strong background in leadership development, programming, and organizational growth, I am passionate about creating impactful learning solutions that elevate team performance and foster inclusive workplaces.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: By fostering connections between the university and industry and sharing insights from my experience, I aim to help shape a program that empowers graduates to lead in dynamic, diverse workplaces.

Trevor R. Taylor-Coleman, T&D Board Consultant

Organization and job title: North Carolina A&T State University: Graduate Enrollment & Student Affairs Coordinator
Tie to training & development: 2023 Graduate and I help coordinator professional development for graduate students.
The contribution I hope to make while on the board: As a member of the advisory board for the Training and Development department at North Carolina State University, I hope to contribute a perspective rooted in adult education and the success of underrepresented populations. My goal is to support the department in advancing inclusive practices and fostering community engagement, thereby ensuring the program equips students with skills that meet evolving professional demands.