Recent Member Spotlights
Did you miss one? Take a look at some of our recent Member Spotlights!
October 2022
Name: Marcie Van Note
Position and Employer: Program Director, Business and Leadership Graduate Programs - Mount Mercy University
How long have you been with your employer and/or in your position? Full time for 9 years, I was an adjunct prior to accepting the position full-time
How long have you been a member of ATD Hawkeye Chapter? 15+ years
What is a typical workday like for you? There is no typical day for me, but I spend a lot of time one on one with students solving problems and coaching them. Most of our students have been out of school for a number of years and are coming back to better themselves. As adults they are juggling work, families, caring for parents and classes. Sometimes, they just want someone to listen to them.
What do you enjoy most about ATD Hawkeye Chapter? The collaboration with others who deal with adults who are learning new things. We all have our own style when doing training I like to watch others and learn from them. I also like the networking that happens. I have met so many interesting people over the years, that are still some of my closest friends.
Name a professional challenge you have experienced, and share how ATD Hawkeye has helped you overcome it. I was putting together a leadership development plan and met with some ATD colleagues to see what worked and didn’t work in their program.
What piece of advice related to talent and development has made a significant impact on you and your work? Years ago, even before Hawkeye ATD, I attended a 2-day seminar with Bob Pike as the leader. Bob has several learning laws that he teaches and one of them is “Learning is directly proportional to the fun you have.” Research shows that people learn better in environments that offer humor, pleasure, fun, and joy. Learning can remain serious, because it is but can be fun too.
What is your favorite part of the learning and development field? Helping new trainers discover the exciting world of training and development.
Who is currently one of your favorite speakers or authors, and why? I have mentioned Bob Pike because he has simple techniques that can help every trainer. Elaine Biech who wrote, “The Art and Science of Training” She speaks about great ways trainers can help help trainers understand how adults learn.
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do with your time? I am an avid Green Bay Packers fan and love football. I also enjoy digging in the dirt and camping.
September 2022
Name: Melanie K. Hoffner
Position and Employer: CEO & People Development Specialist with Brain Bonanza LLC
How long have you been with your employer and/or in your position? 18 years for both.
How long have you been a member of ATD Hawkeye Chapter? I believe it is 25 years this year.
What piece of advice related to talent and development has made a significant impact on you and your work? When I earned my certification as a Brain-Based Trainer with Eric Jensen in 2004, this became core to my work: “Brain-compatible learning is a research-based, multidisciplinary approach to the question of how our brain learns best. Neuroscience research suggests applications to learning/presenting information in harmony with how the brain learns, to get better results." ~Eric Jensen
What is your favorite part of the learning and development field? Dr. Daniel Amen is a leading psychiatrist, speaker, and author who excels at communicating research about brain and mind health so the average person can understand and apply it. I am currently working on earning certification through his online Amen University.
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do with your time? When not working, I enjoy learning more about the brain and mind (really), and volunteering as President of the Central City Fine Arts Boosters Board as well as with the competitive marching organizations of which my son, Alex, is a member. I also enjoy spending time with my family, being in nature, reading, and writing. I am excited to be a bestselling author with my essay in Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude 2022.
August 2022
Name: Deb Vogt
Position and Employer: Recently retired from Transamerica Life Insurance Company, now living my best life!
How long have you been with your employer and/or in your position? I was employed at Transamerica for 24 years, working in Talent Development the past 10 years.
How long have you been a member of ATD Hawkeye Chapter? 8 years
What is a typical workday like for you? I recently retired after a very rewarding career with Transamerica. In my professional role, I have had many opportunities. I have served in leadership roles and found that I enjoyed connecting with employees which led me to the role that is my passion - supporting the development needs of employees through consulting, development and delivery of blended learning solutions. My favorite part of my day was when I was engaging with others in the classroom, either in-person or virtually or working with individuals or teams to help meet their professional and development goals.
What do you enjoy most about ATD Hawkeye Chapter? For me, it’s the networking. I am an extrovert and have always enjoyed the social aspect and being a part of a shared vision. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and really expanded my network over the years. That comes in handy when looking for suggestions or recommendations. Having a network of professionals who share ideas and resources as well as being a support system is so important in our industry.
What is your favorite part of the learning and development field? Connecting with others and hearing the different perspectives that individuals have. Something very magical happens when you get a group of people together to discuss a common topic – it creates a hub of diversity and broadens our perspectives of that topic. Now that I’m retired, I will spend more time in my part-time job, serving as an adjunct instructor at MMU in the graduate programs.
What are your hobbies or favorite things to do with your time? Since I recently retired, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband and our children and grandchildren. We also purchased a 2nd home in Florida and the beach is my happy place – it renews my mind, body, and soul!
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