Award of Merit ~ Damion Donaldson
Given to a member of at least three years' tenure, who assumes responsibility for project leadership in the Chapter and/or national level. Someone who has served previously or currently as a Chapter Board member, Manager or committee member.
Damion Donaldson, as VP of Programs, has helped increase the chapter’s membership and visibility through outstanding programs in a two key areas: monthly learning events and workshops.
Under Damion's leadership, our monthly learning events have seen a marked increase in attendees. Our workshops have included Total Trainer; Powerful Presentation Skills; Tom Kuhlman and Articulate; and Dave Anderson and Advanced User Storyline. The programs have brought people from other chapters not only in southern California, but from states as far away as Texas and even Canada.
Damion brings exceptional enthusiasm and ideas, and is always ready to explore programs to bring to the chapter. Damion has been on the ASTD-OC board for the past three years and has been involved with the chapter for the past five years.
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ASTD-OC Rookie of the Year ~ Diane Smith
Given to an outstanding new member (less than one year) who has been active in numerous projects. Someone who volunteers readily, made significant contributions during their first year as a member, and has been active in at least two projects.
Diane Smith joined our Chapter in June of this year, and immediately joined our team of volunteers. Since then, she has managed the logistics for the Summer 2012 Advanced User Storyline Workshop, including securing the financial sponsorship, and assisted the instructor, David Anderson, during the day-long event.
She has also played a major role in our chapter's new CPLP Program, including development of the CPLP web pages for the chapter website, facilitating two of the eleven CPLP Study Sessions, producing the webinars as needed, and compiling and preparing the learning materials. She has also coordinated several marketing initiatives, and assisted with the design of our chapter's new banner.
Diane is a partner at Everest CS, a workplace performance consultancy.
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Chapter Torch Award ~ Cherry Kushner and Jolynn Atkins
A member who assumes responsibility for project leadership, has continual involvement in a variety of levels, has served as a Manager, Co-Manager or SIG Manager. Someone who works hard, volunteers readily and has a strong commitment to the Chapter. This year, we have two winners:
Cherry Kushner has lead the successful implementation of two workshops this year, Total Trainer and Powerful Presentation Skills. Leading the charge on one workshop requires many hours of dedication to prepare, help market, and support the classes. She lead two workshop kick-offs in one year, requiring time and dedication that demonstrated her commitment to the chapter. Her calm and reassuring leadership and has been an integral part of increasing ASTD-Orange County’s visibility and membership through the successful workshops.
Together with Anthony Harmetz, past-president of ASTD-OC, Cherry helped Total Trainer kick-off with a waiting list, and maintained a robust class-size of 25 people for the 10 week workshop. Powerful Presentation Skills followed the lead of Total Trainer and kicked off with a strong class. Participants have expressed their gratitude for her support and dedication.
Jolynn Atkins started the year as the VP of Marketing and was in the role until summer, when her job at as VP of Strategic Operations & Consulting Services, Escoe-Bliss, demanded more of her time. Jolynn continues to serve the chapter in the communications roles, helping to disseminate our monthly marketing messages for both print and social media.
Jolynn has been behind a number of innovative marketing implementations: she implemented the table displays to eliminate clutter on the tables and provide the info on upcoming events; she put together marketing kits for each event leader so that all the necessary marketing materials are at each event; she coordinated the design and production of the banner; she created a brand to our marketing materials. Jolynn has been a strong advocate for the chapter and we thank her for her commitment and energy!
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