State of the Industry Panel: Insights into Learning’s Future

TIME: 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM

State of the Industry Panel: Insights into Learning's Future

We are excited to kick off 2025 by inviting you to join a dynamic conversation on the evolving landscape of the learning industry and what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond. This engaging panel features three unique perspectives:

• Jerry Kaminski, Global Learning Operations Manager at Ford, offering a high-level executive viewpoint.
• Sarah Maier, Instructional Designer at Centria Healthcare, sharing insights from the frontline.
• Bernie Desantis, Owner of Insignia Training, representing the vendor perspective.

Together, they’ll explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of learning and development. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways for the year ahead!

This is a LinkedIn Live event, so attendees will need a LinkedIn account to participate. Join us live to ask questions and share your thoughts in the chat!

AGENDA

MEET THE PANELISTS

Jerry Kaminski has over forty years of talent and organizational development experience in a multitude of industries including information technology, retail, government, consulting, automotive and energy. He started his career as an anti-submarine warfare technician in the US Navy, moving from that role to instructor, and ultimately a program director for the fleet combat learning command. He has also held positions including instructional designer, e-learning manager, and Chief Learning Officer. He is a six-time winner of ATD’s BEST award, past global chairperson of the ATD Forum Advisory Group, and current member of the ATD Public Policy Committee. He is also author of two chapters of the ATD Forum book: “Leading the Learning Function”. His chapters cover front-end analysis and use of technology in the learning function.

Sarah Maier, M.Ed., is a dynamic Instructional Designer with a strong foundation in eLearning and professional development across healthcare and higher education. As President of the Detroit Chapter of the Association for Talent Development, she champions innovative approaches to learning. With a passion for creating engaging, technology-driven training solutions, Sarah thrives on transforming complex information into accessible, impactful experiences. Her work reflects a commitment to empowering learners and organizations to achieve their full potential.

Bernie DeSantis III is the Owner of Insignia Training Partners, a full-service Training Broker specializing in outsourced corporate training solutions. With over two decades of experience in training leadership, facilitation, and virtual event production, Bernie excels at designing and delivering engaging, efficient, and cost-effective learning programs. He collaborates with businesses across industries to enable transformational performance and behavioral change, emphasizing genuine relationships and exceptional service.

MEET THE MODERATOR

Moderating this discussion is Jami Washington, A2ATD’s newly elected President for 2025 and Marketing Project Manager at TorranceLearning. With several years of active involvement in ATD, Jami is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and facilitating impactful conversations within the learning and development community. At TorranceLearning, Jami supports bridging the gap between the company’s learning experts and the clients who can benefit most from their expertise—building partnerships that drive results and create innovative solutions.