PRESIDENT - KIMBERLY SEEGER

Learning and Performance Consultant
Solution Source Café

18677 Old Cypress Circle

Baton Rouge, LA 70769

Work:  225-266-0599
Email:  kseeger@eatel.net  

Kimberly Seeger is an enthusiastic workplace learning consultant who contracts with several organizations in Louisiana and nationally.  She is proud to serve as the ASTD Baton Rouge President in 2009. Kimberly has been involved in chapter leadership since 2006.  She finds participating on the board has been both personally and professionally rewarding.  Past roles have included:  Vice President of Programming 2007 and Vice President of Publications 2006.  Kimberly holds a Master’s of Science degree in Human Resource Education and Workforce Development from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Resource Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Chapter Responsibilities:  Schedule, create agenda for, and preside over Board Meetings and Chapter meetings; Ensure the achievement of the current Chapter objectives and the development of long-range plans by coordinating, monitoring, and coaching the performance of Chapter officers; Authorize all expenditures in excess of approved budgets; Act as the liaison for the Chapter on regional and national affairs of the American Society for Training and Development; Chair the Executive Committee; and, Serve on the Nominating Committee.

PRESIDENT ELECT - MELISSA TERRELL

Portico Learning Solutions
17991Old Perkins Rd. East, Suite E
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
mterrell@PorticoLearning.com
225.752.8339 , 314

Melissa Terrell holds a Master’s of Science in Vocational Education and a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Resource Development from Louisiana State University.  She has over 7 years experience in the areas of Adult Education, Program Development, and Instructional Design.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The President-Elect shall develop and coordinate a leadership development program; coordinate the development of long-range Chapter plans; and preside over meetings in the absence of the President.

PAST PRESIDENT - MELISSA ARGRAVE

Coordinator of Alumni Relations

111 Peabody Hall
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA  70803
Work: (225) 578-6796

Email: margrave@lsu.edu

Melissa Babcock Argrave joined the Louisiana State University College of Education as Alumni Relations Coordinator in September 2008.  She most recently served over four and one half years at the University Laboratory School, a division of the college.  As University High’s Alumni Relations Manager, she was responsible for its annual U-High Homecoming Tailgate Reunion, CUBS Alumni Hall of Distinction and Athletic Hall of Fame, alumni archives, external relations/communications, support of class reunions and school tours, and more. Her dual roles included that of Capital Campaign Manager.  Initiated in December 2003, she managed volunteers to raise five million dollars in the school’s first-ever capital campaign, an effort which has recently come to a successful conclusion with over six million dollars pledged.

With experience in sales, volunteer management, training and fundraising, she has worked as a Development Associate for the American Heart Association as a School Site (K-12) Specialist.  While with the AHA she worked closely with educators at both the Lab School and the Department of Kinesiology; she is most proud to have been a recipient during that time of a LAHPERD (Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) 2002 Service Award.  As a Marketing and Communications Director for Columbia Medical Center, Community Education Coordinator for Columbia Homecare, and Senior Campaign Associate for Capital Area United Way, she has a proven career of service to education and health initiatives from early childhood to our most senior of citizens.

Currently President of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTDBR,)  Melissa is an active volunteer.  Offices have included President of the Greater Denham Springs Chamber of Commerce; Chair of the YWCA Women of Achievement Program and Banquet, the Livingston Parish American Heart Association Gala, and the Livingston Parish Business Expo; and Vice-Chair of the Arthritis Foundation Baton Rouge Area Board.

Chapter Responsibilities: The Immediate Past-President shall assure that Chapter officers fulfill requirements; serve as parliamentarian for Chapter meetings; and maintain the Chapter history.

TREASURER - ELIZABETH COXE

LA Office of the Legislative Auditor
P.O. Box 94397
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
ecoxe@lla.state.la.us
225-932-5815

Elizabeth is the Information and Training Manager for the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.  Her responsibilities include managing the training program for the office as well as maintaining the technical and information content for the office Intranet and external Web site. Before taking her current position over three years ago, Elizabeth was the research librarian as well as a performance auditor for the office. Elizabeth has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  Elizabeth also has a degree in General Studies from LSU.  While pursuing her master’s degree, Elizabeth completed an internship in the Information Services Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Knoxville, Tennessee. Upon completing her graduate degree, Elizabeth moved to Atlanta, Georgia and worked as a reference librarian in the Business and Government Division at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library.

Elizabeth is married with two children.  Her hobbies include running, biking and gardening. She is active in the parent’s association at St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School where her children attend as well as her daughter’s Junior Girl Scout Troop.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Treasurer shall Assume the office of President in the event that the President and President-Elect are unable to assume their roles; Prepare an annual budget; Collect and is custodian of all funds; Keep records of income and expenditures; Provide monthly financial status report to Board; Render to the membership an annual report on all financial transactions; Provide data for any audits requested by the Finance Committee; and Serve on the Finance Committee.

SECRETARY - BETH ADAMS

DOTD – ERP LaGov Project
5th Floor East Wing
P.O.  Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245
Beth.Adams@LA.gov

225-219-6710

Beth Adams, M.Ed., has over 30 years of learning and performance experience applied across a myriad of industries. Beth is a state employee with the Division of Administration.  Her current responsibilities include statewide Agency Readiness and Training, preparing agencies for the implementation of the LaGov Enterprise Readiness Plan (ERP) that will bring one business system to the functioning of the State of Louisiana.  Beth has been a member of BR ASTD since 1993, with ongoing service as a board member and volunteer.

Chapter Responsibilities: The Secretary shall collect, record, and disseminate all matters of decision made by this Chapter; and maintain a source of information relative to this Chapter's functions that shall include the Constitution and Bylaws and all matters pertaining thereto.

VP of HOSPITALITY - JUSTIN OBERTHIER

10362 Hillmont Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
joberthier@theedsagroup.com

225-342-0966

Justin Oberthier is The EDSA Group’s manager of business development.  In this role, Oberthier is responsible for managing the sales and marketing efforts on a national level. Oberthier received his Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University and joined EDSA from the mortgage lending industry. Justin has been elected to serve as the vice president of hospitality for the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD).  In this role, he will assist with special projects identified by the Board and provide meeting planning and hospitality services for all chapter meetings and events.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Vice President of Hospitality shall assist with special projects identified by the Board; and provide meeting planning and hospitality services for all Chapter meetings and events.

VP of PUBLICATIONS - MARINA BROWN

RN Trainer/Program Coordinator
Clinical Inquiry and Development Unit
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
5525 Reitz Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
marina.brown@bcbsla.com

Marina Brown is a Trainer/Program Coordinator for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. She has been working with training and development for 3 years. In addition to her role as trainer, Marina is also a Registered Nurse with over 12 years of experience. She and her husband, Jason, are members of St. George Catholic Church and are volunteers with the church and with St. George School where Marina’s six year old daughter, Madison, just started kindergarten. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Vice President of Publications shall prepare and distribute the quarterly newsletter; prepare and distribute membership brochure; coordinate any additional publication efforts by the Chapter; and serve on the Editorial and Publication Committee.

VP of PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - LEAH TATE

Neighbors Federal Credit Union
P. O. Box 2831
Baton Rouge, LA  70821-2831
LTate@NeighborsFCU.org
225-819-4379

Leah Tate is the Training Specialist for Neighbors Federal Credit Union.  She is primarily responsible for developing and delivering the teller training program to new employees.  She also assists in designing and delivering all other training programs as needed by the credit union.  Prior to joining Neighbors, Leah was employed as the Training Coordinator for the Capital Area CASA program and has more than 12 years of experience in training and development. 

Leah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education from LSU.  She is a member of St. George Catholic Church and enjoys playing tennis.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Vice President of Professional Development shall provide professional development opportunities for the membership via workshop/conference planning -- selecting speakers, coordinating marketing, and all logistical aspects of the event with committee support.  Topics are determined based on member survey via membership meetings and/or e-mail communications.

VP of PROGRAMS - KENT BLUMBERG

Kent Blumberg Partners, L.L.C.
Executive and Business Coaching
PO Box 82137
Baton Rouge, LA   70884-2137
kent@kentblumberg.com
225-761-4175

Kent Blumberg is an executive coach, author and speaker. He works one-on-one with entrepreneurs, business executives and non-profit executive directors who want to grow themselves and grown their organizations. For 28 years, Kent worked in manufacturing in North America, New Zealand and Thailand. Starting as an engineer, he worked his way up to CEO of an $85 million company before choosing to catalyze the growth of others as a coach. Along the way, he learned that the most important key to success and happiness for him is developing the leaders around him. Clients choose to work with Kent in order to make significant changes in their lives, better handle uncertainty, make better decisions and achieve their dreams. In addition to his coaching practice, Kent is on the faculty of the University of Phoenix and on the board of the local chapter of the American Society for Training and Development. He and his wife Cynthia have three grown children, three grandchildren and 11 dogs.

Chapter Responsibilities: The Vice President for Programs shall arrange programs for Chapter meetings; provide for professional development opportunities; arrange for facilities and equipment at all Chapter functions; ensure all chapter meeting notices are sent; and serve on the Program Committee.

Robin Schooling

Robin Schooling, SPHR
Vice President of Human Resources
Louisiana Lottery Corporation

Robin has over 20 years of HR management experience in various industries including health care, banking and manufacturing. Robin is the 2009 Past President of the Greater Baton Rouge Society for Human Resource Management (GBR SHRM), which is an affiliate chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest professional association devoted to human resource management.  Robin currently serves as Professional Development Coordinator for the Louisiana SHRM State Council, and is a member of the planning committee for the LASHRM Annual State Conference. She is a board member of the Louisiana Business Leadership Network (LBLN), a non-profit network of businesses which values persons with disabilities as customers and employees, and has also served on an event-planning/fundraising committee with the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge. Robin is certified as a Targeted Selection Administrator/trainer by DDI (Development Dimensions International), a global leader in designing and implementing selection systems. She received a lifetime PHR certification in 1996, and also received SPHR certification in 1999.

Originally from Wisconsin, Robin was active with the Milwaukee Urban League, the Milwaukee OFCCP Industry Liaison Group, HRMA of Southeastern Wisconsin and served on Board HR committees for several non-profit agencies.  Robin was appointed by the Milwaukee County Executive to serve as an employer representative on Milwaukee County’s “Welfare to Work Initiative Committee” and also served in volunteer leadership roles with Milwaukee Public Schools including several school-to-work committees.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Vice President of Communications shall coordinate media relations, coordinate event photography, prepare announcements for Chapter Events, route news to VPs of Technology and Publications, and serve on the Professional Development Committee.  

VP of MEMBERSHIP - PATSY WILKERSON

Patsy Wilkerson & Associates, L.L.C.
10116 Chestnut Drive
Baton Rouge, LA  70809
Work:  225-252-2061
E-mail:  PatsyWilkerson@cox.net

Patsy brings over 20 years of experience and expertise as a trainer, coach, consultant, and facilitator.  She has served as a motivational speaker, conference and retreat facilitator for education, business and Christian organizations across the country, Canada, Mexico and Europe.  Currently she is President of Patsy Wilkerson & Associates, L.L.C.  Patsy and her associates provide training, consulting and facilitation services to companies and non-profit organizations, specializing in Inclusion Training, Teambuilding, Knowledge Management, Succession Planning and Strategic Planning.   Local clients include Community Coffee, Entergy, Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana Legislative Auditors, Louisiana State Office of Mental Health and Baton Rouge Community College.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from Southern University in Baton Rouge and a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University in La Mirada, California.

Her leadership role in Human Resources, Training and Organizational Development provides excellent experience and expertise to meet the needs of her clients.

Patsy’s Strategic initiatives at large corporations, small companies and not-for-profit agencies include: Performance Management Processes, Inclusion (Diversity) Training, Board Roles & Responsibilities, Employee Training Programs, Talent Audit & Succession Planning, Leadership / Management Training and Executive Coach.

Chapter Responsibilities:  The Vice President for Membership shall recruit new National and Chapter members from the private and public sectors; develop and implement a Chapter handbook; and serve on the Membership Committee; and be custodian of all records of membership.

VP OF TECHNOLOGY - MAURICE VELASQUEZ

Real World Training, Leadership & Growth
4173 Country Harvest Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
maurice@realworldllc.com
www.realworldllc.com
225-772-4357

Maurice Velasquez is a "Creative Culture Creator", a business developer who helps companies grow by enhancing the productivity and efficiency of their teams through effective management leadership, innovative teamwork, and dynamic people relations. He has over 20 years experience in training and people development. He is president of Real World and partner in Wolf Creek Business Growth Institute, a business development firm dedicated to helping clients in S.A.L.E.S. (Sales, Authentic Leadership and Excellence Service).

Maurice, bilingual in Spansih, is married, with 3 children, loves to spend time with his family, works with his church, and enjoys music, movies, reading and computers.

Chapter Responsibilities: The Vice President of Technology interfaces with or serves as "webmaster" and maintains the local chapter web site and any other similar technology utilized by the chapter.