We’re excited to welcome new Board Members to the TOC team! As a volunteer organization, we are thrilled to have new Board Members who are dedicated to moving our mission forward. We are confident they will bring value to our organization.
Meet our newest Board Members below: Kelly Gerstenberg, Justin Hasty, Denise Madaras, Amy Neubelt, and Deadra Welcome!
You don’t have to be a Board Member to lend your support to TOC! Complete our volunteer form to express interest and we will reach out as other opportunities become available.
Kelly Gerstenberg
“I joined TOC for several reasons, one of which was to connect with others in the federal learning community. As a Certified Government Meeting Professional, I also wanted to utilize my skills in event planning and contribute to the organization of the Annual Institute, TOC’s flagship event. By becoming a member, I have the opportunity to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals who share a passion for training and development within the federal sector. Additionally, being involved in the planning process allows me to leverage my expertise and ensure a successful and impactful conference, providing valuable learning opportunities for attendees and promoting professional development within the federal training and development field.”
Kelly Gerstenberg became a federal training officer just a year ago. She previously served as the director of education and professional development at the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS) where she oversaw the selection, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs. In previous roles, she managed education programs and events for various professional associations and was a high school counselor in Fairfax County Public Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in Education and Human Development from the George Washington University.
In her spare time, she is a board member of Mount Vernon Children’s Community Theater and tends to a menagerie of pets which include chickens, foster kittens, and an assortment of aquatic creatures.
Justin Hasty
“I originally joined TOC to stay up to date on the current issues that training officers face on a daily basis, and to take advantage of the tremendous networking opportunities. The TOC community never falls short on either front and has so much more to offer! There are so many ways to learn and grow. However, the thing that truly makes TOC special is that you are made to feel as welcome as if you are with family.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is where I have spent nearly the last nine years working with a multitude of corporate and government partners – including county, state, and federal. My current role focuses on helping federal employees achieve their personal and career educational goals, and helping federal agencies address their skills gaps.”
Justin is currently the Director of Strategic Partnerships at University of Maryland Global Campus.
Denise Madaras
While Denise is not new to TOC having served as the 2023 Annual Institute Chair, she just joined the Board as a full member in May 2023.
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to join TOC in 2014 upon my return to the L&D industry after 10 years in education. As a leader in a business that shows the value of training, I can confidently say that TOC has provided immense value for those looking for growth and innovative learning in a caring community that shares goals and solutions.”
Denise is Vice President of Training, Evaluation, & Organizational Development services at PTG International, Inc. Previously, Denise held positions as a Mathematics teacher, a technical training developer and a team-based organization trainer. She has held certifications in Mathematics, Kirkpatrick and Phillips ROI, and DISC models.
Amy Neubelt
“I joined TOC as a board member to give back to the community. I have a passion for training and development and being on the cutting edge of new and transformative ideas! I had the opportunity attend TOC when I first moved to DC and I benefited from making connections across the private and federal communities.”
Amy is an Acting Senior Manager at the Internal Revenue Service.
Deadra Welcome
“I joined TOC in 2015 when I was working in the federal government and have been connected ever since. Each time I attend an event, whether it is in-person or virtually, I leave with more knowledge and wisdom than I started with. The relationships I have built over the years are invaluable. TOC is a true community of passionate training professionals who are committed to creating thriving cultures as much as I am.”
As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Concerning Learning LLC, Deadra Welcome endeavors to make learning extraordinary and create spaces where everyone belongs. Deadra’s 27 years of federal service afforded her numerous opportunities to help others achieve their best. Deadra’s goal has always been to enhance individual and team soft skills which enable them to achieve optimal performance levels. Her organizational development and instructional design experience, coupled with her passion for helping others learn leads Deadra to create and implement comprehensive, practical, and actionable solutions for organizations. She partners with clients to map and design healthy, safe, and inclusive cultures with best practices in human resources, diversity and inclusion, coaching, and leadership development.
Her career journey continues to inspire others to “learn something new each day,” which she models,
and encourages others to show up as their best by joining her learning revolution!