United Methodist Publishing HouseCorporate Training Manager - Cokesbury Bookstores
Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2005Nashville, Tennessee, United StatesI designed, facilitated, and directed the training curriculum, programming, and content for 200+ employees of the 50-location U.S. bookstore chain that sells prayer books, bible studies, devotionals, choir music, candles and much more. During my tenure, I ideated and launched "Cokesbury University", an online content and training hub where employees could watch 20-30 minute PPTs and videos on the latest key authors, product features, customer service skills, sales, and annual required curriculum. Through this project, I curated relationships with subject matter experts, executive leadership, IT managers, and financial decision makers to secure content, financial resources, and learning resources. I also led needs analysis with regional directors, store managers, employees and managed a technical writer/training associate to produce fresh content and track user participation. Another exciting aspect of my role was to develop and deliver day long, in-person training programs held at our sales meetings. Topics ranged from stellar customer service to merchandising for increased sales. I also liaised between corporate HR and our regional directors and store managers in matters of employee relations, disciplinary actions, succession planning, hiring, talent management and growth strategy.