Project Manager Instructional Designer

Gregory Pickens

Clarendon Hills, IL *******.****@*****.*** 512-***-**** linkedin.com/in/gregpickens SUMMARY

Results-driven Learning, Talent, and Knowledge Management Executive with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance employee engagement, retention, and operational excellence. Expert in designing scalable learning systems, knowledge-sharing frameworks, and digital training solutions including 3D/VR. Proven track record of driving measurable outcomes, including increased training completion rates, leadership pipeline growth, and business process improvement. Skilled in aligning learning and knowledge strategies with long-term organizational goals across diverse industries and professional services environments.

EXPERIENCE

Sr. Director, Employee Experience

KBS Services — Remote Jun 2023 to Present

• Lead and develop a high-performing Learning & Development team, driving a 25% increase in employee engagement scores.

• Oversee enterprise-wide LMS and knowledge systems, improving training completion by 40% and reducing onboarding time by 30%.

• Design and manage structured onboarding programs, improving new hire retention by 20% and early career engagement.

• Optimize internal communication and feedback systems, resulting in 15% year-over-year improvement in employee satisfaction.

• Drive professional development initiatives, achieving a sustained 35% increase in internal promotions.

• Implemented data-driven reporting and dashboards to provide leadership with actionable insights on learning impact, talent mobility, and employee engagement trends. Director, Learning & Development

Aspen Dental Management, Inc — Chicago, IL Feb 2021 to Jun 2023

• Defined and executed enterprise-wide learning strategy, increasing internal mobility by 22% and improving leadership pipeline.

• Designed and launched 3D/VR training for clinical roles, accelerating onboarding by 40% and improving skill proficiency by 35%.

• Collaborated with Operations to develop training that reduced turnover by 30% and increased clinical capacity.

• Developed knowledge-sharing processes and governance frameworks to improve learning consistency and compliance.

Co-Owner

Pickens' Place Smokehouse — Clarendon Hills, IL Jun 2018 to Feb 2021

• Founded and operated a Texas-style BBQ catering business, leading staffing, training, and operations with 15% annual revenue growth.

• Developed website and online ordering platform, increasing digital sales by 40%.

• Built scalable knowledge-sharing workflows for operations, improving service delivery and staff training efficiency.

Director, Training

Weil-McLain & Marley Engineered Products — Burr Ridge, IL Jun 2015 to Jun 2018

• Designed and implemented L&D strategies aligned with business goals, improving training completion by 25% and performance by 15%.

• Developed targeted learning paths, increasing customer satisfaction by 20%.

• Restructured ILT programs, improving training effectiveness by 30%.

• Created VR training modules, reducing on-the-job errors by 25% and enhancing operational knowledge.

Learning & Development Consultant

Summit Electric Supply — Albuquerque, NM Apr 2012 to Jun 2015

• Led L&D team in developing comprehensive training programs that improved employee skills and team performance.

• Implemented strategic 3-year training plan aligned with company growth objectives.

• Managed L&D budget in collaboration with CFO to ensure efficient resource allocation.

• Designed targeted learning for sales teams, driving improved performance and engagement. EDUCATION

MBA, Learning Technology Management

University — Austin, TX

BS, Information Technology

University — Austin, TX

SKILLS

Learning & Development Strategy Knowledge Management Digital Learning & eLearning Solutions Leadership Development Organizational Development Learning Analytics & ROI Employee & Client Experience Optimization Cross-Functional Collaboration Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power BI, Azure AI & Generative AI Knowledge Solutions Process Optimization & Business Analysis Performance Management Compliance & Risk Mitigation in Learning

Systems

KPI Development & Data-Driven Decision

Making

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