The American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) announces that Christie Ward, CSP, principal for the iMPACT Institute, is joining the Society's Board of Directors for a two-year term, 2011-2012.

A principal for the iMAPCT Institute since 1999, Ms. Ward seeks to align communications skills with high-performance, productivity, and effective leadership. Ms. Ward coached the World Champion of Public Speaking in 2000, and was recognized in 2004 by ASTD's Rocky Mountain Chapter for a program that resulted in a 66 percent decrease in union grievances at AT&T in Denver.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Ward served as director of training for CareerTrack, Inc., where she coached and managed more than 200 of the best professional trainers around the world. She was also recognized in 2008 and 2009 as the National Speakers Association Colorado member of the year for her work in developing the Colorado Speaker's Academy, an innovative program for emerging speakers that generated revenue for the chapter.

Ms. Ward has been involved in ASTD for 21 years, as a Rocky Mountain Chapter member, as chapter president, and as a three-year member of ASTD's National Advisors for Chapters (NAC). Her peers elected her to Chair the NAC for 2011-2012.

Ms. Ward earned her CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation in 2009.