Outstanding Professional Award
ATD Award Programs
Outstanding Professional Award
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This newer ATD award recognizes the work of talent development professionals. It was developed for individuals whose primary role or job is within the talent development field. This award will be presented to individuals that demonstrate exceptional talent development expertise, leadership, and service through their professional work, volunteerism, influence, and actions in support of others. This award will be presented annually to an individual who is working internally within an organization and to another individual whose role is external in service to clients or customers (for example, an independent consultant).
This newer ATD award recognizes the work of talent development professionals. It was developed for individuals whose primary role or job is within the talent development field. This award will be presented to individuals that demonstrate exceptional talent development expertise, leadership, and service through their professional work, volunteerism, influence, and actions in support of others. This award will be presented annually to an individual who is working internally within an organization and to another individual whose role is external in service to clients or customers (for example, an independent consultant).
Advancing the Talent Development Field
Submission Process for 2026 Recognition
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All entries must be submitted via our online awards portal . Entrants will be notified by March.
All entries must be submitted via our online awards portal. Entrants will be notified by March.
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Download the Word version of the application to help you prepare.
Download the Word version of the application to help you prepare.
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Eligibility:
Eligibility:
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Nominations can be self-nominations or submitted by someone else on behalf of an individual.
Nominations can be self-nominations or submitted by someone else on behalf of an individual.
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Nominees must have five or more years of experience in the talent development field to be considered for the award.
Nominees must have five or more years of experience in the talent development field to be considered for the award.
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Nominees can be working internally for an organization or externally in support of clients or customers. There will be an award presented for each type of nominee/individual.
Nominees can be working internally for an organization or externally in support of clients or customers. There will be an award presented for each type of nominee/individual.
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Elected officials are not eligible to apply.
Elected officials are not eligible to apply.
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The award winner will be honored at the awards ceremony held during the ATD International Conference & Exposition.
The award winner will be honored at the awards ceremony held during the ATD International Conference & Exposition.
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Questions? Contact [email protected]
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Criteria
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Evidence the nominee demonstrates deep knowledge across the breadth of talent development
Evidence the nominee demonstrates deep knowledge across the breadth of talent development
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and advocates for building strong talent and talent systems across the organization.
and advocates for building strong talent and talent systems across the organization.
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Evidence of the nominee’s leadership within their organization or on behalf of clients/customers.
Evidence of the nominee’s leadership within their organization or on behalf of clients/customers.
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Evidence of the nominee’s service or volunteerism within or outside of talent development.
Evidence of the nominee’s service or volunteerism within or outside of talent development.
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Evidence that the nominee’s work has had significant impact in their organization or the organizations they serve and support.
Evidence that the nominee’s work has had significant impact in their organization or the organizations they serve and support.
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Evidence that the nominee’s influence on others contributes positively to teams, culture, and others in the organization.
Evidence that the nominee’s influence on others contributes positively to teams, culture, and others in the organization.
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Congratulations to the 2025 Outstanding Award Winners!
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Myra Roldan
Myra Roldan
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CEO and Certified Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
CEO and Certified Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
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UnDesto AI (external practitioner)
UnDesto AI (external practitioner)
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Tim Wu
Tim Wu
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Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President
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Chailease Financial Holdings (internal practitioner)
Chailease Financial Holdings (internal practitioner)