(Alexandria, VA), July 21, 2020—During a virtual awards recognition celebration, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) recognized organizations and individuals for their excellence and contributions across the talent development field.
The Distinguished Contribution to Talent Development Award is presented in recognition of an exceptional contribution that has had sustained impact on one or more aspects of the talent development field.
This year’s winner of the award is Elaine Biech, author, mentor, and trainer with more than 30 years of experience in the talent development field, helping organizations implement large-scale change. She has written or edited more than 85 books and is president of Ebb Associates, a strategic implementation, leadership development, and experiential learning consulting firm. Biech, the first CPTD (formerly CPLP) Fellow, notes the importance of the words contribution and distinguished in the award’s name.
“I feel blessed to contribute to a profession that has given so much to me,” she says. And the word distinguished “represents all the people who have received the award before me. It’s humbling and amazing.”
Biech has been key to the profession expanding beyond a learning and performance role to one of talent development, including writing the ATD Talent Development Body of Knowledge, the definitive resource for talent development professionals. She believes that today’s talent development function needs to step up to serve as trusted advisors to leaders in their organizations.
For ATD alone, Biech has presented at 33 consecutive International Conference & EXPOs, written a monthly “Ask a Consulting Expert” column, designed the first Train the Trainer Certificate, and authored or edited 18 ATD Press books. Further, she has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Management Update, Investor’s Business Daily, and Fortune.
A complete list of award winners can be found on the ATD website.
About ATD
The Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly the American Society of Training and Development, is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. These professionals help others achieve their full potential by improving their knowledge, skills, and abilities. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports the work of professionals locally across 100 chapters, international strategic partners, and global member networks.