Allison Russo
Mobile,AL
Summary
Knowledgeable Learning & Development leader with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant process improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Online Learning & Learning Technology
Salary.com
08.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented global onboarding and technical product training for 1,400+ employees, boosting retention by 27% and driving higher product demo conversions.
- Established and led an enterprise-wide learning strategy aligned with business goals, driving new revenue opportunities and addressing workforce skill gaps, while expanding and managing a high-performing, globally distributed, multilingual learning technology team across multiple time zones.
- Utilized battle cards and 9-box talent models to identify skill gaps and develop targeted training programs that supported succession planning initiatives, ensuring a pipeline of high-potential talent ready for future leadership roles.
- Oversaw budget planning processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while optimizing resource utilization.
Senior Project Lead
Salary.com
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Curated and developed diverse training content across onboarding, role-specific learning paths, technical skills, soft skills, and sales training, leveraging LMS, digital credentialing, and AI-driven solutions for continuous optimization and skill development.
- Developed sales training program (CS team) that equipped representatives with technical product expertise and selling strategies, directly contributing to actual recurring revenue (ARR) growth from $1.2M in 2023 to $9.1M in 2024.
- Appointed as the LMS Continuous Improvement Lead, responsible for overseeing all courses to ensure consistency and deliver a seamless, engaging user experience (UX).
Senior Learning Lead
HR.com
09.2020 - 01.2023
- Directed the development of multiple learning projects across diverse modalities, optimizing team resources and timelines while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Managed and mentored a cross-functional team of instructional designers, facilitators, and learning specialists, driving the creation and delivery of scalable learning solutions that supported HR initiatives and aligned with the organization’s talent development goals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including Marketing & Sales, to strategically promote courses and drive increased interest, resulting in higher course enrollment and engagement.
- Instructed the team on best practices for designing WCAG 2.0-compliant learning solutions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity across all digital learning platforms.
Continuous Improvement Lead
Anthem
09.2017 - 09.2020
- Managed and led a diverse, global team of 13 offshore contractors in India and 3 onshore employees, setting strategic direction, resolving challenges, providing coaching, and ensuring the successful execution of projects, all while fostering a cohesive and high-performing team environment.
- Implemented Metrics that Matter to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of existing learning solutions, conducted ongoing impact analysis, shared key insights, and made recommendations based on findings.
- Established and maintained rigorous standards and developed frameworks for content design, development, and delivery, ensuring consistency and quality across multiple lines of business.
Learning Experience Designer II
Anthem
09.2013 - 09.2017
- Conducted comprehensive needs analyses and systematically evaluated the efficiency and impact of learning solutions.
- Designed innovative, engaging, and learner-centered learning solutions using a variety of software tools, ensuring dynamic and interactive content. Designed animated graphics and logos to elevate the overall learner experience.
- Developed and edited an extensive range of learning resources, including e-casts, videos, guides, assessments, infographics, and more.
Senior Instructional Designer
CSS Health Technologies
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Conducted comprehensive training needs analyses to identify organizational learning requirements, aligning training initiatives with specific needs.
- Led and managed projects from inception to completion, ensuring successful execution within scope, budget, and timeline.
- Designed and created engaging learning assets, including e-learning modules, videos, and interactive materials, enhancing learner engagement and knowledge retention.
- Offered guidance and leadership to fellow instructional designers, supporting skill development and fostering a high-performing team.
- Assessed the overall effectiveness of training programs, collected and analyzed data, and made data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Education
M.Ed. - Instructional Design & Development
University of South Alabama
Mobile01.2012
B.S. - Business Administration
Auburn University
Auburn01.2007
Skills
- Instructional Design & Adult Learning
- Learning Management Systems & Digital Platforms
- Learning Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Performance Management & Employee Development
- Stakeholder & SME Collaboration
- Change Management & Organizational Growth
- Budget Management & Resource Allocation
- Relationship Building & Issue Resolution
Certification
- SHRM Enterprise Member - 2023-Present
- Business Acumen & Communication Strategies - 2024 - WorldatWork
- Total Rewards Management for Business Success - 2023 - WorldatWork
- Training Manager/Director Certified - 2018 - Langevin Learning Services
- PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practicioner) - 2016 - Project Management Institute
- Needs Assessment Certificate - 2015 - ATD
- Virtual Instructional Designer/Developer Certified - 2014 - Langevin Learning Services
Timeline
Director of Online Learning & Learning Technology
Salary.com
08.2023 - Current
Senior Project Lead
Salary.com
01.2023 - 07.2023
Senior Learning Lead
HR.com
09.2020 - 01.2023
Continuous Improvement Lead
Anthem
09.2017 - 09.2020
Learning Experience Designer II
Anthem
09.2013 - 09.2017
Senior Instructional Designer
CSS Health Technologies
09.2012 - 09.2013
M.Ed. - Instructional Design & Development
University of South Alabama
B.S. - Business Administration
Auburn University
SOFTWARE
- Articulate 360
- Area9 (Adaptive Assessments)
- Synthesia
- Vyond
- Camtasia
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Canva
- Jira / Confluence
- Monday.com
- SharePoint
- SmartSheet
- PlayHT
- Trello
- Figma
- SnagIt
- Greenshot
- ISolved HRIS
- Dayforce HRIS
- Various LMS (Thinkific, Docebo, Blackboard, Skilljar, and more.)