Courtney Petersen

AVP, Sales, and Training Programs — Synchrony Financial

2020–Present

Leads enterprise learning and talent development strategies within the Go-to-Market team, supporting national sales leaders, SVPs, and executive development programs.

• Designed and launched multi-tiered leadership pipeline and readiness programs, cultivating emerging and senior leader capabilities aligned with enterprise succession goals.
• Partnered cross-functionally with HR, Talent, and Executive teams to map capability frameworks and ensure alignment between talent strategy and future business priorities.
• Implemented data-driven leadership development metrics and performance dashboards to evaluate program effectiveness and inform talent mobility decisions.
• Spearheaded story-based learning frameworks to strengthen emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and purpose-driven leadership across diverse teams.
• Recognized for fostering executive engagement and retention through coaching, mentoring, and strategic enablement initiatives that build culture and capacity.

• Develop key working relationships with corporate decision-makers and direct sellers to increase sales, averaging 24% YOY growth for a multi-location market.
• Oversee 1,200 accounts worth $44 million in annual revenue while leading and training 200 inside/outside sales managers, and coaching new account managers.
• Consult the client organization to custom-fit systems and processes through improved product acceptance, financial regulation adherence, referral network development, goal setting, and increased usage of financial metrics.
• Partner with key opinion leaders, study clubs, and industry groups to create leads and train teams to implement new behaviors, increase production, and improve brand culture.
• Market analysis and research through attendance at industry-specific trade shows as a key sponsor to present to the target audience and organizations.

• Trained & Certified sales teams and Field Sales Leaders.
• Developed training programs and materials from onboarding to seasoned employees.
• Collaborated with management to identify training needs and gaps.
• Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback and assessments.
• Facilitated onboarding sessions for new hires, across multiple retail channel locations.
• Mentored team members to foster a culture of continuous learning.