Heather Ackerly
Greater New York City / Tri-State Area
Summary
Innovative Learning & Development executive with 15+ years of expertise spanning technical and non-technical domains. Currently serving as Head of Global Curriculum for AWS Training & Certification's Dedicated Cloud business, driving enterprise-wide learning strategies and digital transformation initiatives. Proven track record of scaling high-impact learning programs while building and mentoring diverse, high-performing global teams. Recognized thought leader in Agile transformation, successfully implementing Scrum, Lean, and Kanban methodologies to elevate organizational agility and team excellence across Fortune 500 companies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager, Global Curriculum, AWS Training & Certification Dedicated Cloud
AMAZON WEB SERVICES
New York, NY
01.2019 - Current
- Architected and launched AWS's Dedicated cloud training program, serving as principal content creator and program manager for six major global government contracts
- Built and led high-performing learning development team from ground up, establishing comprehensive training frameworks and methodologies
- Designed and implemented custom learning paths utilizing ADDIE and SAM methodologies
- Created and maintained extensive portfolios of technical training content, including hands-on labs, video tutorials, and interactive assessments for 6 global regions
- Established metrics-driven approach to training effectiveness, achieving 90%+ satisfaction rates across all programs
- Pioneered innovative learning solutions combining virtual, in-person, and AI-driven training modalities
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders to align training initiatives with strategic business objectives
Senior Manager/Agile Coach, L&D
CA TECHNOLOGIES
Islandia, NY
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led high-impact leadership development programs and management transitions, focusing on cultivating coaching cultures and accelerating team performance across global organizations
- Designed and implemented comprehensive manager upskilling initiatives and core leadership programs, specializing in transition moments and leadership effectiveness at all levels
- Partnered with senior stakeholders to develop and facilitate executive offsites and leadership workshops, driving strategic alignment and organizational transformation
- Created innovative learning experiences blending in-person, virtual, and digital methodologies to support both traditional and agile teams during critical transformation periods
- Established learning measurement frameworks to assess program effectiveness and adapt content based on participant feedback and business outcomes
- Certified Agile coach specializing in leadership development, focusing on building high-performing teams and fostering continuous improvement mindsets
- Facilitated dynamic executive and management workshops to drive accountability, strategic thinking, and performance acceleration
- Designed and implemented coaching strategies to support high-potential talent development and leadership transitions across various organizational levels
Senior Program Manager, L&D
CA TECHNOLOGIES
Islandia, NY
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Led enterprise-wide learning initiatives for management and leadership development, designing and implementing blended learning programs to enhance leadership effectiveness across all levels
- Developed and executed comprehensive onboarding and cross boarding programs globally through innovative delivery methods including virtual, in-person, and digital learning experiences
- Partnered with C-suite and senior leaders to design and facilitate executive development programs, focusing on critical business capabilities and leadership transitions
- Created scalable learning frameworks using ADDIE and Agile methodologies to drive efficient program deployment and maintain high participant satisfaction
- Managed end-to-end learning technology ecosystem, including LMS implementation and content development using Articulate, Adobe Creative Suite, and digital learning tools
- Implemented data-driven measurement strategies to track program effectiveness, ensuring learning retention and demonstrable business impact
- Built and led high-performing L&D team, coaching on instructional design best practices and innovative learning solutions
- Certified Agile coach who transformed traditional L&D processes to agile methodology, optimizing program development while maintaining quality standards
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
State University of New York at Stony Brook
Skills
- Instructional design methodologies (ADDIE, SAM, Agile)
- Learning technology platforms (LMS, Articulate, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Facilitation and presentation skills
- Program management
- Building and leading high-performing L&D teams
- Talent development best practices
- Leadership coaching frameworks
- Performance acceleration strategies
- Stakeholder management
- Strategic mindset
- Execution capabilities
- Attention to detail
- Measuring learning effectiveness
- Designing innovative blended learning solutions
- Marketing and communication abilities
- Agile coaching certification
- Transformation and change management
- Creating compelling content
- Multimedia and design tools
Certification
- Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), PMI
- Certified Agile Scrum Master (Scrum Alliance)
- Certified Agile Product Owner (Scrum Alliance)
- ICAgile Certified Professional - Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)
- Leading SAFe (SAFe Agilist)
- Spiral Dynamic Integral Technologies (SDi) Level one certification
- The Effective Facilitator, Leadership Strategies
- Secrets to Facilitating Strategy, Leadership Strategies
- CA Leadership Development Program
- Harvard Div. of Continuing Education: Professional Development
- Consultant's Toolkit - Management Consulting
Accomplishments
- 2X Ironman Triathlon (140.6 miles) finisher, Mont Tremblant Canada 2016 and Lake Placid, NY 2017
- 5X Half Ironman Triathlon (70.3 miles) finisher
- 10+ time Marathoner (26.2 miles)
Timeline
Senior Manager, Global Curriculum, AWS Training & Certification Dedicated Cloud
AMAZON WEB SERVICES
01.2019 - Current
Senior Manager/Agile Coach, L&D
CA TECHNOLOGIES
01.2017 - 01.2019
Senior Program Manager, L&D
CA TECHNOLOGIES
01.2011 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English
State University of New York at Stony Brook
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