John Porter
Omaha,NE
Summary
Innovative Learning and Development leader with 17 years of experience in educational program creation, instructional design, facilitation, and engagement. Expertise in adult learning and curriculum development, with a proven track record in securing resources for large-scale initiatives. Skilled in building strategic partnerships and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies with a focus on adult learning and innovation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Outreach & Partnership Liaison
Truterra - Land O'Lakes
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Implemented strategies to boost enrollment in programs, reaching over 2,000 participants in underserved communities.
- Delivered specialized program learning content at five national conferences.
- Spearheaded partnerships with 16 organizations to enhance program outreach.
- Designed and co-facilitated learning programs for 300+ employees, driving engagement.
- Created detailed learning modules for self-directed study via internal LMS.
Extension Program Leader (joint appointment - 0.3 FTE)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
03.2022 - 10.2023
- Directed the development and delivery of data-driven educational programs for a widely distributed team.
- Conducted and led learning needs assessments, evaluations, analyses, and impact reporting to achieve KPIs.
- Managed a team of 14 geographically distributed educators. Responsible for recruitment, talent management, and evaluation.
- Designed and facilitated employee development in inclusive practices and program development.
- Led a change initiative to align the team with stakeholder-driven strategic directives.
Associate Extension Educator & Program Coordinator
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
01.2017 - 10.2023
- Designed and delivered diverse learning initiatives to over 2,000 learners each year.
- Spearheaded a new virtual learning series for over 1,750 learners, with an 87% knowledge implementation rate.
- Created interactive learning materials using Adobe Creative Suite and various LMS platforms.
- Developed ten collaborative partnerships to design community learning and engagement initiatives.
- Designed and facilitated nine multi-session intensive courses with knowledge implementation rates exceeding 85%.
- Recruited and supervised five interns and student workers.
- Mentored six students and young professionals from the US and Africa.
- Facilitated and coached 889 participants in initiatives using design thinking methods, assisting teams in securing over $2 million in funding.
- Designed and coordinated 15 conferences and learning events using strategic project management techniques. Knowledge acquisition and participant satisfaction rates consistently exceeded 70%.
- Acquired and administered grants exceeding $250,000 to support educational program development. Served as a team member on projects that secured over $5 million in grants.
- Expanded access to training resources for diverse and underserved populations, including refugee, Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
Assistant Extension Professor
West Virginia University
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Designed and led education and outreach programs on environmental and sustainable practices, reaching over 20,000 learners in eight years.
- Utilized instructional design and project management techniques to develop large-scale educational programs, such as conferences and intensive workshops.
- Founded and led the West Virginia Urban Agriculture Conference, convening over 632 participants, and securing $61,000 in funding to support urban farming education over three years. Knowledge acquisition rates and participant satisfaction consistently exceeded 85%.
- Designed and led a 12-week intensive training program for highly skilled volunteers, engaging over 500 learners with a knowledge implementation rate consistently exceeding 90%.
- Served as department manager for three years, which included staff supervision and recruiting, budget management, and managing relationships with external funders and advisory boards.
- Managed a volunteer program with over 150 diverse volunteers.
Education
Ph.D. - Human Sciences - Leadership Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE12-2026
Master of Science - Horticulture
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV08-2008
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Botany
Marshall University
Huntington, WV05-2004
Skills
- Adult Learning Strategies
- Instructional Design
- Curriculum Development
- Leadership & Team Coordination
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Facilitation & Coaching
- Leadership Development
- Strategic Partnership Building
- Project Management
- Cultural Competence
Certification
- Online Teaching: Connecting Learning Theories to Your Teaching Strategies - Quality Matters
- Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
- Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Assessment Facilitator
- EXtension Impact Collaborative Design Thinking Innovation Facilitator & Coach
Timeline
Outreach & Partnership Liaison
Truterra - Land O'Lakes
10.2023 - 03.2025
Extension Program Leader (joint appointment - 0.3 FTE)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
03.2022 - 10.2023
Associate Extension Educator & Program Coordinator
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
01.2017 - 10.2023
Assistant Extension Professor
West Virginia University
01.2009 - 01.2017
Ph.D. - Human Sciences - Leadership Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Master of Science - Horticulture
West Virginia University
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Botany
Marshall University
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Leadership And Volunteer Experience
- Nebraska Public Media, Board Member, 2017 - Present, Governance of organizational strategy, policies, and $8.75m annual budget.
- River City Mixed Chorus, Member, 2017 - Present, Chorus President, 2024-Present, Lead a 190+ member volunteer organization, fostering inclusion, volunteer leadership development, and a strong organizational culture. Oversee planning, project management, and event coordination, including the design and execution of educational retreats and culture-building activities.
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