Katherine McElhinny
Washington,DC
Summary
Strategic Learning and Development Leader with 20+ years of global experience transforming knowledge management and capacity-building programs across sectors including WASH, Climate, Biodiversity, Infrastructure, and Energy. I excel at designing and implementing innovative, competency-based learning solutions that leverage adult learning principles to address complex, multidisciplinary challenges. With extensive international experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, I have successfully led cross-cultural teams and communities of practice, delivering high-impact training programs that build sustainable organizational capacity and drive measurable results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Learning Advisor
United States Agency For International Development
07.2023 - Current
- Led the design and execution of the Global Water Strategy Knowledge Management, Organizational Learning, and Professional Development (GWS KMOL-PD) Strategy increasing engagement among 150+ USAID staff and partners across 35 countries, resulting in improved program effectiveness and knowledge sharing.
- Developed and managed global communities of practice (CoPs) and peer learning networks, enhancing knowledge exchange, collaboration, and best practice dissemination among USAID’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Water Resource Management (WRM) specialists.
- Design and facilitate high-impact training programs, workshops, and learning events, equipping technical specialists with critical skills in water governance, infrastructure, and climate resilience, aligning with USAID’s global objectives.
- Integrate adult learning methodologies and competency-based training frameworks to strengthen USAID staff expertise, resulting in increased program effectiveness and improved technical capacity.
- Establish and maintain knowledge management platforms and digital repositories, ensuring seamless access to critical research, programmatic resources, and evidence-based insights that drive decision-making.
- Apply USAID’s Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) framework to improve adaptive management practices, fostering a learning culture within water and climate programs.
- Strengthen knowledge-sharing mechanisms by developing case studies, technical briefs, and learning products that capture and disseminate insights from field programs.
- Forge partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including USAID missions, implementing partners, and global networks, to integrate KM and learning strategies into program design and execution.
- Establish and evaluate the impact of the learning initiatives through data-driven assessments, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with USAID’s strategic priorities.
- Champion the ongoing use of innovative teaching methodologies, staying current on best practices in adult learning theory and instructional design approaches.
Senior Associate, Learning Specialist
Environmental Incentives, Inc
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Orchestrated the programmatic and technical support for USAID Latin America and Caribbean regional environmental program planning, design, and implementation, ensuring alignment with the Climate Strategy development objectives.
- Led planning, designing and implementation of the Environment Officers biennial technical workshop in Bogota, Colombia enhancing collaboration, capacity-strengthening, and operationalization of new strategies for 100+ USAID staff across the LAC region.
- Advised USAID LAC Missions on the development of country-specific Climate Plans to align with USAID’s Climate Strategy, strengthening climate resilience and adaptation efforts.
- Captured and disseminated key insights and best practices from cross-mission biodiversity learning groups, fostering knowledge-sharing to improve conservation programming.
- Oversaw budgeting, scope, and project management for contract buy-ins, ensuring efficient resource allocation and program execution.
Organizational Learning Lead
Training Resources Group, Inc.
11.2016 - 09.2022
- Led the design and delivery of state-of-the-art training programs that fostered a culture of continuous learning across five technical offices at USAID.
- Applied the ADDIE Model to design and facilitate over 50 uniquely tailored technical training programs supporting USAID’s diverse program areas in energy, infrastructure, climate, biodiversity, and WASH.
- Developed and implemented competency-based training frameworks aligned with USAID core proficiencies, enhancing staff expertise and program effectiveness.
- Integrated knowledge management strategies into training initiatives, ensuring the systematic capture and dissemination of institutional knowledge.
- Supervised and mentored a team of four, driving the successful execution of annual work plans within budget and strategic priorities.
- Designed, evaluated, and optimized eLearning and online training solutions in collaboration with technical trainers and M&E specialists, expanding access to quality learning resources.
Director of Learning
Rare, Inc.
10.2007 - 09.2016
- Progressively advanced in leadership roles spearheading global learning, knowledge management, and capacity-building initiatives across Micronesia, the Philippines, Indonesia, China, and Mexico, driving knowledge-sharing and professional development across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.
- Designed, tailored, and enhanced a Masters-level curriculum accredited by the University of Texas, El Paso, training 150+ professionals annually in conservation leadership, social behavior change, communication, and program management. Integrated Rare’s Theory of Change and behavior-centered approaches into the curriculum to strengthen community-led conservation efforts.
- Led the strategic oversight of Rare’s Learning Management System (LMS) in five languages, ensuring training materials were culturally adapted and accessible for regional learners. Leveraged eLearning innovations to enhance engagement, knowledge retention, and real-world application.
- Implemented robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track training effectiveness, incorporating post-training assessments, practitioner surveys, and knowledge application metrics to continuously refine learning experiences and increase long-term impact.
- Mentored and trained 30+ staff in instructional design and experiential learning, strengthening facilitation techniques and improving training effectiveness across regions.
- Developed and launched online learning modules and blended learning solutions, expanding accessibility, reducing in-person training costs, and increasing training participation by 40%.
- Cultivated high-impact professional development programs by leading communities of practice and annual train-the-trainer initiatives, fostering peer learning and scaling capacity-building efforts across the organization.
- Innovated learning methodologies by integrating interactive storytelling, gamification, and real-world simulations into training, resulting in higher engagement and improved learner retention.
- Optimized a limited $80,000 annual training budget to expand technical capacity, maximize resource allocation, and drive measurable efficiency improvements in program implementation.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Anthroplogy
American University
Washington, DC05-2003
Master of Arts - Archeology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA05-2000
Skills
- Curriculum Development & Instructional Design
- Adult Learning Theory & Facilitation
- Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning
- Certified GROW Model Coach
- Project & Grant Management
- Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
Secret Level Clearance until July 2029
Active Secret Level Security Clearance – Valid through July 2029
Timeline
Senior Learning Advisor
United States Agency For International Development
07.2023 - Current
Senior Associate, Learning Specialist
Environmental Incentives, Inc
09.2022 - 07.2023
Organizational Learning Lead
Training Resources Group, Inc.
11.2016 - 09.2022
Director of Learning
Rare, Inc.
10.2007 - 09.2016
Master of Arts - Public Anthroplogy
American University
Master of Arts - Archeology
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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