Paul Skiera
Mesa,USA
Summary
Innovative learning leader driving the future of education through data science, generative AI, NLP, LLMs, engineering, and emerging tech fields. Expert in creating scalable, real-world programs that transform professional, master’s-level, and workforce learning. Known for building smarter, faster, more human learning experiences that empower learners to apply skills with confidence. Proven track record of leading and mentoring 100+ STEM instructional designers, delivering excellence, creativity, and impact at scale.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Instructional Design
Cornell
Ithaca, NY
12.2019 - 06.2025
- Directed 69+ STEM and technical courses annually, serving thousands of learners across professional certificates and degree programs.
- Partnered with 40+ Cornell faculty and product teams to deliver rigorous, real-world learning while managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
- Integrated AI workflows, cutting development costs 20%+, reducing production time 30%, and improving quality consistency.
- Designed and launched AI-focused courses in AI Engineering, NLP, and LLMs, equipping professionals with job-ready skills.
- Mentored 25+ instructional designers, increasing STEM course capacity by 25% and strengthening the design pipeline.
Senior Manager Learning Solutions
Republic Services
Phoenix, AZ
05.2016 - 01.2018
- Rebuilt and led the enterprise learning department, implementing the 2020 learning vision and reaching 36,000+ employees with innovative programs and metrics.
- Directed 100+ multilingual training projects (simulation, gamification, video learning), boosting learner adoption 20% and NPS 12%.
- Built a state-of-the-art in-house media lab (green screen, video, audio), cutting vendor costs 40% and accelerating production.
- Delivered $1M+ in first-year savings through behavior-driven change, streamlined processes, and KPI-linked learning outcomes.
- Recruited, mentored, and advanced a team of 10+ instructional designers, increasing throughput and reducing development cycles 25%.
Managing Director, TBLR, SkySong Center
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2000 - 05.2016
- Directed a premier research and digital media education center, bridging cloud, mobile, and social technologies in e-learning.
- Managed $1B+ in federal, state, and corporate grants/partnerships (NSF, DOE, Intel, Cisco, Apple, Microsoft, James Cameron) with 100% audit readiness.
- Developed hundreds of mobile and web applications in education, healthcare, sustainability, defense, and training, reaching global audiences.
- Designed and scaled STEM initiatives across K–12 and higher education, improving student achievement 15–20% in pilots and advancing readiness at scale.
- Mentored 25+ EdTech startups from concept to launch, with several achieving commercial sustainability and long-term impact.
Sr. Director, Business Development & Partnerships
Adaptive Curriculum, Sebit LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2007 - 11.2012
- Built and sustained $50M+ in strategic partnerships with OEMs, vendors, and education partners, expanding reach across 30+ countries.
- Negotiated high-stakes deals that drove 40% revenue growth over six years, strengthening long-term business sustainability.
- Directed cross-functional operations, cutting delivery cycle times 30% while maintaining 100% on-time project delivery.
- Designed and implemented a risk management framework, reducing escalations 20% and boosting stakeholder confidence.
- Established and scaled change management practices, raising adoption 25% and improving partner NPS 12%.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Technology And Instructional Design
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZBachelor of Science - Business – Finance
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZSkills
Visionary Learning Innovation
High-Performing Teams
AI-Enhanced Design
Higher Ed & Workforce Training
Corporate Training
Program Management
Stakeholder Collaboration
Learning Analytics
STEM Curriculum
Budget & Compliance
Strategic Partnerships
Change Management
Instructional Leadership
Results Under Pressure
Strategic Planning
Certification
- Generative and Agentic AI Certificate - Cornell
- Generative AI for Productivity Certificate - Cornell
Timeline
Director of Instructional Design
Cornell
12.2019 - 06.2025
Senior Manager Learning Solutions
Republic Services
05.2016 - 01.2018
Sr. Director, Business Development & Partnerships
Adaptive Curriculum, Sebit LLC
01.2007 - 11.2012
Managing Director, TBLR, SkySong Center
Arizona State University
01.2000 - 05.2016
Master of Education - Educational Technology And Instructional Design
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Business – Finance
Arizona State University
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