TOM DECKER
Learning & Development Leader
Utica,NY
Summary
Dynamic learning leader with extensive experience at The Hartford Insurance Group, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing employee performance through innovative learning technologies. Proven expertise in Agile practices and stakeholder management, delivering impactful solutions that elevate organizational capabilities and foster cross-functional collaboration. Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Learning
The Hartford Insurance Group
09.2022 - Current
- I lead the strategic planning and execution of enterprise-wide learning initiatives for a workforce of over 2,500, applying Agile methodologies to drive efficient project delivery and continuous improvement.
- I manage a portfolio of concurrent learning technology and content development projects, overseeing sprint planning, backlog prioritization, and team ceremonies to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- I collaborate extensively with IT, product development, and business unit leaders to define project scope, gather requirements, and integrate new learning platforms and solutions, ensuring seamless technical implementation.
- I implement and optimize project tracking and reporting mechanisms, providing regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies.
- I drive the successful delivery of high-impact learning products and platforms, resulting in enhanced employee capabilities, and improved performance outcomes across the organization.
- I facilitate cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and accountability to accelerate feature development, and ensure rapid deployment of critical learning resources.
- I champion process excellence and continuous improvement within the learning function, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance the scalability of learning solutions.
- In this capacity, I drive the design, implementation, and optimization of our learning technology ecosystem, ensuring it delivers impactful, scalable solutions.
- I also manage vendor relationships and contracts, effectively integrating third-party resources into our broader learning ecosystem to ensure seamless delivery and maximum value.
Assistant Director of Learning
The Hartford Insurance Group
03.2018 - 09.2022
- Led a team of learning consultants in co-creating impactful learning experiences, collaborating with diverse learning teams across the organization to ensure consistent and effective content delivery.
- Directed a team of software engineers, partnering with learning leaders to design, develop, and implement technology solutions that significantly enhanced learning capabilities, and drove high performance across the company.
- Managed the full lifecycle of learning technology projects, from conceptualization and requirements gathering, to deployment and post-implementation support, utilizing project management best practices.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals and deliverables.
- Championed the integration of innovative technological solutions to address complex learning challenges, contributing to improved operational efficiency and learner engagement.
Manager - Small Commercial Enterprise Operations
The Hartford Insurance Group
04.2013 - 03.2018
- As a Manager of Small Commercial Enterprise Operations, I led a remote team of service representatives handling policy change requests and inquiries from small business owners and agents.
- I was responsible for the team's performance, coaching, and development.
- I managed the team remotely, with members located across different cities in the United States.
Learning Consultant
The Hartford Insurance Group
04.2011 - 04.2013
- As a Learning Consultant, I facilitated a 16-week training program for Small Commercial Policy Service Representatives, teaching customer service skills, basic insurance principles, and policies on liability, auto, and worker's compensation.
- I managed classes of 10-18 new hires, creating a positive and engaging learning environment, and contributed to curriculum design by developing content for self-directed learning sessions.
Service Academy Coach
The Hartford Insurance Group
02.2010 - 04.2011
Policy Service Specialist
The Hartford Insurance Group
09.2008 - 02.2010
Training Specialist
Equity Consultants
11.2005 - 06.2007
Mortgage Loan Officer
Equity Consultants
09.2003 - 11.2005
Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class
United States Coast Guard
09.1999 - 09.2003
Education
Core Essentials Graduate -
Coach U
12.2019
Skills
- Leadership and management
- Learning technologies
- Strategic planning
- Adult learning principles
- Budgeting and resource management
- Agile practices
- Risk mitigation
- Stakeholder management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Communication skills
- Vendor management
References
- Dave Gogola, The Hartford, (315) 525-8235
- Becky Passmore, The Hartford, (315) 368-4642
Timeline
Director of Learning
The Hartford Insurance Group
09.2022 - Current
Assistant Director of Learning
The Hartford Insurance Group
03.2018 - 09.2022
Manager - Small Commercial Enterprise Operations
The Hartford Insurance Group
04.2013 - 03.2018
Learning Consultant
The Hartford Insurance Group
04.2011 - 04.2013
Service Academy Coach
The Hartford Insurance Group
02.2010 - 04.2011
Policy Service Specialist
The Hartford Insurance Group
09.2008 - 02.2010
Training Specialist
Equity Consultants
11.2005 - 06.2007
Mortgage Loan Officer
Equity Consultants
09.2003 - 11.2005
Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class
United States Coast Guard
09.1999 - 09.2003
Core Essentials Graduate -
Coach U
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