Hello!  I'm Dr. Kristy Tyson, the 2024-25 President of the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATDBN). As the largest professional association for training and development in Western New York, we are your go-to organization for workplace learning and performance.

This is my third year on the board, and I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead. Our main goal this year is to achieve and exceed our national CARE status by focusing on hosting and promoting events across Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and the surrounding suburbs.

We aim to support your professional and personal goals through continuing education, local networking opportunities, and valuable resources. We strive to build a strong sense of community where every member feels supported and connected. This year, we are excited to host our first annual Excellence in Talent Development Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in our field.

Join us in making a positive impact in our workplaces and improving environments for trainers, entrepreneurs, vendors, facilitators, educators, institutional designers, and consultants. Our members are professionals dedicated to enhancing knowledge, skills, and abilities in the workplace. We come from diverse backgrounds and industries, united by a common goal.

Interested in learning more about membership? Want to partner, collaborate, volunteer, or sponsor an event or initiative? Reach out to us! Join our local chapter or explore international membership opportunities.

Let’s work together to create a world that works better!

Cheers,

Dr. Kristy Tyson

Dear ATD Buffalo Niagara Members and our broader Talent Development Community,

I am honored to introduce myself to you as the newly appointed President of our Buffalo Chapter. It is a thrill and honor to lead this talented community as we embark on a new year filled with opportunities, growth, and collaboration.

As we look ahead to the future of talent in today's workplace, I am thrilled to reveal an ambitious plan and approach for our chapter. Our focus and efforts will revolve around establishing connections, rekindling the engagement of our current members, and enticing new members to join all with an underlying theme of VALUE.

We are working behind the scenes to bring you an array of exciting initiatives in this coming year and beyond.  Our chapter's programming is designed to cater to the ever-changing needs of our members, offering captivating events and thought-provoking discussions. With a focus on delivering valuable insights and relevant topics for discussion, our aim is to cultivate meaningful connections among our members. Through engaging programming and immersive activities, the Board and I are dedicated to revitalizing our Chapter and enhancing our professional development journeys together.

I remember when I first joined the Buffalo chapter of ATD back in 2001.  I had just made the leap from sales to the L&D world, (yes, I know that may sound unusual, but I did it) and was looking for an opportunity to continue my own professional development journey as I witnessed the power of contributing to the development of the teams I supported in my role and looked to seek out similar opportunities for myself. Often, we as Talent Development professionals become victim to the “shoemaker without shoes” syndrome and one of my goals in my year as President is to provide opportunities for you, the L&D professional, to develop into the best version of you, to expand your network, share best practices and have a little fun along the way. 

Two of my top values are connection and fun.  While we will continue to utilize a virtual component for gathering members, you can look forward to more in-person events. I welcome the opportunity to meet each and every one of you whether it is at an upcoming event, a tech talk or a coffee connection event.  The common commitment we share towards talent development brings us together, and I am confident that our interactions will not only bolster our professional network but also foster enduring friendships. Collectively, we will create a supportive environment where knowledge thrives, and innovation flourishes.

I am thrilled to welcome our new board members who will be joining me in shaping the future of our Association and I extend much gratitude to the outgoing board members for providing a strong foundation to build upon going forward.  
As your incoming President, I am committed to serving you and our Talent community, your contributions, ideas, and active involvement will be the cornerstone of our success.

Thank you, Tracie Cornell

ATD Chapter President 2023-2024