LEADERS' BIOGRAPHIES
BART RUFF
Career Transitions Leader
Marketing professional with extensive experience in field marketing and brand management.
Currently:
Sr. Brand Manager, Retail Brand Group LLC, Allentown PA. Responsible for the overall brand positioning of four retail restaurant concepts with 500 locations.
Formerly:
|
Education:
|
Other Affiliations:
|
Why he is involved in helping others through Career Transitions:
Late in my Dad's career, I saw him deal with unexpected job transition. It was somewhat the "end of an era" where people thought if they worked hard at a company, the company would reciprocate with career advancement and job security. Despite the changing reality of the work world, I was a dedicated employee to one company for 16 years. However in the last several years, we went through annual downsizing, and I saw the effect on people. I was fortunate in that I had an option to stay on or leave with a package. I chose to leave and "figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up." However, making that change was harder than I expected. I had been at the same place most of my working career. Doing a career change was not something in which I was experienced. Personally having navigated through job transition, I realize what it takes. My personal mission is to "give back" and help others, just like other people helped me.
In December 2005, we started a career group that I then merged into Philadelphia Company of Friends, and then I subsequently merged that group with ASTD's Philly Transitions group in September of 2006 to form this jointly sponsored COF-ASTD group we now call "Career Transitions." I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know that this group can help others to help themselves through transition.
My goal as a volunteer is to build, market and maintain Career Transitions as a resource for professionals in the greater Philadelphia area who, despite successful careers and education, simply don't know how to navigate a downsizing or other career change. .
Bart can be reached by using this link.
More information about Bart is on his linkedin profile.
LISA ANDERSON
Co-Facilitator and ASTD SIG Leader/Liaison
Instructional Designer, PM College
Lisa has been a co-facilitator for Career Transitions since late 2006.
Her background includes work in public relations, institutional development (fundraising), teaching, and training. She is currently an instructional designer for a project management consulting firm. Besides the Transitions group, she also is serving on an ASTD national committee.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
We thank those who volunteered their time and talents:
Our Current Team Members include:
"Emeritus" Team Members
THERESA HUMMEL-KRALLINGER
"ASTD Philly Transitions" Founder and Former Co-Leader of Career Transitions
Theresa is a well-respected corporate trainer and performance consultant, but it's her work as a humorist and motivational speaker that sets her apart. Known for her lively and interactive presentation style, she is a frequently requested speaker on topics of employee morale, professional development, performance improvement and workplace communications. Her experience as a professional stand-up comedian enables her to add fun and humor to her consulting and training work.
She graduated from the prestigious leadership development organization, Women Unlimited in NYC, where she currently serves as a mentor to rising female leaders. With certifications in Human Resource Management, Behavior Styles training/coaching, Instructional Design, Adult Learning Theory, and Technical Writing, Theresa has a broad array of business tools and educational experience from which to draw. She is an instructor with Temple University's Business Agenda, where her course "What's Your Point?" is part of their business communications certificate program.
Theresa is the Past President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of ASTD and is the Past President for a local club of Toastmasters International. She has served as a member of National Advisors for Chapters in ASTD. She has been published in several professional journals and is writing a book. Her conference speaking engagements include "Gaining Control During Turbulent Times - Tools for Managing Your Career," "Without Carrots and Sticks - Effective Performance Management Practices," and "Getting To Know You - Understanding Behavior Styles for Better Relationships."
We are grateful to her for all of her time she dedicated to starting and running one of the two predecessor groups to what is now called "Career Transitions."
Email her by using this link.
Special thanks to Bart Ruff for his financial and moral support!