President-Elect

Michelle Deshotels

I’m ridiculously organized, and I use that to make organizations run better. For 15+ years, I’ve built learning systems, onboarding, compliance, and AI adoption programs designed to keep working long after I leave the room.

I first experienced ATD-OC as a member attending events and learning from others. This year, I decided to become more involved in the chapter’s work. I volunteered for the Financial Overview Committee and served as its chair. Together, we delivered a thorough Financial Review to the Board, earned Volunteer of the Quarter, and created templates and shared resources to support future committees.

That experience reinforced something I believe strongly: good systems don’t just help us accomplish today’s work. They make tomorrow’s work easier for the people who come after us.

That’s the approach I’d bring as President-Elect. My priority would be working alongside Cyndi, learning how the chapter operates, understanding its needs, and supporting its work.

I don’t arrive with a list of changes. I arrive ready to listen, learn, and contribute. My goal during the President-Elect year is to understand the chapter from the inside, support Cyndi and the Board, and build the foundation to serve effectively if elected President.

I’d be honored to have your vote.

 Chief Financial Officer

I am honored to be nominated for a third term as Chief Financial Officer of ATD-OC. Our chapter is about to complete a second consecutive year with a net operating surplus: a first for our chapter since 2015/16. We also completed a thorough Financial Review through the efforts of an all-member Financial Overview Committee.

As CFO, I will continue to solidify the chapter's financial foundations with the following goals:

I’m excited and honored for this opportunity to continue serving the Chapter.

BIO

James D. Skee, CPTD, Ph.D., has worked in Learning & Development for over 8 years. He is currently the Senior Director of Talent Development at Visual Edge IT (www.visualedgeit.com), which provides Managed IT Services and Print Service for Small-Mid sized Businesses (SMB).

Before James entered Learning & Development, he worked in academia teaching and writing History for 9 years. Prior to that, he worked in Information Technology for 10 years.

 Vice President, Membership

Jeffrey Liu | aPHR | Organizational Coach | Non-Profit & Governance Trainer

Specialty: AI in Program & Marketing Development

"Faith in our community produces resiliency, authenticity, and the courage to lead proactive transformation."

As a multi-industry strategist across healthcare, HR, and OD and former PR Director for Cal State’s Health and Human Development, I am a proven connector who builds unified ecosystems. As your past VP of Talent Management, I established the foundational infrastructure for volunteerism, integrating it directly into membership talent development, organizational outreach, and community impact.

Running for VP of Membership, my vision is to scale this infrastructure to anchor ATD-OC as the premier community where emerging and executive leaders invest their time, talent, and dedication through:

• Multidisciplinary Foundational Knowledge: Bridging core competencies across sectors to support expanded pillars of professional development that align with both rising and veteran leaders.

• Cross-Organizational Ecosystems: Expanding the multidisciplinary alliances I forged between ATD-OC (L&D), PIHRA (HR), and ICF (Coaching) to unify Southern California's talent network.

• Governance & Chamber Partnerships: Positioning ATD-OC as the premier training partner for local non-profit, city/county governance, and Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce.

• Interdisciplinary Reach & Total Trainer Impact: Leveraging the ATD Capability Model and signature programs like Total Trainer University alongside Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to cultivate leaders across healthcare, tech, business, and public sectors.

• Next-Gen Tech & Workforce Transformation: Driving future workforce readiness by pioneering emerging methodologies, including AI Coaching, Capability Design, Program and Training Development, and Immersive Marketing Development.

By bridging new synergetic momentum with bold, forward-looking innovation, we will ensure ATD-OC evolving community first chapter for all professionals. A community with evolving momentum that shapes the future of work. Together, let’s lead with authenticity, elevate our collective impact, and grow through every wave of change. I ask for your vote!

VP of Professional Development - Total Trainer University

I am honored to be considered for Vice President of Professional Development, Total Trainer University. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving ATD‑Orange County as Vice President of Membership and as one of the Co-Leaders of the Career Transition Special Interest Group, supporting chapter growth, strengthening member engagement, and delivering meaningful professional development experiences.

As a recent graduate of Total Trainer University, I have experienced firsthand how special and transformative this program is in building skills in training delivery and facilitation. The program has deepened my understanding of instructional design, L&D best practices, and strengthened my confidence as a trainer. The power of in‑person learning, peer observation, and real‑time feedback from industry experts and facilitators has been invaluable, and I am committed to preserving and enhancing that experience for future cohorts.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our chapter and contribute to the ongoing success of ATD‑Orange County. If elected as VP of Professional Development, Total Trainer University, I will bring a learner‑centered, collaborative, and data‑informed approach to advancing Total Trainer University—ensuring it remains a flagship program that equips professionals with practical skills, community connection, and the confidence to lead training in their organizations.

With over 10 years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Operations, along with an academic background in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Organizational Management, I bring a strong foundation in talent strategy, relationship building, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

As VP of Talent Management for ATD-OC, my goal is to help build an engaged and collaborative board by aligning volunteers with roles that reflect their strengths, interests, and professional goals. I hope to support leadership development, strengthen volunteer engagement and retention, and create opportunities for board members to grow while contributing to our shared mission. I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for developing people to support ATD-OC’s continued growth and impact within the talent development community.

Secretary

Open

Vice President, Marketing 

Open

Vice President, Professional Development - Workshops