the-executive-learning-lab-2025
The Executive Learning Lab:
Analyze, Apply, Accelerate
Equip your team with the mindset and skills to embrace change, adopt AI with confidence, and turn learning into lasting impact.
May 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00pm EST
The Tower Club, Tysons Corner
Empower Your Team for the Future
The pace of innovation isn’t slowing down and neither should your team. The real barrier to progress isn’t the tech itself, it’s getting people to confidently adopt it.
This interactive event is designed for leaders who want to foster a culture of continuous learning, helping their teams embrace AI and other emerging technologies to drive real efficiency and impact.
Through expert-led sessions and practical discussions, you’ll walk away with strategies to:
- Build a learning-first culture that helps teams adopt AI and other tools with confidence
- Close skill gaps that limit productivity and slow adoption
- Integrate training into daily workflows without disrupting operations
Don’t let underutilized technology slow you down. Equip your team with the mindset and skills to analyze, apply, and accelerate success.
Attendees are eligible to receive 5 CAE credits.
Executive Learning Lab Agenda and Session Details
Opening Keynote Speaker – The Learning Curve: Knowing the Why Behind AI
Kerri McGovern, Senior Director, Membership at Association of Corporate Counsel
AI is no longer a future concept—it’s here, it’s evolving fast, and yes, it’s normal to feel uncertain. In this candid and insightful keynote, Kerri McGovern shares how ACC is approaching AI through a lens of intentional learning, transparency, and purpose-driven strategy.
Rather than pushing immediate adoption, their AI task force began with a critical question: What’s the “why” behind this technology? From addressing internal fear with open conversations to creating awareness-based training, Kerri will walk through how her team is helping staff and members alike understand AI before being expected to use it.
She’ll also share real-world wins—like leveraging the AI-powered translation tool DeepL to support global expansion—and how her team is exploring meaningful ways to equip their members with AI tools and training.
This keynote will inspire leaders to:
✅ Embrace AI as an opportunity for empowerment, not just efficiency
✅ Lead with empathy and transparency through the AI learning curve
✅ Identify the “why” before the “how” in their organization’s AI journey
✅ Start small, stay human, and focus on meaningful impact
AI doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It starts with understanding—and that’s exactly where this conversation begins.
Featured Speaker – The Tech Playground: Creating a Lab for Experimenting, Learning, and Innovating Together
Monica Pemberton, Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the American Council on Education
Join Monica for a fun and inspiring session where you’ll learn how to harness the power of play to drive real, sustainable change within your organization. It’s time to empower your teams to innovate, learn, and lead in the ever-evolving world of technology!
In a world where technology is advancing at lightning speed, the best way to keep up is by creating a space where experimentation and innovation are the norm. Monica Pemberton, CIO at ACE, will guide you through the process of building a collaborative “AI Playground”—a dynamic lab where your teams can explore, test, and learn new technologies in a hands-on, low-pressure environment.
This interactive session will show you how to foster a culture where technology is seen as a tool for growth, not a challenge to overcome. Monica will share strategies for introducing AI and emerging technologies to your teams in a way that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning—while minimizing the fear and resistance that often accompanies change.
Key takeaways include:
- How to create a safe, experimental space where teams can explore AI and new technologies without the pressure of immediate results
- Best practices for integrating change management into your “playground” approach, making the adoption of new tools feel like an exciting opportunity rather than a daunting task
- Practical strategies for turning experimentation into innovation, ensuring that lessons learned in the lab translate into real-world impact for your organization
Preparing for AI: Overcoming the “Forgetting Curve” with Spaced Repetition and Customized Learning Pathways
Scott Richards, designDATA’s Director of Training & Project Management Office
AI adoption isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about ensuring employees have the skills and knowledge to use them effectively over time. But without reinforcement, up to 70% of newly learned information is forgotten within 24 hours (Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve). Without a structured learning approach, organizations risk underutilized technology, inefficiencies, and lost productivity.
To successfully integrate AI and other emerging technologies, leaders must bridge knowledge gaps, improve retention, and create a culture of continuous learning.
In this session, we’ll explore:
- How the Ebbinghaus “Forgetting Curve” impacts knowledge retention and what leaders can do about it.
- Why spaced repetition drastically improves learning outcomes and how to implement it in your organization.
- The power of customized learning pathways to align training with employee roles and organizational goals.
- The leader’s role in fostering ongoing learning and ensuring teams are equipped to embrace AI.
Discover how intentional learning strategies can help your workforce retain knowledge, maximize technology adoption, and drive long-term success in an AI-powered workplace.
11:30am – 12:30pm: Lunch
Bridging the Skills Gap and Leading a Learning-First Culture
An Executive Panel Discussion with:
- Tina C. Yuille, Director of IT Operations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Bob Corlett, President and Founder of Staffing Advisors
- Chip Flater, Director of IT at the National Science Teaching Association and
- Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
A leader’s most critical responsibility? Ensuring their teams are equipped to succeed.
Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and AI is already reshaping industries, workflows, and opportunities. But here’s the reality—no technology will drive impact if teams aren’t prepared to use it effectively.
Training isn’t optional—it’s a leadership mandate.
This executive panel discussion will feature leaders who have embedded continuous learning into their organizations. They’ll share real-world insights on:
- The Leader’s Role: How fostering a culture of learning empowers teams to adapt, innovate, and stay competitive.
- The Cost of Underutilized Tools: Why neglected training leads to inefficiencies, lost productivity, and missed opportunities.
- How Learning-First Teams Win: Success stories (and hilarious fails!) from organizations that prioritize training and see measurable business results.
If you want your team to embrace AI, adopt new technologies, and work smarter, you can’t afford to leave training as an afterthought. This discussion will offer practical strategies to bridge skill gaps, strengthen learning cultures, and create AI-ready teams.
From Hype to Hope to Help: The Leader’s Guide to Mission-Multiplying AI.
Greg Starling, Doyon Technology Group’s Head of Emerging Technology
AI is transforming the way organizations operate—but the secret to real results isn’t expensive tools or massive teams. It’s practical, everyday use. In this session, Greg Starling cuts through the hype to show how small and mid-sized organizations can unlock immediate value from AI without overhauling their entire tech stack.
You’ll learn how to start small, using the tools you already have (like Microsoft 365), to automate repetitive tasks, personalize communication, and reduce admin overhead. Greg will also share how leaders can build a culture of experimentation and learning that helps their teams embrace AI in a way that’s authentic, safe, and aligned with their mission.
Key Takeaways:
- What AI can realistically do for small and mid-sized organizations—without enterprise-level budgets
- Why you should optimize existing tools before layering on AI
- Real examples of how nonprofits are using AI to boost efficiency and donor engagement
- A 3-phase roadmap to drive adoption and measurable outcomes—starting this week
AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them to focus on what matters most. This session will show you how to get there.
Closing Keynote
Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
A nationally recognized leader in association technology, Reggie will challenge the way you think about innovation, leadership, and preparing your team for what’s next.”
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Networking
Event Speakers
Bob Corlett
President and Founder of Staffing Advisors
Bob Corlett
President and Founder of Staffing Advisors
Bob Corlett is the founder and president of Staffing Advisors, a Washington, DC-based executive search firm that has helped the nation’s leading associations and nonprofits hire transformational leaders for over twenty years. A “process nerd” at heart, Bob’s pursuit of efficiency and innovation fosters a culture of experimentation and flexibility among his team. With his support, Staffing Advisors leverages AI and process automation to boost productivity without diminishing the personal interaction and strategic decision-making required to achieve consistently good hiring results. Bob champions the ethical use of AI and automation in the recruiting industry, setting the standard to ensure these technologies enhance, rather than replace, human judgment.
Chip Flater
Director of IT at the National Science Teaching Association
Chip Flater
Director of IT at the National Science Teaching Association
Chip Flater is a mission-driven IT leader with more than two decades of experience leading technology strategy in nonprofit and education-focused organizations. He currently serves as Director of Information Technology at the National Science Teaching Association, where he brings together cybersecurity policy, generative AI, and data analytics to create meaningful, scalable change.
Chip’s career includes IT leadership roles at the American Counseling Association, American Correctional Association, and National Restaurant Association. He is recognized for building strong, resilient teams and leading organizations through digital transformation with a focus on security, adaptability, and measurable impact.
He holds a Master of Information Technology and a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Policy from Virginia Tech and is a two-time recipient of DCA Live’s Association Technology & Innovation Leader award.
Reggie Henry
Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Reggie Henry
Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Reggie Henry is a respected technology leader in the association space, currently serving as Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. With more than 30 years of experience working with and for nonprofits, Reggie has been a driving force behind advancing digital transformation, member engagement, and operational excellence in mission-driven organizations.
At ASAE, he leads efforts to implement exemplary technology systems that serve as models for the broader association community. He is also a passionate advocate for improving digital literacy among association leaders and staff—ensuring technology is not just functional, but impactful.
Reggie is a frequent keynote speaker on technology strategy, AI, and digital leadership, with appearances at major industry events including ASAE’s Annual Meeting, the Association AI Summit, and Higher Logic’s Super Forum. He holds a B.S. in Economics and Computer Science from Georgetown University and has been recognized as one of the top CIOs in the DC-MD-VA region.
Kerri McGovern
Senior Director of Membership for the Association of Corporate Counsel
Kerri McGovern
Senior Director of Membership for the Association of Corporate Counsel
Kerri is a high energy, communicative leader who accomplishes big ideas with focused strategy and collaboration. With 15 years in association management, she is a membership, marketing, and technology expert with concentrated experience in driving meaningful operational transformation to maximize customer experience and revenue generation. She is systems driven and outcome focused.
Monica Pemberton
Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the American Council on Education (ACE)
Monica Pemberton
Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the American Council on Education (ACE)
Monica Pemberton is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the American Council on Education (ACE), where she leads strategic technology initiatives and ensures the secure, efficient operation of ACE’s systems. Previously, she served as Chief Technology Officer at the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), where she drove key digital transformation efforts.
Monica holds both BS and MS degrees from the University of Maryland Global Campus and has earned certificates in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership. She is deeply committed to advancing diversity in the tech sector and giving back through mentorship.
She serves as President of the Blacks in Technology (BIT) Alexandria, VA chapter, sits on the Technology Professionals Advisory Council for ASAE, and is a board member of the Association of Women Technology Champions (AWTC). In 2023, she was recognized with the Diversity Women Media Elite 100 award for her leadership and advocacy.
Monica continues to be a passionate advocate for inclusive innovation—bridging technology, higher education, and association leadership to drive meaningful impact.
Scott Richards
designDATA’s Director of Training & Project Management
Scott Richards
designDATA’s Director of Training & Project Management
Scott Richards leads designDATA’s training initiatives with a focus on empowering both clients and employees through consistent, practical, and engaging learning experiences. Since joining the company in 2017, he has developed and delivered weekly webinars, custom training sessions, and onboarding support that help teams build confidence with essential workplace tools—particularly Microsoft 365 and emerging technologies.
Before joining designDATA, Scott built a 30-year career at IBM, where he held diverse roles including programmer, customer support representative, presales engineer, and technical sales manager. Throughout, he developed a reputation for clear communication and team leadership, ultimately overseeing a team of 16 and managing training strategy across departments.
Scott is a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist and a member of the Association for Talent Development. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science from Brown University.
Greg Starling
Doyon Technology Group’s Head of Emerging Technology
Greg Starling
Doyon Technology Group’s Head of Emerging Technology
Greg Starling is an innovation-focused technology leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performing teams and bringing cutting-edge solutions to life. As Head of Emerging Technology at Doyon Technology Group, he helps organizations navigate the fast-moving world of AI—especially generative AI—with clarity, strategy, and impact.
Greg has led innovation and technology efforts across sectors including software, manufacturing, nonprofit, and government, with leadership roles at companies like Tailwind, WeGoLook, and Monscierge. His work blends deep technical expertise with business acumen, helping organizations translate emerging technologies into measurable outcomes.
A recognized thought leader and frequent speaker on AI adoption, Greg is passionate about making advanced tools practical, approachable, and empowering—especially for small and mid-sized organizations.
Tina C. Yuille
Director of IT Operations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
Tina C. Yuille
Director of IT Operations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
Tina C. Yuille serves as the Director of IT Operations at CASE, where she helps lead impactful technology initiatives that drive efficiency, continuous improvement, and innovation across the organization. She leads launch efforts for new IT projects, including training staff to maximize adoption and effectiveness. Tina serves as the co-lead of CASE’s AI Working Group, guiding the organization’s exploration and implementation of artificial intelligence solutions, such as the XOP Internal Ticketing and Knowledge Management platform.
Tina’s journey at CASE began with overseeing the recognition awards program, followed by a stint in the President’s Office, where she managed strategic projects like the dues restructuring initiative. An experienced business process engineer, she previously held a senior consulting role at IBM and managed strategic partnerships at Goodwill Industries International.
Tina holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and is recognized for her expertise in leveraging business process improvement and technology to advance association and nonprofit goals.
A native Washingtonian and mother of a middle school debater, Tina enjoys DC’s weekend running races and loves building Smartsheet solutions to solve problems, streamline operations, and drive data-driven decisions.
Address
The Tower Club Tysons Corner
8000 Towers Crescent Drive
#Suite 1700
Vienna, VA 22182 United States
Parking
There is a multi-level garage adjacent to the building, marked “Towers Crescent Parking.” A designDATA greeter will be in the Tower Club lobby to provide you with a parking voucher upon arrival.
Elevator Instructions
From the main lobby of the building, you will take two elevators to reach the club: Take the first elevator from the 1st to the 14th floor, exit, walk around the corner, and take the second elevator to the 17th floor. Signs will guide you, and the Tower Club concierge is available for assistance.
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