Joining a new community can be daunting, especially for introverts, but for James Skee, stepping into the world of ATD Orange County (ATDOC) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As the chapter’s Chief Financial Officer, James has found unique ways to connect, grow, and give back. Here’s a look at his journey and the plans he has for the chapter.
For James, it all started with a desire to meet the local Talent Management community, connect with like-minded individuals, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth. Despite being a member of ATDOC since 2019, he did not actively participate until he began studying for his CPTD certification and joined the multi-chapter CPTD Study Group. That led to him becoming ATDOC’s Certifications Manager and chapter representative on that Study Group. But where his chapter membership really took off was at the 2023 International Conference & Expo (ICE) in San Diego.
“Being an introvert, large social gatherings aren’t my thing,” James admits. “But knowing a group from ATDOC was there made the whole experience much more enjoyable.” Seeing the friendly faces from ATDOC at the Conference helped him navigate the event and form meaningful connections.
“I think it’s fair to say that without ATDOC, my ICE experience would’ve been far less enjoyable, if not outright overwhelming,” James reflects.
Inspired by his positive experience, James became an active ATDOC member, expanding his service to the chapter by joining the Finance Committee under and then CFO Michele Bivens.
From there, James saw an opportunity to learn and apply skills and knowledge in ways that extend beyond his day job. This year, he joined the ATDOC Board, driven by a desire to give back and stretch beyond his comfort zone.
“As an introvert, coming out of my shell is a challenge,” he shares. “But representing the Chapter as a board member has actually made it easier. It’s kind of like the ‘act my way into right thinking’ approach—I can’t just hide in the corner anymore!”
When it comes to his vision as CFO, James is all about empowering members while ensuring the chapter stays financially strong.
“I’m here to support the Board with solid financial controls,” he says. “But I also want to create opportunities for members interested in the financial side of things to learn and get involved.”
For James, the ATDOC community is a place where members can connect with fellow L&D professionals, invest in themselves, and grow in ways they never thought possible—something he’s experienced firsthand.
James’ journey is a testament to the power of community and stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re an introvert like him or a seasoned networker, ATD Orange County offers a supportive space to learn, grow, and thrive. And with leaders like James at the helm, the chapter’s future is brighter than ever.
Ready to take your next step with ATD Orange County? Join the community and discover how you can connect, invest, and grow!
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