Leaving Addie for Sam

Michael W. Allen is chairman and CEO of Allen Interactions, whose studios build universally acclaimed custom e-learning, provide strategic learning consulting, and train e-learning professionals in collaboration with ASTD. With a PhD in educational psychology from The Ohio State University, Dr. Allen has pioneered multimedia learning technologies, interactive instructional paradigms, and rapid-prototyping processes, bringing each forward into leading corporate enterprises. He is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, a popular conference speaker, and a prolific writer. In May 2011, he received ASTD's Distinguished Contribution to Workplace Learning and Performance Award. In May 2012, Allen was selected by The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) Advisory Committee as a recipient of the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Through a proven process and skills born from experience, Allen Interactions delivers exciting interactive solutions that enhance knowledge, skills, and performance. It is one of the most successful and highly regarded providers of custom e-learning, training, and consulting, with studios in Minneapolis, Tampa, and San Francisco. Richard H. Sites is the vice president of training and marketing at Allen Interactions, where he leads the strategic vision of Allen Interactions's custom development learning services, training and outreach, and authoring system, ZebraZapps. He also oversees the awareness of the company's advanced design and development approaches created by Michael Allen: CCAF-based design and the SAM process for iterative, collaborative development. Richard has more than 20 years of experience designing and delivering learning solutions to support improved workplace performance for many Fortune 500 companies in both academia and private industry. He has held the positions of vice president, client services and studio executive for Allen Interactions's Tampa studio. Richard travels the country speaking to groups and organizations on the value of SAM, the importance and power of engaging, performance-changing learning experiences, and other topics related to the design and development of high-quality training. He is the co-author of ATD's bestseller Leaving ADDIE for SAM and the Leaving ADDIE for SAM Field Guide. Richard holds a doctorate of education from the University of West Florida along with a master of education and a bachelor of business administration. He is also a frequent blogger on the Allen Interactions E-Learning Leadership blog.