Don Toups

Background

About Don Toups

I am an innovative learning strategist and developer, team leader, learning management system (LMS) administrator, and de facto communications advisor. For 8.5+ years in the Learning and Organizational Development unit of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, I consulted with internal stakeholders regarding learning needs, developed learning solutions, led other development projects, and managed NREL’s Learning Management System (SAP SuccessFactors LMS). Prior to NREL, I worked for eight years in the aviation industry, in a small company I co-created (Aviation English Services) and at Jeppesen (a Boeing subsidiary that provides navigational services and products to airlines and pilots). Outside of work, I volunteer my time to advance the mission of Mountain Phoenix Community School in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, where I serve as Board President. The Board oversees the Director of Education and Director of Operations, creates school policy in collaboration with other stakeholders, manages the school budget, and cultivates relationships with Jefferson County School Board representatives to stay abreast of county and state education trends. When I’m not working or volunteering, I’m usually spending time with my family, enjoying the outdoors, or ferrying my two daughters between school, soccer practice, gymnastics, and violin lessons. I also speak Spanish reasonably well and can get by in French; I play the cello from time to time; and I know a thing or two about raising sheep and chickens.