LAUREL, MD, July 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cohlene Heskey has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Hailing from a storied career of over 20 years in learning, leadership and organizational development, Ms. Heskey is the senior director of organizational development and talent management at the Financial Regulatory Industry Authority (FINRA). Her efforts have significantly increased the number of solutions offered annually, customizing approaches to support leaders through change and team development. She has enhanced talent review processes and succession management in the organization, creating efficiencies and operationalizing talent practices strategically aligned to enterprise goals. Additionally, she leads a psychological safety campaign that has led to internal certifications for psychological safety and a community of practice. She has fostered a welcoming work environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Consequently, her team's active engagement and retention have increased, building on the brand and credibility of a highly effective team, reflecting her renowned leadership qualities.

Before ascending to her current position at FINRA, Ms. Heskey was the company's director of learning, talent and organizational development from 2021 to 2024 and the manager of talent management, learning and culture from 2019 to 2021. Previously, she worked as a senior manager of leadership and organization development at Inova Health System from 2017 to 2019. During her time at Inova, she developed a comprehensive leadership competency framework, establishing a robust performance management system, and launched a cultural transformation initiative in collaboration with Partners in Leadership for 17,000 employees. She has also led the implementation of leadership development programs such as Delivering the Difference, Pathways to Leadership, and Aspire to Lead, all essential in building leadership effectiveness and encouraging professional growth.

Earlier in her journey, Ms. Heskey served as a learning and development business partner at Engility Corporation from 2016 to 2017 and as a senior talent management consultant at UDig from 2015 to 2016. Her career began with roles such as classroom learning and logistics manager at International Capital and Management Company from 2010 to 2012, finance and administrative assistant at Kipcon Metro LLC from 2008 to 2009 and onsite supervisor at Chart One Inc. from 2004 to 2008. Each of these roles allowed her to develop her skills as a leader who guides others through emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.

Before venturing onto her vocational path, Ms. Heskey earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and management from Monroe University in 2004, followed by a Master of Business Administration in banking, corporate finance and securities law from Walden University in 2010. Determined to expand her knowledge further, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration focusing on human resource management and leadership development at Walden University.

To augment her qualifications in leadership and management, Ms. Heskey is certified as a Psychological Safety Practitioner by Aristotle Performance, an EQi 2.0, HBDI, Crucial Conversations, Change Management, and Innovation Coach. She holds several additional certifications in conflict management and human resources. Furthermore, she is currently pursuing an ACC-ICF certification at Georgetown University. She is a member of the Project Management Institute, the Association of Training and Development, the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), and the Society of Human Resource Management to stay aware of the latest developments and best practices within her field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Heskey is an active volunteer during her annual month of service and, as part of her civic duty, gives back to organizations such as the Columbia Community Center and Montgomery County Public Schools. Ms. Heskey was recently awarded "Top Senior Director of the Year" 2025 from IAOTP. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her son, and learning about new cultures, arts, and music.

Looking ahead, Ms. Heskey plans to increase her public speaking endeavors and publish her first book, tentatively titled "Into the Gray: An Exploration of Success in Unseen Spaces." Additionally, she aims to establish her consulting firm centered around organizational development and leadership coaching. Her previous accomplishments and future goals are marked by a dedication to continuous learning and an unwavering commitment to nurturing positive change within the workplace.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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