Leadership Training and Development Consulting

Heidi Rivers Marshall, PhD, EdD, MFA,  is a highly accomplished professional with deep expertise in learning and development and a proven track record in leadership roles. She excels at translating operational needs into core competencies and scaffolded skills for training. In addition to her expertise in learning and development, Dr. Rivers Marshall has held several key leadership positions. As Associate Director of the National Center for Teaching and Learning at The Chicago School, she leads a team of over 20 remote professional staff and graduate assistants, utilizing servant leadership principles. She successfully launched the Office of Student Writing and Learning as a national office, resulting in increased student usage of academic support services. Recognizing the need for AI literacy, Heidi spearheaded the institution's first Artificial Intelligence Committee to establish standards for AI in content development and curriculum integration. In her previous role as Coordinator of the Online Campus Writing Center, she directed tutoring services for online students, managing staff, resources, and budget, and collaborating with faculty to provide innovative support services.

Dr. Rivers Marshall also has extensive experience in course design, including developing and delivering enterprise-wide training initiatives for non-profit organizations, airport employees, and airline and concession partners. For example, she has developed courses on Forklift Safety, Snow and Ice Control, Active Shooter Awareness, Human Trafficking Awareness, Cityworks Technical Training, OSHA AWAIR Program, and Delivering Dementia-Friendly Customer Service, to name a few.

Dr. Rivers Marshall’s leadership extends beyond her formal roles. For example, she initiated the institution's annual Dissertation and Thesis Conference, addressing a gap in dissertation support, and serves as the Conference Chair. She established the Writing and Learning Center Collaboration Committee, promoting cross-institution learning and efficiency. Recognizing the need for early intervention strategies, she secured two $50,000 grants to develop and launch a directed self-placement program, benefiting hundreds of students.

Dr. Rivers Marshall is a strong advocate for her team and actively participates in committees such as the Learning Commons Task Force, Academic Affairs Leadership Council, and the Council for Undergraduate Education. She stepped up to chair The Chicago School’s Interprofessional Education Conference, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary healthcare education. Dr. Rivers Marshall is also a published author and presenter, with a focus on leadership, women in leadership, academic literacy, and student success. Her research explores the value of organizational leadership in evolving third spaces.

Her dedication to learning and development is further evidenced by her role as Master Coach and Manager of Educational Quality at 261 Fearless, Inc., where she led national and international Train the Trainer programs, developed quality assurance protocols, and created learning application evaluation criteria. Dr. Rivers Marshall’s comprehensive experience in learning and development, coupled with her demonstrated leadership abilities, makes her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to enhance its training and development initiatives.