Tracy Nelson

Tracy is a senior human resources and talent development executive with more than 30 years of business experience. She currently leads the Center’s full learning portfolio of talent development services including courses and certificate programs, coaching services, and organizational, leadership, and team assessment services. Tracy works directly with client organizations to understand their talent development needs and design solutions leveraging the full scope of talent and thought leadership from the University of Wisconsin faculty and beyond.

Tracy has been an active leader in her profession at both the local and national level. She was one of the first in the nation to earn the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance designation (CPLP) through the National Association for Talent Development (ATD), and served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin chapter of ATD including a role as President. She has been recognized for her leadership of an award winning learning function earning a national ATD BEST award honoring organizations demonstrating enterprise-wide success as a result of using talent development as a strategic business tool. Tracy was also twice featured in Training & Development magazine and serves as a national speaker sharing insights and best practices at learning and leadership development conferences.

In addition to her leadership at UW Center for Professional & Executive Development, Tracy serves as adjunct faculty in the MBA Strategic Human Resources Management program for Wisconsin School of Business and is currently Vice President of Community Outreach on the Executive Board of Directors for the Greater Madison Society of Human Resources Management.