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If you’ve ever attended an ALTA meeting and walked away thinking, “That was thoughtful, well organized and genuinely meaningful,” there is a very good chance ALTA Vice President of Professional Development Deirdre Green played a role in making it happen. 

For more than 16 years, Deirdre has been a steady and trusted presence at ALTA. She brings people together and elevates ideas while ensuring learning opportunities truly serve the needs of ALTA members. Her work focuses on education, leadership development and service-oriented efforts across the association, all carried out with calm confidence and genuine empathy. 

Curating Learning That Matters 

Ask Deirdre what she enjoys most about her role and she will point to building programming for ALTA’s major meetings, including ALTA ONE and ALTA EDge. For her, professional development is not about filling agenda slots. It is about creating meaningful learning experiences that reflect the breadth of experience and knowledge within ALTA’s membership. 

“Our members are incredibly creative and bring a depth of expertise that makes building an agenda both rewarding and inspiring,” she said. “Seeing the program come together and contribute to the overall success of an event is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.” 

That fulfillment comes from extensive behind-the-scenes work. Deirdre manages faculty applications, collaborates across departments and helps shape sessions that balance strategy with practical takeaways. Colleagues frequently describe her as organized, thoughtful and patient. She handles high volumes of work with grace and clarity. 

There is one part of the job she admits she would happily delegate forever. Delivering difficult news when proposals are not selected can be challenging.  

“Those conversations are hard,” she said. “I find it difficult to disappoint members who have so much to offer.”  

That honesty reflects how strongly she values the people who contribute to ALTA’s education programs. 

Leading the Work Behind ALTA’s Good Deeds 

In addition to leading professional development, Deirdre oversees the operations of the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, a responsibility she carries with care and commitment. 

The Foundation was launched in 2020 under the leadership of Mary O’Donnell, whose vision helped shape an organization rooted in service, compassion and impact. Following Mary’s passing earlier this year, that legacy continues through the Foundation’s ongoing work and the steady leadership behind it. 

What began during a time of uncertainty has grown into a lasting force for good. In just five years, the Foundation has raised nearly $2 million and awarded more than $1.3 million to charitable organizations across the country, supporting communities and reinforcing ALTA’s commitment to giving back. 

Behind those numbers is significant operational work. Deirdre manages the Foundation’s day-to-day processes, ensuring grant applications are handled impartially, thoughtfully and with integrity from start to finish. Colleagues describe her as the person who keeps everything moving while remaining attentive to the people and communities the Foundation exists to serve. 

Balancing this responsibility alongside her professional development role is no small task. Deirdre approaches both with the same intention and dedication, helping ensure the Foundation continues to honor its mission while making a meaningful impact nationwide. 

A Leader People Trust 

Across ALTA, Deirdre is known as someone people trust instinctively. Teammates describe her as collaborative, reliable and consistently fair. If she says she will do something, it will be done and done well. 

As one team member shared, “Everyone can learn from Deirdre’s genuine compassion and the way she truly carries our members’ well-being in her heart.” 

“She is five steps ahead,” another colleague noted. Yet another added, “No matter how many projects or deadlines she is juggling, she handles them with patience, grace and a smile.” 

That steadiness makes her a grounding presence during ALTA’s busiest moments. During meetings and conferences, she is often among the last people working at the end of the day, making sure everything is ready for success the next morning. Despite managing what many jokingly refer to as two full-time jobs, Deirdre never makes the work feel heavy. Her warmth and inclusive nature set the tone for internal teams and volunteers alike. 

Giving Back, On and Off the Clock 

Deirdre’s commitment to service extends beyond ALTA. Outside of work, she volunteers with the Junior League of Hartford, an organization that has helped her build community in Connecticut while supporting women’s leadership development. 

When she is not working or volunteering, you will usually find Deirdre skiing, swimming, reading or spending time with friends and family.  

A Lasting Presence 

From education programming to charitable impact, Deirdre’s influence on ALTA is both wide ranging and deeply felt. She does not seek recognition. She shows up, delivers consistently and supports others in ways that make the organization stronger. 

One colleague described her as a “silent assassin,” not flashy but always ready to save the day. Another put it even more simply: ALTA is fortunate to have her. 

After more than 16 years at ALTA, Deirdre continues to lead with intention, kindness and an unwavering commitment to the association’s mission, strengthening not only how members learn but how ALTA serves and gives back.