The Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (NNJ-ATD), an organization dedicated to workplace learning and performance for professional growth, recently appointed Maria Rivera as its 2026 board president.
A resident of Rockaway, Rivera serves as director of continuing education at Berkeley College.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maria Rivera as our new NNJ-ATD Board President,” said outgoing Board President Kristen Illes, founder and leadership growth advisor, 3D Leadership Solutions.
“Maria brings exceptional talent development expertise and a deep commitment to our Chapter’s mission of advancing learning and performance in the workplace. I am confident that under her leadership, our Chapter will continue to grow and provide outstanding value to our members and the broader Northern New Jersey talent development community.”
The NNJ-ATD offers educational programs, networking opportunities and other resources to its members. The Chapter is part of the International Association for Talent Development, the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals, with members in more than 100 countries.
As board president for the 2026 term, Rivera will provide vision, structure, culture and environment to the NNJ-ATD to meet its mission and goals while adhering to the bylaws of the organization and the laws of New Jersey.
“As director of continuing education at Berkeley College and incoming president, I am thrilled to continue collaborating with the Board and Chapter members to build a dynamic, innovative and inclusive organization that advances talent development and provides value to every member,” said Rivera.
“As we move forward together, I am energized by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Rivera has more than 10 years of experience in higher education, training and development, management, sales and technology, project management, web development and video production.
She leads Berkeley College Continuing Education efforts for professionals seeking to advance in their careers or transition into new careers by enrolling in flexible Continuing Education courses and certificate programs.
Rivera holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Arts from Lehman College and a Data Visualization Certificate from the NYU School of Professional Studies. She is a certified New York State/New Jersey real estate instructor and a certified scrum master (CSM).
