IAOTP names Cohlene Heskey Top Senior Director of the Decade

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Cohlene Heskey at its awards gala in Miami, recognizing more than 16 years of leadership in human resources, talent strategy and organizational development. Heskey, a senior leader at FINRA and founder of Torch & Lead Consulting, will receive the distinction in December in New York City.

Why it matters: - IAOTP is giving Heskey one of its highest distinctions, a single-select recognition that can elevate her profile across human resources and leadership circles. - The honor reflects growing attention to executives shaping talent strategy, culture and leadership development inside large organizations.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Cohlene Heskey as Top Senior Director of the Decade. - IAOTP will honor Heskey at its annual awards gala in December in New York City at the Plaza Hotel. - The release also says IAOTP will honor Heskey at its annual awards gala in Miami. - Heskey currently serves as Senior Director of Organizational Development, Talent Management, and Culture at FINRA. - Heskey recently launched Torch & Lead Consulting, LLC, where she serves as CEO and founder.

The details: - Heskey has more than 16 years of leadership experience in human resources, talent strategy and organizational development. - At FINRA, Heskey leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on leadership, workplace culture, team effectiveness and integrated talent strategy for more than 4,000 employees. - Since September 2024, Heskey has overseen a team responsible for organizational development, talent management processes and strategic culture initiatives at FINRA. - From December 2021 to September 2024, Heskey was Director of Learning, Talent & Organizational Development at FINRA. - In that role, Heskey led leadership development programs, 360-degree feedback systems, enterprise mentoring strategies and team-building initiatives. - From December 2019 to December 2021, Heskey was Manager of Talent Management, Learning, and Culture at FINRA. - Her work has included organizational development, talent management, leadership development, change management, mentoring strategy, psychological safety and culture transformation. - Heskey has designed and delivered development solutions, implemented enterprise mentoring programs and facilitated leadership initiatives aimed at team alignment and individual growth. - Her experience has made her a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, HR leaders and cross-functional teams, the release says. - Heskey completed a Wharton Executive Leadership Program at Penn State and a Leadership Coaching Certification Program with Georgetown University. - Heskey is a doctoral candidate in business administration in human resource management and leadership development at Walden University. - She holds an MBA in banking, corporate finance and securities law from Walden University. - She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Monroe University. - Heskey holds certifications in Psychological Safety Practitioner, EQ-i 2.0, DDI, HBDI, Crucial Conversations, Hogan, Change Style Indicator and Navigator, and SIT Innovation Coaching. - She also holds additional certifications in conflict management and human resource management. - Heskey received Top Senior Director of the Year last year. - Earlier this year, she received The Empowered Woman Award. - This year, she will be considered for a feature in TIP Magazine. - Heskey attributes her success to perseverance, work ethic and mentors. - In her spare time, Heskey travels and spends time with her family. - Heskey says she hopes to keep inspiring and influencing people entering the field. - More information is available on Heskey's LinkedIn profile.

Between the lines: - IAOTP's recognition suggests the organization is spotlighting leaders who connect talent management with broader business performance. - Heskey's profile blends corporate leadership, executive coaching and academic credentials, which can strengthen her influence in professional development and leadership circles.

What's next: - Heskey is set to receive the award at IAOTP's December gala in New York City. - IAOTP says she will also be considered for a feature in TIP Magazine this year. - Heskey is likely to continue building Torch & Lead Consulting while leading organizational development work at FINRA.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is recognizing Heskey for sustained leadership in talent strategy, culture and organizational development, with a spotlight that reaches beyond FINRA into the broader executive development market.