Joel Ladd joined Maritime Institute in June 2025, bringing more than 30 years of experience designing and delivering effective learning solutions across academic, nonprofit, and corporate environments. Joel is known for combining strong business consultation with learner‑centered design to create training that is clear, practical, and performance‑focused. He is especially passionate about making complex content feel simple and actionable.

 

Throughout his career, Joel has specialized in learning experience design, leadership development, and performance consulting. His work includes eLearning, microlearning, instructor‑led and virtual instructor‑led training, blended programs, assessments, and performance support tools, with a consistent emphasis on visual clarity, accessibility, and measurable results.

 

Prior to joining Maritime Institute, Joel spent over a decade with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and previously served as Director of the Center for Student Development at Regent University, where he led comprehensive student training initiatives. He has also worked with Eastern Virginia Medical School, developing simulations and assessments to strengthen clinical communication skills.

 

Joel holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Eastern Nazarene College with additional coursework in Human Cognition and Industrial/Organizational Psychology and professional certifications in performance consulting, assessment design, human‑centered design, and virtual instruction. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with his wife, Rhonda, and enjoys good food, gardening, language learning, foreign travel, and dad jokes.