OUR TEAM

Tom Brooksher
President and CEO

Tom has more than 20 years of experience designing and developing learning programs and leading companies to execute them. He is an expert in distance learning for adults and has been involved in producing online learning programs for more than 10 years. He was the President and CEO at National Cable Television Institute, the largest provider of broadband technical training in the world, and led the company's conversion to a fully online delivery model. During his 12-year tenure at NCTI (which later became Jones/NCTI), Tom doubled the company's suite of products, created a custom services practice, and implemented an information tools business unit. Tom has always had a special interest in new, more effective learning methodologies that reduce learning time while increasing application and retention of knowledge and skills.

Rikki Lee
Project Director/Senior Instructional designer

A high school teacher by training, Rikki has more than 20 years of experience designing and developing adult learning and online learning programs and ensuring their effectiveness. As the former Director of Course Development and Production at NCTI, she either developed or managed the development of dozens of successful corporate training programs. During her extensive career, Rikki has also been a professional writer, editor and trainer for various businesses and publications. She holds an M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of New Orleans.

Michelle Brooksher
Director of Certification Programs and Project Manager

Michelle is responsible for the production of education-driven certification programs for industries and associations, as well as assisting in project management for Zipline's clients. She has nearly 10 years of expreience in program development and management in the learning industry, including as a program manager involving the planning, creation and ongoing administration of a multi-million dollar national project. Michelle has also a sales background, specializing in the telecommunication and call center industries. She has degrees in Communications and Applied Information Technology.

Mike Towse
instructional technologist

Mike is an award-winning e-learning technical specialist and multimedia developer. He has developed online learning programs in areas as wide ranging as healthcare, pharmaceuticals and Electronic Performance Support Systems (for the Navy). He has extensive experience in scenario-based learning programs and technical efficiency in HTML, ASP, CSS, JavaScript, Flash, Captivate and many other learning technology tools. Mike has a degree in Art and Communications Design.

Gary Troutman
instructional DESIGNER/project manager

Gary is an instructional designer and project manager in the corporate learning space. In addition, he has more than a dozen years of experience as a department chair and faculty member, including being recognized as Faculty Member of the Year. His many specialties include course design and development, project management, financial analysis, manufacturing, electronics, small business development, client services management and process improvement. He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a degree in Electrical Engineering.