Maria Rivera, Director of Continuing Education at Berkeley College, has been appointed as the 2026 Board President of the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (NNJ-ATD). The organization focuses on workplace learning and performance to support professional growth.
The NNJ-ATD is part of a global association with members in over 100 countries and provides its members with educational programs, networking opportunities, and other resources. As Board President for 2026, Rivera will be responsible for guiding the chapter’s vision, structure, culture, and environment to achieve its mission and goals.
“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,” said former Board President Kristen Illes, Founder and Leadership Growth Advisor at 3D Leadership Solutions.
Rivera has more than a decade of experience in areas such as higher education, training and development, management, sales and technology, project management, web development, and video production. She leads efforts at Berkeley College Continuing Education that help professionals advance or transition into new careers through flexible courses and certificate programs.
“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,” Rivera said. “As we move forward together, I am energized by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Her academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix; a Bachelor of Arts from Lehman College; a Data Visualization Certificate from NYU School of Professional Studies; certification as a New York State/New Jersey Real Estate Instructor; and Certified Scrum Master status.
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) represents employers across many sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale trade, contracting services—and serves as one of the largest statewide employer associations in the country. It also promotes business success by offering information services to its members while facilitating collaborations among businesses government academia (source).
