Cristi Ford

Dr. Cristi Ford is the Chief Learning Officer at D2L, where she leads global strategy at the intersection of higher education and workforce development. In this role, she drives thought leadership, innovation, and partnerships that help institutions and organizations align learning with the demands of an evolving labor market.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to workforce readiness and access. As Senior Vice President of Training at NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered nonprofit, she led a national training division that served thousands of community development professionals annually, expanded online learning, and secured millions in grant funding to strengthen the sector. Earlier, at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), one of the largest institutions serving adult learners and military populations worldwide, she directed the Center for Innovation in Learning and Student Success. There she advanced applied research and new models of teaching and support that improved student outcomes and retention.

A recognized voice in online and workforce education, Dr. Ford has been honored as a 2021 Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Fellow—the organization’s highest professional distinction—as well as receiving the 2024 Mildred and Charles Wedeymer Award, recognizing her as an outstanding practitioner in distance education.

Across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, Dr. Ford’s mission is clear: to reduce barriers, expand access, and ensure that learning prepares individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.