Lead statewide learning strategy, platform governance, enablement resources, and standards-based improvement for a professional learning ecosystem serving library staff across Massachusetts.
Hillary Washburn, EdD
Learning strategy | instructional design | workforce development
I lead learning systems, professional development strategy, and organizational improvement initiatives in mission-driven organizations. My work brings together platform governance, quality standards, workforce learning, and change leadership to build durable systems that help people do their work more effectively.
Selected Work

MLS Learning Hub
Built a statewide learning platform from the ground up with 378 courses, 1,700+ users, and WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility.

Competency-Based Learning Pathways
Designed a competency-based workforce learning framework with digital credentials and IACET-aligned structures.
2026
What Would You Do Tomorrow?
A scenario-vignette study of library workers' responses to intellectual freedom challenges. EdD, Plymouth State University, conferred May 2026.
eLearning
AI-Powered Scenario eLearning
Designed an applied AI learning experience that delivers real-time feedback and supports reflective practice.
for Learning Support
Custom GPTs for Learning Support
Developed purpose-built AI supports that extend institutional knowledge, documentation, and implementation capacity.
+ Change Management
Quality Framework and Change Management
Led a shift from informal training to standards-based professional development through quality systems and change leadership.
How I Work
I am most interested in using all available information to accurately diagnose workplace problems and design interventions that consider the whole system and deeply engage the people involved.
Strategy and systems
Learning systems, platform governance, quality frameworks, and thoughtful implementation.
Workforce development
Competency-based pathways, credentialing, professional learning design, and adoption support.
Organizational leadership
Change management, stakeholder alignment, vendor collaboration, and standards-based improvement.
Research and improvement
Mixed-methods research, evaluation, accessibility, and evidence-informed design decisions.
Experience
Built and launched the statewide LMS, established publishing and reporting structures, and developed the templates, documentation, and supports needed for consistent implementation.
Led educator learning and digital tool adoption, with a focus on practical implementation, accessibility, and instructional support during periods of rapid change.
Managed multi-institutional research operations, study design coordination, and publication support for projects focused on patient autonomy and communication.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education
Plymouth State University, conferred May 2026. Concentration: Curriculum and Instruction. Dissertation: What Would You Do Tomorrow? A Scenario-Vignette Study of Library Workers' Responses to Intellectual Freedom Challenges.
Master of Education, Digital Learning and Library Media
Plymouth State University, 2021.
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Granite State College, 2018.
Professional Development
Association for Talent Development (ATD)
Master Instructional Designer Designation (2024 to 2027). Evaluating Learning Impact Certificate (2024). eLearning Instructional Design Certificate (2024).
International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
Foundations of IACET Accreditation Workshop (2025). Open Digital Badge Workshop: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Badges (2024).
Additional Certificates
Applied Agile Project Management, MindEdge Learning (2025). Microlearning Certificate Program, Training Magazine (2023). OLC Instructional Designer Certificate, Online Learning Consortium (2022). Moodle for Educators, Moodle US (2023). Designing Scenario-Based Learning, LinkedIn Learning (2022).
Selected Research, Publications, and Service
Doctoral Dissertation
What Would You Do Tomorrow? A Scenario-Vignette Study of Library Workers' Responses to Intellectual Freedom Challenges. Plymouth State University, 2026.
Publications
Co-author, IACET white papers on artificial intelligence in continuing education and on quality-centered digital credentialing. Additional publications in patient decision aids, shared decision-making, and reproductive health.
Service
IACET AI in Learning and Development Task Force; IACET Open Digital Credentials Task Force; AECT Learner Engagement Division.
Connect
I welcome conversations about learning leadership, professional development strategy, accreditation and credentialing, instructional design, applied research and mixed-methods evaluation, performance consulting, and systems-level intervention design.