Employee Spotlight: Linsey Ward and Gena Collier Empower Growth Through Learning and Connection

In a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment, professional growth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Linsey Ward, Manager of Training and Development, understands this well. For Ward, nurturing employees’ growth isn’t just about offering development tools; it’s about fostering an environment where people feel equipped, confident, and ready to tackle the challenges they face every day.

"Professional growth and development empower City employees to enhance their skills, stay motivated, and remain adaptable in a constantly evolving workplace," Ward said. "When we invest in our employees and give them the space to learn and grow, we’re ultimately investing in the success and future of our city."

Ward, who works closely with Gena Collier, Training and Development Analyst, to shape impactful learning opportunities, believes that professional development is not just about building skills but also about creating lasting connections across departments. Their work focuses on helping employees grow both as professionals and as individuals.

The City of Toledo supports this growth through a variety of initiatives, including the Supervisor and Emerging Leader Training Series and customized department-specific training. "These programs provide employees with the tools to lead with confidence and drive performance, which strengthens our teams and improves service delivery," Ward said.

With the recent introduction of Developmental Grants, employees now have access to external training opportunities, further enhancing their learning experience. Ward emphasized that flexible development options cater to the diverse needs of the workforce, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their role, has the chance to succeed.

"Continuous learning is key to employee performance and satisfaction," Ward said. "When employees feel engaged and supported in their development, it creates a positive ripple effect that benefits the entire organization. It’s not just about skill-building—it’s about creating a culture where employees are motivated to grow and contribute at their best."

For Gena Collier, mentorship and coaching play a critical role in this growth. Collier believes that guiding employees through their development journeys is essential to their success and the city’s overall impact. "Mentorship helps build trust, fosters reflection, and creates a space for mutual growth," Collier said. "It’s about empowering individuals to see their potential and supporting them every step of the way."

Collier’s experience with mentorship has proven invaluable, and it’s a philosophy she and Ward continue to instill in their training programs. "When employees are supported in their learning, they gain confidence and a stronger sense of purpose," Collier said. "That confidence translates into better job performance and increased satisfaction."

Ward’s passion for adult learning, honed through her background in training and development, continues to fuel her drive to create meaningful, tailored programs. "It’s incredibly rewarding to see employees gain clarity about their career goals and feel more confident in their roles," she said. "We’re not just building leaders—we’re building relationships that last."

At the heart of Ward and Collier’s work is a deep belief in the power of lifelong learning. For them, fostering a culture of growth isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to building a brighter future for both employees and the City of Toledo.

Through their efforts, Toledo’s workforce continues to evolve, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow with knowledge, leadership, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

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