Cathy Birkholz
About Cathy Birkholz
Cathy Birkholz is a Learning Management Systems (LMS) Analyst with extensive experience in training process improvements and LMS support for over 14,000 learners. She holds multiple degrees in Communications, Design, and Educational Technology, and has worked in various roles within the learning and development sector.
Work at FINRA
Cathy Birkholz has been employed at FINRA as a Learning Management Systems (LMS) Analyst since 2023. In this role, she focuses on optimizing learning processes and enhancing user experiences within the LMS framework. Her responsibilities include managing LMS migrations and ensuring that learning materials are effectively transferred and accessible to users.
Education and Expertise
Cathy Birkholz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communications and Design from the University of Illinois Chicago, where she studied from 1984 to 1989. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Educational Technology (MSET) from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in 2009. Additionally, she earned a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Instructional Design (EMDT-MS) from Full Sail University between 2009 and 2011. Her educational background supports her expertise in instructional design and technology.
Professional Experience
Cathy Birkholz has extensive experience in the field of learning management systems. Prior to her current role at FINRA, she worked at CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. as a Learning and Development Consultant from 2017 to 2022. She also served as a Technical Training Manager at WPS Health Solutions from 2015 to 2017. Earlier in her career, she was a Senior Applications Instructor at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Wisconsin from 2011 to 2012. Her roles have involved providing Tier-2 LMS support for over 14,000 learners.
Certifications and Specializations
Cathy Birkholz holds a CTT+ certification, which emphasizes the ability to make complex technology topics engaging and interactive. She specializes in configuring and maintaining Cornerstone SBX (Saba Cloud LMS) and Degreed LXP platforms. Her skills in automation and data integration initiatives have led to significant improvements in training processes.