Leigh Ann Cusack
About Leigh Ann Cusack
Leigh Ann Cusack is a Senior Product Manager at NWEA, specializing in Professional Learning. With over 15 years of experience in product management, she has a strong background in developing digital research and education products, having previously held various roles at Cengage Group.
Current Role at NWEA
Leigh Ann Cusack serves as the Senior Product Manager for Professional Learning at NWEA, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she focuses on developing and managing educational products that enhance professional learning experiences. Her responsibilities include overseeing product strategy and implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and advocating for user needs.
Previous Experience at Cengage Group
Leigh Ann Cusack has extensive experience at Cengage Group, where she held multiple roles over a span of 13 years. She served as Senior Director for Public, Consortia, and Cross-Market Initiatives from 2016 to 2021, and as Director of Product Management for Databases from 2012 to 2016. Earlier in her career, she was a Product Manager from 2004 to 2010 and a Project Editor from 1998 to 2004. Her work contributed to the launch of digital products that resulted in significant subscription revenue growth.
Education and Professional Development
Leigh Ann Cusack earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oakland University. Additionally, she completed the altMBA program, which focuses on leadership and management skills. This educational background supports her expertise in product management and strategic thinking.
Skills and Expertise in Product Management
Leigh Ann Cusack possesses over 15 years of experience in product management, specializing in digital research and education products. She is adept at full product lifecycle management, including product growth, maintenance, and sunset strategies. Her skills include UX Testing Methodologies and Competitive Analysis, enabling her to effectively assess market needs and user experiences.
Advocacy for Work/Life Balance and Mental Health
Leigh Ann Cusack advocates for work/life balance and mental health within her professional environment. She emphasizes the importance of these aspects in fostering a productive workplace. Additionally, she values career growth and actively seeks input from team members regarding product direction, promoting an inclusive and collaborative work culture.