Ailea succeeds Jonathan Darling, who served as TRG’s CEO for 17 years. Jonathan joined TRG in 1995 as Director of Business Development and was elected by shareholders to serve as CEO starting in 2007. In close collaboration with other TRG employee-owners, he has guided the company through times of significant growth and change while sustaining constant attention to TRG’s values and culture. Jonathan’s 17 years of experience stewarding our company will be leveraged within TRG as he transitions to Senior Technical Advisor and continues to support the success of TRG’s staff and clients.
“I am very excited to welcome Ailea Sneller as our next CEO,” Jonathan stated. “Ailea has demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique, value-driven culture we have cultivated at TRG over the past 50 years. She also brings extraordinary vision, fresh ideas, business acumen, and a leadership style that will allow us to evolve and have even greater impact in the coming years.”
An executive leader and business development expert, Ailea Sneller has 18 years of experience in international development and government contracting. In her previous role as Vice President for Business Development at Creative Associates International, Ailea managed the development and execution of new business strategy and successfully led complex change management and organizational redesign initiatives. Prior to Creative, Ailea worked at DAI for seven years in a range of business development and project management roles, including the launch and leadership of a new department responsible for business development. She began her career in international development at the Academy for Educational Development (AED), supporting field programs to strengthen democracy and civil society around the world. Subsequently at FHI 360, Ailea cultivated her passion for business development, organizational development, and strategy as a Program Manager in its Civil Society and Peacebuilding Department. Earlier in her career, Ailea worked as a journalist, an assistant at a domestic violence shelter, and a special education teacher’s aide.
“What drew me to TRG was its focus on supporting the organizations and leaders that work to realize positive change in the world. To me, there is no more transformative or impactful work than strengthening those individuals and systems to do what they do best. What made me fall in love with the place was the strength of its culture and values. It truly is alive with joy and brimming with optimism. There’s really nowhere else like it in our industry,” Ailea said.
With nearly two decades of experience in a range of management and organizational development work, Ailea brings a wealth of knowledge that will help us solidify our position as an industry leader and effectively implement TRG's 2030 vision. Her appointment comes at a crucial juncture for our company as we reaffirm our commitment to our vision, values, and mission to help our clients create positive change in the world.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve TRG and its mission in this leadership role,” Ailea said. “I am amazed by the vibrancy and passion that is so evident throughout the organization. TRG’s unique culture and values set it apart as a very special place in our field. And its reputation for excellence in delivering value for clients is second to none. We have an extraordinarily bright future ahead of us together, and I’m so looking forward to being a part of this next stage of TRG’s journey.”
Under TRG’s unique employee-ownership model, we recognize that our company is our creation. Its stewardship and resilience rest in our shared leadership and ownership at all levels of TRG. As our new CEO, Ailea's vision for the future, strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and dedication to fostering a culture of authenticity and engagement align perfectly with the values that are at the heart of TRG.
Ailea will work closely with TRG’s Leadership Team to guide the company in strategic and operational planning, manage achievement of the company’s goals and objectives, and continue to strengthen TRG’s culture of care and compassion, shared ownership, and unparalleled technical expertise to help our clients to create positive change in the world.
About Training Resources Group, Inc.
Training Resources Group, Inc. (TRG) is an employee-owned small business located in Arlington, Virginia. Since its founding in 1973, TRG has grown steadily in size and in our professional capabilities. TRG has worked in over one hundred countries providing learning, organizational development, capacity building, knowledge management, and communications services to clients in large and small corporations, international organizations, federal agencies and non-profit organizations.
