Marilyn Darling founded Signet in 1989 to conduct research and consulting in strategies for corporate learning. Beginning in 1997, Marilyn partnered with Charles Parry to conduct research on highly successful organizational learning and leadership practices, focused particularly on the After Action Review (AAR) as it is applied at the U.S. Army’s National Training Center, where it was created. The principles and tools of Emergent Learning spring from that research. Prior to founding Signet, Marilyn was president of Learning to Learn, Inc., which provided critical thinking skills programs to corporate and university clients. She serves on the Board of Visitors of James Madison College, a highly regarded college of public affairs at Michigan State University.

Charles Parry maps the tacit strategies of top performing teams and individuals, and leverages these insights for the benefit of clients. Charles is expert in building the AAR/Action Review Cycle into the operations of corporations. His success in translating research into practical applications began with pioneering work on skill development and peak performance strategies of elite athletes. It continues today in research on the leadership and improvement habits that create the conditions for organizations to thrive even in the face of world-class competition. He has taught change strategies to Six Sigma Black Belts, developed courses on topics such as Difficult Conversations, and advanced the skills of many hundreds of facilitators.

Colonel (Retired) Joseph A. Moore, Jr. commanded the 3,000 soldiers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the unit serving as the OPFOR (Opposing Force) at the National Training Center. All other Army brigades must fight against OPFOR in order to prove–and improve–their readiness. Joe led the OPFOR through an historic transition from replicating Soviet-style forces into flexible forces capable of winning in the fluid environments of Iraq and Afghanistan. His depth at the NTC included being an Observer/Controller on two tours, and Chief of Plans and Operations, developing and supervising the execution of the intense battle scenarios through which every visiting unit is tested and developed.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Mark Pires is an expert on the Army’s After Action Review methods for shaping teams into learning organizations. Mark has extensive expertise in mentoring up-and-coming junior leaders to achieve their maximum potential. Mark commanded an armor battalion consisting of 58 M1A1 tanks, 550 soldiers, 160 support vehicles, and equipment valued over $150 million. His postings included being Chief of Plans for an entire Army division. A 20-year veteran of the United States Army and West Point graduate, Mark's many awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit and five Meritorious Service Medals.

Jillaine Smith, a Signet Senior Associate, is helping Signet expand its services to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. While manager of programs at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, Jillaine worked with Marilyn Darling to introduce grantmakers to Emergent Learning and the power of peer learning and problem-solving. An experienced facilitator, Jillaine designs and leads strategic planning processes, retreats and workshops, and brings 25 years experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development and leadership coaching to her work. She is a published author on grantmaking, capacity building, community building, online civic engagement and strategic communications. Jillaine serves on the board of the International Education and Resource Network.