DIRECTIONS
Lauren Harbert
Hello LTEN community, and happyMay! This is always a special time of year for LTEN. As we step into May, we’re not just looking forward to warmer days and our upcoming LTEN Annual Conference — we’re also taking time to recognize and celebrate some of the incredible individuals who make LTEN the thriving, generous and passionate community it is.
Each year, we have the privilege of honoring our LTEN Members of the Year, individuals nominated by our staff and the LTEN Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment to the LTEN mission, their support of the learning community and their dedication to advancing excellence in life sciences training. I’m so pleased to introduce you to our 2025 LTEN Members of the Year: Chris Platanos and Sharon Lustig.
Director of Commercial TrainingAlnylam Pharmaceuticals
Platanos has been part of LTEN since 2008, when he transitioned into training after roles in teaching, sales and leadership. A natural educator and leader, he found a professional home in LTEN, one that’s allowed him to shape and influence the industry while giving back in meaningful ways.
Over the years, Platanos has served on multiple committees, including the Field Trainer Committee and the LTEN Advisory Council, and even helped guide the renaming of our organization from SPBT to LTEN. He’s been an award finalist multiple times, he’s a frequent contributor to LTEN Focus on Training magazine and he’s a familiar face at conferences as both a workshop facilitator and behind-the-scenes supporter of our charity initiatives.
For Platanos, motivation stems from a deep belief in the power of training to improve patient outcomes and elevate teams.
President and CEOCMR Institute
Lustig brings more than two decades of partnership, leadership and advocacy to LTEN. Since joining CMR in 1999, Lustig has been a steadfast presence at LTEN events, conferences and programs to continue building on the legacy of mentors like Jim Dutton and Michelle O’Connor.
Lustig’s contributions have touched every part of LTEN: serving on Focus magazine’s Editorial Board and helping launch the Ambassador Committee and the eLearning Lounge and advising as a current PIP Advisory Council member. She has led numerous workshops and webinars and serves as a connector between LTEN and the broader life sciences community.
Lustig’s advice? Start by connecting with the Ambassador program — share your journey and let others guide you into meaningful involvement. Her story is a powerful reminder of how mission-driven leadership can make a lasting impact.
Platanos and Lustig remind us that LTEN isn’t just an organization, it’s a community. It’s a place where careers are shaped, friendships are formed and passion meets purpose. We are so proud to celebrate them not only in this issue but throughout the year and onsite at the LTEN Annual Conference, July 28 to 31, in Aurora, Colo.
If their stories have inspired you — like they have many people in LTEN — consider this your invitation to get more involved. Whether it’s joining a committee, speaking at an event, contributing content or just reaching out to connect, there’s always room for your voice at LTEN. Volunteering brings more than the satisfaction of a job well done: Given how this industry is built on sharing best practices and supporting one another, you’ll play a part in the career advancement of more people than you’ll ever know. Ask Chris and Sharon — that’s a good feeling.
Please be a part of lifting one another up, championing learning and development and celebrating the incredible work we’re all doing in this field.
Lauren Harbert is executive director of LTEN. Email Lauren at lharbert@L-TEN.org or connect with her through linkedin.com/in/lauren-harbert-25373b35.
