Adele Cook

A Bit About Adele

Adele R. Cook is a seasoned learning and organizational development executive with over 25 years of experience driving workforce transformation and performance improvement in the public sector. She serves as Chief Learning Officer for the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), where she leads enterprise-wide strategies that strengthen talent development, leadership capability, and organizational effectiveness for a large, mission-driven workforce.

In her role, Adele oversees comprehensive learning and development programs, aligning training initiatives with organizational goals and measurable outcomes. She is known for implementing innovative, data-informed learning strategies that enhance employee engagement and performance at scale.
Adele’s key achievements include leading large-scale workforce development initiatives, expanding enterprise learning capabilities, and improving program quality and efficiency across the organization. She has successfully championed leadership development programs, increased engagement in professional learning, and strengthened organizational performance through continuous improvement approaches.
Adele is currently implementing generative AI for instructional design, leading the implementation of the State’s new learning management system within DES, and solidifying an inclusive, learning-forward culture for the organization.

A passionate advocate for servant leadership with a unique leadership point of view, Adele brings a collaborative, strategic mindset and is committed to fostering inclusive environments where individuals and teams can thrive and deliver meaningful impact.