C&L Spotlight

 Sandy Hogg, Manager of Business Development at ITS

How long have you been in the assessment industry?

• Since April of 2018, so 7.5 years

What led you to your current position as Manager of Business Development?

Like many in our industry, my path was not a straight line.

With a degree in Applied Linguistics, I began my career as a Project Manager in language services for a government subcontractor. A few years later, I moved into program management, where I discovered how much I enjoyed overseeing complex initiatives and driving outcomes. After six years, I was ready for something new. Although I loved working across languages and cultures, I recognized that my strengths in project and program management — organization, communication, and relationship-building — were skills I could apply in many industries.

When I began exploring opportunities in the Baltimore area, ITS piqued my interest. I was drawn to the idea of joining a technology company that values innovation and problem solving. Even more importantly, I was inspired by the broader mission of the assessment industry itself: helping people demonstrate their abilities, advance their careers, and create fairer opportunities. That alignment between innovation and impact is exactly what I look for in a career, and I quickly found ITS to be a place where I could grow and contribute meaningfully.

As a Program Manager, I spent several years supporting the operational success of client testing programs and developing a deep understanding of ITS software and customers. Eventually, I wanted to broaden my reach by working with more clients, using my storytelling and presentation skills, and drawing on my background in proposal writing. I approached ITS leadership about how I could contribute in new ways, and together we shaped a role on the Business Development team. It was a natural evolution, and it has turned out to be a great fit.

Today, I get to connect with new partners, share ITS’s story, and help shape solutions that make a real difference for test takers. It has been a fulfilling evolution, and I am excited for what lies ahead.

Tell us about your involvement with ATP:

• I’ve attended and presented at the ATP conference for many years and participate regularly in the C&L coffee chats. With some of my other volunteer roles winding down, I’m looking forward to finding new ways to contribute more within ATP.

What are the top 3 pieces of advice you would share for newcomers in the industry?

1. Build connections and get involved: Networking and volunteering may sound like two different things, but in this industry, they go hand in hand. Immerse yourself in the community. Get to know the organizations, the people, and the causes that drive our work. The assessment industry runs on volunteers, and by getting involved you not only expand your network, you help keep the gears turning.
2. Show up and participate: Attend the ATP conference and really engage in the sessions, especially the “Peas in a Pod” discussions. They’re a great way to both learn from others and share your own experiences. The more you contribute, the more you’ll get out of it.
3. Go take a test! Earn a certification or take a test yourself. There’s no better way to understand the people we serve than to literally sit in their seat. That perspective builds empathy and insight that will serve you throughout your career.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

• Free time is sort of an illusion when you have small kids, but -- I enjoy running for physical and mental health and chasing the occasional goal. I also enjoy hiking with my family and spending time outdoors whenever I can.