MaryBeth Anderson is the outgoing CEO of Holmes Corporation. She recently announced her pending retirement on December 31, 2024, after 24 years of service, including 10 years as CEO. Josh Slayton, currently serving as Chief Growth Officer, will succeed Anderson as CEO.
Twenty-four years can pass in what feels like the blink of an eye. As I prepare for retirement and reflect on my time at Holmes Corporation (HC), I’m struck by how much has changed in professional education since I first walked through these doors—and yet how our core mission has remained steadfast: helping professionals advance in their careers.
The Journey
When I think about my journey at HC, I don’t immediately think about the numbers—though helping more than 2 million professionals advance their careers is certainly something our entire team can be proud of. Instead, I think about the moments that defined us: the partnerships we forged, the challenges we overcame together, and the lives we’ve touched along the way.
I remember the early days of digital transformation, when we began reimagining how certification preparation could work in an online world. I think about how we pulled together during the 2008 financial crisis, finding innovative ways to support our partners and their members. And of course, I’ll never forget how our team pivoted during the pandemic, ensuring that professionals could continue their learning journeys even in unprecedented circumstances.
Our Greatest Strength
What makes Holmes Corporation special is simple. It’s the people. Our success has always been built on relationships—with our amazing HC team, our trusted partners, and the professionals we serve. We’ve cultivated a unique culture here, one that values both excellence and humanity. It’s a place where people can bring their whole selves to work, where innovation thrives alongside compassion, and where we measure success not just in numbers but in lives improved.
I’m particularly proud of how we’ve maintained decades-long partnerships while continuously reinventing our approach to meet changing needs. This ability to honor our relationships while embracing innovation has been key to our longevity and success.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare to pass the torch to Josh Slayton, I’m filled with optimism about HC’s future. Josh brings not only extensive experience in education and training, but also a bold vision for where we can go next. His understanding of both technology and human-centered learning, combined with his commitment to our core values, makes him the ideal leader for this next chapter.
Under Josh’s leadership, HC will evolve from being not just a certification prep company but a comprehensive partner in professional development. His vision for technology-enabled, data-driven solutions that serve professionals throughout their career journey is exactly what the industry needs. And importantly, he understands that innovation must always serve our fundamental mission of helping people succeed.
A Foundation for Growth
Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunities for HC. Professional associations are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional education and workforce needs. With our technology, holistic end-to-end services, expertise, and partner relationships, we’re well-positioned to help shape the future of professional development.
I know that Josh and the team will continue to evolve our products and services, explore new ways to serve our partners, and find innovative solutions to workforce challenges. But they’ll do it while maintaining what makes HC special—our commitment to relationships, our focus on impact, and our people-first culture.
Gratitude and Looking Forward
As I prepare for my next chapter (which includes more time at the cabin with family and friends), I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who has been part of this journey. To our employees: your dedication, creativity, warmth, and compassion have made HC what it is today. To our partners: your trust and collaboration have enabled us to make a real difference in professional education. And to the professionals we serve: your success stories remind us why our work matters.
While leadership transitions mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, the story of HC continues. Under Josh’s leadership, with our talented team and strong partnerships, I know the best pages are yet to be written.
The future of professional development is bright, and HC is well-positioned to lead the way. While I’ll miss being part of the day-to-day journey, I’ll be cheering from the sidelines as Josh and the team take HC to new heights.
Thank you for 24 remarkable years.
