About

More information than you'd ever want to know about Ron Culberson

ExperienceSocial Worker - Manager - Leader - EMT - Firefighter

Funny speaker Ron Culberson began his career by serving people at the end of their lives as a home care social worker at Hospice of Northern Virginia (now Capital Caring).  After several years, he became Manager of Counseling Services where he ultimately supervised a large department of social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors.  Ron’s goal was to develop an excellent department of clinicians and to encourage his staff to find balance in the serious work they were doing.

Ron eventually became the Director of Quality Service, a senior management position.  After being trained at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, he developed and managed the first quality improvement and customer service program for Hospice of Northern Virginia.  This program was instrumental in training staff in customer service, implementing a process improvement program, and preparing the organization for accreditation.

In 2020, Ron went back to “school” and became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In 2022, he became a certified firefighter. He serves his local community through Wintergreen Fire & Rescue and Nelson County Emergency Medical Services.


“Ron Culberson ranks among the very best speakers that I have had the pleasure of meeting. He provides a refreshing educational experience that draws attendees in and keeps them engaged.”

-Pamela Truscott, MSN, RN, VP of Professional Development, Nebraska Healthcare Association


Picture of Ron Culberson delivering a keynote address

AuthorWriter - Columnist - Blogger

Ron Culberson is the author of four books:

Ron is a contributing author for:

Ron has written for the Huffington Post, The Herndon Observer, patch.com, and numerous other magazines and journals.

“I have seen Ron speak on two occasions. The first of which was to our leadership team and owners of our franchises. His message was heard loud and clear and received the greatest feedback to date for a guest speaker. Even more importantly, I have witnessed our leadership put his message into action—the ultimate compliment to a speaker.”

– Laura Smith, General Manager, Windermere Real Estate Co, Northwest, Inc.

Hall of Fame SpeakerHumor, stories, and a powerful message

Image of CSP Designation

Ron Culberson has been speaking professionally since 1996 and has presented programs to more than 260,000 people in over 1,300 organizations. In 2001, he received the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA). The CSP is their highest earned designation and is based on expertise, quality, business success, and professional ethics. In 2014, Ron was inducted into NSA’s CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame®. This prestigious award is given to individuals who excel in the following seven categories: material, style, experience, delivery, image, professionalism and communication. To date, only around 250 men and women have been inducted into the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame®.

Image of CPAE Award
Picture of Ron Culberson delivering a keynote address

“Ron received a standing ovation from our audience of business leaders. His talk was heart-felt, entertaining, and inspired. Ron really connected with the audience and delivered a talk that engaged everyone. Ron also brought messages that resonated on a business and personal level, giving all of us a healthy dose of laughter, inspiration and a reminderto ‘make it fun’.”

—Jacki Hallerbach, Executive Director, WIN


FunnyA nationally known humor expert

Ron is funny.  Period.

But he also knows about the mechanics of humor. Ron has been studying and teaching about the benefits of humor since 1984. In fact, his graduate thesis focused on the relationship between humor and depression. Ron believes that there is much more to humor than a punchline and that when coupled with a foundation of excellence, humor can help us manage stress, reduce conflict, become more creative, improve problem solving, and ultimately achieve a higher level of productivity and contentment in life and work.  He not only teaches this concept, his presentations demonstrate the value of humor through hilarious illustrations, stories, and content.

“Your presentation was exceptional. The feedback is unanimous. You were outstanding! Sharing your personal experiences in working with the aging community struck a chord with all of our associates and your message to approach life with humor is one that we all need to follow.”

—Diane Edwards, Senior VP of Operations, Shelter Properties, LLC

VolunteerA commitment to community service

Ron believes in volunteerism and spends a significant amount of time serving his community. He participates on a number of boards and committees, cuts wood for disadvantaged families, drives an ambulance, and emcees recognition events in addition to other volunteer roles. Also, Ron has chaired committees, run fundraisers, and was president of a national association board. The following are a few organizations in which Ron has served:

National Speakers Association (2012-2013 National President)

Wintergreen Fire and Rescue (EMT, Firefighter, and Board Member)

Jefferson Area Board for Aging

UVA Club of Charlottesville

Rotary International, Herndon, VA Club (Board Member)

Rotary International, Abingdon VA Club

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Capital Caring

Vienna Presbyterian Church

Rockfish Presbyterian Church

The Art Gliner Center for Humor Studies

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia

The Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic

Habitat for Humanity

Miriam’s Kitchen

Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity