The problem investigated in this qualitative exploratory case study was the unpreparedness of corporate instructional designers to handle the COVID-19 pandemic pivot from in-person to remote learning delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine instructional designer readiness by exploring how they experienced pandemic adjustments and gathering recommendations for future crisis work. The design included data collection through semi-structured interviews and one focus group. Purposive sampling of individuals working in the security directorate of a national laboratory in the Pacific Northwest United States resulted in 15 eligible participants. Nine interviews were completed; five individuals participated in a follow-up focus group. Data analysis resulted in six themes aligned with the three research questions. Themes aligned with Research Question 1 regarding instructional designers' experiences were the impact of pre-pandemic adoption of distance learning strategies and the regular flexibility required in their jobs. The two themes aligned with Research Question 2 concerning crisis preparation were instructional designers' mixed reactions to pandemic-related changes and recognizing their unplanned readiness to be crisis problem solvers. The two themes aligned with Research Question 3 regarding future crises highlighted the lack of post-pandemic product sustainability and future crisis planning. Implications include the need to develop educational disaster training for instructional designers, for employers to continue using alternative work arrangements, and for instructional designers to be involved in crisis planning. Future research could be performed regarding the impact of professional longevity on pandemic experiences, comparing how well-prepared instructional designers believed they were based on the size of their organizations and within their relative work sectors, and the differences and impact in organizational crisis response and the support provided to designers within and between sectors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]