Shaping the Future of Workforce Development Leadership
WHO WE ARE
The Workforce Leadership Institute is dedicated to advancing professional and strategic leadership in workforce development. Through research, collaboration, and skill-building, we empower leaders and organizations to create resilient workforce systems that meet the evolving needs of businesses and communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of skill development, policy, and labor market trends, we equip professionals with the tools they need to drive meaningful change at the state and local levels.
WHAT WE DO
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We provide high-impact training, leadership development, and professional networking opportunities tailored for workforce professionals navigating complex labor market challenges.
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Our programs focus on in-depth research, study, and understanding of the policies, funding mechanisms, and economic forces shaping workforce development. Through comprehensive analysis and exploration, we equip leaders and organizations with the knowledge and insights needed to influence policy decisions and drive systemic change effectively.
The staff and Board of the WLI have decades of experiencing influencing and analyzing Federal and state legislation and regulation.
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From skill development to data-driven decision-making, we help organizations design and implement strategies that create adaptive and sustainable workforce solutions.
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Collaboration is key. We foster connections between public agencies, private businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to drive innovation and shared success in workforce development.
EVENTS
New Cohort
Coming Fall 2026
North Carolina State University
This course is co-presented through North Carolina State University and the Workforce Leadership Institute. Our mission is to deepen the understanding of skill development processes, governance and the leaders work in the creation of resilient workforce systems.
Lunch & Learn Sessions
Lunch and Learn Sessions are discussions hosted by WLI, where subject matter experts share timely insights on issues shaping the workforce system. These sessions provide a convenient opportunity for professionals to stay informed, exchange ideas, and gain practical knowledge on emerging trends, policies, and best practices within a collaborative, learning-focused environment.
The impact of emerging technology in the workforce system with Liz Hyman of XRA
Policy updates and implications with John Stanford of Prism Group
Ted Abernathy of Economic Leadership
Innovative Workforce Financing with Social Finance
New America on Workforce Pell
Must be a cohort graduate to join a session live! Contact us for more details on upcoming sessions. If you missed one of the previous sessions, you can access the webinars here.
Meet the Instructors
Ron Painter, Principal-Forbes Field Associates, llc (western PA)
Melanie Anderson, Senior Associate – Forbes Field Associates, llc (Washington, DC)
Dr. Sherre Utash, President – WSU-Tech (Wichita, KS)
John Stanford, Managing Partner – Novel Strategies (Washington, DC/Charlotte, NC)
Annie Izod, PhD, Executive Director – NCWorks Commission
Jake Segal, Managing Director – Social Finance (San Francisco, CA)
Erica Dickinson, Director of Customer Success – Lightcast (Moscow, ID)
Thomas White, Director/Economic Development Partnerships – NC State University (Raleigh, NC)
Charlie Terrell, Strategy Manager/Public Sector – Accenture (Arlington, VA)
Deborah Giordano, Founder – Giordano Consulting
Jonathan Guarine, North Carolina Dept of Commerce (labor market analyst)
Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director-Capital Area Workforce Development (Raleigh, NC)
Vince Ginski, Director of Workforce Competitiveness-North Carolina Chamber of Commerce (Charlotte, NC)
Stephanie Deese, Executive Director-North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards (Raleigh, NC)
John Quinterno, Founder & Principal-South by North Strategies, (Raleigh, NC)
Michael Walden, Ph.D., Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus NCSU and President of Walden Economic Consulting (Raleigh, NC)
Grace Moster, Manager Public Affairs-Novel Strategies (Washington, DC)
Todd Gustafson, CEO-Kinexus (Benton Harbor, MI)
Johnnie-Lyn Crosby, Director, Workforce & Industry Engagement-Transfr, inc (Spartenberg, SC)
Sam Meisenberg, Co-Founder-Study Snack (Washington, DC)
Jung Lee, C0-Founder -Study Snack (Washington, DC)
Greg Watkins, Director, Solutions Design & Delivery-JFF (Asheville, NC)
Andrew Clarkwest, Managing Director Employment and Economic Opportunities Program - American Institutes for Research (Baltimore, MD)
Sherazade Langlade, CEO- Workforce Professionals Training Institute (New York, NY)
CONTACT US
Have questions or want to learn more about how the Workforce Leadership Institute can support your workforce development initiatives? Whether you're interested in our leadership programs, collaboration opportunities, or upcoming events, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us today and let’s build a stronger, more resilient workforce together.