Jennifer Thornton Email & Phone Number

Greater Seattle Area

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Executes the strategic direction of the Business-Higher Education Forum - the nation’s oldest membership organization of Fortune 500 CEOs, college and university presidents, and other leaders dedicated to the creation of a highly skilled future workforce.• Leads BHEF members work to increase education and skills attainment, improve alignment between higher education and talent development, and prepare diverse, highly skilled graduates ready to meet industry demand.• Supports strategy development for the Board of Directors, fundraising, and providing reports to BHEF members and collaborators.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

 Established the Capital CoLAB, an action-oriented partnership of university presidents and CEOs in DC, Maryland and Virginia designed to develop the talent needed for the digital technology jobs of today and tomorrow. Partnered with industry experts and educators to design and launch Digital Tech Credentials, which are currently offered by universities throughout the region, and are recognized by businesses as a differentiator in hiring talent.  Secured a $2 Million grant from JPMorgan Chase to serve as lead business partner Talent Ready, an initiative developing information technology pathways for five school districts and community colleges.  Developed deep partnerships with businesses and educators. Routinely present to media, CEOs, and a broad array of partners and stakeholders.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

 Launched new initiative assessing how states use data to inform budget and policy decisions. Hired team members, managed research, and engaged in extensive stakeholder outreach. Published multiple briefs and national report.  Led Pew’s efforts to identify promising policies and practices for improving employment prospects of disconnected youth under WIOA. Conducted research and convened local, state, and national experts in youth employment. Cultivated relationships with policy makers, including participating in two small roundtable discussions at the White House.

 Convened leadership team. Supervised staff and promoted a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.  Managed $10 million in grant funding and contracts. Developed, executed, and provided oversight of WIA programs. Managed policy development and planning, focused on creating regional labor force solutions. Provided oversight of strategic initiatives providing high demand training opportunities and improving employment outcomes for veterans, families experiencing homelessness, individuals experiencing long-term unemployment, and youth.  Partnered closely with five community and technical colleges in Pierce County to develop sector-based and customized training programs. Worked with other workforce boards, service providers, community organizations and businesses to develop and implement high-quality workforce training programs meeting industry needs.

 Staffed Technology & Economic Development and Higher Education Committees: coordinated all committee work; drafted and analyzed bills and amendments; organized hearings and work sessions; and presented official non-partisan oral and written reports.  Enacted legislation included: creating the Opportunity Grant program for low-income and first generation college students; providing financial aid for part-time students; coordinating workforce and economic development; and providing dedicated funding and creating public-private partnerships for homeless programs.  Provided members with policy research and analysis. Developed and evaluated options, and wrote research reports, memoranda, and issue papers to assist House members in meeting their policy goals.

 Administered funds and oversaw performance for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) ($55 Million per year) and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) ($55 Million). Designed, recommended, and funded workforce initiatives. Managed 20 staff members and led teams in the areas of policy, system performance, and funds management. Managed the Washington Reading Corps program serving students in 23 counties. Developed statewide policies for WIA, ARRA and Trade Act. Served as division lead for legislature; wrote Employment Security’s recovery act plan. Coordinated agency’s economic development initiatives, partnered extensively with local areas and state agencies, and routinely represented Employment Security externally.

Olympia, Wa

 Administered funds and oversaw performance for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) ($55 Million per year) and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) ($55 Million). Designed, recommended, and funded workforce initiatives. Managed 20 staff members and led teams in the areas of policy, system performance, and funds management. Managed the Washington Reading Corps program serving students in 23 counties. Developed statewide policies for WIA, ARRA and Trade Act. Served as division lead for legislature; wrote Employment Security’s recovery act plan. Coordinated agency’s economic development initiatives, partnered extensively with local areas and state agencies, and routinely represented Employment Security externally.

Bachelor Of Science, Public Policy Analysis

Master'S Of Urban Planning And Policy, Community & Economic Development