Jess began her career in recruitment, quickly landing in the manufacturing industry. Shedeveloped her career in talent management, with a strong focus on workforce development. In hercurrent role as Director of Talent Management, she is responsible for workforce development, DE&I, and talent acquisition. For more than a decade, Jess has spoken at various engagements on attracting, retaining, and developing talent, encouraging employers to do their part building, and strengthening the workforce of Illinois. Jess has worked closely with the states’ IWIB committees, currently serving as Co- Chair of the Business Engagement Committee, and in 2023 receiving a governor appointed board position on the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board. She has served on multiple industry association boards, now the Education Foundation board with TMA, and the national workforce committee with PMMI. Her career has been built and advanced from a passion for attracting, developing, and advancing the workforce across the manufacturing industry. She holds a Master’s in Communication from Purdue, a Bachelor’s in Marketing from the Art Institute, and multiple certifications including, but not limited to, Hogan Inventories, Myers Briggs, and Emotional Intelligence facilitation.Jess possesses a unique blend of expertise that bridges the gap between strategic business promotion and effective interpersonal connections.