The Central Valley Mother Lode Regional Directors (RDs) serve as strategic partners to business and industry, working closely with community colleges and regional stakeholders to strengthen the talent pipeline and expand work-based learning opportunities.
RDs proactively engage employers to develop partnerships that connect students with meaningful, career-aligned employment. By responding to significant labor market trends, encouraging active industry participation, and arranging funding, Regional Directors help build and scale initiatives across the region that increase student success and workforce readiness.
In alignment with the Strong Workforce Program metrics and the Vision for Success goals, Regional Directors:
Regional Directors bring business and industry expertise to their role and clearly articulate workforce priorities, ensuring colleges can respond effectively to employer needs. Through these partnerships, RDs help employers access skilled talent while strengthening career education programs across the region. Connect with our RDs for more information.
Gary has a Master’s of Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Agricultural Engineering and Technology. Gary has a passion for agriculture and manufacturing and is excited to support the region in building strong pathways to the workforce for the region’s employers, students, and colleges.
Smith, who holds a Master of Science in Aviation, works with business and industry, colleges, and other stakeholders to help create work-based learning opportunities for students. She also proactively engages industry with Consortium colleges to create initiatives that enable student employment.
Mary is a first-generation college graduate with a master’s in marketing management and a bachelor’s in international relations. Mary has experience setting up paid internships, creating work-based learning opportunities, coaching students on career readiness skills, and helping set up an Eastern Sierra K-16 Collaborative. Mary was born in Kern County and currently lives in Calaveras County. In her role, Mary will support the growth and strengthening of college to career pipelines to better prepare students to graduate with gainful employment to meet the needs of the workforce.
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