2027 NCWE Board of Directors
At NCWE, we are building a vibrant community of educators, leaders, and professionals working together to drive positive change in workforce education. Our collective mission is to empower learners, foster innovation, and create lasting impact across communities and industries. Join us!
Dr. Tracy Kruse
Board President
Vice President of Development and External Affairs, Northeast Community College
Dr. Eric Heiser
Board President-Elect
Mott Community College
Dr. Jo Alice Blondin
Board Past President
Interim President, Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Robert Matthews
Vice President Finance
Vice President of Student, Academic, and Workforce Success, Mott Community College
Julie Parks
Vice President Programs and Engagement
Vice President Workforce Development, Spokane Colleges
Dr. Kevin Ratliff
Vice President Partnerships
Vice President for Partnerships, Workforce and Southern Campuses, Columbia State Community College
Ne’Keisha Stepney
Vice President Advocacy and Policy
Assistant Provost of Workforce Development, Waubonsee Community College
Paula Nissen
Board Past President
Vice President for Partnerships, Workforce and Southern Campuses, Columbia State Community College
Amanda Abens
Assistant Vice Chancellor
Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning, Pima Community College
Shannon Bryant
Executive Director
Workforce and Economic Development, Minnesota State
Ryan Davis
Executive Director
Machinists Institute
Dr. Johnny Hu
Vice President of Instruction
Machinists Institute
Dr. Amardeep Kahlon
Vice President, Education and Learning
Central New Mexico Community College
Dr. Tyjaun Lee
Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services
Metropolitan Community College KC
Sheridan Nixon
Director of Community Impact
Columbia Gorge Community College
Charles Sasaki
President/Superintendent
Columbia Gorge Community College
Dr. Kenneth Lawson
President
Columbia Gorge Community College
Dr. Michelle VanNoy
Director
Education and Employment Research Center, Rutgers University
Dr. Ken Warden
Commissioner of Higher Education
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
Teresita Wisell
Retired–Vice President Workforce Development & Community Education
SUNY Westchester Community College
Dr. Minah Woo
Vice President of Workforce, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships
Howard Community College
450+
Colleges engaged
5,000+
Network partners and members
30+
Years of leadership in workforce education
100+
Strategic partners
50
States and Guam served
800+
Participants NCWE annual conference and peer learning events
Join us in shaping the future of workforce education.
Whether you’re a practitioner, educator, industry partner, or policy advocate, NCWE welcomes your voice. Together, we can create pathways that empower learners, strengthen communities, and support a thriving, equitable future.
