NYCETC Launches Advisory Council to Advance its Mission to Drive Workforce Development Innovation in NYC

The Advisory Council will provide strategic guidance and foster partnerships to enhance job skills and equitable workforce opportunities for New Yorkers

NEW YORK, NY, January 16, 2025—The New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC) proudly announces the formation of its new Advisory Council, a strategic body dedicated to supporting NYCETC’s mission of advancing workforce development and economic mobility across New York City. This Advisory Council will support the efforts of the NYCETC staff and Board of Directors to address critical workforce challenges and shape policies that support the city’s evolving employment landscape.

“Our city stands at an important juncture where bold, collaborative action can unlock unprecedented pathways to economic mobility for all New Yorkers,” said Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. “With this Advisory Council, we are bringing together leaders whose commitment to equity and innovation will help build a stronger, more inclusive workforce system. Their expertise and vision – along with the remarkable leadership and commitment of the NYCETC Board of Directors – will be instrumental as we collaborate across sectors—from education and industry to public service and community organizations—to forge new, sustainable opportunities for every New Yorker.”

Join NYCETC in welcoming their 2025 Advisory Council:

“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve on the advisory council,” said Dara N. Byrne, PhD, Dean & Professor of Communications, Macaulay Honors College (CUNY). “I am passionate about data-driven strategies and aim to support NYCETC’s efforts to drive impactful, sustainable workforce development. Through collaborative efforts and an emphasis on measurable outcomes, we can empower individuals while promoting economic mobility, strengthening communities, and contributing to a more resilient New York.”

“I am thrilled to join the NYCETC Advisory Council to explore the ways we can create a more seamless talent development pipeline in NYC, starting with innovative education models and ending with a robust, talented, and fulfilled labor force,” said Jessica Bynoe, President, PENCIL. “In particular, we must ensure young people have awareness and access to the infinite career pathways that fuel this city. To do that, we need more strategic partnerships that support career-connected learning and early entry into high-growth, high-wage industries. I look forward to working with this advisory council and the rest of the NYCETC community to create the connections necessary to accomplish this.”

“I believe that workforce development is more than job training—it’s the foundation of an inclusive economy, preparing New York residents with the tools they need to succeed, adapt, and lead in a constantly changing job market,” said Sunil B. Gupta, Vice President, Adult Continuing Education & Workforce Development LaGuardia Community College, CUNY.

“The NYCETC Advisory Council is an important step forward in the ongoing work to build strong cross-sector ecosystem partnerships to create the pathways and deliver on the promise to bring social and economic mobility to all New Yorkers,” said Douglas Harrison, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor, Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, NYU School of Professional Studies.

“As we plan for the future of work in NYC, having the voices of young New Yorkers at the table is essential,” said Mike Gross, Executive Director of Genesys Works NYC. “NYCETC recognizes that providing skills training and professional experiences for our soon-to-be high school and college graduates will keep our local workforce ready to advance the economic health and well-being of our city. Genesys Works NYC is proud to contribute the voices of our talented young professionals from historically marginalized communities to this work and to collaborate with stakeholders across industries to create innovative solutions.”

“At Leap Fund, we’ve seen how benefits cliffs, and the lack of transparency around how new job income can impact someone’s public benefits, create barriers to employment,” said Shoshana Marder, Executive Director, Leap Fund. “NYCETC is such an important convener, thought partner, and doer in the workforce development space, and I’m excited to help strategize how we can make real change to remove these barriers to economic mobility in NYC.”

“NYCETC is a joyous sandbox for a workforce provider and policy wonk like me. It is an honor to advance a more inclusive workforce alongside such a talented group of like-minded professionals,” said Joseph T. McDonald III, President of External Affairs for the Institute for Career Development. “I look forward to working with the NYCETC Advisory Council on increasing dedicated workforce programming for students with disabilities in high school transition, growing the practice of skill-based hiring by providing people with disabilities with pathways to earn the industry certifications New York’s employers are seeking, and expanding public and philanthropic partnerships to promote workforce proven practices and pilot programs alike.”

“As co-CEOs of a workforce development organization whose mission is to break cycles of poverty and inequity, we are thrilled to join other workforce leaders and the NYCETC in this critical work to establish policies, practices, and systems that lead to economic prosperity for all New Yorkers,” said Evelyn Ortiz and Greg Rideout, Co-Chief Executive Officers, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow.

“At Partnership for After School Education, we see our role as supporting the afterschool field as they facilitate the types of opportunities that New York City children and youth need to create the bright futures they deserve,” said Alison Overseth, Chief Executive Officer of Partnership for After School Education (PASE). “Workforce development is a big part of this – both in ensuring that the afterschool workforce is well-prepared and that young people have promising future career pathways. I am thrilled to join the NYCETC Advisory Board and to deepen PASE’s collaboration with other leaders who are committed to workforce development and equity.”

“I believe that economic mobility requires stakeholders with a cradle-to-career view of education, businesses that believe in social impact, and leaders committed to cross-sector strategic planning,” said Michael Partis, Executive Director, Red Hook Initiative. “One of the most important things I learned about systems was to invest in our communities in ways that make sense, not just ways that we think it has to be. I am dedicated to tackling injustice, creating change, and building community.”

“As we work to advance racial and economic justice at the Literacy Assistance Center, we find a shared mission with NYCETC in supporting New Yorkers facing economic barriers,” said Ira Yankwitt, Executive Director of the Literacy Assistance Center (LAC). “Language and literacy skills are essential for ensuring that economically marginalized New Yorkers can access workforce development programs and secure family-sustaining jobs. I look forward to bringing a literacy justice perspective to NYCETC’s work and am equally excited to learn from my NYCETC colleagues to strengthen the impact of our work at the LAC.”

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About the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

As the largest city-based workforce development association in the country, the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC) supports the workforce and economic development community to ensure that every New Yorker has access to the skills, training, and education needed to thrive in the local economy; and that every business is able to maintain a highly skilled workforce. Currently, more than 200 organizations are members of the NYCETC. These organizations are responsible for serving the needs of 200,000+ New Yorkers seeking access to education and employment opportunities each year. The primary recipients of services are women, young adults (18-24 years of age), public housing residents, justice-impacted individuals, and immigrants.

Press Contact

For more information, please contact press@nycetc.org or (646) 866-7097.