NEW YORK, NY, June 26, 2025 —The New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC), representing more than 220 workforce development and training providers, today announced the election of a new slate of Board Officers who will guide the organization’s governance and strategic direction. Together, they will help advance NYCETC’s mission to expand access to quality jobs and economic mobility for all New Yorkers.
The newly elected leadership includes:
Co-Chairs
- Leslie Abbey, Chief Executive Officer, Hot Bread Kitchen
- Christopher Watler, Executive Vice President, Center for Employment Opportunities
Co-Vice Chairs
- Kalilah Moon, Executive Director, Drive Change
- Debbie Roman, Managing Director, Per Scholas
Treasurer
- Valerie Payne, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together NYC
Secretary
- Paula Bailey, Executive Vice President, Grant Associates
At-Large Members
- Darren Bloch, CEO & Executive Director, Greenwich House
- Ayesha George, Executive Director, STRIVE New York
- Kilsys Payamps-Roure, Executive Director, Braven
- Aaron Shiffman, Executive Director, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
“The strength of NYCETC has always been its people: Those on the ground delivering services, advocating for equity, and building pathways to economic mobility in every borough. With this new slate of Board Officers, we’re doubling down on our commitment to a more just and inclusive workforce system that meets the moment,” said Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition. “These leaders bring deep expertise along with a fierce dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that all New Yorkers—especially those long excluded from opportunity—can access quality jobs and real economic mobility. This moment demands a bold, united front: one that listens to communities, holds systems accountable, and drives innovation across sectors. I’m confident that this team will help steer NYCETC through a period of transformative growth, ensuring New Yorkers are actively helping to define the future of work, lead it, and thrive in it.”
“Workforce development has the power to transform lives—especially when equity is at the center. At Hot Bread Kitchen, we work with individuals who bring incredible skill and drive but are too often overlooked by traditional systems,” said Leslie Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of Hot Bread Kitchen. “Every day, I see both the gaps and the possibilities. I see what’s possible when someone gains access to the right training, a supportive network, and a clear path forward. That’s the kind of impact NYCETC can help scale across the city. I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair at a time when we’re not just talking about inclusion—we’re building it together.”
“For too long, too many New Yorkers, especially those impacted by the justice system, have been shut out of economic opportunity. These barriers aren’t accidental; they’re the result of policies and practices that have ignored, excluded, and criminalized entire communities,” said Christopher Watler, Executive Vice President, Center for Employment Opportunities. “NYCETC is uniquely positioned to challenge that status quo by bringing together the voices of providers, advocates, and directly impacted people. As Co-Chair, I’m committed to helping build a workforce system rooted in dignity, equity, and accountability; one that doesn’t just offer second chances, but ensures those chances are real, lasting, and backed by the support people need to thrive.”
“Technology is reshaping our workforce in real time. To keep pace, we have to move faster, think bigger, and be intentional about designing programs that connect underestimated talent with real, lasting career pathways,” said Debbie Roman, Managing Director, Per Scholas. “That means building stronger employer partnerships, embedding equity into how we define readiness, and staying agile as the economy evolves. I’m excited to serve as Co-Vice Chair and to help ensure NYCETC continues to lead with innovation, inclusion, and impact.”
“At Drive Change, we walk alongside young people who’ve been impacted by the legal system. Many of the youth we serve have never been given the benefit of the doubt, let alone a chance to succeed in the workforce,” said Kalilah Moon, Executive Director of Drive Change. “We know their potential, because we see it every day. Serving on NYCETC’s Board is an incredible opportunity to ensure that the experiences and ideas of impacted youth are reflected in how we shape the future of workforce development together. If we’re serious about equity, we have to start by listening to those who are closest to the barriers.”
“Trust is built when our work reflects the realities of the communities we serve. NYCETC brings together organizations that are deeply rooted in neighborhoods across the city, groups that understand the challenges New Yorkers face because they’re walking alongside them every day. That kind of connection is powerful,” said Valerie Payne, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together NYC. “As Treasurer, I’m proud to help support a coalition that listens closely, leads with equity, and pushes for a workforce system that meets people where they are and helps them move forward.”
“The challenges our jobseekers face, like housing instability, digital barriers, and childcare gaps, are deeply complex. But our commitment as providers must remain clear: show up, listen, and deliver programs that meet people where they are,” said Paula Bailey, Executive Vice President, Grant Associates. “I’m proud to step into this role and support NYCETC’s work amplifying the voices of frontline organizations. Together, we can ensure that every neighborhood has equitable access to the resources, training, and connections that lead to lasting economic mobility.”
“In a city as vast and vibrant as New York, workforce development can’t live in silos. The challenges New Yorkers face and the opportunities we must create cut across sectors, neighborhoods, and systems. From the arts to our caring economy, to the trades and our tech talent pipelines, the future of work is increasingly interdisciplinary,” said Darren Bloch, CEO & Executive Director, Greenwich House. “It’s an honor to be reappointed to the NYCETC board as we work to expand our workforce systems to find success for individuals, communities and our City’s future, all at once.”
“At STRIVE, we are deeply committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers—particularly those who have been historically marginalized—have access to gainful employment and economic opportunity,” said Ayesha George, Executive Director of STRIVE New York. “Every day, we support individuals who are motivated and ready to work but are forced to navigate systems that were not built for them—or worse, built to exclude them. My appointment to the NYCETC Board and now its Executive Committee provides a meaningful opportunity to influence workforce policies, amplify the needs of our communities, and help build systems that are equitable, accountable, and truly designed to work for all.”
“Workforce providers have boots on the ground. We see firsthand what’s working, what’s falling short, and what needs to fundamentally change. We’re not removed from the realities facing jobseekers; we’re in the room with them every day. That perspective matters,” said Aaron Shiffman, Executive Director, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations. “I’m proud to serve on a Board that doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations and is committed to fighting for real, practical solutions that deliver results for the people who need them most.”
NYCETC also extends sincere thanks to Jennifer Mitchell, President & CEO at The Doe Fund, for her service as Interim Chair. A longtime member of the Executive Committee, Jennifer provided steady leadership during a key moment of transition and helped position the Coalition for continued growth and impact.
“Serving on the Executive Committee for a decade and, more recently, as Interim Chair for the past two years has been an honor. What makes NYCETC special is the strength of its community, leaders who bring heart, grit, and deep commitment to building a more equitable workforce system for New York City,” said Jennifer Mitchell, President & CEO, The Doe Fund. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together and excited to partner with the new Executive Committee on what’s ahead.”
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, public housing residents, justice-impacted individuals, and immigrants.
Press Contact
For more information, please contact Emily Kaufold at emily@hayesinitiative.com.