Workforce development organization adds new CEO, COO and board members

Indianapolis – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined EmployIndy and community workforce development partners to announce a renewed focus on collaborative workforce development and introduce Angela Carr Klitzsch as EmployIndy’s new president and CEO. In conjunction with Indiana’s Region 5 Works Council, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and the Indy Chamber, Carr Klitzsch and the city’s new EmployIndy leadership will execute Mayor Hogsett’s vision for a targeted, integrated approach to workforce development in Indianapolis.

“With one-fifth of Indianapolis residents living at or below the poverty line, our city’s future depends on the development of a workforce that can meet the needs of tomorrow’s economy while providing better opportunities for families today,” said Mayor Hogsett. “By bringing these great community partners together under one strategy, I am confident that this new EmployIndy team will reach new underserved populations in Indianapolis and better connect all residents with the tools they need to help themselves.”

EmployIndy will grow and update existing programming to focus on low to mid skilled workers, with a mix of job readiness training and career planning. A renewed emphasis will be placed on neighborhood-focused workforce development by providing resources to community centers and increasing accessibility to areas hardest hit by poverty and unemployment. In addition, EmployIndy will continue as a critical partner in the expansion of Project Indy, Mayor Hogsett’s initiative aimed at providing summer jobs and training to Indianapolis youth.

“Indianapolis is lucky to have a coalition of partners including Region 5 Works Council, CICP and the Indy Chamber that are ready to address the city’s broad spectrum of economic and workforce development needs. For the first time, we are coming together to identify how we can holistically serve all of Indianapolis’ workers and businesses,” said Mayor Hogsett. “EmployIndy, under the direction of Angie Carr Klitzsch and with the help of community partners like Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, can be a real and driving presence in our community.”

Carr Klitzsch joins EmployIndy from JPMorgan Chase & Co where, as vice president of global philanthropy, she oversaw the organization’s investment strategy focused on workforce readiness, community development and economic growth. She brings more than sixteen years of workforce development, skills training, economic development and philanthropic experience, including previous positions with Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Clowes Fund, Inc. and Peace Corps. In her new role, Carr Klitzsch will oversee the investment of more than $18 million annually into workforce development programs and initiatives designed to assist residents and employers with the skills needed for the jobs of both today and tomorrow.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization into the future and continue the work being done to provide career and talent development in Marion County,” said Carr Klitzsch. “Our vision for EmployIndy is clear: all residents must have access to career pathways where they gain the skills they need to enter into the jobs that Indianapolis’ employers have to offer. It is an exciting time for our region and I welcome the challenges presented as we continue to position Central Indiana as an economic frontrunner.”

In addition to Carr Klitzsch, Marie Mackintosh was named as Chief Operating Officer. Mackintosh transitions from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, where she oversaw adult education programming and statewide workforce development strategy. In her new role, Mackintosh will spearhead EmployIndy’s programs and initiatives,
with a particular focus on assisting young adults age 16-24 finish high school, develop work readiness skills, and gain education and employment experience directed toward a career.

Mayor Hogsett has also recently confirmed the appointment of eight new members to the EmployIndy board of directors. Those members include: Laurel Judkins of Cummins, Aman Brar of Apparatus, Amber Ross of TechShop, Betsy Delgado of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Bryan Luellen of IndyGo, Angela Smith-Jones of the City of Indianapolis, Steve Hoyt of Carpenters Local 301 and James (Bubba) Johnson of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 440.

In addition to managing the local WorkOne Indy system, EmployIndy also oversees Employ Up for long-term unemployed residents, LEAP for offender re-entry, employment services and training programs for the City of Indianapolis, YouthWorks Indy, YouthBuild Indy and the Marion County Jobs for America’s Graduates program. EmployIndy recently led a public-private proposal to designate and recognize the City of Indianapolis as a TechHire Community by the White House. This distinction recognizes best practices for expanding pathways to high demand tech jobs through both traditional and non-traditional avenues. EmployIndy’s Hire Up initiative works to catalyze regional solutions to ensure employers have access to a qualified local workforce, now and in the future, and has partnered with Purdue University to develop the first of its kind Purdue Polytechnic Indianapolis High School. EmployIndy’s Business Partnerships and Recruiting division partners with local employers to provide qualified candidates to fill open positions.

Read EmployIndy: Vision and Action for Indianapolis

About EmployIndy
EmployIndy is a Marion County nonprofit organization that provides expertise, identifies tools and prioritizes resources to develop, create or find the best talent needed to power the Marion County economy. Guided by a 21-member board composed of business, civic, education and nonprofit community leaders, EmployIndy guides the investment of public and private funds to meet the needs of Indianapolis businesses and residents. For more information visit www.EmployIndy.org or view the 2014-2015 Report to the Community.