For Immediate Release
Contact: Tassi Keith, Keeton PR
tassi@KeetonPR.com
308-539-1883
DENVER, COLO. — Thurs., March 30, 2023 — ActivateWork, a Colorado nonprofit that connects employers to a diverse pool of exceptionally trained IT talent, announced today that Kathryn V. Harris has been named President and Chief Operating Officer. Harris has served as Managing Director and COO for the past three years.
“As ActivateWork continues to shape the future of Colorado workers by developing a talent pipeline of skilled professionals from overlooked communities, both operational excellence and effective leadership are crucial to our success. Kathryn is driven by purpose and values, and I’m confident she is the right person to lead ActivateWork in our mission to positively impact people’s lives and the economy of our state,” said Helen Young Hayes, CEO and Founder of ActivateWork.
“Kathryn is the rare combination of a dynamic, decisive leader and a warm, authentic ambassador. She’s creative, dedicated, and a relentlessly productive hands-on project manager. I look forward to the future of ActivateWork. We’ve made great strides in no small part due to Kathryn’s efforts, and our greatest impacts lie ahead.”
Harris joined ActivateWork in 2019. She was responsible for launching their tuition-free IT skills training program that addresses Denver’s tech workforce shortage while improving economic mobility for marginalized populations. Under her leadership, ActivateWork has achieved all goals, including graduation and job placement rates, and has grown employer partners from zero to more than 35. She was instrumental in the launch of their nationally-recognized apprenticeship program that is now one of the top three in the state.
Harris began her career at Accenture and has spent two decades in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, including roles as Executive Director of the Grand Foundation, Development Director for the Rose Community Foundation and President/CEO of Qualistar Colorado. She is a founding board member of Colorado Inclusive Economy and the Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative. Harris received a B.A. in Economics from Middlebury College and earned a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Boston College.
About ActivateWork
ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. Our rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepare new employees to thrive in their careers. For more information, visit www.activatework.org.
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