November 15, 2016 – Boston, MA – Jobs for the Future (JFF) today announced that Maria K. Flynn has been selected to be the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer effective December 15, 2016. The JFF Board of Directors unanimously selected Flynn after a thorough six-month national search process.
“With 25 years of experience in the workforce development and education fields, Maria’s keen instincts, strong management acumen, and strategic vision make her the ideal choice for the job,” said Guy Patton, JFF chairman of the board. “She has proven her leadership time and again during her time at JFF. Her deep external network and her highly regarded national reputation are critical to lead JFF into its next chapter.”
The 47-year-old Flynn joined JFF nine years ago, first serving as the Vice President of JFF's Building Economic Opportunity Group, and then as Senior Vice President. For almost a decade, Flynn led the expansion of the Building Economic Opportunity Group, where she focused on innovative reform efforts to improve education and economic mobility for low-income and underserved workers struggling in today’s economy. As SVP, Flynn also spearheaded JFF’s national policy and advocacy work to advance JFF’s economic mobility and equity agenda.
“I am thrilled and honored to lead JFF, its people and its programs, to fulfill the organization’s mission of building economic mobility for all,” said Flynn. “In this time of national divisiveness, JFF’s work to help communities create strong education and economic systems is more urgent and compelling than we’ve seen in a long time. I look forward to continuing our collaborative work with funders and partners across the country.” In her new role, Flynn joins JFF’s Board of Directors.
Prior to joining JFF, Flynn served as a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service and the administrator of the Office of Policy Development and Research in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. In that capacity, she was responsible for the development of policies for all of the agency’s programs, managed the agency's research and evaluation strategy, as well as the agency’s annual budget and appropriations activities, totaling $12 billion and 1,200 employees. In addition, Flynn is a frequent speaker at workforce development and education industry events, active on social media, and blogs regularly on jff.org.
The Board of Directors also wants to extend its sincere appreciation to Marlene Seltzer for her dedicated commitment and skilled leadership as interim CEO over the past six months at JFF. Together, Flynn, Seltzer, and the Board of Directors will work to ensure a smooth transition.
About Jobs for the Future: Jobs for the Future (JFF) is a national nonprofit that builds educational and economic opportunity for underserved populations in the United States. JFF develops innovative career and educational programs and public policies that increase college readiness and career success, and build a more highly skilled, competitive workforce. With over 30 years of experience, JFF is a recognized national leader in bridging education and work to increase economic mobility and strengthen our economy. Learn more at www.jff.org.