The State of the Skills Gap: Connecting Education with Career Outcomes

Marc Austin

Executive Director of Academic Innovation and New Ventures, George Mason University

Marc Austin oversees the Continuing and Professional Education Division at George Mason University, where he focuses on engaging nearly 2,000 working professionals in training, certification and skill development. In addition, Marc is charged with identifying, vetting, and implementing new and transformative efforts for George Mason including micro-credentials, employer-guided experiential learning, and lifelong learning strategy. A thought leader recognized for his work on strategy execution, Marc has authored over 30 publications on strategic planning, finance, and operations, and he teaches and speaks on topics related to strategy and innovation.

David Capranos

Director of Market Strategy and Research, Wiley Education Services

David Capranos is the director of market strategy and research at Wiley Education Services. In his role managing the market research team, David conducts extensive research to identify demand, market opportunities, and potential challenges to ultimately highlight academic programs that align with current demand. His team plays a vital role in determining the viability of educational programs in the online market and helping universities stay ahead of industry and market trends. David has a background as a business analyst in higher education marketing, evaluating marketing tactics, and helping implement technologies such as a student relationship management and project management system.

Mardy Leathers

Director, Missouri Office of Workforce Development

Dr. Mardy L. Leathers was appointed to serve as the director of the Missouri Office of Workforce Development in October 2017. In this capacity, he serves as executive director to Missouri’s State Workforce Development Board, director of Apprenticeship Missouri, and oversees Missouri’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programs. Since his appointment, he has served an integral role in transforming Missouri’s public workforce development system, expanding and modernizing apprenticeship and work-based learning programs, and launching Missouri Job Center Connect. Mardy serves as a national voice to the value of aligning educational attainment, labor force participation, and sustainable employment as critical components of transformational workforce development strategy.

Deb Volzer

Senior Director of State and Workforce Development, Wiley Education Services

Deb Volzer is senior director of state and workforce development at Wiley Education Services. In this role, she works to identify and align a shared vision and promotes collaboration of next-generation education solutions. Prior to joining Wiley, Deb worked with corporations including Pearson North America, Barnes & Noble Education Inc., and Community College Futures Assembly, and held administrative and teaching positions at the Ohio Board of Regents, Ohio Learning Network, the Ohio State University, Franklin University and Ohio Dominican University.

Megan Raymond

Senior Director, Membership and Programs, WCET

303-541-0233mraymond@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Megan has been with WCET since June of 2007. As the senior director of programs and membership, she oversees member recruitment and activities and manages various programs, most notably the Annual Meeting, Summits, monthly webcasts, and Closer Conversations. Megan brings 20 years of higher education experience to her current position and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Fort Lewis College and a master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Education. Prior to joining the WCET team, Megan worked as the assistant director for student housing and conference services at a small liberal arts college where she was entrenched in student affairs.

In her spare time, Megan enjoys racing mountain bikes, skiing, and chasing her son on his bike or feet. Her two rescue pups include a 75-pound lap dog and a quite cunning shepherd mix whom she is sure is plotting to take over the world. Megan’s favorite television character is Saul Goodman from Better Call Saul.