Changes support the Institute's role in
developing the nation's talent pipeline and expanding of Registered
Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in semiconductor and advanced
manufacturing
HANOVER,
Md., May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
National Institute for Innovation and Technology™—the nation's
leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development and U.S.
Department of Labor (USDOL) national Intermediary responsible for
establishing and expanding Registered Apprenticeships (RAs)
throughout semiconductor and nanotechnology-related industry supply
chains—has announced important updates to its board of
directors.
Emily Reilly, a distinguished
Human Resources executive with deep roots in the manufacturing
sector, has joined the board of directors.
With a robust track record that includes spearheading human
capital strategies at GlobalFoundries and General Electric, Reilly
brings to the Institute a wealth of experience in managing
workforce development during critical periods of growth and
transformation. Her expertise will be instrumental as the Institute
continues to enhance its programs designed to bridge education and
industry needs effectively.
"I am excited to join the board of an organization that's at the
forefront of developing our nation's tech workforce," said Reilly.
"The Institute's work in aligning educational efforts with the
needs of the semiconductor and other strategically important
industries is key to keeping America at the leading edge of global
technology markets. I look forward to playing a part in these vital
initiatives."
Simultaneously, veteran board member Melinda K. Woods will assume the role of
chairwoman, poised to guide the organization through its next phase
of strategic expansion.
Woods brings an unparalleled depth of expertise and leadership
experience from her extensive roles across the tech industry and
the federal government. As the former Director of Title III of the
Defense Production Act (DPA), Melinda directed investments in
critical technologies to mitigate domestic industrial base
shortfalls, particularly in radiation-hardened microelectronics
essential for national security. Woods served the Office of
Secretary of Defense Industrial Policy as the Principal Advisor on
strategy and integration advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and
economic security policy at national and international levels.
Notably, Woods led the development of a pioneering cybersecurity
advisory and training program targeting small and medium-sized
companies in the manufacturing industrial base, enhancing their
resilience against cyber threats. She also led the 2016 Department
of Defense microelectronics supply study, convening stakeholders
from industry, the White House, and Departments of Energy and
Commerce to formulate a strategy on access to
state-of-the-art microelectronics.. In the District of Columbia, she helps build and
support future technological talents as a Career and Technical
Education Information Technology Industry Advisory Board
member.
"As the new chairwoman, I am eager to leverage my extensive
background in technology, policy, and strategic operations to
propel the Institute's strategic initiatives forward," said Woods.
"This role is not just an honor but a continuum of my commitment to
enhancing America's technological and manufacturing prowess. I am
dedicated to fostering innovative partnerships and building on our
robust programs to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of the
semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries."
The Institute has recently celebrated several milestones,
including the launch of the Gateway Apprenticeship Program (GAP),
which leverages the nation's Career and Technical Education (CTE)
programs to integrate high school students into the advanced
manufacturing workforce, and its successful industry panels
in semiconductor industry hubs in Arizona and Texas.
"As we welcome Emily to our board and celebrate Melinda's new
role as chairman, we are reinforcing our foundation with leaders
whose vision aligns perfectly with our ambitious goals. Emily's
profound expertise in human resources and Melinda's strategic
insight have already begun to energize our initiatives. Their
leadership will be instrumental as we continue to break new ground
in building a robust and diverse talent pipeline essential for
sustaining the nation's leadership in high-tech industries and
advanced manufacturing," said Institute President and CEO
Mike Russo. "This is an exciting
time for the Institute as we drive forward with initiatives that
are not only shaping the educational landscape, but also ensuring
that our workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of
tomorrow."
For more information on the Institute's work, visit
www.NIIT.org.
About the National Institute for Innovation and
Technology
The Institute is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to identify
roadblocks to innovation in strategic industry sectors, those
important to the U.S. national security and global competitiveness,
and ensure they are eliminated. The Institute is responsible for a
national strategy to support the development of the talent pipeline
to support advanced manufacturing and the tech sector - with a
particular focus on the semiconductor industry supply chain.
The Institute's National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative
represents a comprehensive, nationally integrated approach that
enables broader participation by promoting skills-based learning
and hiring, connecting the public education system, returning
service members and their families and adults from other
occupations to related technician and engineering careers. For more
information about the Institute, visit www.niit.org.
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SOURCE National Institute for Innovation and Technology