Smith’s leadership to drive workforce strategies and infrastructure across Arizona

TUCSON, ARIZ., UNITED STATES, March 21, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Pipeline AZ, a statewide nonprofit organization powering a career-ready talent pipeline for Arizona’s economy, has announced Amber Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer. An advocate for equitable and accessible workforce development solutions, Smith will expand Pipeline AZ’s impact throughout Arizona and work collaboratively with the organization’s education, business, and community partners to make career readiness resources available to all Arizonans.

Smith formerly served as the Chief Strategy Officer of Futures, Inc., the technology workforce solution provider that powers Pipeline AZ’s public platform. Under Smith’s predecessor, Mary Foote, Pipeline AZ exponentially grew its reach connecting job seekers and students to career pathways in emerging Arizona industries. The platform grew to over 160k users and over 8,000 employers, connecting Arizona community college and university program options to all Arizona k-12 public schools using the platform in classrooms. Now, Smith will guide Pipeline AZ to strengthen its existing partnerships and expand the work with industry, underserved populations, and K-12 students statewide.

“Empowering people with career awareness and readiness allows them to find a career they’re passionate about and helps them attain a higher quality of life. At the community level, equitable access to these resources reduces poverty and fills in-demand roles with talented people in companies and organizations that drive Arizona’s economy,” said Smith. “Pipeline AZ offers the infrastructure that enables this, and I look forward to working with our education, business, and community partners to multiply our impact.”

In her previous position at Futures Inc., Smith designed and implemented strategies that reduced barriers to career readiness. Smith has also been active in Tucson’s business community, serving as President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber and the CEO of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance. She holds volunteer positions as Chair-Elect for the Pima Foundation, a board member on Higher Ground and she is a member of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

“The need for strong workforce development strategies in Arizona has never been greater, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach to building up our talent pipeline that meets industry needs,” said Dean Duncan, Interim Board President of Pipeline AZ. “Amber’s collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of workforce ecosystems, and passion for driving positive change in the community will ensure Pipeline AZ is well-positioned to drive career exploration.”



ABOUT PIPELINE AZ

Pipeline AZ is a statewide nonprofit organization with a powerful platform connecting existing workforce efforts by education, business, and community partners across Arizona. The PipelineAZ.com platform enhances access and awareness to career exploration resources, empowering Arizonans to develop career readiness, guiding Arizonans at any stage in their education and careers, and seamlessly guiding them through diverse career pathways, training programs, and job opportunities. With the steadfast support of the community, industry, and government partners, Pipeline AZ is pioneering a transformative movement of a true collective ecosystem. Together, Pipeline AZ and its partners are shaping Arizona’s workforce ecosystem where every individual has the tools and resources to thrive, contributing to the economic prosperity and growth of the state for many years to come. To learn more visit www.pipelineaz.com.

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Media Contact:
Rachael Clifford
10 to 1 Public Relations
rachael@10to1pr.com
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Lauren Dietrick
10 to 1 Public Relations
lauren@10to1pr.com
480-524-9899

Lauren Dietrick
Pipeline AZ
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