Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is pleased to announce that Kevin Perkey has been selected to be the nonprofit’s new CEO beginning July 1, 2018.
Perkey currently oversees adult and collaborative grant programs at WSW and joined the organization in June 2017.
Before coming to WSW, Perkey was CEO of South Central Pennsylvania Works (SCPa Works), a regional workforce development board investing more than $12 million of public workforce development funds across an eight-county region of Pennsylvania.
Prior to SCPa Works, Perkey was Director of Youth Programs at the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has also held positions in a nonprofit technology services organization that delivered cloud-based application development, GIS analysis and community business intelligence services to the nonprofit sector.
Perkey has a BA in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, both from the University of Pittsburgh. He has served in leadership roles on several boards, most recently serving on the board of the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Workforce Development Council.
“Kevin’s years of experience in the private sector and as CEO of a workforce board and Director of Youth Programs gives him the background and foundation to hit the ground running,” said John Vanderkin WSW Board Chair. “We look forward to his leadership as WSW continues to fulfill its mission to prepare and promote a skilled and adaptive workforce for a thriving economy in Southwest Washington.”
Perkey will replace Jeanne Bennett, who is retiring after six years with the organization. During Bennett’s tenure, WSW sought and received millions of dollars in competitive grant funds, enabling it to provide numerous workforce training programs, including YouthBuild, YouthWorks, LEAP (a partnership with the Clark County Jail), Career Connect WA and the South Kelso Youth Construction Project, among others.
WSW has also been instrumental in launching career fairs for high school students in Wahkiakum, Clark and Cowlitz counties, shifting workforce programs to an industry focus to ensure local companies have the skilled workers they need and job seekers receive training in sectors projected to grow in the future.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking organization,” said Kevin Perkey, incoming CEO. “Under Jeanne’s leadership, WSW has become a true community asset and I’m looking forward to keeping our momentum going as we enter our next phase of growth.”
Since its founding in 2002, the nonprofit organization has invested more than $82.3 million in programs that help employers recruit workers and provide job training to adults and youth.
