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Email June 12, 2009
WIA Reauthorization
Reinvigorating Workforce Development
Panelists
Neil Ridley
Senior Policy Analyst
Center for Law and Social Policy
Neil Ridley is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) based in Washington, D.C. His areas of focus include employment policy, workforce development, and postsecondary education for low-income individuals. Prior to joining CLASP, Mr. Ridley was a member of the senior management team at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development. In that position, he oversaw numerous technical assistance and research projects for state and local governments, nonprofit agencies, and private foundations. In addition, he was a Senior Policy Analyst at the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and a Research Associate at the National Center on Education and the Economy. Mr. Ridley received a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College.
Cassius O. Johnson
Program Director, National/Federal Policy Development
Jobs for the Future
Cassius O. Johnson is the Program Director for National/Federal Policy Development at Jobs for the Future (JFF). His work includes efforts to improve educational options and outcomes for the large and growing numbers of low-income youth and adults struggling in today’s economy. Prior to joining JFF, Mr. Johnson was chief of staff for a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He handled legislation focused on enhancing student disciplinary laws, improving alternative education programs, and addressing the overall quality of education available to out-of-school youth populations in Texas. Mr. Johnson received an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Bevill State Community College, a B.A. in Political Science and Honors Studies from Texas Tech University, and a Masters in Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a Barbara Jordan Scholar.
Kermit Kaleba
Senior Policy Associate
The Workforce Alliance
Kermit Kaleba is Senior Policy Associate at Workforce Alliance in Washington, D.C. Workforce Alliance is a national coalition of community-based organizations, community colleges, unions, business leaders, and local officials advocating for public policies that invest in the skills of America's workers. Mr. Kaleba was previously Senior Policy Specialist at American Society for Training and Development where he was a legislative advocate and analyst on workforce policy. Prior to that, he was Legislative Coordinator for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and Communications Specialist for Health Communications, Inc. Mr. Kabala earned his B.A. and J.D. from the College of William and Mary, and is a member of the Virginia bar.
The Working for Change Forum is a monthly public policy roundtable held in the U.S. Capitol and sponsored by the Community Service Society in collaboration with the Coalition on Human Needs. The forum is held with the support of Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and is a bipartisan discussion that is open to Congressional staff and policy advocates. For information on the forum and to be placed on our mailing list, contact CSS Director of Government Relations, Janeene Freeman, at jfreeman@cssny.org.
Program - June 12, 2009