Forward Careers, a non-profit leader in employment and training, announced its Board of Directors unanimously appointed Cindy Simons as President effective December 12, 2018.
Cindy joined Forward Careers, formerly known as Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington Workforce Development, Inc.; in 2007 and held several key positions of responsibility which gave her a thorough working knowledge of the organization’s mission and vision. She most recently served as Forward Careers’ Operations Manager, where she oversaw the company’s programs and services, while also leading its business services and marketing teams. In that capacity she:
Restructured the business services team and its services delivery for faster turnaround times,
Collectively served over 1,500 businesses with their workforce needs,
Led business services team to produce the company’s best-ever job fair outcomes,
Redesigned two partner websites, including their social media presence and community event involvement,
Revamped the young adult program’s image and branding,
Successfully launched and implemented several new programs and services,
Led collaborative local and regional workforce teams,
Played a key role in bringing additional funding resources to expand current or new programs and services, and
Represented Forward Careers as a speaker at the Department of Labor’s TechHire and National Association of Workforce Boards conferences in Washington D.C.
“Cindy has served Forward Careers for nearly 12 years and throughout her tenure has driven the company to new heights,” stated Don Rouse, Board of Directors Chair. “Her personal desire to keep learning and improving, leading by example, coupled with her ability to step out of her comfort zone has made her a great asset to not only us but to the community and workforce development system.”
“I am honored that the Board of Directors chose me to follow in the footsteps of two outstanding former Presidents who have led Forward Careers for the past 28 years,” said Cindy Simons.” “Forward Careers’ strong commitment to providing efficient and quality services helps drive our economic status and makes our region a place of choice for businesses and workers. The opportunities that lie ahead for Forward Careers are enormous, and the confidence of the Board in my ability to lead this next chapter is deeply humbling and incredibly exhilarating. I am focused on accelerating the innovation and execution that our customers need from us to ensure a skilled workforce today and in the future. Their success will continue to move us forward.”
Cindy studied Economics and Government at the University of Texas – Brownsville and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Carroll University.