In June, The Partnership, which oversees the largest public workforce development system in the country, issued a press release announcing Mr. Wright’s appointment as chief executive officer.
Since 2016, KRA has valued its relationship with The Partnership, beginning with our operation of the Garfield One-Stop Career Center, and expanding over time to include the Westside AJC and the Chatham Workforce and Education Center on the South Side.
Through career services for jobseekers and business services for the region’s employers, KRA supports The Partnership in the operation of many diverse programs, including many in the construction sector.
For example, KRA plays a pivotal role in two of The Partnership’s major construction-trade initiatives: ConstructionWorks, funded by the Illinois Tollway to link jobseekers with opportunities in the transportation-related construction industry, and the Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Modernization Project.
KRA also has a longstanding project to fast-track jobseekers into training with the IBEW Local 134. In addition, previously, KRA supported the Chicago Women in Trades “We Can Build It” initiative to connect community members to construction careers and jobs building the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
Knowlton R. Atterbeary, KRA President & CEO, commented, “As noted in the Press Release, Mr. Wright’s ‘experience and vision for the future of The Partnership and his commitment to expanding the reach, impact and funding of our efforts makes him the ideal person to lead our next chapter’, and we look forward to continue supporting The Partnership under his stewardship.”