KRA Continuous Quality Improvement in Action

Terry J. Boone, Program Manager

Terry J. Boone, Program Manager Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.

In addition to serving as General Manager for the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, Employ Baltimore Division, previous roles include Manager, Business Solutions & Employer Partnerships; Program Director for a Young Adult Opportunity Center; Director of Services, Advocacy & Policy; Employment Program Manager; Director, Partner Relations; Adjunct Faculty/Job Developer, Anne Arundel Community College; and Manager, Youth Services, Anne Arundel WDC.

In her current role, while ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, Dr. Boone provides strategic fiscal, management, and operational leadership of TANF workforce-development programs, maintaining responsibility for meeting/exceeding program-performance goals; quality-of-service expectations; contractual commitments related to participants’ work-experience assignments, job readiness, occupational-skills attainment, and successful employment outcomes.

Dr. Boone holds a Ph.D. in Psychology/Clinical Pastoral Counseling, University of Family Bible Institute, College, and Seminary in Baltimore, MD, as well as an MBA in Business Management and BS in Mental health, both conferred by Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD.

Kyla Lee Guyette, Director, Strategic Partnerships

With 20+ years’ experience delivering extraordinarily successful performance-based outcomes for community-, economic-, and workforce-development initiatives, Kyla directs targeted partnership-development strategies that support KRA’s Career- and Business-Services Programs, financed by our non-profit-, private-, and public-sector clients. In collaboration with members of the Senior Leadership Team, she performs strategic analysis of industry trends that enhance business-expansion planning related to vital Adult, Dislocated, Youth, and Welfare Transition workforce-services resources. Kyla provides thought leadership, strategic direction, and market analysis, guiding the development of capabilities that meet market needs. Her expertise in the administration, management, and oversight of WIOA, TANF, SNAP, and NEG programs is unparalleled, evidenced by Executive- and Senior-level positions, including President of a Regional Workforce Development Board (WDB), Executive Director of a Local WDB; Director of a Chamber of Commerce; Director of Training & Education and Business Services; Regional Director, Youth Services Operations; Project Director, WIOA Young-Adult Program; Program Manager, Summer Youth Employment Program; and Regional Welfare Transition and SNAP Program Coordinator. As an Owner/Manager of her own business, she directed evaluations of workforce development, training, and employee-management programs for non-profit, government, and private-sector operations. Kyla holds an MA in History, University of South Alabama Mobile, and a BA in Political Science and History, University of Mississippi.

Zaskia V. Ruiz, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Zaskia is a forward-thinking leader with a record of accomplishment and success in the public finance industry. With more than 20 years’ experience, she is a recognized leader in providing services to Workforce Development Boards and other publicly financed organizations. Zaskia’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional achievements; she is deeply passionate about health and wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through her efforts, Zaskia focuses on fostering a people-centered workforce culture, in which employees can thrive as members of the KRA team. Since joining the company in 2017, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, earning several well-deserved promotions along the way. Zaskia began her KRA journey as Manager, Contract and Budget Services, receiving a promotion to Executive Vice President, Administration & Finance in 2021. Currently, she oversees multiple key departments, including Operations, People & Culture, Communications, IT, and Accounting. In this role, Zaskia provides strategic, organizational, and administrative leadership, ensuring that day-to-day operations align with company objectives. Her extraordinary skills in translating strategies into actionable plans have been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Zaskia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos.

Kalandria H. Thompson, People & Culture Manager

Kalandria is a consummate Human Resources (HR) professional with 10+ years’ experience dedicated exclusively to personnel administration and management. Her expertise in implementing labor-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal EEO rules and regulations is unparalleled. In collaboration with members of the Senior Leadership Team, Kalandria develops strategies related to advancing KRA’s human capital and talent, championing our DEIBA-focused workplace culture for corporate- and program-operations across the country. A performance-management specialist, she oversees all aspects of HR activities and programs, i.e. recruitment, selection, and onboarding; benefits- and compensation-administration; training, development, and motivation; and work-life balance, well-being, and safety. Kalandria—who is a SHRM-CP (Society of Human Resource Management-Certified Professional), a current member and former President of the West Alabama SHRM, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success—holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resources Management, University of North Alabama in Florence.

Tammy J. Underwood, Director, Continuous Quality Improvement

Tammy’s 10+ years’ experience in workforce-development services includes positions of Project Director, Industry Intermediary Registered Apprenticeship Team, and most recently KRA Director, Strategic Partnerships. In her current role, as part of the Senior Leadership Team, Tammy oversees the implementation of quality-improvement initiatives across the company, providing supervision and guidance to the Corporate Quality Assurance Team to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. She collaborates closely with cross-functional Departments, i.e. Accounting & Finance, Communications, Operations, People & Culture, and Strategic Partnerships, identifying areas of improvement, developing strategies, and driving effective change-management processes. Tammy earned an MA in Human Services from Liberty University, a BA in Psychology from Lee University, and is dual-certified as a Professional in Human Resources, by the Human Resources Certification Institute, and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, by the University of South Florida.

Queenie Galvez-Ramiro, Director, Finance, Accounting & Compliance

When Queenie joined KRA in 2017, as a Senior Budget Analyst, she brought with her 10+ years’ experience and expertise in local-government, non-profit, and for-profit grant administration and fiscal management of federally funded programs. Advancing to Accounting Manager in 2019, Queenie supported company-wide cost-allocation plans, fiscal-performance and -compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and single-audit preparation. In her current role, she collaborates with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to advance goals and strategies that position KRA financially for growth and advancement. Leading a staff of accounting professionals trained in full-cycle General Ledger Accounting, Queenie develops and directs implementation of policies and procedures that maintain critical internal-control systems, ensuring that company assets are safeguarded and that all financial reporting is prepared in compliance with corporate strategic plans and applicable local, state, and federal government requirements. An acknowledged subject-matter expert, Queenie has co-facilitated conference workshops related to direct, shared, and indirect costs; allowable/non-allowable costs; and compliance for diverse professional workforce-services audiences. She holds a BS degree in Accountancy from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila, Philippines.

Knowlton R. Atterbeary, President & CEO

In 1981, Knowlton founded KRA Corporation, defining its Vision to engage businesses, develop workers, and nurture stronger communities. His view of how KRA could make such an impact evolved into goals, strategies, and a corporate Mission to provide businesses with a trained and reliable workforce by preparing jobseekers for a competitive workplace and a global economy. In 2016, NAWDP selected Knowlton as the recipient of its prestigious Peter E. Kaiser Leadership Award, an honor recognizing workforce-services professionals—in this case, a “visionary leader”—who are making exceptional contributions to our industry. A member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, Knowlton has 40+ years’ experience in community and economic development; program and policy research, analysis, and evaluation; operations management; and training and technical assistance, both in the U.S. and abroad. He holds an MBA in Management/Finance, and a BS degree in Systems Science/Economics, both conferred by Michigan State University.

Patrick T.J. Boxall, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer

Patrick joined KRA in 1996, as a member of our Labor Market Research & Consulting practice, leading local, state, and Federal government research, training, and technical assistance projects aimed at improving program performance and outcomes. In his current role, he formulates and executes strategic-growth priorities that advance and sustain long-range KRA business initiatives and goals. Patrick, who has more than 30 years’ experience in consulting and program operations, with a particular focus on community and workforce development, earned an MA degree, University of Toronto, and a BA degree, University of Delaware.

Vanessa E. Atterbeary, Esq., Corporate Counsel

Vanessa ensures that all KRA policies, procedures, and programs comply with both the intent and letter of the Federal, state, and local regulations that govern publicly funded workforce-services contracts. An attorney for 15+ years, she is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and currently represents District 13 in the Maryland House of Delegates. Vanessa, a graduate of Leadership Maryland, which supports private- and public-sector executives in making a positive impact on critical State challenges and issues, holds a JD degree, Villanova University School of Law, and a BA degree, College of William and Mary.

Marcie Dingle, Corporate Brand & Publicity Manager

Marcie brought her 30+ years’ experience in business development and marketing, human-resources training and development, and public administration to KRA in 1994, contributing her expertise to myriad contract initiatives, including information management, labor-focused technical assistance, and publications production in several leadership and management capacities. Currently, as a member of the Corporate Communications and Strategic Partnerships Team, she ensures that every aspect of KRA’s advertising, branding, and publicity strategies adhere in a consistent manner to advance the company’s mission, values, and vision. Marcie holds an MA in Business/Public Administration, Southeastern University; an MA in Education, Washington University; and a BA in Psychology, La Universidad Inter-Americana.

Jonathan D. Overall, Senior Director, Workforce Operations

Since joining KRA in 2014, Jonathan has provided consistent strategic-leadership support as a Senior Business Services Consultant; Business Services Program Manager; and Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance. In his current position, he provides management oversight for WIOA American Job Centers, TANF Employment Programs, and other KRA career-development and workforce-services operations across the country. Jonathan implements and directs site-specific CQI initiatives that increase operational effectiveness and efficiency, which include program and fiscal contract performance and client and community engagement. In addition, he is engaged in industry promotion and outreach through his role as host of KRA’s HUB Podcast Program. Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Patten University, Oakland, California.

Terrance J. Bowens, Program Manager

With KRA since 2010, Terrance has strategically expanded his expertise from front-line workforce-development services to program-management operations. His experience with WIA/WIOA-funded programs is comprehensive and diverse, assisting jobseekers to develop more productive, self-sufficient lives for themselves and their families, including customers challenged by disabilities, justice-involvement, and/or homelessness. In addition, as an accomplished workshop facilitator and trainer, he has presented at national conferences, including NAWDP, and has designed workshop strategies for KRA workforce-services programs across the country. Currently, Terrance manages the operations of a comprehensive Career- and Business-Services program for eligible Adult/Dislocated Workers. In addition to being a NAWDP member, Terrance is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer.

Derrick A. Colbert, Director, Strategic Partnerships

Derrick directs targeted partnership-development strategies that support KRA’s Career- and Business-Services Programs, financed by our non-profit-, private-, and public-sector clients via multiple funding streams. In collaboration with members of the Senior Leadership Team, he performs strategic analysis of industry trends that enhance business-expansion planning related to vital workforce-services resources, e.g. WIOA, TANF, and ARPA. Derrick has 20 years’ experience delivering highly successful performance-based outcomes for community-, economic-, and workforce-development initiatives. His expertise in the operational aspects of program development and management is unparalleled, evidenced by prior Associate- and Director-level positions with the Executive Office of the DC Mayor, including the Workforce Investment Council; the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunities; and the Office on Returning Citizens Affairs. In addition to a BS degree in Business Administration from Strayer University, Washington, DC, Derrick holds multiple Certifications, including Business Management Essentials, Continuous Improvement Management, Business Success and Leadership, and Project Management.

Rogelio E. Amaya, IT Systems Engineer

With an extensive background in the Information Technology (IT) field, Rogelio has a proven record of accomplishment leveraging technology to deliver top-notch Managed IT Services. His journey began as a Telecommunications Technician in 2001, and swiftly progressed to become a Systems Administrator by 2004. In 2006, he joined the KRA family, and in 2014, he took the bold step of launching CMA Technologies, of which he is the Founder & CEO. Drawing on his expertise as an IT Architect and Systems Engineer, Rogelio effectively manages a team that oversees KRA’s comprehensive systems architecture, encompassing hardware, software, applications, and infrastructure. This includes crucial aspects such as cloud hosting, help-desk support, information security, as well as network oversight and equipment maintenance. Committed to the principles of Continuous Quality Improvement, Rogelio stays at the forefront of cutting-edge developments and trends in the ever-evolving IT industry.

Ryan C. Rand Training & Communications Specialist

Ryan joined KRA in 2021 as the Corporate Training and Development Coordinator, and was promoted to her current hybrid position in 2023. Her contributions are integral to the success of two specialized KRA divisions, one of which is the People & Culture Department that supports employee engagement and experience, staff education and professional development, and maintenance of federal and state education-compliance standards. Ryan is also a pivotal member of the Marketing & Communications Department whose functions include exhibiting at industry conferences, publishing the KRA@Work company e-newsletter, and promoting KRA’s Social Media platforms. She holds a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management from The University of North Texas, Denton, TX.

Anthony K. Wilson, Program Director

Anthony’s experience spans 20+ years’ in educational, workforce-services, talent-development and training, and human-services support programs, including leadership and management of TANF Employment and Training Programs. A Workforce Development Specialist for 10+ years, he excels in career coaching and case management that guides jobseeker-customers in developing comprehensive Individual Responsibility Plans for achieving workplace goals and objectives. Anthony earned a BS degree from Elizabeth City State University, Leadership Development Certification from 11^th Street Bridge Project, and Grant Management Certification from The Foundations Center.

Meredith S. Campbell, Outside General Counsel/Business Advisor

Meredith serves as outside counsel and a business advisor to KRA with regard to our most important asset—our employees. While helping KRA maintain a positive and productive workplace, as needed, she resolves workplace-related issues, advises on personnel matters, and ensures that KRA is up-to-date on compliance, training, and other related issues. She guides the firm on how to properly investigate and respond to any complaints or concerns related to potential inappropriate behavior. A member of her law firm’s Board of Directors, Meredith is also Chair of the Shulman Rogers Employment and Labor Practice Group and of the Corporate Investigations, Governance and Risk Management Group. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2001, and graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. degree from Lehigh University in 1998.

Tami L. Shephard, Senior People & Culture Business Partner

Tami joined KRA as a People & Culture Business Partner in 2020, bringing with her an impressive history of 10 years’ experience in the field of Human Resources. She received a promotion to her current position in 2022, applying oversight expertise in the areas of onboarding, benefits, employee relations, and compliance. Tami is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional and a Certified Recruitment Specialist. In addition, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Child Psychology from Towson State University, Towson, Maryland.

Nieal M. Smith-Ross, Program Director

Nieal provides fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership, maintaining overall responsibility for program performance, quality of service, and contractual commitment. She also collaborates with members of the KRA Senior Leadership Team related to meeting/exceeding contract-performance standards. Her expertise is drawn from her considerable 20+ years’ experience in community development, collaboration, and partnership; strategic program planning; leadership training and development, talent-acquisition; and supportive services for under-represented individuals in the areas of healthcare, housing, and human services. Nieal, a Licensed Social Worker, holds an MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago, and a BS degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University.

Rosal Chavira, Operations Manager

When Rosal joined KRA in 2023, she brought more than 10 years’ expertise in workforce-services policy, development, training, quality assurance, career-development case management, and promoting DEIBA principles and practices in the workplace—a wealth of experience that contributed significantly to the workforce-development and education-sectors in the Illinois regions of Chicago and Evanston. Managing KRA’s Midwest Program Operations’ Career Services Team, she spearheads activities, events, and projects that provide educational, training, and placement opportunities for WIOA-eligible Adult, Dislocated, and Youth jobseekers, empowering them to actualize KRA’s mission of making a positive impact in the lives of the communities we serve. Rosal holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish from Grinnell College in Iowa, further demonstrating her commitment to being a servant leader and lifelong learner—traditional tenets of her alma mater.

Renee J. Brooks, Program Manager

Renee joined KRA in 2014 as a Career Agent/Retention Case Manager/Team Lead, totally prepared for such a multi-service position due to expertise developed through years of experience assisting jobseekers on public assistance to break through barriers to employment—including homelessness. Promoted to her current position in 2016, Renee oversees the operations of an urban-area TANF Job Placement Program, through which she continues to ensure services of the utmost quality, supporting customers in achieving sustainable employment through barrier remediation and targeted skills development. In addition to certifications in Workforce and Career Development and Facilitating Career Development Training, earned through TAD Grants’ Professional Development for Workforce & Career Practitioners, and Family Credentialing Certification Renee holds a BA in Human Services from Sojourner Douglas College, Baltimore, Maryland.

Steven A. Evans, Program Manager

Steven joined KRA in 2013 as a Case Manager, providing job-placement services for a Countywide TANF Employment and Training (TEP) to assist individuals applying for, or already receiving, public-assistance benefits. In 2015, he was promoted to the position of Job Developer, helping build partnerships across the region to identify sustainable employment opportunities for the Program’s jobseekers. Steven was later re-assigned as an Outreach Specialist, recruiting customers and introducing them to the benefits of participating in the urban-area TEP to which he had transferred. Promoted to his current position in 2022, Steven manages the day-to-day operations of an Educational & Occupational Training (EOT) Program, overseeing service-delivery systems that support jobseekers in achieving sustainable employment through customized EOT preparation. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Business Management from Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Alyssa C. Elliott, Operations Manager

Alyssa joined KRA in 2016, as a Career Agent for a municipal-level TANF Program, providing comprehensive case-management services that supported jobseekers’ employment goals through job-readiness and workforce-preparation activities, including training through community-based work experience assignments. In 2021, she received a promotion to her current position, and in 2023, transferred to a larger countywide TANF program, applying her senior-level, case-management and instructional expertise to a caseload of up to 300 customers. Alyssa provides day-to-day service-delivery oversight to improve operational processes that ensure positive performance outcomes. She holds a Workplace Excellence Facilitator Certificate, as well as a Workforce Skills Certificate earned through Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems.

Chevene J. McLemore, Program Manager

Chevene’s workforce-services experience spans 30+ years and encompasses multiple competencies: career/life coaching, community-program development, organizational leadership, training development and instruction, and youth counseling and mentoring. Throughout his career, Chevene has operated consistently with the utmost integrity and professionalism, earning the trust of all with whom he interacts. Currently, he manages a multi-disciplinary team of Career Navigators, Education & Occupational Trainers, and Employment Specialists who provide TANF-funded services through a Strategies to Empower People (STEP) initiative. Through programs focused on general-, secondary-, and vocational education; OJT and/or employment-related Occupational Skills Training; real-world work-experience activities; and job-readiness workshops, STEP prepares customers for sustainable employment with non-profit, public-, and private-sector community partners. Chevene holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Camille R. McKenzie, Program Director

Camille’s 10+ years’ experience in directing local and county workforce-development programs, including American Job Centers, fuels her passion for supporting jobseekers and their families to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Well versed in solution-focused and people-centered workforce-service approaches, Camille’s Business- and Career-Services expertise supports goal-achievement of WIOA Adult, Dislocated, and Youth participants; TANF recipients; and customers facing severe obstacles to sustainable employment. A Certified Employment Support Professional, she excels in developing and nurturing partnerships with local private-, public-, and non-profit organizations that expand community-development resources and services. Camille holds a BA in Legal Communications from Howard University, Washington, D.C.