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Leadership & Management

Empowering Excellence. Leading with Purpose.

At KRA Corporation, leadership is more than a title—it’s a commitment to service, innovation, and impact. Our leadership team plays a vital dual role: steering strategic business operations while supporting the daily success of our workforce programs across the country. This integrated approach ensures that every contract, site, and service reflects the highest standards of performance, accountability, and care.

Mission-Driven Leadership  

Our leaders are not just administrators—they are workforce-development champions who bring deep expertise, unwavering dedication, and a shared vision for transforming lives and communities. Their leadership is the engine behind KRA’s national reputation for innovation, integrity, and measurable results.  

A Standard of Excellence  

To uphold our commitment to excellence, all KRA program leaders are expected to earn two nationally recognized certifications:  

  • Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)  
  • Mental Health First Aid Certification through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing  

These certifications reflect our commitment to technical expertise,  trauma-informed service delivery, and holistic support for the individuals and communities we serve.  

Investing in Our People 

We believe that great leaders are always learning. That’s why we invest heavily in professional development across all levels of our organization. In addition to ongoing training and support, KRA hosts a semi-annual Leadership Edge Program. This immersive experience brings together leaders from across the country to share best practices, engage with industry experts, and collaborate on capstone projects that model innovation and expertise. Leadership Edge is more than a training—it’s a catalyst for growth, connection, and continuous improvement.  

Meet Our Team 

Click on a photo below to explore the profiles of the dynamic individuals who lead KRA’s mission every day.

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Knowlton R. Atterbeary

President & CEO

Patrick T.J. Boxall

Executive Vice President

& Chief Strategy Officer

Zaskia V. Ruiz

Executive Vice President

& Chief Operating Officer

Derrick A. Colbert

Managing Director,

Operational Excellence

Vanessa E. Atterbeary

Esquire, Corporate Counsel

Meredith S. Campbell

Outside General Counsel/

Business Advisor

Shanavia N. Moore

Director,

Workforce Operations

Jonathan D. Overall

Director, Communications

& Innovation

Kalandria H. Thompson

Director, People & Culture

Cecilia C. Parulan

Compliance & Budget

Services Manager

Marcie Dingle

Corporate Brand

& Publicity Manager

Kevin M. Mayo

Corporate Data Analyst

Rogelio E. Amaya

IT Systems Engineer

JaVette Adams-Pettaway

Program Director

Michael C. Longo

Program Director

Nikia L. Washington

Program Manager

Deborah M. Johns

Career Center Manager & One Stop Operator

Reena S. Singh

One-Stop Operator Manager

Donna G. Eissoh

Business Services Manager

Thomas C. Thornton

Business Services Manager

Ryan C. Rand

Engagement & Development

Specialist

I can truly say KRA is a role model for making sure its leaders have the training and the tools they need to do their job."

— David Barch, Director of Vendor Relations and Special Projects,
    National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)

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.

Zaskia V. Ruiz

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Zaskia is a visionary executive with 20+ years’ experience in public finance, specializing in workforce development and federally funded programs.

In her current position, she brings clarity, compassion, and strategic foresight to her leadership—overseeing Accounting & Finance, People & Culture, Communications & Innovation, and working closely with members of the Workforce Operations and Strategic Partnerships teams.

Since joining KRA in 2017, Zaskia has steadily advanced through the organization, beginning as Manager, Contract & Budget Services, and earning multiple promotions through her exceptional ability to lead, simplify complexity, and drive operational excellence. Her talent for translating intricate challenges into practical, scalable solutions has been key to aligning daily operations with KRA’s  mission, values, and vision.

Nationally recognized for her expertise in fiscal compliance and financial strategy, Zaskia leads KRA’s consulting team, providing technical assistance in cost-allocation planning, audit readiness, budget modeling, and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) compliance. She also heads the Department of Labor-funded Fiscal Virtual Management Academy on WorkforceGPS, helping workforce professionals nationwide navigate evolving fiscal regulations with confidence.

A natural mentor and teacher, Zaskia’s leadership is deeply rooted in a commitment to mental health and wellness, finding joy in developing environments where talent flourishes, and championing a people-centered culture where employees are empowered to grow and thrive in meaningful ways.

Zaskia holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, San Marcos, and is a NAWDP-credentialed Certified Workforce Development Professional.

Outside of work, she enjoys nature walks, traveling with her sons and friends, organizing wellness retreats, and exploring holistic products that support well-being.

Derrick A. Colbert

Managing Director, Operational Excellence

Derrick has 20+ years’ experience delivering highly successful performance-based program outcomes for community-, economic-, and workforce-development initiatives.

His expertise in the operational aspects of program development and management is unparalleled, evidenced by his prior Associate—and Director-level positions with the Executive Office of the D.C. Mayor, including the Workforce Investment Council, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunities, and the Office on Returning Citizens Affairs.

Collaborating with other Corporate Leadership staff to ensure that KRA exceeds its operational goals and client and customer expectations, Derrick works with the Program Management Team’s staff, overseeing and directing the performance of Directors, Business and Career Services Managers, and other operational staff.

He is responsible for the strategic development of service-delivery systems for our American Job Centers and TANF Employment Programs across the country, driving operational efficiency by optimizing organizational strategies, ensuring exceptional program performance, and positioning the company for sustained growth.

In addition to a BS degree in Business Administration from Strayer University, Washington, D.C., Derrick holds multiple Certifications, including Certified Workforce Development Professional, Credential Business Management, Executive Leadership and Management and Continuous Improvement Management.

Derrick enjoys spending time with his family, taking nature walks, visiting museums and amusement parks, studying world and business history, and mentoring the next generation of civic and business leaders.

Vanessa E. Atterbeary

Esquire, 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.

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.

Shanavia N. Moore

Director, Workforce Operations

Shanavia possesses 15+ years’ proven success in developing, managing, and leading workforce-services programs for adults and youth, beginning as a Counselor Case Manager, Youth Empowerment Program for the Birmingham Urban League, advancing to Workforce Job Developer/Coordinator, and then Director of Workforce and Economic Stability.

Skilled in contract negotiation, procurement, budgeting, and optimizing service-delivery systems, her expertise includes guiding workforce-services initiatives from concept through completion, developing business strategies, launching new ventures, and driving organizational growth through strategic planning and execution.

For both the Salvation Army’s Metro Atlanta and Area Command operations in Birmingham, Shanavia developed their first-ever Education and Workforce Programs, assuming the role of Director for both respectively.

Currently, she provides oversight for active and start-up workforce-operations’ programs, managing the performance and supervision of Program Directors and Managers, providing overall direction, coordination, and evaluation to ensure achievement of contract-performance goals.

Earned through the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Shanavia holds a Master of Public Administration degree, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology.

Outside of work, she enjoys mentoring young professionals, finding creative inspiration through books and podcasts on leadership and personal growth, and spending time in the gym and on afternoon walks—anything that helps her recharge and stay grounded. Shanavia is married and a proud parent of two, enjoying quality time and making memories with her loved ones.

Jonathan D. Overall

Director, Communications and Innovation

Since joining KRA in 2014, Jonathan, a CWDP, has provided consistent strategic leadership in positions as Senior Business Services Consultant; Business Services Program Manager; Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance; and Senior Director, Workforce Operations.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, he collaborates with colleagues on developing communications and outreach activities critical to maintaining KRA’s brand presence, building client relationships, and driving new business-development opportunities. In addition, Jonathan provides strategic oversight of KRA’s digital platforms and communications, leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation and engagement.

A pivotal aspect of his role is directing the operations of the Communications & Marketing Department, overseeing the development and distribution of educational, instructional, and promotional materials and publications to ensure consistent KRA brand messaging across all multi-media platforms. Jonathan is also actively engaged in industry- and public-promotion and outreach through his role as co-host of KRA’s highly successful THE HUB Podcast Program.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Patten University in Oakland, CA, which provided a solid foundation for contributing significantly to his knowledge, skills, and abilities in monitoring analytics and performance insights to guide strategy, enhance impact, and support organizational goals.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys traveling with his wife, exploring the outdoors, and BBQing on the weekends.

Kalandria H. Thompson

Director, People & Culture

Kalandria is a seasoned Human Resources (HR) professional with 10+ years’ experience in personnel administration and management and demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing labor-related policies and procedures that ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations.

As a member of KRA’s Leadership Team, she collaborates with Senior Leaders, in the development of strategic initiatives aimed at sustaining the KRA’s human capital and talent at the highest standard of excellence—supporting both corporate and programmatic operations nationwide. A specialist in performance management, Kalandria oversees all facets of HR functions, including recruitment and hiring, compensation and benefits, and training and development.

A passionate advocate for employee well-being, her leadership was instrumental in supporting the Employee Engagement Committee in the creation of multiple workplace-wellness initiatives, resulting in KRA receiving Cigna Healthcare’s 2024 Silver Healthy Workforce Designation.

Kalandria holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of North Alabama in Florence. She is a SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through NAWDP, and has earned a Mental Health First Aid Certificate from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Additionally, she is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success; and an active member and past President of the West Alabama chapter of SHRM.

Cecilia C. Parulan

Compliance & Budget Services Manager

Cecilia, a seasoned financial and compliance professional with 10+ years’ progressive experience in public- and private- sector fiscal management, began her career in 2013 with the County of Riverside, California, where she advanced through a series of increasingly responsible positions, culminating in her role as Senior Accountant, Office of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder.

During her 6-year tenure, she supported the fiscal operations of the Riverside County Workforce Development Board—the third-largest in the State—ensuring compliance and financial reporting to the California Employment Development Department for WIOA and other workforce-development funding streams.   

In 2019, Cecilia brought her expertise to KRA, serving initially as the Contract & Budget Services Lead, ensuring the accurate and timely execution of fiscal compliance across a diverse portfolio of contracts, with responsibilities aligned with grant and contractual requirements, including budget development, cost-allowability reviews, billing, financial reporting, procurement oversight, and audit preparation.

As KRA’s in-house expert on the accounting system, her role has expanded to include providing technical guidance to the General Accounting Department. In this capacity, she delivers training and supports the team in navigating system functionality across payroll, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger operations, and regulatory compliance.  Additionally, she collaborates with the Workforce Operations Team, aligning financial practices with corporate and contract objectives, and playing a key role in business-development efforts in the creation of budgets and narratives for new proposals.

Cecilia, who holds an MBA in Accounting from California Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration—with a concentration in Accounting and Information Systems—from the University of California, is also a NAWDP-credentialed Certified Workforce Development Professional.

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, traveling the world, and spending quality time with her family.

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.

Kevin M. Mayo

Corporate Data Analyst

Kevin joined KRA in 2022 as a Program Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist and, through demonstrated performance, progressed to a Corporate-level role focused on quality and data systems.

His professional foundation was shaped by service in the United States Air Force (USAF), where he began his career in 2005 as a Network Infrastructure Systems Operator. There, he honed his technical skills and developed a disciplined, analytical approach to systems and logistics.

Upon transitioning to civilian life, he applied these strengths as a Logistics Supervisor for a Fortune 500 company and later as a Logistics Manager for a federal law enforcement agency—roles in which he optimized operational efficiency and performance.

Kevin leads data monitoring activities across programs, develops and maintains customized software tools to support reporting, and collaborates cross-functionally with leadership to refine systems that ensure operational integrity and compliance. His work directly supports continuous quality improvement efforts across the enterprise.

He holds a degree in Applied Science from the USAF; is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through NAWDP; and earned a Data Analytics Certificate from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys unplugging from the digital world. He is an active member of a community running club, enjoys off-the-grid adventures, and values quality time with his family. A passionate sports fan, he follows NFL football (Go Ravens), MLS soccer (DC United), and WWE sports entertainment.

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.

JaVette Adams-Pettaway

Program Director

JaVette is an accomplished workforce-services practitioner with 25 years’ experience, driving strategic initiatives proven to deliver exemplary results for a wide variety of programs for adult-, youth-, and justice-involved individuals.  

She gained invaluable industry expertise through diverse leadership positions, most recently as the Associate Director, Youth Workforce Development, Coalition for Responsible Community Development, Los Angeles, CA.  

Other pivotal roles that expanded JaVette’s sphere of expertise, include Manager, Career Development,  Union Station Homeless Services, Altadena, CA; Project and Program Manager (Career Technical Training), Interim Training Director, and Counseling Program Manager, Department of Labor, Long Beach, CA; Supervising Probation Officer II, Cuyahoga County Probation Department, Cleveland, OH; and Group Supervisor, L.A. County Probation Department, Downey, CA.  

Through these key leadership roles, she impacted the lives of more than 5,000 jobseekers, facilitating both in-person and webinar-based training and development programs to support them in overcoming obstacles to employment and securing sustainable career opportunities.  

JaVette directs a comprehensive Career Center—part of the American Job Center of California network—for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth jobseekers, strategically overseeing all aspects of fiscal and program planning and management, including collaborative partnership development with state and local public officials and regional agencies, businesses, and organizations.   

She is a NAWDP-credentialed CWDP, with a BA degree in Psychology from California State University at Long Beach, and with her two siblings is proud to have followed the example set by their Mom, being the first in the family, after her, to graduate from 4-year colleges and universities. 

Michael C. Longo

Program Director

“Mike” is a dynamic industry professional with 36+ years’ experience in workforce- and social-service program development, delivering exceptional outcomes for WIOA-eligible Adult, Dislocated, and In-School/Out-of-School youth, and TANF-benefit recipients.

From 1992 to 2003, as Manager, Employer Relations, Cuyahoga County Employment & Family Services, he oversaw the Work Preparation Alternative Program that provided paid work-experience opportunities for former General Assistance participants.

Simultaneously, Mike fulfilled three other roles: managing the Employment Services Division’s Work Experience & Job Search Programs; liaising between the Cuyahoga Work & Training Department’s Participant Services Division and contracted service providers; and as Special Projects Coordinator, developing and monitoring various contracted training programs.

During the ensuing 20+ years, he held two One-Stop Manager positions, one with the  Cuyahoga County Department of Workforce Development, managing the first certified One-Stop Program in Ohio, and the other with the Workforce Institute of Lorain County, overseeing the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Lorain County public-workforce system.

Prior to joining KRA, Mike served as Director, Lorain County Workforce Development Agency, overseeing the day-to-day delivery of WIOA services to jobseeker- and business-customers, and working with local One-Stop partners to maintain effective and integrated service-delivery systems.

Mike, who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University, currently directs the execution of KRA/OMJ Medina and Summit County Programs, leading teams of Career- and Business-Services professionals who deliver results-oriented coaching, training, and job placement services; creating positive outcomes for residents and employers; and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders to expand program reach and impact.

He spends quality time with his wife Susan antiquing, visiting wineries and craft breweries, and enjoying fine dining around Northeast Ohio.  Mike is a fan of all Cleveland sports teams, favoring  the Guardians and the Browns, and continuing to hope that someday, he will see one of his teams win the World Series or the Super Bowl!

Nikia L. Washington

Program Manager

Nikia began her workforce-services journey in 2008 as a Career Services Coordinator for a Baltimore-based trade school, offering occupational-skills training programs to prepare students for entry-level positions in Construction, HVAC, Transportation, and other in-demand industries.

She brought a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, coordinating activities for adults entering/re-entering the workforce system when she joined KRA in 2018 as a Retention Specialist/Career Agent for the Baltimore City Work Participation, Placement, & Support Services Program that provided work-based training and job-placement assistance for TANF recipients receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits.

In 2025—while serving as the Interim Operations Manager for the Prince George’s County Work Activity & Job Placement Services Program—KRA promoted Nikia to her current leadership position, considering her demonstrated competencies in TANF/TCA policies and programs, as well as her long-standing relationship with  the Baltimore community.

A NAWDP-credentialed CWDP,  Nikia manages the FLEX (Focused Learning, Education, and Experience) Program—a partnership between KRA, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, and the Baltimore City Department of Social Services—overseeing a team of Career Development Facilitators, who provide counseling, education, training, and pre- and post-placement services in a 2-Gen approach to service delivery that improve outcomes for both parents and children.

In her off-work hours, Nikia enjoys family, reading, music, interior design, and community volunteering.

Deborah M. Johns

Career Center Manager & One Stop Operator

Deborah began her career in workforce services as the Workforce Development Coordinator-Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ, with the Waters & Sims Employment Agency, working on behalf of people with disabilities under Work First New Jersey, the State’s cash-assistance program for individuals and families in need.

She expanded her career expertise as the Director of Supported Employment, United Cerebral Palsy in NY, and then as a Vocational Instructor/Placement Coordinator/Vocational Counselor, New York Institute of Technology, serving simultaneously as the Program Coordinator of the Graduate Placement Center, a vocational program for college students with learning disabilities.

For nearly 20 years, Bryant & Stratton College was the beneficiary of Deborah’s expertise, knowledge, and skills through positions as Director of Career Services, simultaneously serving as Coordinator of Workforce Development Training with community partners; as Ohio Market Adjunct Faculty, facilitating Career Development Courses via multimedia strategies tailored to student-learning styles;  as Ohio Market Director of Career Services; and immediately prior to joining KRA, as Adjunct Faculty, supporting the College’s mission by providing an engaging environment for the adult learners.

 As the Manager of the Medina County Career Center (MCCC) and the One Stop Operator (OSO for the Medina County KRA/OhioMeansJobs program), KRA, Deborah leads and oversees MCCC and OSO operations that provide services for WIOA-eligible Adults and Dislocated Workers, optimizing processes and program performance; ensuring exceptional outcome-driven services for our jobseeker- and employer-customers and community partners; facilitating orientation and training for new staff; and overall, fostering a positive, innovative, and productive workforce-services environment.

In addition to an MA in Education, with a concentration in Adult Education and Training, from the University of Phoenix, and a BA in Communication Disorders from the University of Pittsburgh, she has earned Career Development Facilitator and Business Professional Leadership Certifications.

Deborah enjoys spending time on her farm with her various cast of farm characters, each with their own unique personality, which provides endless enjoyment.

Reena S. Singh

One-Stop Operator Manager

Reena is an accomplished educational leader with 10+ years’ experience advancing student achievement, workforce readiness, and community engagement across diverse operational environments. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, she brings a culturally responsive approach to every role she undertakes.

Before joining the KRA/Reno, Nevada One-Stop Operations Team, Reena served as Education Director at the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, overseeing instructional programs, budget management, and staff development in close collaboration with the Washoe School District and higher-education institutions, strengthening academic access for tribal students, and fostering integrated educational services, data-driven decision-making, and equitable learning opportunities for all learners.

Earlier in her career, Reena held prominent leadership positions at two Job Corps Centers (JCC), one as the Academic Manager at the Sacramento JCC, directing instructional staff; coordinating partnerships with local charter schools; and implementing new policies to improve student attendance, engagement, and certification outcomes.

At the Treasure Island JCC, she held multiple roles, including Program Director, Academic Manager, and Work-Based Learning Supervisor, managing cross-functional teams, leading large-scale operational transitions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and enhancing instructional quality through innovative training programs and compliance systems.

A highly strategic and solutions-oriented leader, Reena is known for her ability to build capacity within teams, drive program compliance, and advocate for underserved populations, leveraging her expert knowledge and skills in crisis intervention, quality management, strategic planning, curriculum development, and stakeholder engagement, underscored by a reputation for integrity, emotional intelligence, and steady leadership under pressure.

Reena’s educational achievements include an MA in Education from National University, and an MS in Psychology and BS degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix.

In her spare time, she enjoys exploring National Parks, writing greeting cards, reading, watching movies, playing with her dog Saint, spending time with her son Jayden, family, and friends.

Donna G. Eissoh

Business Services Manager

Since 2014, Donna has honed her expertise in community relationship building, customer service, event coordination, program management, and staff supervision that contribute to the versatility she brings to her KRA position.   

Prior to joining our American Job Center of California (AJCC) Team in Compton, she served as the Career Services Coordinator/Job Developer with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board.  In this role, she successfully connected both adult- and youth job seekers with over 100 employers, facilitating opportunities for On-the-Job Training (OJT) and direct-hire opportunities.   

Previously, as a Business Outreach Specialist with a private social-services contractor, Donna established relationships with San Fernando Valley and LA Metropolitan Area businesses. Her efforts focused on identifying employment opportunities for both unsubsidized and transitional subsidized placements. 

She leads the AJCC’s Business Services Representatives in close collaboration with Community Engagement Specialists to connect with local businesses. Her focus is on effectively identifying On-the-Job Training (OJT) and direct-placement opportunities that align with our jobseeker-customers’ aptitudes and abilities. 

Donna, a NAWDP-credentialed CWDP,  holds an MA in International Relations specializing in Negotiations and Development from American University in Washington, D.C., and a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from Biola University in La Mirada, CA. Additionally, she holds a Peer Support Specialist Certification, Loyola Marymount University. 

In addition to reading and working out, Donna’s other work-life balance activities include making floral arrangements and gifts for parties, birthdays, engagements, holidays and other occasions.

Thomas C. Thornton

Business Services Manager

A highly effective and successful business-account executive and consultant, Tom possesses more than 25 years’ workforce-services expertise established through broad-based expertise in program leadership, management, marketing and employer-partnership development, and customer-relationship maintenance.

His prior experience includes extensive developmental assistance and support to several privately-held companies—some publicly-traded such as Fortune 500 enterprises—delivering profitable growth and expansion strategies.

For the KRA/OhioMeansJobs Programs in Medina and Summit Counties, Tom manages, directs, and coaches our Business

Services Representatives on effective outreach strategies and development of customized solutions to meet employers’ recruitment and hiring needs. Services are provided to jobseekers and employers through no-cost One-Stop Career Centers, enabling businesses to develop stronger organizations, which in turn create more resilient regional economies.

Actively engaged in the communities we serve, he organizes and participates in economic development and sector initiatives, including Job Fairs; Employer Informational Sessions; Chamber of Commerce meetings and other networking events, as well as legislative round tables.

Tom earned an MBA from the University of Utah and a BS degree in Professional Photographic Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Ryan C. Rand

Engagement & Development 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.

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