Leadership Transition Announcement
As we celebrate 50 years of impact at Towards Employment this year, we also step into an important and exciting new chapter.
After more than two decades of transformational leadership, our President & CEO, Jill Rizika, is retiring and will be transitioning from her role in the year ahead. Under Jill’s leadership, Towards Employment has grown into a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, serving thousands of individuals each year and helping to shape a more inclusive and effective workforce system.
Since 2003 when Jill joined Towards Employment, we:
None of this would have been possible without Jill’s leadership.
This April our Board of Directors—led by board chair Dr. Shenise Johnson Thomas— is launching a national search for our next President & CEO. This transition is being approached with care and intention, ensuring continuity, stability, and continued momentum.
We also proudly celebrate Jill’s recognition as a 2026 YWCA Woman of Achievement—a testament to her extraordinary impact in our community.
Towards Employment is strong, grounded in a proven model, powered by dedicated staff, and supported by deep partnerships across employers, community organizations, and philanthropy. As we look ahead, we are focused on building on this foundation to expand opportunity for people, strengthen workforce systems, respond to new technology and meet the evolving needs of workers and businesses in our region.
