Jack Mills
EVP & Chief Operating Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jack Mills leads alignment of CAEL'S work, resource development, and budget with its vision and Theory of Change so that all adults have an equitable opportunity for and success in obtaining credentials and skills that lead to well-paying, good quality jobs, increase earnings and economic mobility, and improve quality of life. Mills says, “I am passionate about CAEL because of our impact: we benefit people and employers and center equity. We thereby strengthen regional and national economic vitality. And by doing so, we support and sustain our democracy.”
Nationally recognized in workforce development, Mills previously served in leadership roles for national nonprofits, workforce development organizations, and the government. He directed a national network of industry partnerships, expanded them 500 percent to over 1,000 nationwide by advancing strategies and policy, and guided successful multi-million dollar fundraising efforts. He has led industry partnerships in healthcare, information technology, and six other industries.
Mills holds a Master of Public Administration in Workforce Development and Economic Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Anthropology from Harvard University.
Links to Related Work :
Making the Most of the Moment for Our Workforce System
Maximizing Federal Relief for Adult Students, CAEL, August 2, 2021
9 Steps to Revitalize America’s Manufacturing Communities, The Century Foundation, May 8, 2019
Interview with Jack Mills on Sector Initiatives - John J. Heldrich Center, July 2010
Health Industry Jobs Help Build Healthy Economy, Race Poverty and the Environment, Spring 2007
Areas of Expertise : Mills has extensive experience in strategic planning and action plan development, systems change strategies to overcome structural barriers to skill development and employment outcomes, best practices in the design of workforce training connected to current and future labor market needs, linking economic and workforce development in regions/communities, success factors for achieving impact and scale, and financing strategies for sustainability. Other areas of expertise include developing employer partnerships and approaches for strengthening employer engagement, career pathways, upskilling/reskilling, work/learn strategies, and employer-based career exploration and development.