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Strengthening Local Workforce: Philadelphia Works Enhances Board of Directors

On May 27, 2025, Philadelphia Works, Inc. (often referred to as PhilaWorks), the primary workforce development board in Philadelphia, took a significant step toward enhancing its community impact by appointing four new members to its Board of Directors. This strategic move aligns with the administration of Mayor Cherelle Parker and aims to bolster local workforce solutions. The newly inducted leaders—Stephanie Gambone, Hassan Charles, Louis Rodriguez, and Antonio J. Burrell—each brings a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives that promise to enrich the board’s capacity to guide effective workforce strategies.

New Board Members and Their Expertise

1. Stephanie Gambone

As the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA, Gambone is renowned for her dedication to empowering youth through economic education. Her role positions her as an advocate for initiatives that foster financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship among young individuals in the community.

2. Hassan Charles

Serving as the Director of Community Relations for Global Corporate Giving at Chubb, Charles has a proven track record in overseeing philanthropic endeavors. He will leverage his experience to elevate workforce and community development initiatives, ensuring corresponding economic advantages for local workers and employers alike.

3. Louis Rodriguez

In his capacity as the President and CEO of Rodriguez Consulting, Rodriguez adds a layer of communications expertise to the board. His insights will be instrumental in navigating workforce messaging and program communications, ultimately enhancing engagement with diverse stakeholders.

4. Antonio J. Burrell

As the General Counsel at Snipes USA, Burrell contributions are pivotal, especially concerning legal matters and community development issues that might affect workforce policies and programs. His background equips him especially well to assist in shaping sustainable workforce strategies within an equitably governed framework.

A Vision for Economic Empowerment

President and CEO of Philadelphia Works, H. Patrick Clancy, expressed enthusiasm regarding the new appointments. “Stephanie, Hassan, Louis, and Antonio are exceptional additions to our board, and I couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with them,” he noted. Clancy emphasized the invaluable perspectives the new directors bring, underscoring their commitment to empowering communities and promoting positive change.

The Philadelphia Works Board of Directors, which includes leaders across various sectors—private, non-profit, labor, and government—plays a crucial role in steering strategic and financial decisions aimed at creating economic opportunities for Philadelphia’s residents. Their collaborative efforts are designed to support sustainable growth for local employers, further bolstering the region's economic landscape in line with the aims set by Mayor Parker’s administration.

About Philadelphia Works

Philadelphia Works is dedicated to the strategic development of workforce solutions tailored to Philadelphia’s specific needs. The organization focuses on linking talented job seekers with potential employers while advocating for and influencing public policies that foster economic growth. They optimize resources to invest in regional solutions and ensure a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of a dynamic job market.

For additional information regarding their dedicated board members, workforce research, and service initiatives, please visit philaworks.org.