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Workera Expands Leadership Team in Response to Growing Demand for Skills Data

In a bid to tackle the surging enterprise demand for verified skills data, Workera, a well-respected platform known for its proficiency in skills intelligence, has recently appointed four go-to-market leaders. This strategic move aligns with the company's vision to support organizations as they navigate the evolving landscape of workforce development in the context of increased reliance on technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

New Additions to the Team

Among the recent appointments, Jim Hemgen steps in as the Vice President of Partnerships from Booz Allen Hamilton, where he was instrumental in leading talent development strategies for over 33,000 employees. His experience as a Workera customer gives him a unique perspective on the ecosystem of skills measurement. Hemgen emphasized that many learning professionals still utilize outdated methods centered on course enrollments and inferred skills, rather than verified outcomes. He stated, “That’s why I brought Workera into Booz Allen. We needed a platform that could measure workforce readiness with real fidelity.” Now, he is excited about the opportunity to assist companies across various sectors in establishing effective talent development processes.

Joining Hemgen is Brad Bernstein, who takes on the role of Vice President of Global Sales. Bernstein has transitioned from HackerRank, where he significantly expanded enterprise sales processes, aiding large companies in their technical skills transformations. His expertise will be pivotal as Workera seeks to solidify its presence in the market.

Jessica Harvey, now the Vice President of Customer, comes from Mursion, where she held the title of Chief Revenue Officer, along with experience at BetterUp managing significant accounts focused on workforce transformation for Fortune 500 companies. This wealth of background in customer management positions her to enhance Workera's engagements with clients effectively.

Finally, Amanda Ellsworth has been appointed as the Head of Product Marketing. Previously with Workiva, she brings a robust understanding of enterprise SaaS product marketing, specifically within the compliance and risk management segments—essential for supporting Workera’s growth and product development initiatives.

The Demand for Verified Skills

Workera’s expansion of leadership comes at a crucial time. A recent report titled 2026 AI Workforce Preview noted that 76% of Americans intend to acquire new AI skills in the coming year. However, the absence of verified skills measurements makes it difficult for organizations to accurately assess whether their training investments yield tangible capabilities or merely contribute to budget drain.

Kian Katanforoosh, CEO of Workera, stated, “AI is not just a new tool; it is changing the structure of work itself.” In an era where roles and skills are rapidly evolving, having accurate skills intelligence is paramount for leaders to make informed talent decisions. The recent hires are set to provide Workera with the necessary depth and expertise to scale its offerings in response to rising enterprise demand.

Workera’s initiative to bridge this skills gap positions the company favorably in the market, enabling organizations to transform workforce development from mere guesswork into a competitive advantage. This strategic growth is crucial as businesses prepare for the future of work, ensuring that they not only embrace technology but also leverage it in a way that enhances productivity and innovation.

About Workera

Workera is celebrated as an essential skills data layer for enterprises, facilitating critical talent decisions across various sectors, including hiring, workforce planning, and AI transformation. Its robust platform aligns business goals with actual capabilities while fostering productivity and innovation. The company's accolades include recognition by TIME's Best EdTech and World's Top HRTech Companies in 2025, showcasing its impact on the growing intersection of technology and workforce management. For more information, visit workera.ai.