#United States #Nashville #Workforce Development #Competency-Based Education #Skills-First Economy

Four Visionary Leaders Join C-BEN Board

The Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) has recently expanded its board of directors, bringing in four influential figures from various sectors to help accelerate the shift toward a skills-first economy. As the landscape of employment evolves, C-BEN aims to harness these leaders’ expertise to further enhance collaboration between institutions and employers, ensuring that learners can effectively acquire, demonstrate, and validate the skills that are increasingly vital in today's job market.

Meet the New Board Members

The new board members include:

• - Kimo Kippen: A globally acknowledged specialist in lifelong learning and talent development, Kimo has previously served as the chief learning officer at Hilton and VP of Learning at Marriott International. He currently advises organizations like ATD and regularly leads HR learning events around the world.

• - Ajita Talwalker Menon: Serving as the president and CEO of Calbright College, Ajita provides a public, online competency-based approach to enhance economic mobility in California. Her previous roles include special assistant to the president for higher education policy during the Obama Administration.

• - Joe Edelheit Ross: As president and CEO of Reach University, Joe is committed to promoting apprenticeship degrees. He has a rich background in education advocacy and service in various educational roles, including the California County Boards of Education.

• - Jane Oates: A senior policy advisor and former president of WorkingNation, Jane has an extensive history in government and education, having served as assistant secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor and senior policy advisor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Charla Long, president of C-BEN noted, "Our nation and world have made it clear—skills are the currency of the future." This sentiment underlines the background against which these leaders have agreed to serve on the board, reinforcing the importance of advancing skills-based learning as a method for ensuring economic mobility and workforce competitiveness.

Accelerating a Shift to Skills-First Education

C-BEN has already been a pioneer in the transition from traditional time-based educational frameworks to more flexible, skills-driven paradigms. In recent years, over 16 states have implemented skills-based hiring policies, indicating a broader acceptance of this educational shift. In fact, more than 80% of organizations are looking to adopt skills-first talent strategies, highlighting a significant push towards valuing skills over traditional credentials in the hiring process.

Through collaborative efforts with diverse states and regions including Alabama, Navajo Nation, and Illinois, C-BEN has showcased talent marketplaces that underline the power of skills assessments. In Tennessee and Washington, initiatives have been launched to address teacher shortages by expanding apprenticeship opportunities where educators can earn credentials while continuing to teach. In California, C-BEN has worked with colleges to recognize farm workers’ hands-on experience with emerging technologies, providing them with the necessary skills for today’s evolving job market.

As Jennifer Graebe, the incoming chair of C-BEN's Board of Directors, stated, "A thriving economy depends on the ability to facilitate and validate learning, and translate that into the ever-changing skills required in today's workforce." The new board members are expected to leverage their expertise to drive C-BEN's mission forward, expanding its impact and enabling both learners and employers to thrive in a skills-driven future.

About the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN)

C-BEN is on a transformative journey to redefine learning throughout individuals' lifetimes. The organization is committed to measuring learning outcomes based on actual skills and competencies that empower individuals to succeed in the workforce. With over a decade of experience, C-BEN leads a broad coalition of education leaders, employers, and policymakers in advancing competency-based practices that benefit students and support lifelong learning. As a U.S.-based non-profit, C-BEN invites all stakeholders committed to reshaping education and workforce development to engage with its initiatives and contribute to a more inclusive economy that prioritizes skills.