#United States #New York #Per Scholas #Caitlyn Brazill #Plinio Ayala

Caitlyn Brazill Becomes CEO of Per Scholas

In a significant leadership development, Caitlyn Brazill has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and President of Per Scholas, effective January 1, 2027. This transition follows the esteemed tenure of Plinio Ayala, who dedicated 28 years to the organization, guiding it from a local initiative in the Bronx to a prominent national workforce accelerator.

Per Scholas, known for its commitment to advancing economic mobility through no-cost training for in-demand careers, has made this decision in collaboration with Ayala and the organization's Board of Directors. The succession underscores the organization's strength in leadership and its continued pledge to increase economic opportunities for all.

A Legacy of Growth and Impact

Lewis E. Miller, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Per Scholas, reflected on the organization's journey under Ayala's leadership, stating that the foundation he built extends beyond numbers—it's about empowerment and a culture of rigorous impact measurement. Since its humble beginnings, Per Scholas has served over 25 communities nationwide, aimed at bridging the gap in workforce skills shortages through targeted training initiatives.

Brazill has been a part of Per Scholas for nearly a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s mission and shaping its growth strategies during that time. Under her guidance, the organization has implemented several key initiatives, including AI-enabled training and expansion into critical infrastructure fields.

Looking Ahead

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Brazill emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent. As she steps into her new role, she plans to continue building on the strong foundation laid by Ayala. The ambitious goal is to provide training to an astounding 25,000 learners annually by 2030, a testament to the organization’s unwavering vision and commitment to foster economic mobility.

Plinio Ayala, reflecting on his journey, expressed his pride in the achievements of Per Scholas and acknowledged the significant role Brazill has played in its evolution. He is confident that under her leadership, Per Scholas will continue to expand career pathways and adapt its training models to meet the ever-evolving demands of the workforce.

Support from Stakeholders

Key supporters and partners of Per Scholas have also voiced their encouragement for this transition. Jim Shelton, CEO of Blue Meridian Partners, hailed the strong leadership culture Ayala established and assured continued support for Brazill’s new initiatives. Cecilia Conrad, from Lever for Change, underscored the need for an adaptive approach to economic mobility and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the organization’s growth under Brazill’s leadership.

Moreover, leaders from various sectors have acknowledged the significant contributions of Per Scholas in identifying workforce talent and preparing them for high-demand careers. As the training landscape evolves, employers are looking for partners who can adapt to technological advancements, and Per Scholas has shown a remarkable ability to meet these shifting demands.

Conclusion

As Caitlyn Brazill prepares to take the helm as CEO of Per Scholas, excitement surrounds the prospects for the organization amidst a changing economic landscape. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to innovate and expand, ensuring that countless individuals gain access to promising career opportunities. With a focus on inclusivity and efficacy in training, Brazill’s leadership is set to further enhance the legacy of Per Scholas, empowering communities across the nation.

For more information about Per Scholas and its programs, visit their website at PerScholas.org.