SkillWorks: Partners for a Productive Workforce names Andre Green Executive Director

Boston – SkillWorks: Partners for a Productive Workforce is pleased to announce that Andre Green, a longtime nonprofit leader with experience in education, economic justice and workforce development, has been named Executive Director, beginning August 10, 2020.

Green has been active across multiple organizations in the nonprofit and social sectors, most recently as the Executive Director of FairTest, the National Center for Fair and Open Testing. Prior to that Green served in a number of different roles, including stints with MassCreative, On Solid Ground, and YouthBuild USA. He is also currently a member of the Somerville School Committee.

“SkillWorks relies on cross-sector approaches to improve opportunities for individuals seeking jobs with family-sustaining wages, and Andre’s experience across education and workforce development and his unwavering commitment to justice and equity make him a natural fit for the role of Executive Director,” said Orlando Watkins, co-chair of the SkillWorks initiative.

Founded in 2003 and housed at the Boston Foundation, SkillWorks is a funder collaborative that brings together philanthropy, government, community organizations and employers to address the twin goals of helping low-skill, low-income individuals attain family-supporting jobs and helping employers find and retain skilled workers. SkillWorks’ Project Catapult brings together innovative and successful workforce organizations to share “next-gen” workforce development practices and connect workers and employers.

“Andre’s history as a partnership builder and strong advocate for equitable treatment in education and the workforce will serve him well at SkillWorks,” said Trinh Nguyen, Director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and co-chair of the SkillWorks initiative. “At a time when COVID-19 and other factors are putting families and jobseekers under increasing strain, his ability to come up with innovative, partner-driven solutions will enable SkillWorks to serve the diverse needs of the Greater Boston community even more effectively.”

Green is a graduate of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, and is himself a first-generation college graduate.