New CEO Announced for WorkSource Montgomery, Inc.

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Feb. 24, 2016) — WorkSource Montgomery, Inc., the workforce development resource for Montgomery County businesses and jobseekers, is proud to announce Dr. Ellie Giles as its new Chief Executive Officer. She will begin her new role March 21.

Giles will lead the non-profit WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. in collaboration with its board and work with the recently seated Workforce Development Board to promote job training and placement for the County’s workforce and meet the needs of County employers. Together, the two boards will direct a robust system of talent development aligned to the future and current economic development priorities for the County.

“Dr. Giles’ deep understanding of our community’s economic development and workforce objectives will be a tremendous asset to fulfilling WorkSource Montgomery’s mission,” said Donna Cooper, chair of WorkSource Montgomery and Pepco Region president. “Our growing business community deserves qualified talent, and Montgomery County residents deserve sustainable career and employment opportunities.”

Giles has been instrumental in facilitating multiple successful regional growth initiatives. Her most recent role as Director of Operations at Montgomery Business Development Corporation resulted in a comprehensive contribution to Montgomery County’s economic ecosystem and its relationship with workforce development. She also created the industry-led Rx for Employability talent development model, which has brought together various agencies and training organizations to enhance the career path ways for over 500 County residents. Rx for Employability is funded by EARN Maryland, the Montgomery County government and leveraged resources.

“I am honored and grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization,” Giles said. “I look forward to ensuring that WorkSource Montgomery is the ‘Go-To’ place linking local and regional economic development and workforce efforts.”

Prior to her role in economic development, Giles served for more than 30 years in leadership roles with Montgomery County Public Schools and Johns Hopkins University. She is a recognized author and speaker advocating for continued research and growth for individuals with special needs.

“We are excited to have someone with Dr. Giles’ expertise and savvy to lead the workforce system in Montgomery County on behalf of the Workforce Development Board and its operatingarm, WorkSource Montgomery,” said Michael Sullivan, chair of the Workforce Development Boarand manager for compensation and benefits at Pepco Holdings, Inc. “Our goal is that businesses with workforce needs and qualified jobseekers find each other in the most efficient
manner. Dr. Giles comes in with great vision to make that happen.”

WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. was established as part of Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett’s economic development plan with the goal to promote job training and placement for County workers and meet the workforce needs of County employers. The initiative moved forward in October 2015 with County Council approval to establish the independent non-profit. The system created as part of this plan places responsibility for the County’s workforce system outside of the County government’s structure and in the hands of community business leaders and stakeholders.

For more information about WorkSource Montgomery visit www.worksourcemontgomery.com