Local Board Members
The Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (PBWDB) a local workforce development board, approved by the State of Arizona and charged with providing strategic guidance and direction for federal, state, and local workforce development funds and programs. The PBWDB oversees a network of public and private partners, to coordinate a cohesive strategy for talent development within the city.
Daniel Barajas
Director, Industry Partnerships, Maricopa County Community Colleges
Daniel Barajas comes to the Maricopa County Community Colleges District from Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona where he was most recently the Dean of Career and Technical Education for his last seven years there - leading occupational academic programming, continuing education & workforce development, and academic support services. Daniel spent nearly fourteen years at AWC during which time he was also an Associate Dean for Community and Educational Partnership, marrying educational opportunity to business and workforce need. Daniel also spent nearly ten years in the Pima Community College system where he worked for the Center for Training and Development, along with other roles in the Student Services area. In total Daniel brings twenty four years of post-secondary experience to job, collaborating with secondary, university, business and industry partners - in addition to economic development and one-stop systems. Daniel's formal education consists of an undergraduate degree in Business Management and Master's degree in post-secondary Educational Administration. Daniel also brings State leadership experience through a diversity of roles, and has formerly served as the President of the Arizona Occupational Administrators Council (AOAC). Since joining the Maricopa County Community Colleges District as the District Director for Community Partnership and Workforce Development in April of 2016, he has enjoyed affiliation with regional education and business and industry partners, with a recent appointment as Board Member for the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board.
Nick Bielinski, Chair Emeritus
Senior Technical Sourcing Recruiter @Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Nick Bielinski currently serves as Senior Technical Sourcing Recruiter for AWS where he leads the efforts for Security Engineering recruitment for 230 security, compliance, governance services and features. Prior, Nick was at Google as the Channels Specialist w/ their Extended Workforce Program focused on Search, Google Maps, Pixel and Autonomous Vehicles. Nick has worked within Information Technology Services since 2012 in the Staffing Industry. Before a career in IT, Nick served in the United States Air Force as a Security Analyst within the National Security Agency. After his military service, he completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University, where he also served as the President of the Student Veterans Association. Nick has been serving on the PWDB since 2018 and as of 2021 Vice-Chair & Chairman of Arizona’s Military Family Relief Fund Program.
Steven Cramer
Steven Cramer
Steven Cramer CIO Newbridge Business Solutions LLC NewbridgeBusinessSolutions.com Steven has been a leader in the contact center industry for over 25 years, leading both domestic and international sites increasing productivity and quality through streamlined processes, procedures, and technology. His ability to successfully lead and manage a customer-centric organization reflects his comprehensive understanding of the Contact Center industry including Workforce Management, Billing Services, Client Retention, Account Management, IT Support Services and Global Site Management. Through his organizations and industry leadership, he advocates for the advanced development of the contact center industry through effective training and education within local communities. These efforts reflect in his leadership in national, state, and local organizations. Steven’s leadership positions include: Founder / VP Global Operations: Newbridge Business Solutions LLC President: North American Customer Service Management Assn. (NACSMA) Executive Board: City of Phoenix, Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board (PBWDB) Chair: City of Phoenix, Communication and Outreach Committee (PBWDB) Chair: City of Phoenix, Advanced Business Service Committee Mentor, Business Professional: W.P. Carey School of Business Committee Member/Chair: Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED)
Kaaren-Lyn Graves
Kaaren-Lyn Graves
Kaaren-Lyn Graves, is a Senior Business Consultant with the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, and also serves as a technical/proposal writer for the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Kaaren has proudly served the public and private sectors for twenty five (25) years. During this time, she held leadership positions which leveraged her technical and business writing expertise, project management skills, and overall operations management. Kaaren has numerous achievements and career highlights. While working for the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, she was a contributor to the office being named one of the top performing offices in the United States out of 44 centers nationwide. She has also been able to work on a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and expansion project in California which will impact multiple communities. While working for the State of Arizona (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)), she developed financial forecasting documents resulting in awarded grants, general funds, and monetary awards ranging from $935 thousand dollars to $4 million dollars. She has also created numerous documents consisting of resumes, capability statements, business plans, and marketing documents for her clients worldwide. Kaaren has earned degrees in research and development (“R&D”) and communications with an emphasis in technical writing. She was also certified in biomedical research investigators, Native American research, and social & behavioral research investigations.
Jesus Love
Executive Director, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa
Jesús Love is the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, a community based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides free educational services to adults who desire to learn to read, obtain the High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, or communicate in English. Upon graduating from Georgetown University, Jesús returned to Mexico where he worked for two large commercial banks, supervising emerging markets and managing international operations. At the advent of the .com boom, Jesús moved to Tucson where he co-founded an e-investment firm servicing foreign national clientele desiring to trade in the U.S. financial markets. He left this successful venture and moved to Phoenix and joined US Bank helping with the expansion from four to sixty-seven branches during his thirteen-year tenure. He lives in Phoenix with his wife Andrea and their teenagers Isabel and Ian. Jesús has always held a deep sense of community and has been involved in educational and philanthropic organizations which currently include Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral, Phoenix Conservatory of Music, St. Mary’s High School, the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, and the Georgetown University Alumni Admissions.
Meghan McGilvra
Director of Partnerships, Year Up Arizona
Meghan currently serves as the Director of Partnerships at Year Up where she works to close the Opportunity Divide by creating pathways to opportunity through partnerships and national initiatives. Meghan has spent over 20 years in nonprofits focused on workforce development in the youth sector. Meghan is committed to moving the needle on inequities in education and hiring practices that disproportionally affect opportunity youth. Her experience in Department of Labor contracts, recruitment, social work, pipeline management, and community partnerships has allowed her to have a unique perspective in doing this work. Meghan is a Masters Level Social Worker, serves as Chair of Opportunities for Youth Leadership Council, Co-Chair of Reengagement Center Action Teams, and has had the pleasure of serving on many councils and taskforces focused on Workforce, Youth Development, and Educational Access. Meghan is the mother of two girls, and enjoys a quieter pace with her husband and family when “offline”.
Scott Holman
Head of Human Resources, TSMC Arizona
Scott Holman is current the Head of Human Resources at TSMC Arizona. At TSMC Az, Scott is responsible for all Human Resources functions, including: Talent Acquisition (attract, hire, onboard/integrate, develop and retain), Mobility, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Communications, Learning & Development, Employee experience/Site Services (café, gym, wellness, etc.). Scott has 34+ year experience, including 8 years in technical/manufacturing/operations roles at Honeywell, Philips Semiconductors and Intel and over 26 years of Corporate Human Resources Leadership/Managerial experience (with Intel, IM Flash and Micron). During his tenure in the semiconductor industry, Scott has traveled aboard and was an expatriate in China, Malaysia and Japan. He completed his under- graduate degree in Business Administration and earned his Masters degree in Management, with an emphasis in Human Resources Development. Further, Scott is also veteran and served in the United States Air Force. He is married to Connie for over 30+ years and has 4 adult children (3 Sons; Scott Jr, Aaron and Derek) and a Daughter, Jordan) and 5 grandsons.
Dean Scheinert
St. Joseph the Worker
Dean Scheinert is Chief Operating Officer at St. Joseph the Worker, a local non-profit whose mission is to connect our Valley’s disadvantaged, homeless, and transitioning individuals who are seeking jobs with employment and to create opportunities for success. Prior to his current role, Dean had executive fundraising responsibilities with the Musical Instrument Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Dean’s transition to non-profit leadership in 2016 came on the heels of his family’s move to Phoenix in 2012 and a 35-year career year as a senior banker, portfolio manager, and asset management entrepreneur in New York and Phoenix. Dean serves as a Trustee on the $17 billion Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board where he chairs the Operations, Governance, and Audit Committee and is a member of the Investment Committee. Additional current community activities include Trustee at the Temple Solel Endowment Foundation and on the recently formed Board of the Museum of Arizona Artists. Dean earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute, MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and BA from Tufts University.
Juvenal L Lopez
Chief Development Officer, Phoenix Union High School District
Juvenal L Lopez joined Phoenix Union High School District as Assistant Principal for Registration at Metro Tech High School on July 01, 2003. He served as Principal for Metro Tech High School from 2005-2008, Human Resources Director for Certified Personnel from 2008-2016, Executive Director for Logistics from 2016-2019, Principal Coach in 2019- 2020, served as the Executive Director for Talent in 2021-2022, and was named Chief Development Officer for the 2022-2023 school year. He will lead the District's Talent and Leadership Divisions. Before joining Phoenix Union, Lopez served as an Assistant Principal for 13 years for the Kyrene Elementary School District and taught for five years in the Mesa Unified School District. A native of Guanajuato, Mexico, Juve, and his family migrated to the small town of Bagdad, Arizona, and he attended Bagdad Unified High School. He earned an Applied Science Degree from Yavapai College in Pre-Engineering, and a B.A. and Master's Degree at Arizona State University. Juve Lopez and his family live in Chandler, Arizona.
Brandon Ramsey
Membership Services Director, Phoenix Community Alliance
Brandon Ramsey is the Membership Services Director for Phoenix Community Alliance, the advocate affiliate to Downtown Phoenix Inc. As an influential 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that strives to activate, advocate, and build Greater Downtown Phoenix through the united vision and commitment of our over 300 Members, his position is to best support, align, and collaborate with the Members. Brandon spent over 10 years in the technology industry where he served on the PBWDB as an employee of Microsoft, then transitioning to Insight and Nerdery. Throughout his career he always found ways to identify company resources and personal passion to best support his community. Which lead him to leave tech to support March of Dimes Arizona as the Senior Development Manager, and then to his currently position at Phoenix Community Alliance. Now having an opportunity to represent over 300 Members allows him to focus on the workforce needs of local businesses and aligning the available resources. “It is an honor to be joining a dedicated board that direct impacts the lives of so many and helps better our entire community”.
Nick DePorter
Senior Lead Manager of US Public Policy & Economic Graph, LinkedIn
Nick DePorter’s professional experience includes government affairs, higher education leadership and workforce development. Nick is the Senior Lead Manager of US Public Policy and Economic Graph at LinkedIn. He is responsible for partnering with policymakers and community stakeholders to create economic opportunity for every member of the workforce. He currently serves as a Board Member for the City of Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), and the Arizona State University - School of Politics and Global Studies. Nick served as an elected Councilmember for the Town of Fountain Hills, AZ from 2014-2018. He previously served on the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board, the Chicanos Por La Causa - Integrated Health and Human Services Board, and the Arizona State University - Career and Professional Development Services Advisory Board. Nick holds a BA in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Arizona State University.
John Soto
Program Manager, Arizona Department of Economic Security
John Soto is a seasoned professional leading as a Program Manager with the Department of Economic Security, where he demonstrates exemplary leadership and innovative strategies in driving impactful initiatives. With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, John has also held the prestigious position of Vice-President Regional Banking District Manager, showcasing his exceptional expertise in managing complex operations and fostering lasting relationships with clients. Throughout his career, John has been recognized for his exceptional ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, making him a highly sought-after leader in his field. His dedication to enhancing community development and economic growth has been instrumental in achieving remarkable results within his programs and projects. John's passion for fostering collaboration and driving meaningful change has earned him a reputation as a visionary and a true asset to any organization. As a dynamic and forward-thinking professional, he continues to elevate the standard of excellence in his domain, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the lives of those he serves. With a track record of success and a commitment to delivering results, John Soto brings invaluable expertise and a strategic vision to help organizations thrive in today's ever-evolving landscape.
Ginger Lane
Customer Ambassador, Lumen/Communications Workers of America
Ginger Lane is an advocate for workers' rights, serving as a dedicated member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) since 2000. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to the cause, Ginger was honored with the esteemed 2019 AZ AFL-CIO Volunteer of the Year Award. As a passionate union activist, Ginger has fought tirelessly for workers' rights, advocating for fair treatment and better conditions. Ginger's advocacy extends beyond her union work, as she also plays a crucial role in facilitating training for CWA members. Ginger provides invaluable knowledge through workshops such as Reversing Runaway Inequality, Political Bootcamp, and Mobilization. By empowering members with essential tools and strategies, Ginger actively contributes to their growth and success. In addition to her involvement in labor activism, Ginger has been an active participant in the recovery community since 1994, embodying the spirit of service, unity and support. Her continuous dedication has offered numerous individuals guidance and encouragement on their path to recovery. Furthermore, Ginger has made significant contributions to the diverse community's growth and effectiveness by participating in the planning and implementation of international conventions and helping develop guidelines and literature. Furthermore, Ginger has pursued personal and professional growth through various courses offered by Landmark Worldwide. Having completed The Curriculum for Living, Ginger has honed her communication skills, expanded her self-expression, and developed strong leadership abilities. With a background encompassing union activism, training facilitation, community service, and personal growth, Ginger Lane stands committed to empowering others and effecting positive change.
Emily Paulson
Assistant Director, EY's Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence
Emily Paulson currently serves as the Assistant Director for EY’s Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence in Phoenix. Within this position, she works with the local community & internal stakeholders to build accessible pathways to employment & integration for neurodivergent job seekers in the field of technology. Emily has spent over a decade in the field of education, focusing on the development and implementation of specialized programs for individuals with diverse academic, social and vocational needs. Her career has led her to work within public, private and higher education institutions in the US and across the globe. Prior to transitioning into the private sector, Emily worked at the University of California, Berkeley where she designed inclusive programming for neurodivergent students and teamed with faculty and staff to implement universally accessible teaching and advising practices across campus . Emily has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Indiana University and a Master’s Degree in the field of Education. She spends her free time camping in national parks and exploring new countries.
Raghu Santanam, Ph.D.
Sr. Associate Dean, Exec Education, Corporate Partnerships and Lifelong Learning
Dr. Raghu Santanam is the Sr. Associate Dean for Exec Education, Corporate Partnerships and Lifelong Learning in the W. P. Carey School of Business. He is the McCord Endowed Chair of Business and Professor in Department of Information Systems. Dr. Santanam also leads AZNext – the ASU workforce accelerator partnership program funded by the Department of Labor. His current research focuses on Analytics, Augmented Intelligence, and mobile platforms. Prof. Santanam has helped a number of organizations on data intensive decision-making contexts (including IBM, Intel, American Express, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Lallemand and others). He has authored several researched case studies on technology enabled business transformations. Dr. Santanam is firmly committed to engaging with the community; in addition to his voluntary roles in the academic community, he is on the Governing body of Evanta CISO/CIO Executive summit and AZ Tech Council’s public policy committee. Recently, he was a Panelist for the ASU-GSV 2023 Summit, discussing Workforce Development in the Digital Age – University-based Perspectives in the US and Worldwide; he was also part of the 2023 Arizona Association for Economic Development Panel, conversing Workforce Trends and Data-Driven Strategies. To recharge, Dr. Santanam enjoys spending time in the hiking trails around the state.