PAIRIN, the workforce journey company, today announced that nationally renowned executive and global leader Dr. Shannon Block will join the company as its Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Block will focus on accelerating PAIRIN’s fast-growing footprint — helping states, workforce programs, education organizations, and employers build a stronger talent pipeline that puts job seekers first.
In this role, Block will be pivotal in elevating the reach of change-driven programs within states, across industry sectors, and throughout workforce development and educational landscapes. This strategic positioning elevates job seekers to a central place in shaping a resilient talent infrastructure, echoing the collective vision and progress of communities.
Moving into the role in December, Block has most recently been serving as the Chief Development and Distribution Officer for the Markle Foundation, where through the Rework America Alliance and Skillful initiatives, she has led her team to connect workers making a low wage to quality jobs.
Block brings to PAIRIN a deep bench of strategic leadership experience and academic strengths, having served as Chief Executive Officer of multiple organizations including World Forward, The Denver Zoo and Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers. She also served as Chief Business Development Officer for Denver Health after almost five years with Deloitte. Block has bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Applied Mathematics from George Washington University, a master’s degree in Physics from Tufts University, and a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialty in big data analytics from Colorado Technical University.
“For years, I’ve observed Dr. Block’s infectious passion for skills-based hiring and helping government, education, and nonprofit organizations be more effective in how they serve and connect with job seekers,” said PAIRIN Chairman and CEO Michael Simpson. “Like the many states that supported Skillful and the Rework America Alliance, whenever she asked for PAIRIN to participate in an initiative, my answer was always ‘How can we help?’ It’s exciting to partner with someone so mission-connected and talented to lead our company’s growth.”
Drawn to the new role at PAIRIN, an Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, Block says she connected with how the whole team shared her commitment to prioritizing job seekers to solve workforce talent needs.
“PAIRIN puts the job seeker first when often they are not even at the table,” she said. “I have always been interested in complicated societal problems, and I think what excites me about PAIRIN is the opportunity to work with states and organizations to pull the infrastructure of workforce and education together to really make an impact.
“I honestly believe this is a chance to change the lives of so many people, and that’s why I am all in,” she added.
Dr. Shannon Block is known as a global leader and keynote speaker on strategy and digital transformation, presenting at conferences hosted by Bloomberg, CNBC, YPO, and Employers Council. She has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, Titan 100, and Most Powerful Woman in Business in 2021. She has served as a trusted advisor to numerous philanthropists, as well as the State of Colorado. In her prior role at the helm of the Rework America State Network, she has united a coalition of 30 state governors, propelling a nationwide movement to advance workforce innovation and boost economic mobility for every American worker.
For more information, visit www.PAIRIN.com.
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