ATLANTA, GA (March 11, 2019) – Atlanta CareerRise, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions regional collaborative for the Atlanta metro area, has named John Helton as its new Executive Director, effective June 1.

Helton is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for CobbWorks, Inc. and WorkSource Cobb. Since its founding in 2000, Helton has led the organization in its growth from start-up to a staff of 35, along with providing significant leadership in workforce development at the local and national levels, including his current role as the President of the Southeastern Employment & Training Association (SETA). Prior to that, Helton was Deputy Director of Cobb County’s Department of Family and Children Services.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” stated Milton J. Little, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, and Co-Chair of CareerRise’s Leadership Council. “John brings deep knowledge of both public and private workforce development programs, along with regional leadership and innovation in meeting employers’ needs for skilled talent. “

Helton holds a B.S. in Public and Social Services from Kennesaw State University and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. He has served on numerous community and professional organizations and advisory boards, including: Cobb Community Collaborative, Cobb Chamber of Commerce-Leadership Cobb Class of 2010, Georgia Workforce Leadership Association, Southeastern Employment and Training Association, Harmony House Ex-Offender Re-entry Initiative, and Communities in Schools.

“It’s exciting to build on Atlanta CareerRise’s unique role in fostering innovation, regional collaboration, and employer leadership in Metro Atlanta’s workforce space. I look forward to expanding from CareerRise’s strong foundation to larger scale impact and outcomes for the region,” said Helton in a statement.

Atlanta CareerRise is a workforce funder collaborative that increases regional prosperity by creating and strengthening partnerships and systems that meet employer needs for skilled talent and connect metro Atlanta residents to sustainable wage careers. Founded and managed by the United Way of Greater Atlanta in 2011 with investments from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and numerous local funding partners, it is one of 32 regional funding collaboratives in the U.S. implementing innovative employer-driven approaches to improving skills, systems and jobs in our communities.

Helton succeeds Cinda Herndon-King, founding Director of Atlanta CareerRise, who is retiring this summer. Cinda will remain active with the program through its Leadership Council and key ongoing projects as a senior consultant.