September 5, 2019 — National Fund for Workforce Solutions President and CEO Fred Dedrick will step down from his leadership role in early 2020, after a decade of impactful leadership.
In a letter sent earlier today, National Fund Board Chair Whitney Smith highlighted Dedrick’s role in building the Fund into an independent, thriving, and respected national workforce organization with national impact.
Over the past decade, the National Fund has been a leader in aligning workforce development with employer needs, with 85 active industry partnerships across the network in 10 sectors. Using demand-driven approaches, the Fund has engaged more than 8,000 employers, whose changes in practices and policies positively impact thousands of workers. Launched under Dedrick’s leadership, the CareerSTAT healthcare network has grown to more than 300 healthcare professionals, and more than 50 healthcare organizations have been recognized as champions of frontline workers.
Through a proven co-investment model, the National Fund’s $30 million investment in its partner communities has catalyzed $384 million in local funding for place-based workforce development solutions.
Dedrick’s decision to step down comes after a decade of leadership and at a time when the organization is in a strong position with a clear trajectory. “Fred led the National Fund through a thoughtful and inclusive planning process that sets the Fund on a clear and strong course for the next five years,” Smith wrote in her letter. “The organization’s strategic priorities reflect emerging areas of work that have the potential to significantly expand the Fund’s impact.”
The next president and CEO will be identified by a search committee of National Fund board members, with additional support from an external consultant. “We are fortunate that Fred’s care and commitment to the organization includes giving us seven months to find the right leader for the National Fund’s future,” Smith wrote.
The formal search for the National Fund’s next executive leader will be announced later in September.
