Leadership Team

The People Behind the Mission

BridgeWorks is led by a dedicated team of professionals who bring deep expertise in workforce development, education, employer relations, and nonprofit management. Our leadership team is united by a shared belief that every individual deserves a fair opportunity to build a meaningful career, regardless of their past.

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Executive Leadership

Marcus Williams -- Executive Director

Marcus founded BridgeWorks in 2015 after more than 15 years in workforce development. Before launching BridgeWorks, he served as a Regional Workforce Development Officer at the state Department of Labor, where he managed job training programs for underserved populations. Marcus holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University and serves on the advisory board of the National Reentry Workforce Coalition. Under his leadership, BridgeWorks has grown from a single welding program with 14 participants to a multi-track training organization with over 2,400 graduates and 500+ employer partners.

Sarah Chen -- Program Director

Sarah oversees all training programs, curriculum development, and instructional quality at BridgeWorks. She holds a doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Georgia and previously directed vocational training programs at a community college. Under Sarah's leadership, BridgeWorks has expanded from one program track to four, achieved national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), and maintained certification pass rates above 88% across all tracks. Sarah is passionate about designing training experiences that meet participants where they are and prepare them for where they want to go.

David Okafor -- Director of Employer Relations

David manages relationships with BridgeWorks' 500+ employer partners and leads the employer engagement strategy that drives graduate placements. He spent 12 years in corporate human resources and recruiting before joining BridgeWorks, including roles at two Fortune 500 companies. David holds a SHRM-SCP certification and a BA in Business Administration from Ohio State University. His approach to employer partnerships focuses on mutual value -- connecting businesses with the skilled, motivated workers they need while ensuring graduates enter supportive work environments.

Lisa Morales -- Director of Development

Lisa leads all fundraising, donor relations, and revenue strategy at BridgeWorks. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit development, having previously served as development director at a regional health services nonprofit where she grew annual giving by 40% over three years. Lisa holds an MA in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She oversees individual giving, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and planned giving programs.

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Additional Leadership

Keisha Daniels -- Director of Career Services

Keisha leads the team responsible for job placement, post-graduation support, and mentor coordination. A licensed social worker with an MSW from Howard University, Keisha previously managed reentry case management at a regional correctional facility. She coordinates the placement process for every graduate and ensures that participants receive 12 months of post-employment support.

Robert Tran -- Director of Finance & Operations

Robert manages BridgeWorks' $4.2 million annual budget, grant compliance, and facility operations. He is a CPA with prior experience at a Big Four accounting firm and at a national human services nonprofit. Robert holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and ensures that BridgeWorks maintains the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency.

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Board of Directors

BridgeWorks is governed by a volunteer board of directors that provides strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and community advocacy.

• Janet Robinson, Board Chair -- Senior Vice President, First Capital Bank
• Dr. Theodore Marsh -- Professor of Criminal Justice, State University
• Carla Mendez -- Managing Partner, Mendez Construction Group
• Brian Holloway -- Chief Information Officer, Meridian Health Systems
• Felicia Grant -- Community Organizer and BridgeWorks graduate (Class of 2018)
• Howard Stein -- Retired Partner, Stein & Associates Law Firm
• Denise Akiyama -- Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Great Lakes Manufacturing
• Pastor Raymond Hobbs -- Senior Pastor, New Hope Community Church
• Maria Santos -- Executive Director, Central Ohio Community Foundation

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Our Culture

BridgeWorks staff members are driven by mission, supported by collaboration, and held to high standards of professionalism and compassion. We foster a workplace where every team member's contributions are valued, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and continuous learning is encouraged. Many of our staff members came to BridgeWorks because they have personal connections to the communities we serve, and that lived experience strengthens everything we do.

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Contact

To reach a member of our leadership team, call (555) 234-5678 or email info@bridgeworks.org.