Wendy's primary focus areas as Interim Chair are to continue the effort to expand and diversify the Board. (Find out more at https://polarismep.org/about-polaris-mep/careers/advisoryboard/.) She also will support Polaris MEP’s national search for a new Center Director. (A call for applicants is posted at https://polarismep.org/search-center-director/.)
Wendy brings decades of experience in workforce development and technology acceleration to the Advisory Board. In a previous role as CEO of the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) she helped the non-profit expand staff and evolve to meet industry needs.
Wendy is currently the Director of Workforce & Foundation Development for Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. With professional roots in youth and workforce development, non-profit leadership, alternative education and entrepreneurship, her career has been driven by her dedication to helping people get and keep jobs that provide livable wages and upward mobility.
Since working with RIMTA, Wendy has helped to create and implement best practice industry training programs for youth and new workers locally and across the nation. Wendy spearheaded the development of the Composites Alliance of RI to respond to the needs of the industry’s manufacturing sector. In 2018, she authored the industry’s national workforce plan, the 10+1 Strategy: Marine Industry Guide to Growing the Workforce, endorsed by 21 industry associations and educational partners. From 2019-2021, She chaired the National Marine Trades Council and acted as Secretary of the New England Marine Trades Association. Her workforce development role leveled up when she joined MRAA in 2021 to build out the MRAA Educational Foundation and implement the 10+1 strategic plan.
