Alexandria, VA (2026) — The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Leadership Alliance, a national initiative designed to cultivate future leaders who are shaping the advancement of high-quality work-based learning across the country.
The ACTE Work-Based Learning Leadership Alliance is a selective, yearlong leadership development experience led by ACTE’s WBL Division Policy members, Jason VanNus (Georgia), Kristy Volesky (Iowa) and Jan Jardine, ACTE Work-based Learning Vice President (Utah). The program brings together a cohort of emerging and established professionals to engage in guided leadership training, collaborative learning, and a capstone project that contributes meaningful value to the national WBL community of practice.
The 2026–2027 Alliance will launch with an in-person kickoff at the 2026 WBL Conference, followed by a structured series of virtual leadership sessions, mentorship, and project-based learning. Participants will complete and present a capstone project that addresses real-world needs in work-based learning and produces a practical resource, framework, or strategy that benefits both the broader field and their home institutions. The cohort will be formally recognized at the 2027 WBL Conference.
ACTE is pleased to welcome the 2026 Work-Based Learning Leadership Alliance members, representing a diverse cross-section of states and professional perspectives:
- Bozz Bossard (Iowa)
- Shanda Cool (North Dakota)
- Lynette Gillson (California)
- Emily Hall (Virginia)
- Brian Johnson (Delaware)
- Audrey Marshall (Alabama)
- Clay McElheny (Georgia)
- Michele Leonardo (New York)
- Terri Rinko (Virginia)
- Chloe Yap (Hawaii)
The Work-Based Learning Leadership Alliance reflects ACTE’s ongoing mission to empower educators, strengthen career pathways, and ensure learners are prepared for success through meaningful connections between education and the workplace.
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The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
