Texas Candidate Jared Porritt

Sr. VP of Strategic Initiatives, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas

Bio:

Jared Porritt is a retired U.S. Army Major and the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. With over 20 years of service in military and public leadership, he is dedicated to advancing workforce development, supporting veterans, and building systems that foster community growth, leadership development, and organizational continuity.

What is your vision for the workforce development profession?

My vision for the workforce development profession is to build resilient, future-ready systems through intentional succession planning and knowledge management. As I explore in my dissertation, sustaining impact requires more than innovation, it demands continuity. I envision a profession where leadership pipelines are cultivated, institutional knowledge is preserved, and culture is carried forward—ensuring that workforce organizations thrive across generations of change.

Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?

My passion lies in supporting military transitions and building internal leadership capacity within workforce organizations. I’m particularly focused on developing systems that help transitioning service members and spouses successfully enter the civilian workforce, while also strengthening our own teams through staff development, succession planning, and knowledge transfer. These areas ensure both our communities and our organizations are equipped for long-term success.

Why do you want to serve on the Board?

I want to serve on the Board to contribute to the strategic direction of the workforce development field at a national level while continuing to grow as a leader. I believe my experience in military transition support, organizational development, and system-level planning can add value to the Board’s work. This opportunity also aligns with my passion for succession planning and knowledge management, helping ensure our workforce systems are built to last, evolve, and lead with purpose.

What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?

One of the biggest challenges facing the profession today is maintaining organizational continuity and workforce relevance amidst rapid change, from shifting labor markets to leadership turnover. Many workforce organizations struggle to retain institutional knowledge and grow future leaders. NAWDP can address this by elevating best practices in succession planning, investing in leadership development pathways, and fostering a culture of shared learning and mentorship across the system.