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September 2025 Edition

Welcome to Our Newsletter, We're Glad You're Here!

This month, our Get to Know KRA series turns to partnership as a driver of impact.

This month, we highlight partnership with our Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Patrick Boxall. In a new feature video, Patrick shares why true partnerships are built on aligned goals, accountability, and a commitment to deliver results. He also reflects on lessons from decades of workforce collaborations that expand opportunity for businesses, job seekers, and communities, offering timely insights as the nation marks Workforce Development Month.

Workforce Wednesday

What’s Keeping Employers Up At Night?

CEA conducted a statewide Employer Pulse Survey that drew responses from 253 organizations across a wide range of industries and sizes. Respondents were asked to identify their most pressing concerns when planning for the future. The top four concerns were: economic instability (68%), regulatory complexity and compliance (55%), skills-based hiring and talent shortages (49%), and demographic shifts (20%). Continue Reading →

KRA's THE HUB Podcast

E67: Strategic Alliances and Community Impact

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we sit down with Patrick T.J. Boxall, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at KRA Corporation, to explore how strategic partnerships fuel workforce innovation. Patrick shares how KRA integrates mental health resources, strengthens business engagement, and adapts... Listen to this episode →

E66: Connecting Resources and Entrepreneurs: Building the Summit County Black Chamber

Tune in for a powerful conversation with Robert DeJournett, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County, Ohio. Robert shares how the chamber is closing opportunity gaps, fostering collaboration, and empowering... Listen to this episode →

E65: Raising the Bar: Maryland’s Workforce System Celebrates and Innovates

Maryland’s workforce system is rising to the moment—celebrating the people who make a difference every day, embracing innovation to meet new challenges, and adapting for a future full of change. In this episode, discover how workforce leaders and professionals are... Listen to this episode →

For KRA/OMJ Medina County Customer Perseverance + Partnership = Success

Since September 2024, KRA has proudly delivered WIOA-funded Career, Business, and One-Stop Operator Services through the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center Network in Medina and Summit Counties. One recent success story comes from Tim Jensch, 62—pictured here with Betty Holnapy, his Career Coach... Continue reading →

KRA’s Ruiz Presenting at SETA Fall Conference

On Tuesday, September 30th, 11:00am –  12:15pm CT, Zaskia Ruiz, EVP & COO—nationally recognized as an expert in the public-finance industry, specializing in workforce-development and other federally-funded programs—will present The 9 Essential Elements for Effective Subrecipient Management, a “Featured Finance-Focused Session” at the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA) Fall Conference. In addition to SETA... Continue reading →

Fearless Forward: Reflections on the 2025 CWA Meeting of the Minds in Monterey, CA

Each September, California’s workforce community gathers in Monterey for the California Workforce Association’s Meeting of the Minds (MMM). This year’s theme—Fearless Forward: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity—framed three days of ideas, leadership, and action. Dr. Kevin J. Fleming opened by challenging... Continue reading →

KRA Corporate Counsel Moderates MACo Panel on Education Reform

At the recent 2025 Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference, which began with remarks from Congresswoman April McClain Delaney, Vanessa E. Atterbeary, KRA Corporate Counsel, and Chair, Ways & Means Committee, Maryland House of Delegates, moderated a panel of state, county, and local school-system leaders on Education Reform Challenges Vary Across Jurisdictions... Continue reading →

Inside KRA

Celebrating Be Kind to Humankind Week at KRA

From August 25th to 29th, KRA Corporation celebrated Be Kind to Humankind Week, a vibrant initiative led by the KRA Employee Engagement Committee (EEC). This week-long event was designed to promote positivity, wellness, and connection across the organization, with each day offering a unique theme and special activity to inspire engagement and reflection.

The week kicked off with Human to Hero Monday, where employees honored their heroes by sharing their stories and photos. We were honored to read the stories shared about mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other everyday heroes who’ve made a lasting impact on our KRA team members. Continuing the celebration on Picture This Tuesday, staff were invited to post snapshots of cherished memories, proud moments, favorite people, and beloved pets – celebrating those moments and individuals that bring us joy.

Moving into Wellness Wednesday, the KRA EEC was ecstatic to offer staff two virtual guided meditation and breathing sessions led by Sandra Vanatko - Certified Yoga Therapist, Mindfulness-Based and Trauma-Trained Meditation Teacher and Hakomi Method Somatic Psychotherapy Practitioner. These sessions included mindful breathing practice, techniques to reduce stress in stressful moments, and beginner meditation techniques - essential mental and physical wellness skills for our Workforce Development Professionals, to reduce stress and reconnect with themselves.

Cyberspace Self-Care Thursday encouraged digital kindness, with employees giving shout-outs to their colleagues, and sharing tips for maintaining mental wellness online. The celebration wrapped up with Relax & Recharge Friday, where employees shared their favorite ways to unwind and rejuvenate.

Throughout the week, the dedicated Microsoft Teams Channel buzzed with activity as employees posted, commented, and engaged with one another. We’re grateful to all those who contributed to this celebration - reminding us of the power of kindness, and the strength of our KRA Community!

Connect with KRA

Join Our Team

Current Openings

We're hiring for multiple roles across the U.S. Our mission is to provide businesses with a trained and reliable workforce by preparing jobseekers for today’s competitive workplace and global economy through our career and business services.

Become part of a dedicated team focused on changing lives and linking businesses with the talent they need to drive economic development. Apply today →

The KRA Way

For more than 40 years, KRA Corporation has been at the forefront of workforce development—delivering innovative workforce solutions that fuel economic growth, uplift individuals, and promote healthy communities.

Services Offered:

• Business Services: Our Business Services Team takes a consultative approach to understand your unique needs and deliver customized, cost-effective workforce solutions that support business growth.

• Career Services: Whether you're just starting out, restarting, or aiming higher, we guide jobseekers toward a sustainable career path that aligns with their passions, skills, and the needs of today’s economy.

• Consulting Services: We deliver high-impact services that support government agencies, Workforce Boards, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit entities in achieving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strategic outcomes.

Why Partner with KRA: Guided by our principles—Innovative Solutions, Exceptional Services, and Trusted Results—we leverage proven practices to create real-life impact for businesses, jobseekers, and communities.

Contact us today to learn how KRA can be your trusted partner in delivering impactful workforce solutions.