Genesys Works Chicago Welcomes New Executive Director
CHICAGO – May 22, 2017
Genesys Works Chicago is excited to announce that Liz Rafferty, a proven HR executive and longtime supporter of Genesys Works, has been selected as its new Executive Director. Rafferty began her new role on May 3rd and will complete a transition period with current Executive Director Jim Morgan.
Prior to joining Genesys Works, Rafferty worked for Accenture, a global management consulting and professional services company. She spent nearly 20 years in a variety of global & local leadership positions with a focus on talent management to enable organizational growth & success. Most recently, she was the North America HR Associate Director for Accenture’s Financial Services practice.
“During my time at Accenture, I’ve seen firsthand the talented student interns from Genesys Works,” said Rafferty. “It’s a great honor to work with and expand the opportunity for these students, and now from the nonprofit side.”
Rafferty is passionate about helping others reach their potential and is known for her commitment to mentoring and supporting her local communities. She has been a long-term sponsor & corporate partner to Genesys Works and has been interviewed by the Chicago Tribune & Chicago Tech Rocks about the impact that Genesys Works Chicago has on students and its corporate partners. Rafferty also served as the Accenture National Relationship Lead responsible for their strategic partnership with Genesys Works.
“I’m excited to welcome Liz to the Genesys Works family and see where she can take us in the upcoming years,” said Tom Nolan, Chairman of the Genesys Works Chicago Board of Directors. “We’re sorry to see Jim go, but thankful for his many contributions in helping Genesys Works expand its reach in Chicago. We wish him the best with whatever comes next.”
Under Morgan’s leadership, Genesys Works grew from serving 177 students and 44 client partners in 2015 to an anticipated 220 students and 56 corporate partners in 2017.
“My time with Genesys Works has been inspiring,” said Morgan, “and I’m eager to see what great things are in store for the students and staff here. With Liz’s passion and leadership, I’m confident that the future is bright for Genesys Works.”
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works is a nonprofit social enterprise changing the trajectory of life for disadvantaged high school students through meaningful work experiences. Its program consists of eight weeks of technical and professional skills training, a paid year-long corporate internship, college and career coaching, and alumni support to and through college. Its goal is to move more students out of poverty and into professional careers, creating a more productive and diverse workforce in the process. Since its founding in 2002, Genesys Works has grown to serve nearly 3,000 students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington’s National Capital Region. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
