National youth career readiness nonprofit strengthens leadership team with key appointment in administration, technology and finance
Houston, TX—June 17, 2025 – Genesys Works, a national career readiness program that creates pathways to economic mobility for students in underserved communities, welcomes Tara Spann as Chief Administrative Office (CAO), John Lindo as Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Joanne Dempster as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These strategic appointments reflect the organization’s continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and long-term growth to serve more students from the ‘mighty middle,’ those who show up, stay on track, and are ready to thrive with the right support.
Spann brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, organizational development, and mission-driven systems to Genesys Works. Most recently, she served as Chief People, Culture and Strategy Officer at MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, where she led national efforts to strengthen organizational effectiveness and expand the mentoring movement, building capacity to make high-quality relationships accessible to all young people. As CAO, she will oversee internal systems that support Genesys Works’ people, performance and expansion.
Lindo joins Genesys Works from JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he served as Head of Engineering and Chief Business Technologist within the Commercial Bank. He brings extensive expertise in enterprise technology strategy, including generative AI, digital and data platforms, cybersecurity, and cloud adoption. Earlier in his career, Lindo led technology efforts at Schwab Charitable, the donor-advised fund arm of Charles Schwab. As CIO, Lindo will lead technology initiatives that power Genesys Works’ student experience, partner engagement and operational excellence.
Dempster brings decades of finance leadership experience across both nonprofit and private sectors, with a focus on financial operations, organizational sustainability and strategic growth. She has held CFO roles across industries, including healthcare, supply chain and technology, and most recently served as a Partner at Florida CFO Group, where she advised companies through complex financial transitions. As CFO, Dempster will oversee finance, budgeting and compliance, ensuring the financial strength that supports Genesys Works’ long-term vision.
“Each of these leaders brings deep experience and proven results to our organization,” said Jeffrey Artis, President and CEO of Genesys Works. “Together they’ll ensure our infrastructure is as strong as our mission, allowing us to grow smartly, serve more students and deliver lasting impact.”
To date, Genesys Works has served more than 11,000 students in earning paid, yearlong internships with more than 200 companies. The nonprofit’s unique model, combining skills training, work-based learning and personalized coaching, prepares students to succeed in both college and careers. More than 90% of program participants enroll in college, and six years after high school, alumni earn a median annual income of $60,000 and are three times more likely than their peers to earn a bachelor’s degree. This summer, Genesys Works will launch its newest site in Jacksonville, Florida, expanding its reach and creating new opportunities for students in the region.
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About Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. Our program consists of 8 weeks of technical and professional skills training, paid year-long corporate internships, college and career coaching, and long-term alumni support to move individuals out of economic inequality and into professional careers. Founded in 2002, Genesys Works now serves thousands of students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington’s National Capital Region, New York City, and Tulsa. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
Contact: Mona L. Tolbert 832.409.8006 mtolbert@genesysworks.org
