Leadership Overview
Year Up has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, marketing, information systems, and human resources.
Committed to closing the opportunity divide, Year Up empowers urban young adults through intensive professional training and career-focused education across diverse national markets.
Committed to closing the opportunity divide, Year Up empowers urban young adults through intensive professional training and career-focused education across diverse national markets.
Leadership Roles at Year Up
Ellen McClain - Chief Executive Officer & President
Ellen McClain, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Year Up, directs the overarching strategic vision and national mission of the organization. Overseeing the expansion of professional training programs across major metropolitan regions, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment between educational outcomes and corporate workforce requirements. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships with industry leaders to secure internships and employment pathways for urban young adults. By optimizing organizational resources, Ellen McClain drives sustainable growth and operational excellence across the entire national footprint. The Chief Executive Officer & President maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term goals and impact metrics. Through rigorous oversight of program quality and financial health, McClain secures the future of the nonprofit model. This executive leadership ensures that the organization remains a primary bridge between untapped talent and the demands of the modern professional economy.
Arman Shahariya - Chief Technology Officer
Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support intensive, year-long training programs. Overseeing the integration of learning management systems and student data platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless delivery of career-focused education across all national sites. This leadership role involves managing the technical roadmap to enhance student engagement and program accessibility. By implementing scalable software solutions, Arman Shahariya drives efficiency in how the organization tracks student progress and internship placements. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align digital capabilities with the broader mission of closing the opportunity divide. Through the deployment of robust cybersecurity protocols and data analytics, Shahariya protects sensitive information while providing actionable insights for program improvement. This technical leadership supports the organization in maintaining a competitive edge within the professional training industry.
Alisa Seewald - Chief of Staff
Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, coordinates cross-functional initiatives and streamlines executive decision-making processes. Overseeing the daily operations of the leadership office, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent attention and resources. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between departments to maintain organizational alignment with the core mission of providing professional training to urban young adults. By managing complex projects and high-priority tasks, Alisa Seewald drives operational efficiency and accountability across the national network. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for the Board and senior management, ensuring that critical information flows effectively to support informed governance. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, Seewald optimizes the internal environment to foster growth and impact. This executive role remains essential for maintaining the cohesion of the organization as it scales its educational services across diverse geographic markets.
Roberto Zeledon - Chief Marketing Officer
Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, directs the brand strategy and outreach efforts to attract both prospective students and corporate partners. Overseeing national marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of the intensive training program reaches urban young adults in key metropolitan areas. This leadership role involves managing public relations, digital presence, and stakeholder communications to elevate the profile of the organization. By crafting compelling narratives about student success and workforce impact, Roberto Zeledon drives engagement and strengthens the reputation of the nonprofit. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging for local markets while maintaining a unified national brand identity. Through data-driven marketing initiatives, Zeledon expands the reach of the organization and secures vital support from industry partners. This strategic leadership ensures that the mission remains visible and relevant within the competitive landscape of professional education.
Gary Flowers - Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services
Gary Flowers, the Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services at Year Up, leads the modernization of internal systems and digital transformation efforts. Overseeing the implementation of advanced information services, the Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services ensures that the organization utilizes data effectively to improve student outcomes. This leadership role involves managing the transition to cloud-based platforms and optimizing technology services to support national operations. By driving innovation in how information is processed and shared, Gary Flowers supports the organization in scaling its training programs efficiently. The Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services works closely with other executives to align technology investments with long-term strategic goals. Through the management of complex IT projects, Flowers enhances the agility of the organization in responding to changing market demands. This leadership role remains critical for maintaining the technological infrastructure that powers the mission of providing career-focused education.
MiMi J. - Chief People Officer
MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of empowering urban young adults. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that supports the professional growth of staff members across all national sites. By implementing robust HR policies and engagement programs, MiMi J. drives retention and organizational health. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that the internal culture reflects the values of the organization. Through strategic workforce planning, J. supports the scaling of operations by ensuring that the right talent is in place to deliver high-quality training. This leadership role is essential for maintaining the human infrastructure that enables the organization to fulfill its commitment to students and corporate partners.
MiMi Jennings - Interim Chief People Officer
MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, manages the immediate human resources needs and organizational stability during the current transition period. Overseeing the continuity of talent management and employee relations, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that staff members remain focused on the core mission of providing professional training. This leadership role involves maintaining operational standards for recruitment and staff development across the national network. By providing steady guidance to the HR department, MiMi Jennings drives consistency in personnel practices and internal communications. The Interim Chief People Officer works with the executive team to address critical staffing requirements and support the ongoing needs of the organization. Through proactive management of human capital challenges, Jennings ensures that the workforce remains productive and engaged. This leadership role serves as a vital bridge for maintaining organizational momentum while supporting the long-term goals of the nonprofit.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Year Up Top Executives and Leadership Team
