Leadership Overview
Year Up has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, marketing, enrollment, transformation, 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 demands. This leadership role involves managing high-level partnerships with industry leaders to secure internship placements for urban young adults. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Ellen McClain drives the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit model. The Chief Executive Officer & President maintains constant communication with the Board to refine operational goals and maximize social impact. Through rigorous oversight of national initiatives, McClain secures the resources necessary to scale the training curriculum effectively. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & President guarantees that the organization remains a premier provider of career-focused education in the United States.
Alisa Seewald - Chief of Staff
Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, coordinates executive operations and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to streamline organizational efficiency. Managing the daily workflow of the executive office, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive immediate attention from leadership teams. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various regional sites to support informed decision-making processes. By optimizing internal communication channels, Alisa Seewald enhances the agility of the organization in responding to shifting labor market trends. The Chief of Staff monitors the execution of key performance indicators across all departments, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the core mission of providing professional training. Through meticulous planning and project management, Seewald supports the executive team in achieving operational excellence. The Chief of Staff maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that internal processes support the growth and development of urban young adults nationwide.
Arman Shahariya - Chief Technology Officer
Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, architects the digital infrastructure required to deliver high-quality educational content to students across the country. Overseeing the development of proprietary learning platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technological tools remain accessible and scalable for diverse user bases. This role involves integrating advanced software solutions to track student progress and career readiness metrics. By modernizing the digital ecosystem, Arman Shahariya enables seamless remote and hybrid learning experiences for participants in various urban centers. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with external partners to implement secure data management systems that protect sensitive information. Through continuous innovation, Shahariya drives the adoption of emerging technologies that enhance the efficacy of the training program. The Chief Technology Officer maintains a focus on digital equity, ensuring that every student possesses the tools necessary to succeed in modern professional industries.
Roberto Zeledon - Chief Marketing Officer
Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, manages the brand identity and outreach strategies designed to attract both prospective students and corporate partners. Overseeing national awareness campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of the training program reaches urban young adults in every served region. This role involves developing targeted messaging that highlights the success of graduates in growing professional industries. By leveraging data-driven insights, Roberto Zeledon optimizes marketing spend to maximize recruitment efficiency across diverse geographic markets. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with regional teams to tailor outreach efforts to local community needs. Through strategic storytelling and digital engagement, Zeledon strengthens the reputation of the organization among potential employers. The Chief Marketing Officer maintains a focus on brand consistency, ensuring that all communications reflect the commitment to closing the opportunity divide and fostering professional growth for every participant.
Laura McInnis - Chief of Staff, Enrollment
Laura McInnis, the Chief of Staff, Enrollment at Year Up, directs the strategic processes governing student recruitment and program intake across all national sites. Overseeing the end-to-end enrollment lifecycle, the Chief of Staff, Enrollment ensures that the selection process remains equitable and efficient for all applicants. This role involves analyzing demographic data to identify underserved urban areas where the training program can generate the most significant impact. By refining the application and onboarding experience, Laura McInnis increases student retention and program readiness. The Chief of Staff, Enrollment collaborates with regional directors to standardize intake procedures while maintaining local flexibility. Through rigorous assessment of enrollment metrics, McInnis identifies barriers to entry and implements solutions to streamline the path for young adults. The Chief of Staff, Enrollment maintains a focus on accessibility, ensuring that the organization consistently meets its targets for student enrollment and program participation.
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 to support long-term organizational agility. Overseeing the transition to cloud-based services, the Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services ensures that all operational data remains secure and easily accessible for staff. This role involves implementing enterprise-wide software solutions that improve administrative efficiency and reporting accuracy. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Gary Flowers enables the organization to adapt quickly to changing educational requirements. The Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services manages the technical support teams responsible for maintaining the stability of critical infrastructure. Through strategic planning, Flowers aligns technology investments with the broader mission of providing high-quality career education. The Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services maintains a focus on system integration, ensuring that all departments operate on a unified and reliable technological foundation.
MiMi J. - Chief People Officer
MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, directs the human capital strategy to foster an inclusive and high-performing workplace culture. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational design, the Chief People Officer ensures that the staff possesses the skills necessary to support the mission. This role involves implementing comprehensive training programs that empower employees to excel in their respective functions. By championing diversity and equity initiatives, MiMi J. creates an environment where all staff members feel valued and supported. The Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to refine performance management systems that drive accountability and professional growth. Through strategic workforce planning, J. ensures that the organization maintains the capacity to serve students effectively across all national sites. The Chief People Officer maintains a focus on employee engagement, ensuring that the internal culture remains aligned with the core values of the organization.
MiMi Jennings - Interim Chief People Officer
MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, manages the immediate human resources operations and maintains continuity in personnel management during the transition period. Overseeing the administration of benefits, compensation, and employee relations, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that all staff members receive consistent support. This role involves resolving complex personnel issues and maintaining compliance with labor regulations across multiple states. By facilitating open communication between management and staff, MiMi Jennings preserves organizational stability and morale. The Interim Chief People Officer coordinates with department heads to address staffing needs and ensure that critical roles remain filled. Through diligent oversight of HR policies, Jennings supports the ongoing professional development of the workforce. The Interim Chief People Officer maintains a focus on operational continuity, ensuring that the human resources function continues to serve the needs of the organization without interruption during this period of leadership transition.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Year Up Top Executives and Leadership Team
