CLEVELAND — EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on June 13, 2022.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has announced three new key appointments on Wednesday afternoon.
Bibb appointed Michelle Rose as the new Executive Director for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board, Tessa Jackson as the city’s new Director of Economic Development and Sarah O’Keeffe as Director of Sustainability and Climate Justice.
“These deeply experienced professionals bring a tremendous amount of innovation, passion and expertise to the administration,” said Mayor Bibb. “Their leadership and accomplishments are impressive, and I look forward to what we will achieve together for the city and the region.”
Rose will begin in her position on July 6. In her role, she will lead the public sector workforce development in Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County.
She will serve as Chief Executive Officer for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) activities in the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
One of her responsibilities will be administering workforce programs funded by WIOA and other funding sources.
Rose previously served as the acting Assitant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs under U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
Walsh expressed his trust in Rose’s work.
“From day one, Michelle Rose has been a trusted advisor and strong leader as Acting Assistant Secretary for Congressional & Intergovernmental Affairs,” Secretary Walsh said. “As a former mayor, I'm thrilled she is bringing her expertise to drive change at a local level.”
Jackson will be in charge of recruitment and retention of businesses, expanding businesses in Cleveland, securing new commercial investment in the community and working with other organizations to promote smart and equitable growth policies.
She previously worked at Faubourg Advisors and Hackett Robertson Tobe Group in New Orleans.
Jackson will focus on equity and revitalizing neighborhoods as director of economic development.
The third appointee, O’Keeffe, will be in charge of developing and implementing a sustainability plan for the city of Cleveland, incorporating best practices, engaging stakeholders, program evaluation and ensuring sustainability is at the center of her work.
Prior to joining the City of Cleveland, O’Keeffe worked as the director of sustainability at MetroHealth System in Cleveland.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News when Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb spoke on gun violence.