By Voice & Viewpoint Newswire
San Diego Workforce Partnership announced that Rachel Bereza, a proven leader who has championed workforce innovation across the state will soon be confirmed as its new president and CEO. The appointment, which was formalized today by the Workforce Development Board (WDB) during a public meeting, follows an extensive nationwide search that attracted over 130 candidates. It is anticipated that the Policy Board will also confirm Ms. Bereza as the Executive Director of the San Diego Consortium on November 20.
Bereza is a multilingual executive who has championed workforce innovation across California for more than 15 years. Her appointment marks a strategic move to accelerate the organization’s impact on regional workforce development and economic mobility throughout San Diego County.
“Today, San Diego stands at a critical crossroads of economic opportunity and transformation,” said Bereza. “I’m looking forward to assuming my new role with the Workforce Partnership and drawing upon my experience in workforce development, from grassroots programs to statewide initiatives, to create innovative pathways to prosperity for all San Diegans.”
Bereza’s selection follows a notable career spanning farmworker advocacy, vocational training, and homelessness solutions. Most recently, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Sacramento Steps Forward, she led internal and external operations and program innovation.
Bereza’s accomplishments include, among others:
- Securing over $100 million in competitive grant funding
- Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly for exceptional community impact
- Pioneering solutions in workforce development across diverse populations
- Exhibiting expertise in both urban and rural workforce challenges
“Rachel’s appointment signals our county-wide commitment to bold, innovative solutions for San Diego’s workforce development industry. We look forward to working with her,” said San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe and Chair of the San Diego Workforce Consortium Policy Board.
“Rachel Bereza brings exactly the kind of innovative leadership San Diego needs to prepare our workforce for good jobs today and in the future,” said Sean Elo-Rivera, President of San Diego City Council. “Her proven track record of securing major funding and implementing successful workforce programs across California will help ensure our city remains competitive and creates quality job opportunities for all San Diegans.”
“San Diego’s economic future depends on developing talent that’s ready for tomorrow’s opportunities,” said Kurling Robinson, San Diego WDB Chair. “Rachel Bereza’s extensive experience across California makes her the right leader to ensure San Diegans have access to quality career pathways and well-paying jobs.”
“The San Diego Workforce Partnership is pleased to welcome Rachel Bereza as our new CEO,” said Jamie Gardner, Interim Vice-Chair of the Workforce Development Board. “Rachel is committed to increasing economic mobility, helping our businesses grow, and preparing all San Diegans for bright futures.”
It is anticipated that Ms. Bereza will assume her role as president and CEO in January, bringing fresh perspective to San Diego’s workforce development landscape and building on the organization’s commitment to empower economic mobility across the region.
As outlined in the Workforce Partnership’s bylaws, the Joint Personnel Committee (JPC) holds the authority for selecting the organization’s president and CEO. The JPC engaged DRiWaterstone, a leading national recruitment firm, to manage the search. Together, they conducted preparatory meetings and non-bias interview training to ensure fairness and consistency throughout the evaluation. The process was carefully structured to ensure a comprehensive and transparent selection with over 130 applications from across the country, representing a diverse range of sectors, including education, workforce development, and government.
