City Subscriptions

 Elena Foshay Selected as new Director of Workforce Development in Duluth

[Duluth, MN] - Mayor Emily Larson and the City of Duluth are pleased to announce that Elena Foshay has accepted the position as its first-ever Director of Workforce Development. The position, formerly a manager, has been elevated by Mayor Larson to director as a reflection of the critical role workforce plays in sustaining, growing and expanding our Duluth economy.

“In my first term as Mayor, I have heard repeatedly that the needs of Duluth’s economy often center around talent recruitment, retention, and workforce training. Addressing these issues are critical to meeting the demands of our changing and growing economy,” stated Mayor Larson. “It became clear that this area deserves full director-level definition from my administration. It is just that important.”

With an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, as well as a Master’s of Social Welfare and a Master of Arts Degree with a focus on Community and Economic Development from the University of California, Berkeley, Elena brings an extensive skill set, commitment to community impact and a sincere demonstration of tangible workforce program development and implementation.

From her current work at the Center for Energy and Environment in Minneapolis, to her oversight of construction, energy efficiency, and renewable energy focused workforce development at Rising Sun Energy Center in Berkeley, to her research and policy leadership at the Apollo Alliance in San Francisco, Elena enters into this Director role with tangible and relevant experience. She has successfully partnered with community colleges, employers, building trades, and job seekers to create durable and accessible pathways into quality, career-track jobs in a changing market economy. 

“I cannot wait to have Elena join our team,” Mayor Larson continued. “She is innovative, strategic and experienced, and ready to harness our significant strengths to more fully accelerate our work. Duluth is changing. Elena’s strength offers us an incredible opportunity to create the Duluth that we all want. Where everyone has the tools necessary to build the life that is best for them. Where opportunities aren’t just things that pop up by happenstance, they are strategically created and fostered so those who might need them most, can access them.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Mayor Larson and the City of Duluth as its first Director of Workforce Development,” said Ms. Foshay. “It is an honor to step into this newly elevated role as Duluth continues to prioritize workforce development as an economic driver. It is no secret that Duluth’s economy has changed, and continues to change, and that the strength and ability of the region’s workforce to meet the demands of a diverse economy is critical. Having met and gotten to know the incredibly passionate and dedicated workforce development staff, and hearing from Mayor Larson about her vision for this role, I am excited to get to work and hit the ground running.”

The hiring process included a review of applications by an internal cross-departmental group, an interview panel with community stakeholders and final interviews with Mayor Larson and the Workforce Development team.

A resolution confirming the appointment of Ms. Foshay is being heard by the City Council at the August 9th agenda session with action requested for August 13th. Ms. Foshay's first day of work with the City will be September 10th. Ms. Foshay will be in attendance at the agenda session for a time of introduction to council, and available for a meet and greet with stakeholders from 3:00pm-4:00pm in the Mayor’s Reception Room at City Hall.

# # #