CenterState CEO appoints CEO for ON-RAMP Syracuse workforce-development program

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO on Thursday announced the appointment of Carlene Lacey as the inaugural CEO of workforce program ON-RAMP Syracuse. ON-RAMP is short for One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Projects. Lacey brings extensive expertise in leadership, workforce development, grant writing, and community engagement, “all critical to advancing ON-RAMP Syracuse’s mission,” CenterState CEO said in its announcement. Lacey started her new role on Tuesday, July 8, and her appointment followed a national search. She most recently served as director of strategic workforce development, partnership and government for National Grid. ON-RAMP Syracuse is a newly established workforce-innovation hub focused on addressing workforce skill gaps in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in Central New York. Its mission is to create a skilled, talent pipeline for local employers while “ensuring equitable access to training and employment for historically underserved communities,” CenterState CEO said. Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 28 announced the former Sears building at 1300 S. Salina St. in Syracuse was chosen for the first ON-RAMP workforce-development center. As CEO, Lacey will focus on building a workforce development hub that ensures local residents — especially those from underserved communities — can access the job opportunities coming to Central New York. She will oversee day-to-day operations, lead fundraising efforts, and collaborate with staff, volunteers and industry partners to advance ON-RAMP’s mission and impact. In her role, Lacey will establish a team to lead the nonprofit, create innovative collaborative programming, engage employers, and drive growth to create a “more inclusive, skilled workforce.” “Dr. Lacey emerged as the top candidate from a highly competitive national search,” Ben Sio, interim president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said in the announcement. “As a Central New York native with deep roots in the community, she represents the tremendous talent already present in our region. In hiring her we were reminded what we already know - that we have plenty of the best and brightest leaders in the country right here in Central New York. Finding such incredible local talent is a metaphor for what ON-RAMP’s all about. Ensuring that people from this community have access to new jobs and opportunity is critically important to our collective success.” Lacey holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from SUNY Empire State College, an MBA in human resource management, and a doctor of management degree from the University of Phoenix.