Jackie Patterson

Jackie Patterson, Jamestown Community College Workforce Development program manager, was approved as the vice president/president elect of the Continuing Education Association of New York during the organization’s annual conference in November in Saratoga Springs.

Patterson will serve a two-year term beginning in 2025. She has been part of the CEANY Executive Board of Directors since 2022.

The organization’s purpose is to promote and support quality public continuing higher education and the professional development of continuing education professionals.

In helping lead JCC’s Workforce Development programming, Patterson coordinates short-term, skills based training for people who are employed or who would like to upgrade their skills. She also works with area employers to help fulfill their employee training needs.

Also at the CEANY conference, four members of JCC’s Workforce Development staff presented on the topic, “Getting Adult Students Across the Finish Line.” The presenting group included Kathleen Martel and Grant Umberger, Workforce Development directors; Gregg Karl, Workforce Development program manager; and Wende Lescynski, director of Adult Learner Initiatives and the North County Center.

Holger Ekanger, JCC’s vice president of Workforce Development said the presentation “resonated with the attendees as most colleges face similar challenges with helping busy adult students complete training that can help them earn better jobs and advance their careers.”

“The presentation was well received and sparked great conversations,” Ekanger added.