MRA – The Management Association, one of the largest employer associations in the nation, has named Mitch Thomas as its new executive director for its Quad Cities division.
The Moline office, which serves Iowa and Western Illinois, is located at King Plaza Crown Center on Avenue of the Cities.
Mr. Thomas, an experienced leader and business development professional, will lead MRA’s regional activities, focusing his attention on up-skilling workforce needs and advocating for area business leaders.
In a news release, MRA said he plans to focus on building relationships with local business leaders to help organizations build successful workplaces and powerful workforces.
He holds a Master of Science in organizational leadership from Regis University in Denver, Colorado; a Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University, Macomb; and an Associate of Arts from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
“The workforce and talent shortage is still one of the biggest issues facing not only our nation but impacting local business as well,” Mr. Thomas said. “Working together, we have the opportunity to build up the region and impact area employers, employees, and their families.”
He brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education and organizational leadership, and professional development to MRA. He previously was the campus executive director for four years at West Coast University in the Greater Los Angeles area.
“Our members and area organizations will significantly benefit from Mitch’s leadership,” Susan Fronk, MRA’s president and CEO, said in the release. “A true leader of leaders, Mitch’s enthusiasm to grow and develop the workforce in this region will be an asset for all.”
Headquartered in Wisconsin, MRA was founded in 1901 and is a nonprofit employer association serving 4,000 employers, who employ more than 1 million worldwide. It has regional offices in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota.
“As MRA’s executive director, I want to link arms and partner with business leaders in Iowa and Western Illinois to overcome the challenges of the constantly changing business Environment,” Mr. Thomas added.
